Nicholson Resigns From Planning Board

The man who presided over one of the most controversial planning applications in the village's history has ended his time serving on the planning board.

David Nicholson, a planning board member for 13 years who served as chairman for the last four, gave notice to the board Tuesday that the June 7 meeting was his last.

The architect by trade presided over the three-plus years of Valley "H-Zone" expansion project hearings, culminating in a change to the Master Plan, and a . The $750 million proposal is with hearings scheduled to start in the fall.

Nicholson faced criticism by council members and residents for the handling of the planning board hearings, at G.W. Middle School and one arrest was made for attempting to incite a riot.

Unable to attend Tuesday night's meeting, Vice Chairman Albert Pucciarelli read a letter drafted by Nicholson sent to the planning board on Tuesday.

"For those of you whom I have not had an opportunity to speak, I have resigned from the board effective at the end of this month. After 13 years I feel I have made my contribution and that it is the right time to step down," he wrote.

"It's been my intention to convey this to you this evening personally; unfortunately other obligations require that I be out of town. I hope that at another time I can personally convey my thanks for your hard work and support. I wish all of you the best for years to come."

Pucciarelli–now pro tempore–led a round of applauds to celebrate Nicholson's time serving the village.

The board will determine its new structure at its July 5 meeting; the council appoints new members to the planning board. Nicholson served one year in his most recent three-year term and was reappointed the chairman in summer of 2010 on a 3-2 vote by the planning board.

on the grounds that he was "a lightning rod" and that the "status quo shouldn't continue," respectively.