City of Newbury honors Planning Director Martha Taylor for over 25 years of service and retires

NEWBURY – Newbury residents, friends and officials gathered at the Council on Aging Thursday to honor retiring Planning Director Martha Taylor and thank her for nearly 25 years of service to the community.

Taylor, a Newbury resident, has been involved in the community since 1999. She began her involvement in community service as a volunteer member of the town’s Open Space Committee. She was an elected member of the Planning Committee for several years and was appointed by the committee’s Town Planner. Taylor has been the Planning Director for more than 15 years.

Taylor officially retired on June 30.

At her last planning committee meeting, she said, “I have been fortunate to serve the city I live in; it is a real privilege.”

During her tenure, Taylor demonstrated her passion for the growth and development of Newbury through her dedicated service on several town committees and task forces, including the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, where she served as Newbury’s commissioner. She was also instrumental in the work of the town’s Building Committee, where she used her credentials as a registered architect to help the committee with several building projects.

“Martha is the embodiment of skill, knowledge and ethics,” said John Weis, former Planning Board member. “She has a first-class mind and knowledge of Massachusetts enabling laws, our local building codes and zoning regulations, and the creativity to solve complex land use issues. Newbury is lucky to have her.”

Taylor also helped the city navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by helping city committees transition to Zoom meetings and managing the record number of commercial and residential construction projects facing the Planning Board.

Most recently, she assisted the city in implementing state legislation to develop the updated master plan for the period 2023-2035.

“The mood of this board is one of true appreciation. You have steered the ship very successfully and navigated through some turbulent times while maintaining complete composure,” Planning Board member Peter Paicos told Taylor at one of their recent meetings. “You have been diligent and conscientious in what you do and how you care for the community. It has been a great honor to work with you.”

“Over the past 13 years, I have been fortunate to work with Martha and have gained a brilliant and talented colleague. I have also developed a valuable friendship,” said Town Administrator Tracy Blais. “Her expertise and gentle guidance have always guided Newbury down the right path.”