Planning board recommends Tim London, names Patrick Fisher alternate for vacant seat

The Edgewater Planning & Zoning Board voted May 14 to recommend Tim London as its first choice and Patrick Fisher as its second choice to fill the seat vacated by Eric Rainbird. The recommendation is advisory; City Council will make the final appointment on June 2, 2025.

Staff told the board it had received four applications for the vacancy (Gigi Bennington, Patrick Fisher, James McGinnis and Tim London) and asked the board to submit a first and second choice. Tim London said he has construction and project-management experience and could serve on both the Planning & Zoning Board and the Economic Development Board. Patrick Fisher, a lifelong Edgewater resident and 40-year Coca-Cola employee, said he would bring a resident’s perspective and ‘‘come prepared to do the work.’’

Board members discussed the trade-offs between local, long-term residency and construction expertise. One member said London’s project-management and construction background ‘‘could be beneficial’’ for large upcoming projects, while others favored Fisher’s long-standing local knowledge. After brief deliberation, a motion naming London first and Fisher second was made and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.

The board’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for its appointment at the council meeting scheduled for June 2, 2025. No formal action to appoint the candidate was taken by the board; the council has the final decision.