May 7. By Dave Vieser. There will be several new members on the Planning Board as a result of a unanimous vote Monday evening May 6 by the Cornelius Town Board.

The long-awaited appointments to the Town Planning Board are as follows:

1. Phil Bechtold, as the 2024 Planning Board Chair. Bechtold has served since 2018 and has a term expiring in February of 2025.

2. Michael Buttner to Seat 2 to complete a partial term from July 2022 to February 2026. Buttner has a background in commercial banking and capital management and investment.

3. Ava Callender to Seat 4 to complete a full term from February 2024 to February 2027.
Callender has volunteer and professional experience working with nonprofit organizations. She was also a previous candidate for town commissioner.

4. Colin Furcht to Seat 5 to complete a full term from February 2024 to February 2027. Furcht
has an extensive background in sales and marketing and is a former one term Town of Cornelius Board of Commissioner.

5. Mamie Lee to Seat 9 to complete a partial term from July 2021 to February 2025. Lee has an
extensive background in media and communications.

6. Travis Julian to Seat 10 to complete a full term from February 2024 to February 2027. Julian has an extensive background in corporate retail management and consulting.

Among other changes approved for the Planning Board Monday evening:

—The board will be expanded from seven to 10 members.

—The Land Development Code Advisory Board (LDCAB) is being disbanded, as it would duplicate the work of the expanded Planning Board.

The Planning Board may create a separate subcommittee for potential future large scale projects.