Bristow resigns as Killington planner

By Curt Peterson

After two years as Killington town planner and zoning administrator, Preston Bristow has submitted his resignation to Town Manager Chet Hagenbarth to be effective April 30. He submitted the letter Monday, April 19.

Bristow, 67, a long-time Woodstock resident, said he really likes the town and all the people he has dealt with during his time in the job, but as Killington grows and races to keep pace with the changing times, the responsibilities and time required by the positions have expanded way beyond his original commitment.

He has been a zoning and planning professional for Pomfret in the past, and served as Select Board administrator as well in Barnard before accepting the Killington post.

Developing a complicated and sizeable short-term rental registration program, rewriting the zoning ordinance, working on the Killington master plan and supporting the Killington road redesign project have consumed a growing portion of Bristow’s time, on top of day-to-day duties as zoning administrator.

He has also been a ubiquitous presence at Select Board meetings.

Selectman Jim Haff said he is sorry to see Bristow leave, and understands how the planner’s responsibilities have grown over his two-year stint.

Concluding his letter, Bristow wrote: “I believe in finishing strong and I am willing to do what I can to help with this transition.”

The Select Board will discuss his departure and an interim plan on Tuesday, April 20.