Wiscasset Town Planner Jamel Torres’ resignation was announced at the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen’s Tuesday, Dec. 1 meeting, and selectmen accepted the resignation with deep regret. Torres’ last day at the Wiscasset town office will be Dec. 15, according to his letter of resignation.
He leaves his position to work as a regional land use and transportation planner for the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, Torres said. “This was a great professional step for me,” he said.
Torres has served as Wiscasset’s town planner for just shy of a year. “This was not an easy decision to make. The past year has been a rewarding experience for me,” he wrote in his letter, which was dated Nov. 30.
During his time in Wiscasset, the Muskie School of Public Service graduate has worked with the Wiscasset Ordinance Review Committee to draft several ordinances, such as a blasting ordinance and amendments to the temporary business and business preservation ordinance, which was approved by voters in June, was one of the highlights of his time in Wiscasset, he said. “That was huge for this town and I was happy to be a part of it,” he said.
Torres also helped Wiscasset secure a Maine Coastal Resiliency Program grant to examine the vulnerability of the wastewater treatment plant to flooding, worked on developing an inventory of commercial property in Wiscasset, and developed a guide to Wiscasset businesses and resources.
He has also helped guide local entrepreneurs through the development process and supported local businesses. “It’s been a great experience,” Torres said. “I really appreciate it and everyone at the town office.”
In his new capacity with the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, Torres will work with 39 municipalities on transportation and planning issues.
“Thank you for the opportunity for growth that you have provided me,” Torres wrote in his resignation letter.
