DEERFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board will both welcome new faces to their ranks in the coming weeks, following resignations on their respective boards.
The Select Board approved on Wednesday night the appointment of Jennifer Remillard as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), filling the seat left by David Potter who became a regular member earlier this month after Kathy Felton’s resignation.
Remillard was one of four candidates for the position. According to her letter of interest to the town, she holds an associate’s degree in legal studies, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in business administration. She has experience as a contractor with the National Guard Family Program for Massachusetts, and 10 years of experience managing operations of her own business; as a political and business consultant; and as a caterer.
She also currently serves on the Deerfield Historical Commission and the 350th Steering Committee.
“While I’ve only been here since 2014, my family history goes back to the late 1600s,” Remillard said. “I’m really dedicated to seeing Deerfield move forward in a very positive way in our community. I think it’s important, not just for our older folks but for our younger folks who are growing up and moving into the community.”
Select Board member Carolyn Shores Ness, who made the initial motion to appoint Remillard, vouched for her work on other committees.
“She’s very good, very focused and very civil,” Shores Ness said.
In considering her for the position, Select Board member David Wolfram emphasized the importance of looking at commercial and industrial growth “to stabilize our tax base.”
“I want to make sure people really look at that,” he said.
Remillard said that although she has seen growth in Deerfield, she also acknowledges the reality of vacant buildings and the need for attracting new business.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for growth here, but the growth has to be cohesive with what area things go into,” Remillard said.
As an alternate to the ZBA, Remillard will finish the remainder of Potter’s term.
The Planning Board also has a seat to fill, with the recent resignation of longtime member John Waite.
Waite, who is resigning due to plans to move outside of town, served on the board for roughly 15 years, he said on Thursday. He has served as chair for the last 12 years. His last Planning Board meeting will be Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.
“It’s been interesting and enjoyable,” he said, noting the last few years of “big decisions” to make, including Cumberland Farms and more recently, the Dollar General store on Routes 5 and 10.
“I think we’ve had good public participation and made good decisions,” he said. “I know I’ll be looking over their shoulders and keeping up with them for a while.”
The Select Board and Planning Board plan to review potential candidates at a future meeting. The appointed member will hold the seat until the May election.