Scanlon named temporary Grafton town planner

William Scanlon has stepped into multiple Central Mass towns to help as a part-time or interim town planner. He’s now adding Grafton to his list.

Scanlon was appointed temporary town planner by the Select Board Tuesday night, replacing current Town Planner Joseph Laydon, whose last day is Friday. Laydon was hired as the town of Littleton’s assistant town administrator.

Scanlon, a Worcester resident, has worked as an independent planning consultant since 2007, assisting towns with economic development, zoning, feasibility studies, land use policy and other planning roles. Prior to that, he spent more than two decades at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission as community development manager.

Town Administrator Tim McInerney said he expects Scanlon will work 4-6 hours a week supporting the Planning Board.

Five candidates have applied for the town planner job, with McInerney hoping to have a final candidate by Jan. 21. He’s hoping to have a full-time planner on board by March.