By Charlotte Boynton
Wiscasset Town Planner Misty Parker will leave her post in Wiscasset Friday, Oct. 3 to take a position as an economic development specialist for the city of Lewiston. (Kathy Onorato photo) |
Wiscasset Town Planner Misty Parker submitted her resignation to the town Sept. 22, and her last day on the job will be Friday, Oct. 3.
Parker will be leaving Wiscasset to accept a position in Lewiston as an economic development specialist.
Parker has served as the Wiscasset town planner for the past three years. Before coming to Wiscasset, Parker served in Waldoboro as planning and development director.
Former Town Manager Laurie Smith hired Parker in 2011 after the resignation of Jeffery Hinderliter. During a brief telephone interview with Smith Monday, Sept. 29, she said the town went through two rounds of interviews before making a selection and Parker was selected from six candidates in the second round.
In the 2011 Wiscasset annual report, just a few months after the hire, Smith wrote, “Misty has been a great asset as she has tackled many outstanding projects and made a huge impact on town operations in her short tenure.”
The town planner’s role in Wiscasset is divided between economic development and planning tasks. Parker, during her time in Wiscasset, has been credited with being committed to her responsibilities, which is reflected in her accomplishments over the past three years..
As town planner, Parker provided technical assistance to businesses and worked with the ordinance review committee to amend and develop ordinances, including zone changes in the downtown area to expand the business district.
She worked with the Maine Department of Transportation to complete a plan to stimulate commercial growth and address traffic on Route 1 in Wiscasset in the Bath Road Master Plan. She, along with others, collaborated with MDOT for a future sidewalk addition in front of the town office and traffic signal at Route 27 and Route 1.
According to Parker, the major role of the planning office is to provide assistance to prospective businesses in Wiscasset. She developed a guide to doing business in Wiscasset, which helps identify permitting requirements, as well as a guide to many resources and agencies available to assist businesses.
In December 2012, Parker partnered with the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce to launch the first buy local promotion for the Wiscasset area. It was so successful the event was held again in 2013.
An important part of economic development is creating an environment in which businesses feel welcome and supported, according to Parker. Since 2011, the town of Wiscasset organized ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses to be welcomed to the community.
In her letter of resignation, Parker said, “I am pleased to have been part of many great accomplishments in the community, including the Molnlycke expansion, Bath Road Master Plan, and waterfront village projects, which I believe will serve the community well into the future. Additionally, I am thankful to have worked with Wiscasset’s talented business community, dedicated Chamber (of Commerce) board, and the very hardworking staff of the town of Wiscasset.”
