Southborough Town Planner Vera Kolias announced she has accepted a position with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and will resign her post in Southborough effective April 15.
In a letter to the Southborough Planning Board, Kolias said, “The position affords me the chance to work in regional planning and plan on a much larger scale. While I will miss my friends here in Southborough, I believe that it is time for a new challenge and experience.”
Kolias has been Southborough’s town planner for the past seven years. Last summer she was awarded the annual Regional Spirit Award by the Metrowest Growth Management Committee.
A self-described “zoning geek,” Kolias was integrally involved in the town’s zoning review project. That project hit a snag last week when residents at a public meeting spoke out against the project’s recommendations and methods.
Calling her time as Southborough’s Town Planner a “wonderful experience,” Kolias wrote in her resignation letter, “I have grown in many ways here and I am truly grateful for the opportunities that you have given me here in my role as Town Planner. You allowed me to stretch the boundaries of a traditional town planner, and I will always appreciate that.”
The Board of Selectmen will vote on whether to accept Kolias’ resignation at their meeting tonight.
Vera will be sorely missed. She had done her job and then some serving our community in a variety of tasks that fell outside the bounds of traditional planning.
I want to wish her well in her new endeavor but I really wish she would change her mind. She is one of the best employees in town.
We are SO sorry to be losing Vera, and feel it is a terrible loss to Southborough. She has exhibited nothing but intelligence, professionalism, and grace in her position, and her attention to detail and friendly demeanor are valued. I know many people join me in wishing her well and congratulating CMRPC for selecting her! Mary Hynes, Planning Board Member
Vera- The best of luck on your new career endeavor. As a resident of Southborough, I appreciated your willingness to work with the people in town and to frequently communicate information that might not have been easily discovered. Thank You and Good Luck.
On a separate note, I could not help but chuckle when I saw the Board of Selectmen will have a vote on whether to “accept” her resignation. Someone please reassure me that this is simply a fromality.
Best of luck to Vera on her new job. She will sorely be missed.
I understand your reason for making this decision. I thank you for all you have done for Southborough. Your hard work, long hours and commitment to some of the things that you have felt strongly about as you have served the town are much appreciated. I wish you all the best as you move on in your career!