Milford Land Use Department Erupts into Chaos, Confusion and Grievances

Three top city land use officials have since April filed a total of 10 grievances against the administration, alleging the interim director of a newly created land use agency illegally changed their job descriptions on multiple occasions.

City Planner David Sulkis, Assistant City Planner Emmeline Harrigan and Chief Building Inspector Thomas Raucci have all filed grievances against Department of Permitting and Land Use Interim Director Douglas Novak and Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr.

After years of study and reports, the city in October approved creating a new Department of Permitting and Land Use agency, which provides administrative oversight over the building, planning and zoning, and inland wetlands agencies. The new DPLU was created after years of complaints by developers and residents about a lack of service and long waiting periods to receive permits.

In Sulkis’ first of seven grievances, he wrote that the job description and functions of the new DPLU overlap and usurp his job description.

“This is bargaining unit work that has been transferred to a non-bargaining unit appointed position,” Sulkis wrote.

Click here for Brian Mcready Story at the NH Register