NEWBURY – Residents, friends, and Newbury town officials gathered at the Council on Aging on Thursday to honor and thank retiring Planning Director Martha Taylor for nearly 25 years of service to the community.
Taylor, a Newbury resident, has been serving the community since 1999. She began her involvement in municipal work as a volunteer member of the Town’s Open Space Committee. She served several years as an elected Planning Board member and was appointed Town Planner by the Select Board. Taylor has served as Planning Director for more than 15 years.
Taylor officially retired on June 30.
At her final Planning Board meeting she said, “I have been fortunate to serve the town that I live in; that is a real privilege.”
During her tenure, Taylor demonstrated her passion for the growth and development of Newbury through her dedicated service on several Town committees and working groups, including the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, where she served as Newbury’s Commissioner. She was also instrumental in the work of the Municipal Building Committee, where her credentials as a registered architect helped guide the Committee through several construction projects.
“Martha is the personification of ability, knowledge, and ethics,” said former Planning Board member John Weis. “She has an A+ mind and knowledge of Massachusetts enabling legislation, our local zoning codes and subdivision regulations, and the creativity to resolve complex land-use problems. Newbury is so fortunate for having her.”
Taylor also helped the Town navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, easing municipal committees into the transition to Zoom meetings and navigating the record number of commercial and residential development projects the Planning Board faced.
Most recently, she guided the Town in navigating state legislation to develop its Master Plan Update for 2023-2035.
“The sentiment of this Board is one of true appreciation. You have been very successful at guiding the ship, navigating through some turbulent times, while maintaining complete composure,” Planning Board member Peter Paicos told Taylor at one of her final meetings. “You have been diligent and meticulous with what you do and how you care for the community. We have been very privileged to work with you.”
“In working with Martha for the past 13 years I have been fortunate to not only partner with a brilliant and talented colleague, but I have also gained a treasured friendship,” Town Administrator Tracy Blais said. “Her expertise and gentle guidance have always led Newbury down the right path.
