Portsmouth Town Planner Announces Retirement

is stepping down after a lengthy 39-year career in Rhode Island government. 

Gilstein, a resident of Dartmouth, MA, announced his plans to retire in an e-mail sent Wednesday afternoon. He also submitted a resignation letter to the PortsmouthTown Council on Nov. 30. 

In his e-mail to hundreds of colleagues, past and present, Gilstein says the one thing he wishes to express is "appreciation." 

"Some of us are colleagues, some of us have worked closely; some have met frequently but only over the phone. A great many I’ve lost touch with or precede e-mail by a couple of decades (see, I am old enough to retire). Some you have already retired or moved on," he wrote.

"All have one thing in common: I have valued your input, your advice and criticism, and your professionalism. I want to express my appreciation."

The town planner says he wants to pursue consulting work and help his daughter start her own career. He says the future holds many possibilities for him, everthing from serving as a backup singer for a '60s group to stargazing. 

"Given all I’ve learned from all of you (colleagues), I’m thinking 'Bob Gilstein – Know it all for Rent.' Also travel, backup singer for a 60’s group, bowling, ping pong, star-gazing." 

His daughter, Julia, a recent Colby College graduate, will be the focus of his time. He plans to help her start her own career as a writer and editor. 

"But first and foremost, helping my daughter Julia launch her freelancing business as a writer and editor.  Her projects range from advertising copy and Web site content to academic papers and novel manuscripts," he wrote. 

As town planner, Gilstein has recently had to take on many roles, including work with the . When asked if these extra duties had any role to play in his retirement, Gilstein said it wasn't part of it. 

"This was part of my life plan," he said. "It's been in the works for years." 

His career in local government began just after college, when he began serving as an intern in Central Falls. He jokes, "We knew then, in 1975, the city was going bankrupt. There was no money then." 

Gilstein has served as town planner in Portsmouth for the past 22 years. He previously served as a real estate developer, planner in East Providence from 1979 to 1985 and as a planner in Central Falls. 

The council will be asked to accept his resignation at the next meeting. If accepted, his resignation will become effective Dec. 30.