By Laura Hayes, Senior Community Reporter
SHREWSBURY — The town is looking for people who are interested in joining the Shrewsbury Zoning Board of Appeals and the new Affordable Housing Board of Trustees.
“Hopefully, we’ll get some interest in those positions,” said Chair John Samia during a July 13 Board of Selectmen meeting.
The Affordable Housing Board of Trustees was formed, thanks in part to the approval of an article during this year’s May Town Meeting.
The five-member board will be made up of one designee from the selectmen, either the Town Manager or the Assistant Town Manager and three residents.
Samia noted that the residents don’t have to be a registered voter.
The trustees will govern Shrewsbury’s affordable housing trust. During Town Meeting, town officials said that the purpose of the trust was to provide for the preservation and creation of affordable housing in Shrewsbury.
Anyone who is interested should submit a letter of interest and resume by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20. Submissions should go to either Town Manager Kevin Mizikar via mail at 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or by email to [email protected].
Additionally, the town is seeking to fill a seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals after member Paul George resigned.
The term will expire on March 22 of next year. Any applicant must be a registered voter.
Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest and resume to Samia at 100 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Individuals can also email [email protected] by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 19.
New appointments
The board appointed Whitney Gadeke-Andrews to the Historic District Commission for a term which will expire June 2024.
Gadeke-Andrews was one of two residents who applied for the seat. The other was Jim Smith.
“Once again, two excellent candidates have submitted letters of interest, which makes our decision both difficult and easy,” said Vice Chair John Lebeaux.
Lebeaux favored Gadeke-Andrews, saying he took into consideration the full board.
Selectman Beth Casavant also voiced her support for her, adding that Gadeke-Andrews, who Casavant said is a real estate agent and collects antiques, has shown an interest in other posted positions in the town.
“I do see this as being a good fit for her background,” Casavant said.
Samia said Gadeke-Andrews’ edge over Smith was her commercial experience, particularly as the town works on revitalizing downtown.
Selectman Theresa Flynn supported Smith, though she approved Gadeke-Andrews’ appointment. She noted Smith’s knowledge of Shrewsbury’s history and contributions within the district.
Robert Pine was also reappointed to the Insurance Advisory Committee, and Charbel Sakr was appointed to the Commission on Disabilities.
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