Ten Apply To The 2014 POCD Updating Committee

Ten people have applied to serve on the 2014 Plan of Conversation and Development updating committee and will be interviewed beginning in May.

Every decade, as defined by state law, the . The committee has a say on how the town will grow, what it will look like and where it is going.

At their March 20, 2012 meeting the PZC decided that PZC member John Prue will serve likely serve on the committee. The PZC also decided that they wanted to create a “geographical balance on the committee to provide town-wide representation.”

Members of the committee must be registered Stonington voters. Ten people applied:

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Robert Birmingham

Birmingham (D) is the only Pawcatuck resident to apply to the POCD committee. He is a member of a number of local organizations including the , and Architectural Design Review board.

“As a town resident for 30 plus years with planning credentials and time to commit, I would like to participate to provide a concerned professional viewpoint to voice support for balanced development...”

Wendy Bury

Bury (R), of Stonington is a 16-year resident of the town, Economic Development Commission member, Board Member of the and Director of Community Relations for .

“Interest in the community where I live and raise my kids as well as do business in.”

Walter Grant

Grant (R), of Mystic is a member of the Stonington Conservation Commission and of the local sierra club.

“I love the wetlands, shore and open spaces of Stonington.”

James Kelley

Kelley (R), is a Stonington resident involved in a number of local organizations including being Vice Chair of the Stonington Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Membership Director of the Groton Sportmen’s Club.

“Land is one of the most precious resources we have. They are not making any more. It is incumbent on the citizens of this and every town to see that the needs for this precious resource are balanced between financial needs and environmental needs such that all the town’s people can enjoy a prosperous yet livable town.”

Sara Lathrop

Lathrop (D), is a Mystic resident with a bachelor’s degree in business management and previously served as a member of the 1992 and 2004 POCD.

“My interest is in long-term comprehensive planning for Stonington’s future development, building upon past work and taking advantage of new concepts and technology to maintain the viability of Stonington’s unique attributes.”

William Lyman

Lyman (I), of Stonington retired last year from Electric Boat and has previously served on the Stonington Uplands Association, Stonington Land Trust and Groton RTM.

“I am a supporter of both conservation and development as I recognize that both are important aspects of what make Stonington a very desirable place to live and work. I recognize the importance of the POCD in providing appropriate guidance for future activities in town with consideration for both protecting our treasured resources and fostering an environment for development where appropriate. I would enjoy the opportunity to contribute to this important up-dating project.”

Robert Mohr

Mohr (R), of Mystic has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He recently retired from the Physics Department of the Catholic University of America

“I chose to retire to this area because of the charm and beauty of Mystic and its surroundings. I would like to help preserve the ambiance that attracted me here but am also aware that there is interest in developing the resources here to aid in the finances of the town and to bring opportunities to the residents. I believe that the can be done in an intelligent manner that will not only preserve but enhance the community.”

Alisa Morrison

Morrison (D) of Stonington holds a bachelors and masters in civil engineering and has served on a number of Stonington boards including being a current member of the Bboard of Education.

“I believe that I can add a positive influence in the direction of the POCD and the continued success in the development of the Town of Stonington.”

Kate Robinson

Robinson (D), is a lifelong summer Mystic resident and a full-time resident since 1990. She was a member of the 2004 POCD.

“I worked hard on 2004 Plan; would like to see it updated without losing earlier strengths. I care a great deal about the quality of life in our town and region.”

William Sternberg

Sternberg (D), of Stonington is a cilvilan Navy scientist and member of the Stonington Democratic Town Committee and Town Athletic Field Task Force.

“Over the coming decade the Town will need to make investments in various infrastructure improvements as well as make decisions regarding the appropriate course of private development. The POCD serves as the guidebook for these efforts. The current POCD provides a good starting point but can benefit from more detailed and specific information relative to planning for town government investments. My ongoing involvement in the effort to address Town Hall space requirements sparked my interest in serving on the POCD Up-Dating Committee.”

Those appointed to the committee will use the 2004 plan as bases. That plan includes chapters and sections on community issues, resource protection, villages’ protection and enhancements, and future development and desired growth and land use and took 18 months to complete.