Wallingford Names New Environmental, Natural Resources Planner

WALLINGFORD, CT — The town announced Friday the appointment of Sebastian Velez as Wallingford's new environmental and natural resources planner.

According to a news release available on the town website, Velez began his role Monday.

He comes to Wallingford with experience in municipal land use, zoning enforcement, wetlands regulation, geographic information systems and working with residents, commissions and developers on land use matters, according to the release.

Velez most recently served as land use enforcement officer for the town of Newtown, a position he has held since July 2023, according to the release.

In that role, he reviewed building permit applications for compliance with zoning and wetlands regulations, investigated zoning and wetlands violations, conducted field inspections and assisted residents with land use questions, according to the release.

He also worked with town commissions, maintained land use databases, conducted water sampling inspections and completed wetlands reporting for submission to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the release notes.

"We are pleased to welcome Sebastian to the town of Wallingford," Mayor Vincent Cervoni said in a news release. "His experience with municipal land use, wetlands and zoning will be an asset as we continue our obligations to manage Wallingford's natural resources and plan for the community's future."

Before joining Newtown, Velez worked as an intern planner for the town of Windsor Locks, where he reviewed site plans, permits, variances and inland wetlands applications.

He also conducted planning research, drafted zoning regulation amendments and used GIS for municipal planning work, according to the release.

Velez earned a degree in geography with a focus in planning and a minor in geographic information systems from Central Connecticut State University in 2023.

His professional skills include site plan review and analysis, GIS using ArcGIS and ESRI platforms and municipal land use regulation, according to the release.

As environmental and natural resources planner, Velez will support the town's work involving environmental planning, natural resources, land use and related municipal initiatives, the release notes.

"We look forward to having Sebastian join our team," Cervoni said, "and work with our departments, boards, commissions and residents."