Published: May 01, 2008 11:05 pm      

Huntsville city planner moving to Dallas as consultant

Today is city planner Stan Hamrick’s last day with the City of Huntsville.

He will officially step down from his position, effective at 5 p.m.

June would have marked four years that Hamrick has been with the City of Huntsville, and he said it has been a memorable time.

“Huntsville is a wonderful place,” he said. “The residents of Huntsville are very active in the community and really care about what’s happening in the city.

“I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made since I’ve been here, especially in regards to the comprehensive plan. The city hadn’t had a real comprehensive plan in about 20 years so it was a lot to accomplish.”

Hamrick said his new job as a consultant is “kind of like going home.”

“I came to Huntsville from the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” he said. “My wife has family in Cleveland, and I have family in Bastrop, so that’s part of the reason we moved down this way.

“I’m going back up to the Dallas and going back to work with some colleges that I worked with before. They have some new opportunities with their firm and it’s growing. I’m looking forward to working with them again.”

As city planner, Hamrick said his primary duties involved overseeing planning regulations and development codes.

“I was responsible for keeping those updated, getting permits in and making sure they meet the requirements.

“I also acted as the secretary for the planning and zoning commission and the zoning and adjustments board. Those are the two primary bodies that work on the daily approval of plat, zoning and variance cases. I administered that planning.”

Hamrick said he is pleased with the direction the city is moving.

“We’ve had a lot of projects come,” he said. “I helped to plan efforts for a comprehensive plan ... the city immediately started using that with the budget. Now, we’re moving into plans for new development codes and I wish I could be here for that.

“So much has happened, and I’m really excited about the progress being made and the fact that the community is real attuned to it.”

Steve Stacy, director of public works, will assume duties as city planner until the position is filled.

Hamrick said he is fortunate to have worked with the City of Huntsville.

“I feel good about what I’m leaving behind,” he said “The staff is picking up and moving right along — there’s great people here. We updated the transportation plan and the comprehensive plan and things are looking good.

“I learned a lot while I was here. It’s been a great experience.”