When the Westford Planning Board convened on Monday evening for the first of its two monthly meetings in March, the focus was on an agenda packed with items.

The Board was scheduled to hear cases ranging from multiple amendments to the town’s Zoning Bylaws to a multi-family apartment building to a four-lot residential subdivision.

But the spotlight quickly turned to a couple of surprising announcements.

Current Town Planner Chris Kluchman has been appointed to be the new Director of Land Use Management.  The position became vacant when the former director, Angus Jennings, announced his resignation back in January.

After receiving congratulations from the Board, Kluchman informed the Board and those in the audience that the town is now accepting applications for the role of Town Planner.  Kluchman will continue with those duties until the position is filled.

Shortly after the news of Kluchman’s promotion, Planning Board Chairman Kevin Borselli announced that he has made the decision not to file the necessary paperwork to run for re-election.

He stated that much thought and deliberation went into what amounted to a very difficult decision.  But due to work commitments and a desire to spend additional time with his family, Borselli feels he is making the right choice.

Borselli said that serving on the Board has been an honor and that he hopes to return in the future when the time is right.  He then thanked the current members, Kluchman, and Town Engineer Paul Starratt for working with him during his time on the Board.