Mark L. Schmid A.I.A.

Candidate for the Westport Planning Board

I am running for the one-year term on the Westport Planning Board. If elected, I will be committed to fairly and honestly administering the rules and regulations of the Planning Board.

The purpose of the Westport Zoning By-Laws, under which the Planning Board is designated the Special Permit Granting Authority, include “encouraging the most appropriate use of land…conserving the value of land and buildings…conserving of natural resources…giving effect to the policies and proposals of the Master Plan of Westport.”

My family have been residents of the town for 60 years. We have seen the population grow from 6,600 in 1960 to nearly 16,000, or an average of 166 persons per year. While the town has been enriched by its new residents and amenities, it faces the dilemma of balancing new growth with preservation of the diminishing rural aspects that make Westport so desirable – the farms, woodlands, rivers, and harbors.

I will not only work to economically conserve open space, but also address the needs of our community – housing for persons of all income and health levels, public facilities, and public safety.

As for my background, I’ve been a registered architect in Massachusetts for over 40 years. I’ve also been registered in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Florida. I am retired from an architectural office I co-founded 36 years ago (DSK/Dewing Schmid Kearns, Architects & Planners). Today it is a 35-person, interdisciplinary firm serving institutional, educational, commercial, residential and non-profit clients. We are working throughout the Northeast, the Carolinas, California, and the BVI. Locally, we completed the design for the new headquarters for the Westport River Watershed Alliance at the Head of Westport. We are also assisting the Westport Historical Society in their efforts to preserve the Bell School and the Handy House.

I have served on the Warrant (Finance) Committee for the Town of Milton; and was chairman of the Milton Community Campaign for the United Way.

I was appointed by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to the Copley Place Expansion Citizens Advisory Committee to review and advise the Boston Redevelopment Authority on the impacts and mitigation measures of a large-scale proposal for new retail and residential space over the Massachusetts Turnpike. I was appointed to a similar committee to review the proposed office tower for Liberty Mutual in Boston’s Back Bay.

My experience includes working on a team in charge of obtaining planning consent for the development of retail centers in southwestern England and Glasgow, Scotland, for the Taylor Woodrow Property Company, London.

I love the Town of Westport and hope to serve on its Planning Board. I ask for your vote. Thank you.