01-05-2025
Southwick Select Board appoints full-time town planner and economic development director
SOUTHWICK — Six months after the town's chief executive officer implored the Select Board to hire a town planner and economic development director, on Monday the board appointed Alvin Allen, who has been serving as a planner in the Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development for the last 17 years.
'I was looking for some upward mobility in my profession,' Allen said during his interview with the board.
A graduate of Westfield State University with a bachelor's degree in geography and regional planning, Allen has held a variety of positions since being hired by Springfield in 2008, including senior and principal planner.
During the interview, talked about his responsibilities while in Springfield, which were extensive.
'I've worked as a planner dealing with zoning. I dealt with site plan reviews in regard to special permits. I've dealt with subdivision plan reviews … design guidelines for new housing on city-owned lots, historic preservation, [and] GIS computer mapping,' he said.
'I've had to deal with other city departments like the building department, DPW engineering and the Conservation Commission when it comes to wetland matters,' he added.
According to his cover letter, Allen has worked with the Springfield City Council, the Planning Board, Historical Commission, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Food Policy Council, and Urban Agriculture.
He also administers Springfield's portion of the ValleyBike program, which is a regional bike sharing program.
And while he didn't mention it during his interview, according to his resume, he has worked with the Gandara Mental Health Center as a staff member teaching clients between the ages of 12 and 21 discipline, respect, and taking responsibility for their actions.
Planning Board Chair Jessica Ann Thornton was at the meeting to offer her thoughts on Allen's appointment.
'I appreciate you taking a look at a completely different community from the one you're used to dealing with. The challenges here are many,' she said, including the effort currently underway by the Planning Board and PVPC to update the town's zoning bylaws.
'I'm very much looking forward to your expertise,' she said.
Thornton also said he comes to the town 'with the knowledge we're looking for.'
Allen will also serve as the town economic development director.
Greg Deily, the chair of the town Economic Development Commission also weighed in on Allen's appointment.
'I'm excited that someone with your resources to help us with our goals,' he said, adding that he was impressed with Allen's background.
As the interview wrapped up, Select Board Chair Jason Perron said he was ready to appoint Allen.
Select Board member Diane Gale asked Perron if he wanted to hold off on making the final decision until the board got to old business on its agenda.
He said he was ready, and Gale made the motion to appoint Allen. She and Perron voted yes and Select Board member Douglas Moglin abstained.
Later in the meeting, Moglin explained why he abstained.
He explained his vote to abstain was because of his 'longstanding opposition' that the town didn't need an economic development director.
However, he did endorse Allen's appointment.
'I think the candidate that we met tonight is imminently qualified and will do a good job as a town planner,'
Parker began advocating for hiring a town planner/economic development director late last year.
The town's current planner, Jon Goddard, has been working part-time since 2021.
However, last year he was named the town's stormwater management coordinator and assistant DPW director, which prompted Parker to begin pushing the board for the new hybrid position.
Allen's salary, which has yet to be negotiated, will be between $70,000 and $80,000.
