BAR HARBOR — A new planning director is set to start work April 9 following unanimous Town Council approval of her appointment this week.
Janna Richards, a Tufts University graduate, has served as the town planner in Orono since August. Prior to that, she was the assistant city planner in Ellsworth for two years.
“I’m looking forward to [moving] closer this way, back to the coast, and to work with council, the Planning Board, staff and the public to improve Bar Harbor for the better,” Richards said Tuesday.
Ellsworth City Planner Michele Gagnon, who oversaw Richards’ work, said she has an understanding of the skills necessary to be a successful planner.
“She came well-prepared and did a great job grasping the issues,” Gagnon said Wednesday. “She did fabulous.”
Town Manager Cornell Knight said that Richards was the town’s target candidate through the interview process. Richards’ early focus will be put on marijuana legislation and an upcoming update to the town’s comprehensive plan, he said.
Richards will be paid $66,373 annually.
Angela Chamberlain has been serving as interim town planner since Robert Osborne left the post in September.
Samuel Shepherd
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