The Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board (PAB) currently has a vacancy for an at-large
representative.  With representatives from a diverse array of stakeholder interests, the PAB is uniquely positioned to consider planning initiatives from many contexts.  At-large seats are intended to provide diversity or perspectives not already represented on the board.

The PAB provides guidance and recommendations to the Commissioner of Planning and Community Sustainability, and to the County Legislature regarding community planning issues of interest to local municipalities, organizations, and residents.  Meetings are held at the Old Jail Building (125 E. Court Street in Ithaca) on the fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning at 9:00 a.m..  Meetings are open to the public and visitors are welcome.

Recent activities of the PAB included:

• Providing comments to aid County Planning Department staff in refining Development Focus Area, Agricultural Resources Focus Area and Natural Features Focus Area strategies and plans.
• Helping set priorities for updates to the County Comprehensive Plan and Planning Department Work Program.
• Providing input on programs such as affordable housing and agricultural districts, and how information can best be shared in the community.
• Advising on implementation of major State and Federal grants.
• Providing guidance on acquisition/disposal/development of County property.

For more information about the PAB or to receive an application form, please contact Kathy Wilsea at the Tompkins County Planning Department at 274-5560, or pick up an application at 121 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY.  Applications will be accepted through the end of January.

Applications are also available online at: http://www.tompkins-co.org/legislature/advisory/.  Meeting agendas and minutes are available at http://www.tompkins-co.org/planning (click Advisory Boards).

Contact:  Kathy Wilsea, Tompkins County Planning Department, 274-5560.