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Planning Commission dispute escalates; member resigns and Select Board to discuss in executive session
Summary
After a written letter from the Planning Commission chair led to public statements and a local dispute over the Jurisdictional Opinion for the Belmont General Store, Planning Commission member Andrew Seward resigned; the Select Board tabled the issue and said it will discuss the matter in executive session at its next meeting.
The Select Board on Jan. 22 reviewed a letter from the Planning Commission chair and heard statements from community members who said the chair’s comments had harmed the perception of local residents and businesses. Alissa Chronert read a prepared statement reiterating points she previously submitted in writing, saying that statements by the Planning Commission Chair could negatively affect residents’ reputations and “ultimately damaging the General Store.” Ron Unterman, referencing advice from his lawyer, challenged the Planning Commission Chair’s assertion that the commission had voted to take actions related to the Jurisdictional Opinion on the Belmont General Store and said he found no record of such minutes.
Andrew Seward, identified in the meeting as a member of the Planning Commission, informed the Select Board that he is resigning from the commission. The board tabled further discussion of the matter because the Planning Commission Chair, Jon McCann, was not present to respond and Mark Turco said the Select Board will take up the issue in executive session at the next Select Board meeting. Nancy McKeegan asked whether the Select Board would take action; Turco said the matter would be discussed in executive session next meeting.
