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Birmingham Township Planning Commission re-elects leadership, recommends resident for appointment
Summary
At its Jan. 13 meeting the Birmingham Township Planning Commission re-nominated Mary Pat McCarthy as chair, Dave Shields as vice chair and Scott Garrison as HARB liaison; all motions passed unanimously. The commission also interviewed Greg Smith and voted to recommend his appointment to the Board of Supervisors.
The Birmingham Township Planning Commission met Jan. 13, 2026, and unanimously re-nominated Mary Pat McCarthy as chair and Dave Shields as vice chair for the coming year, while also reappointing Scott Garrison as the commission’s liaison to the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB). The meeting, called to order by Substitute Secretary Melissa Urbany at 7:00 p.m., included a candidate interview and the routine approval of minutes.
The leadership nominations were moved and seconded by commission members and passed by unanimous vote. Ms. McCarthy announced that Kim Venzie, Esq. will continue as the commission’s solicitor for 2026.
During a scheduled interview, the commission introduced Greg Smith, a township resident since 2000 who described professional experience with a family-owned distributor, work in the chemical industry and assisting with business start-ups. Ms. McCarthy said the interview’s purpose was for members to learn about Mr. Smith’s background and for him to ask questions about the role.
Commissioners outlined the Planning Commission’s responsibilities: reviewing ordinances, providing recommendations and placing conditions on development applications while the Board of Supervisors retains final approval authority. Ms. McCarthy cited skeet shooting’s recent growth at country clubs and previous sign-ordinance revisions (including restrictions on large billboards) as examples of issues the commission monitors. Commissioners also noted the township’s 10-year Comprehensive Plan will be due for review in the near future.
Mr. Smith asked whether the commission handles road matters. Ms. McCarthy clarified that Chief Nelling serves as Township Road Master but the commission may advise on road-related improvements such as deceleration lanes; the commission regularly consults with the township engineer and solicitor on complex items.
After the interview, Mr. Garrison moved—and Mr. Shields seconded—that the commission recommend Greg Smith’s appointment to the Board of Supervisors; the motion passed unanimously. The commission also approved the January 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned at 7:37 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026.
