Newcomer joins city as Planning Director

Tuesday, 10 April 2012 by Justin Cox

New City of Belton Planning Director Erin Newcomer began her duties on Monday.One of Central Texas' own has come back to the area to help the City of Belton plan for its future.

On Monday, Erin Newcomer began as the city's new Planning Director.

"I'm extremely excited," Newcomer said of coming back to Central Texas. "I grew up in the area and I love the area. I had been looking to come back for a long time now because I love the history, the historical structures and everything that Belton has to offer."

Newcomer was born in Pennsylvania and moved to the area as a child, eventually graduating from Harker Heights High School.

After high school, Newcomer went on to Texas A&M where she received her Bachelor's Degree of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science in 2007 and then received her Master's Degree in Urban Planning in 2009.

While completing her Master's Degree, Newcomer completed an internship with the City of Harrisburg, Penn. Planning Department. Since 2008, she also worked for Ed Froehling Builder, a Bryan-College Station home builder.

As the planning director Newcomer will oversee the planning operations of the city, zoning and sub-division ordinances, among many other duties.

"There are a lot of things I'm interested in with the commercial development and Nolan Creek becoming a recreational area," Newcomer said. "I would love to see more community space for people to go."

Newcomer also said she is looking forward to working with developers and builders in the area.

"I have a lot of experience with developers and builders, so I feel like I can really relate to them," she said.

The planning director selection process began in August 2011 and the city received 37 applications. The selection process also included candidate responses to an assessment center including two actual planning topics. Staff members included in the selection process were City Manager Sam Listi, Assistant City Manager Cristy Daniell, Human Resources Director Charlotte Walker and planning consultant Brent Baker.

Newcomer said she is excited to be a part of the City of Belton staff.

"Belton has really grown in the past few years and it's great to be a part of that," Newcomer said. "I want to think about new ways to develop the city to where it can be a livable community. Not only somewhere they would like to live, but like to visit as well."

• < Prev
• Next >