Date: Fri 22-Jan-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Liz-Stocker-land-use

Full Text:

Development Director Reflects On Her Increased Land-Use Duties

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Elizabeth Stocker's office is in Edmond Town Hall, where her title is

community development director. However, these days she is spending much of

her time in the town's land-use department at Canaan House.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal announced last year that Mrs Stocker would be

devoting more of her time to land-use. Today, she is reviewing and commenting

on all Planning & Zoning applications that go before the commission. An

experienced planner, she now participates in the review of all subdivision

applications, site development plans, special exceptions and zone/regulation

changes.

"I have been advising the commission on different re-zoning issues, including

aquifer protection regulations and Fairfield Hills," she noted.

Mrs Stocker is also involved in re-zoning, view corridors and wireless

communication towers.

"She is very knowledgeable in the wording of regulations," noted Planning &

Zoning Commission Chairman Dan Fogliano. "She has a lot of hidden talents as a

planner."

According to Mr Fogliano, Mrs Stocker has always been involved in land-use

decisions. However, now in a more official capacity, she is more closely

linking the land-use department with the first selectman's office. "The key to

running a business or government is communication," Mr Fogliano explained.

Mrs Stocker said the P&Z Commission appears more comfortable in using her

services these days. Members do not hesitate to seek her comments and advice.

"It provides them with another tool in their decision-making process," she

said. "They deal with the town's zoning regulations. I'm looking at it more in

the planning light and the long-term effects of a project."

Mr Rosenthal said the switch seems to be working, noting that Mrs Stocker is

now involved in half a dozen major land-use projects.

Mr Fogliano credited the first selectman with giving the land-use commissions

and departments with the tools needed to face the challenges brought about by

Newtown's rapid growth. There have been some residents who have observed a

"cooling" of the tension between homeowners and developers. Mr Fogliano

disagrees.

"The development issue has not cooled down, but I think it has been addressed.

I'm certainly not against development. It's inevitable. We just need to push

it in the right direction," he said.

Mrs Stocker was hired by the town in 1991 by then-first selectman Zita

McMahon.