Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Creation of Planning and Development Department, Appointment of Town Planner
(Saugus, MA) September 14, 2016 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce the creation of a new Planning and Development Department, which will consist of two employees: a planning and development director and a town planner. Krista Leahy of Charlestown, Mass. began in the role of Town Planner on August 22, and the Town is currently in the process of hiring a planning and development director.
Leahy holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont and a Master’s Degree of Science in City and Regional Planning from the Pratt Institute of Design Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment. She also studied Urban Design at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. While there, Leahy worked to develop academic course programs for sustainable planning and development. She has also worked in green infrastructure and capital planning at the New York City Department of Transportation.
As Town Planner, Leahy will work under the planning and development director to advise and assist Town boards and departments on issues relating to land use regulation, permitting, municipal planning, open space preservation, economic development, energy conservation, and affordable housing.
“I am pleased to welcome Krista to her new role as planner for the Town of Saugus,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “Krista has great enthusiasm for the job and a passion for planning, and I am confident that she will be a welcome addition to the Saugus community. I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting for their support through the budget process that created this much-needed department.”
“I’m super excited and thankful for this great opportunity,” said Leahy. “Saugus is a large community with a great deal of opportunity for economic growth and development. I look forward to getting my feet wet in a number of upcoming, exciting projects, such as the Open Space Plan and Housing Production Plan.”
Crabtree reorganized the economic development department to create the planning and development department following former Economic Development Officer Robert Luongo’s departure earlier this year. Based on the growing economic and community development in Saugus, the department was divided into two to better serve the Town’s needs.
“I’m looking forward to hiring a planning and development director so that department staff can collaborate and work together towards achieving more healthy economic growth that will benefit both the community’s needs and reoccurring annual revenue for the operating budget,” Crabtree concluded.
About The Town of Saugus
The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.
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