An Ohio University graduate began work last week as the city planner, more than a year after City Council adopted a comprehensive plan calling for the new position.
Paul Logue, 33, began part-time work May 8 and will transition into a full-time position with a $48,000 salary in August, Mayor Paul Wiehl announced yesterday.
Logue, a Youngstown native, graduated from OU in 1997 and expects to complete a master's degree in city and regional planning from Ohio State University in June.
As city planner, he will oversee implementation of the comprehensive plan, which includes working to synchronize zoning and city codes to regulate development while preserving the city's character.
Logue will face the challenge of balancing long-term strategizing and the day-to-day regulation of development, Wiehl said.
The new planner said his first priority is to learn the ins and outs of the comprehensive plan, keeping in mind the basic goals of planning development: improving on good aspects and fixing the bad.
The plan proposes overarching development strategies for the next decade, and beyond that aims to energize the local economy; addresses concerns about housing, transportation, infrastructure and environmental protection; and builds cooperation between local governments and OU.
Among other projects, it suggests increasing development of interesting local businesses, creating an arts district, strengthening neighborhood organizations and promoting owner-occupied, family housing.
I'm excited to work with the city and the residents to work for the betterment of Athens
Logue said.
As the city develops, he said OU students should be informed about administrators' plans and should have an opportunity to be involved.
Logue said he has learned the importance of bridging the gap between administrators and the residents they serve through his work as an intern with the Columbus Department of Development's Neighborhood Services Division and as a self-described community organizer in Athens and Columbus.
About a dozen people applied to be city planner ' four of whom were interviewed ' but Logue's experience with planning at the neighborhood level made him stand out, Wiehl said.
I'm relieved to have him here because that means I can concentrate on other things Wiehl said.
The mayor will host a town hall meeting to introduce Logue to residents at 7 p.m. next Thursday at the Athens Community Center.
17
Archives
Kantele Franko
200805158106midsize.jpeg
