Land Use Agency Director Departing After Two Decades Of Service

By Andrew Gorosko

Since 1985, when she began work as a secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), Rita Macmillan has kept tabs on local development, monitoring growth as it has waxed and waned during changing economic conditions.

“You always have a good feeling when you can help someone out,” Ms Macmillan explained of the many people who approach the town seeking approvals for construction projects. She said she has enjoyed aiding people in accomplishing their goals.

Since 1998, Ms Macmillan has served as the town’s land use agency director. As now constituted, that unit includes the P&Z, the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC), the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), and the Conservation Commission. The four panels have their facilities and office staff housed at the town offices at 31 Peck’s Lane.

August 23 will be Ms Macmillan’s last workday before retirement.

“I’m looking forward to retirement…I just hope I won’t be bored. I’ve never been bored working here… Every day is different than the last day,” she said. Ms Macmillan said she expects to pursue some gardening during retirement.

From 1985 to 1991, Ms Macmillan served as the P&Z’s secretary, after which she became its administrative assistant, before being named land use agency director in 1998. Since 1985, there have been eight P&Z chairmen.

In 1997, the town moved its land use offices from Town Hall South to what was then rented municipal office space at Canaan House at Fairfield Hills. When that move occurred, it was thought that the town would occupy Canaan House for one or two years. As it turned out, town offices were housed there for eight years, until 2005, when the offices again moved to rental space in an industrial building at Peck’s Lane. The next land use office move would come sometime in the future, when the town renovates Bridgeport Hall at Fairfield Hills for use as a new town office building.

Formerly a New York City resident, Ms Macmillan moved to Brookfield with her husband Gordon, after which they moved to Newtown in 1972.

In 1972, Newtown was a much more rural place than it is today, she noted, adding that her current home in Morris has a rural setting similar to those common in Newtown in the past. “It’s like Newtown was 20 to 30 years ago,” she said.

During her years in Newtown, Ms Macmillan served as school librarian for four years at St Rose School. She spent eight years in the Newtown Young Republicans organization, serving as its vice president. She also was a member of the Republican Town Committee and was a Republican assistant registrar of voters.

While serving as the land use agency director, Ms Macmillan’s duties have included personnel matters, formulating annual budgets, communicating with land use attorneys, and providing technical advice to applicants on projects.

“I’m lucky that I have such a good staff. They are well trained…I’ve been fortunate,” she said.

Of her years in the land-use end of local government, Ms Macmillan said, “It was an adventure.”

Ann Mazur, the P&Z’s current administrative assistant, said, “We’re really going to miss her. She’s such a nice person.”

Jean St Jean, the town’s zoning coordinator and liaison official, has worked with Ms Macmillan for more than two decades. Ms St Jean handles town ZBA matters, plus various borough zoning duties.

“She’s a wonderful friend. It’s been wonderful working with her. We go back a long time and I’ll miss her. I’ve known her since 1985. We’ve worked side by side,” Ms St Jean said.

 P&Z Chairman Lilla Dean said of Ms Macmillan, “She’s been great.”

“Having someone with longevity in the job is important,” Ms Dean said, adding that Ms Macmillan’s enduring presence as head of the land use agency has provided continuity for the organization. Ms Macmillan was very responsive to members of the public, Ms Dean said. “It was very, very helpful that she knew so much.”

“Rita’s done a wonderful job. She’s gracious and she’s helpful,” Ms Dean added.