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10/20/2021 08:31 AMWestbrook will seek a new planning zoning and development coordinator (PZDC) following the resignation of former PZDC Eric Knapp. The job opening was posted Sept. 28.
Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop confirmed that Knapp had submitted his two weeks’ notice and that his last day would be Oct. 8.
“He thanked everyone in Town Hall and I wish him well,” said Bishop.
Knapp told the Harbor News he will be taking “essentially the same position” in North Branford.
“It’s a new opportunity. It’s a town that’s twice the size of Westbrook with its own unique challenges,” said Knapp.
Knapp said that it was not an easy decision to leave Westbrook, but the opportunity was one he couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, but it was the right time for something new,” said Knapp.
Knapp was hired as the zoning enforcement officer (ZEO) in Westbrook in May 2018. Prior to that, he had served in the same position in Clinton. Prior to Knapp’s arrival in Westbrook, the town had had a hard time finding a fulltime ZEO.
In 2016, former ZEO Nancy Rudek resigned and the town had to rely mainly on temporary part-time ZEO staffing while searching for a permanent ZEO. With the search for a full time ZEO was mostly unsuccessful, two staff members of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments agreed to help. Knapp’s hire stabilized that uncertainty in the Land Use Office.
The position that Knapp is leaving is slightly different than a typical ZEO role. A job posting for the now-vacant position on the town website states that the PZDC would serve under the direction of the Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Planning Commission chairs. The PZDC would be charged with planning, organizing, and working on areas that include land use, zoning, housings, and transportation. The posting also states that the position also “Oversees the operations of the planning and zoning departments including plan review, field inspections, and public and professional consultations.”
The PZDC is also asked to work on flood zone compliance, coastal management, and the development of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development.
The position will also perform traditional ZEO duties like enforcing regulations, undertaking violation investigations, and administrative duties like working with proposed development to make sure they are up to par.
The position would pay in a range of $61,859 to $78,908 according to the posting.