Candidate Q&A: David Palmberg, PZC

Several weeks ago, Stafford Free Press sent questions to the Selectmen, Planning & Zoning, Board of Education, and Board of Finance candidates via the Democratic Town Committee and the Republican Town Committee. We gave them a deadline of August 31 and a promise not to edit their answers (even for grammar and spelling).

Here are the answers provided by David Palmberg, the incumbent Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

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Q: Why have you decided to run for the PZC? (If you have previously served on this

commission, please tell us for how long.)

A: I have decided to run for re-election to the Planning & Zoning Commission to maintain the great work that the Commission has done. We have worked in a non-partisan manner to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and professionally. Additionally, we have listened to applicants that have proposed text amendments that have helped with under-utilized buildings in town and made sense for some of the home-based businesses in town. I feel strongly that we need to maintain the momentum that we have built and continue the Plan of Conservation and Development that we prepared.

I have been a Regular member and Chairman of the PZC since 2019.

I served as an Alternate on the PZC from 2017 – 2019

Q: Could you please tell us a bit about your work history and how it relates to a potential

position on the PZC?

A: I worked for more than 20 years as an owner of a Land Surveying and Civil Engineering

firm preparing surveys and designs of commercial and residential developments. I also

presented those projects to various land use boards throughout CT and western MA for

local approvals. I am a licensed Professional Land surveyor, Certified Zoning Official

and have completed the CT D.E.E.P. Municipal Inland Wetlands training as well as

Flood Plain Management certification.

From 2014-2017 I was the Land Use Technician and Zoning Enforcement Officer for the

Town of Stafford.

From 2017-2023 I was the Assistant Town Planner and Zoning Enforcement Officer for

the Town of Rocky Hill.

Since 2023 I have been the Environmental Specialist / Land Surveyor for the Town of

Rocky Hill. I oversee all town survey projects, administer the town’s MS-4 Stormwater

discharge permit and am liaison to the Open Space and Conservation Commission.

Additionally, I review development applications and assist with construction inspection.

Q: Affordable housing has been a topic of much interest at the state and local levels.

How can the PZC encourage innovative, affordable housing development?

A: Aside from 8-30g applications which are exempt from zoning regulations, I have been a

supporter for “middle housing” such as increasing 2-3 unit dwellings and providing

zoning incentives for cluster type developments. The Commission supported these

ideas in our current POCD. I am hopeful we can complete the changes to our current

regulations to accomplish this.

Q: How can the PZC help encourage the growth of the business tax base while staying in

line with the Plan of Conservation and Development?

A: By working with potential developers of the Industrial subdivision on West Stafford Rd,

revisiting the zoning classification of areas near the speedway to encourage

development of complementary businesses, considering incentives to re-purpose

vacant buildings, continuing to support the Brownfield projects in Town through the grant

processes and continuing to have pre-application meetings with developers.