[Massplanners] Staff Planner Positions

[Chris Yarworth]

Hi Stephanie:

As a licensed engineer, who has for the last nine years switched over to
the planning side of things, I have perhaps a different perspective on this
matter.  I have found over my many years in private engineering practice
that there tend to be two types of planners.  There are those who view
their boards and roles as strictly regulatory (and will only review the
projects that are placed in front of them for compliance), and  those who
more actively offer suggestions and comments throughout the process. The
53G peer reviewers usually only see the finished project, and that is often
all they comment on. There are often multiple ways to design a site, and
having an in-house engineering staff, or knowledgeable planner, can often
enable discussions prior to the final submittal.  That person usually has a
better idea of local problems and issues than an out of town reviewer, and
early input usually results in a better final project.  I always send
projects out for a final review to a 53G consultant, but often coordinate
during the design phase to offer comments on alternatives that arise.
Often we get peer review money upfront, before submittal, so that
coordination with the reviewer is possible early on.  Also, if a project
comes in that appears to be poorly designed, I often refuse to send it out
for engineering review until after the public hearing and discussion by
the Board. The developers do not usually appreciate that approach, but I
don't want to be in a position where the engineering design works, but the
overall project is poorly laid out from a planning perspective.  In
summary, I would say it doesn't have to be an either-or approach.  There
is a place for both in house and outside review on most projects.  However,
I do agree with Valerie that it is important that the final design be by
the project engineer, and any in house reviews are comments only, so as to
be careful of raising any liability issues.

On Mon, Mar 14, 2022 at 4:19 PM Barbara Carboni via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

> Adopt provisions of G.L. c. 44, s. 53G and require applicant to deposit
> funds into account to pay peer reviewer.
>
>
>
> Barbara Carboni
>
> Town Planner and Land Use Counsel
>
> (508) 214 0928
>
>
>
> *From:* MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> *On Behalf Of *Minco
> Nbpt via MassPlanners
> *Sent:* Monday, March 14, 2022 2:02 PM
> *To:* Danielson, Stephanie <SDanielson at easton.ma.us>;
> massplanners at masscptc.org
> *Cc:* Eric Loth <ELoth at Mincocorp.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [Massplanners] Staff Planner Positions
>
>
>
> We would prefer stormwater designs to be reviewed by a qualified 3rd
> party engineer.
>
>
>
> Karen Pollastrino
>
> Minco Development Corporation
>
>
>
> *From:* MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> *On Behalf Of *Danielson,
> Stephanie via MassPlanners
> *Sent:* Friday, March 11, 2022 11:55 AM
> *To:* massplanners at masscptc.org
> *Subject:* [Massplanners] Staff Planner Positions
>
>
>
> Wondering how many/if any towns have planning staff that have engineering
> background and who review stormwater designs for projects in permitting as
> part of their responsibilities.
>
>
>
> Stephanie Danielson, AICP, Director of Planning & Economic Development
>
> Department of Planning & Economic Development
>
> Town of Easton, 136 Elm Street, Easton, MA  02356
>
> 508.230.0641
>
> Easton.ma.us <http://www.easton.ma.us/>
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-- 
Christopher Yarworth
Director of Planning & Development
Conservation Agent
Plainville, MA
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