From: Lee Ann Berry Sent: Sunday, August 9, 2026 8:27 PM To: Jessica Michaud Subject: Support for Separating Ledyard's Planning and Zoning Commissions Dear Members of the Ad Hoc Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for returning Ledyard to separate Planning and Zoning Commissions. My support is not based on criticism of any individual commissioner or Town staff member. Rather, I believe planning and zoning serve two distinct and equally important purposes, and each deserves the time and attention of a dedicated commission. Long-range planning should guide zoning. Ledyard’s Plan of Conservation and Development should establish our community’s vision for the future, with zoning regulations serving as a tool to carry out that vision. A dedicated Planning Commission could focus more fully on the POCD, infrastructure, housing, economic development, preservation of community character, and meaningful engagement with residents and other Town boards and commissions. Separating the commissions would also provide additional checks and balances. An independent Planning Commission could review significant zoning changes through the lens of the Town’s long-term vision before they are adopted. Another level of thoughtful review should not be viewed as an obstacle to development, but as a safeguard that can lead to better decisions and clearer, more consistent regulations. Recent land-use issues have demonstrated how important regulatory clarity is. When residents, applicants, Town officials, and attorneys can reach significantly different interpretations of what our regulations allow, the result can be uncertainty, expense, and litigation. Separate commissions would not eliminate disagreements, but greater specialization and additional review could help identify ambiguities and unintended consequences before regulations are adopted. I also believe separation could strengthen public participation. Residents should have opportunities to discuss what they want Ledyard to look like 10, 20, or 30 years from now before a particular development proposal forces that conversation. Planning should be proactive rather than primarily reactive. Ultimately, I believe the question before the Committee is larger than whether the current combined commission can perform both functions. The question is: What structure will best serve Ledyard for the next several decades? I believe separate Planning and Zoning Commissions would strengthen long-range planning, provide additional checks and balances, allow commissioners to specialize, encourage greater public participation, and help ensure that zoning decisions remain consistent with Ledyard’s long-term vision. For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Ad Hoc Committee to recommend returning Ledyard to separate Planning and Zoning Commissions. Thank you for your time, your service to our community, and for considering the comments of Ledyard residents. Respectfully, Warm Regards, Lee Ann Berry