Planning Board names Andy Bennett associate member after interviewing four candidates

LINCOLN -- May 9, 2023, Lincoln Planning Board picks architect Andy Bennett as associate member from a field of six. The board interviewed four candidates live, Jeff Eaton, Ross Tucker, Andy Bennett and Chris Murphy, and read letters from Mark Levinson and Housing Commission Chair Alan Vander Mullen. Co-Chair Gary Taylor nominated Bennett, a Perkins and Will architect and Lincoln resident since 1997, citing the loss of architectural expertise on the board when Rick Lindell departed. Member Ephraim Flint seconded; the roll call passed 3-0 with Taylor, Co-Chair Lynn DeLisi and member Craig Nicholson voting aye. Planning Director Paula Vaughn-McKenzie reminded the board the role "is not another member of the planning board" and is limited by the zoning bylaw to standby duty on special permit hearings. DeLisi asked staff to keep all candidates engaged for upcoming Housing Choice Act work.