GLOCESTER – A volunteer who has served on the Glocester Planning Board for the past 25 years, including stints as both chairman and vice chairman, has resigned from the role, and was formally recognized this month for his contributions to the town.
David Calderara received a citation from the Town Council, with both councilors and his peers thanking him for years of dedicated – and by all accounts steady and dependable – time serving in the role.
“Your knowledge, expertise and insight were invaluable, especially when addressing the major changes in state law related to planning and zoning,” read the citation, presented at the council’s meeting on Thursday, March 20. “You served with dependability and preparedness and always showed respect to the applicants, residents and your fellow board members even when the processes and discussions caused heated moments.”
Calderara will continue to serve the town in his role as chairman of the Board of Canvassers. He is also vice president of the Harmony Library Board of Trustees, and previously served as secretary of the Glocester Democratic Town Committee.
Councilor Walter Steere noted that he first began his work in public service on the Planning Board years ago – with Calderara. In the years since, Calderara has served as chairman of the board for six years, and vice chairman for 13.
“One of the things about David is he was very steady. He knew stuff,” said Steere. “He was always prepared, and he was a gentleman.”
“He’s leaving a good group that we have right now too,” Steere added.
“Your shoes will be hard to fill,” said Council President William Worthy, reading a citation thanking the volunteer for his time and dedication.
Planning Board Chairperson Janine Pitocco noted Calderara was also there when she first began her time in service.
“It’s been a privlege, all these years, that we got to work together,” Pitocco said. “You were there and you were steady. You were a good mentor and you also always operated with great integrity and with the best interest of the town in a neutral manner, and I really appreciate that.”
“We’ll miss you a lot.”
