The Hudson Planning Board met on July 8 to interview two candidates seeking to fill open seats, including Alternate member Todd Boyer, who applied for a full time position. The meeting offered a closer look at how each applicant views the responsibilities of the Board and how they hope to contribute to Hudson’s long term planning efforts.
Boyer, who has served as an Alternate for more than a year, told the Board he was ready to take on a larger role.
“I come before you tonight looking to be appointed to the permanent position for the Planning Board,” Boyer said. “As you all know, I have been an Alternate now for over a year, and in that time, I’ve only missed one meeting. My desire is to give back to my community. I have the ability to do that and I have plenty of free time… The law has always been an interest of mine.”
Boyer also serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, a dual role that prompted questions from Board members about how he would manage cases that appear before both bodies. Planning Board member Ed Van der Veen asked whether one person could legally sit on both boards.
Boyer confirmed that state law allows it, but acknowledged that it requires careful judgment to avoid conflicts. He described recent situations where he either participated or recused himself depending on whether his involvement could affect fairness.
“At our last Zoning Board meeting an applicant came before us, and although I sit on Planning, I was not present for any discussions and was able to sit for that,” he explained. “However, there is now a case in front of Zoning that, if it is approved, will eventually come before the Planning Board. I did absolutely recuse myself and sat in the audience… Yes, there’s a lot of thought process that goes into it, but I believe I have a good handle on things and will continue to make the right decisions.”
Several members expressed confidence in Boyer’s ability to manage both roles responsibly.
“He’s shown that he’s proven he can do both of them, and I think he deserves a full member spot here,” said Secretary Tim Lyko, noting Boyer’s attendance record and willingness to recuse himself when appropriate.
The Board also interviewed Jesse James, who applied for an open Alternate position. James said he was motivated by a desire to be more involved in local government and to contribute to Hudson’s future development.
“One of the reasons I’m interested in this position is because I want to be involved in local government,” James said. “I think local government is where the real changes happen that affect lives every single day. The work of this Board is what dictates how the Town of Hudson is going to develop in the future, and I’m committed to Hudson in the long run.”
James acknowledged the learning curve associated with Planning Board work, especially when dealing with complex applications and long term planning documents. Vice-Chair Jordan Ulery asked him to explain his understanding of the Master Plan, a key guiding document for the town.
James described it as a “set of rules and guidelines” to help determine whether proposals align with the town’s vision. Ulery clarified that while the Master Plan serves as a guide, it does not carry legal authority during adjudication.
“When an applicant comes here, we’re strictly held to an adjudication process,” Ulery said. “What are the ordinances? What is state law? Does this comply? Does this not comply? That’s as far as we can go.”
Despite the technical nature of the work, James said he was eager to learn and contribute.
