FranklinNow.com reports that Franklin's director of city development, Doug Wheaton, has resigned "to attend graduate school at Harvard University."
The story notes: "In the three years that he has worked for the city, he has overseen 41 commercial developments, including the Fountains of Franklin and Shoppes at Wyndham Village."
As I have noted here often: Franklin's director of city development is scored on the mere NUMBER of developments that occur on his or her watch, not the QUALITY of those developments. I was correct. This is why the quality-based plan staff should not report to a position that derives kudos from simple quantity.
Despite many attempts at a meeting, I have never had so much as a conversation with Mr. Wheaton; he invariably would have the city plan staff run interference for him.
Good luck to him, nonetheless, in his new endeavor.
From what I have heard this is no big loss to the city.
Aldermen were looking for ways to eliminate him anyway!
Posted by: Bryan Maersch | July 04, 2008 at 10:46 AM
The rabid commercial development monger, Mayor Tom Taylor, must have shed a few tears on his departure.
Quantity over quality is what this mayor understands and the statement: “Inform people what is possible and inspire them not to settle for less” is anathema to him!
Let’s hope the person who fills his shoes has as much sense for quality and beauty as he has degrees.
If this is another “appointed position” of the Mayor…. forget this whole thing!
Posted by: UNFETTERD CANDOR | July 11, 2008 at 02:03 PM