Litchfield planning board chair says he will not seek reappointment

Michael Croto, chair of the Litchfield Planning Board, announced at the board’s Feb. 3 meeting that he will not seek reappointment in 2026 and will finish his current term at the March meeting.

Croto, who said he has served on the board since 2011 and became chair after Tom Young’s death, told members the decision was difficult but driven by job responsibilities. “This term is going to be my last term on the planning board,” he said. “I’ve given it a lot of thought.”

The announcement prompted immediate discussion about committee coverage and leadership. Board members noted Croto’s roles on multiple town committees and said the board will need to inventory committee assignments so responsibilities can be reassigned. Croto encouraged the board to consider elevating Jesse from alternate to a full member, saying it would be an opportunity for internal succession.

The chair thanked fellow members and staff, including Jay Car from NRPC and Planning Board Administrator Joan McKimman, and said he would remain on the board through the March meeting so the board can determine its next chair and vice chair. No formal action was taken at the meeting; Croto’s final meeting will be in March.

Next steps: the board agreed to review committee assignments and discuss replacements at upcoming meetings. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 3, and Croto said he will remain until that meeting.