Partrick Carr is running for a seat on the Fairhaven Planning Board in the 4/3/23 election. Submitted photo.
Patrick Carr
Hello Fairhaven!
My name is Patrick J. Carr and I am seeking a position on the Fairhaven Planning Board.
I have been a town resident since 1983 and a town business owner for over 25 years.
Currently, I am a voting member on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), as well as the Economic Development Committee (EDC). I also serve on the 40R Zoning Work Study Group and am a Town Meeting member.
Please note, if elected, I will resign my positions on the ZBA and EDC and concentrate solely on the planning board.
As a planning board member, it is my intention to facilitate town residents and business owners to lawfully proceed with their building projects, guiding them through the process in a respectful and dignified manner. As a Fairhaven business owner, I can provide the planning board with a practical perspective.
In addition to supporting our current population, I am also interested in planning for future developments.
At this moment, there is the potential for incredible economic growth in our region. Two major projects, South Coast Rail Construction and the Offshore Wind Project, are currently unfolding next door in New Bedford. These two developments are going to lead to a need for increased housing, as well as retail, hospitality, and other commercial services.
We as a community have an opportunity to fulfill that need, and if planned for correctly, it can be done so in a way that will complement our unique and rich historical aesthetic. As a town member with a strong appreciation for the town’s history, I have a vested interest in preserving the character of Fairhaven as we progress.
Please consider voting for me for The Fairhaven Planning Board on April 3.
Wayne Hayward is running for re-election to the Fairhaven Planning Board in the 4/3/23 election. Submitted photo.
Wayne Hayward
I am running for re-election to the Planning Board. I feel my knowledge and experience will continue to be a valuable asset to the Town Planner, Planning Board and newly hired department heads, as most lack historical perspective.
For over three decades I have attended live, televised meetings every two weeks without compensation. I assisted in passage of critical bylaws regulating signs, subdivision controls, stormwater regulations, assisted living facilities, sexually oriented businesses, wind energy facilities, solar photovoltaic energy facilities and marijuana establishments. I am proud of our unique solar bylaw which resulted in higher energy production, compared to surrounding communities, yet with little tree loss. I have done the leg work in creating the Village Center and the North Fairhaven Mixed-Use Districts. I assisted the Planning Board on the 1996 and the 2018 Comprehensive Master Plans.
I have stepped up twice to be the interim planner when my town required me. Unlike others, my experience with zoning matters is from attending trainings and meeting the challenges head on, as compared to those who claim zoning knowledge because they were subject to zoning violations.
Recently, I have put much of my personal attention on the reuse of Rogers School, Short Term Rentals and Tree Protection Bylaw. To date, we have been thwarted by the current administration but continue to move those issues. I have assisted in approving or just as importantly disapproving, commercial and residential developments as they blend into our neighborhoods. This is what provides “new growth” tax revenues to the town coffers.
Fairhaven stands out compared to the surrounding communities in attracting new businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. I continued to work diligently in an increasingly difficult, remote environment while suffering deep personal loss.
I pledge to the community that if re-elected, I will continue to delve into complex engineered plans, complex drainage studies and to provide you the best bylaws for our protection. I ask for no compensation, instead being rewarded by the thriving atmosphere of my hometown. Preparing for my fiftieth reunion with my Fairhaven High School classmates, I can look into their eyes and state that, like my father before me, I am and will continue to be an advocate for The Town of Fairhaven.
As we transition from 70’s style plazas to more efficient land uses that will foster affordable, inclusive socio-economic developments, I promise to keep an open mind. It is paramount to me that much of our rich future is based on our rich past. I humbly request your consideration.
*There are three candidates running for two seats on the Fairhaven Planning Board. After repeated attempts by phone and email, the third candidate, Ruy DaSilva, failed to send in his statement.
•••
Click here to download the 3/23/23 issue: 03-23-23 Bagpiper
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
