Planning Board Politics

More and more local planning boards are turning to growth ordinances to slow development in their communities. Planning boards say these policies are necessary to preserve town character and keep taxes manageable. But critics argue that the growing popularity of anti-growth measures is cause for concern…and warn that these restrictions have unintended consequences. Today we'll look at both sides of this debate. Laura's guests are Don Bealko, Co-founder and chairman of the Public Policy Alliance for Housing and Vice President of marketing and business development for Rivco Inc. in Penacook. Paul Morin, Chairman of the Town of Weare Planning Board, member of the Southern NH Planning Commission and Chairman of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire. Jack Savage, Vice President of Communications and Outreach for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Fergus Cullen, Columnist for the NH Union Leader and Sunday News and Clay Mitchell, Newmarket, New Hampshire Town Planner.