Planning Board endorses Robert Watchilla for Planning Director role.
Planning Board votes 3-2 to recommend Planning Director candidate. Robert Watchilla, a municipal planning veteran with five years of experience in three Western Massachusetts towns, was endorsed by Chair Marc Charney and Member Edward Chazen following an open-session interview. Secretary Patricia
Planning Board · Meeting of June 1, 2026
WELLESLEY — Planning Board votes 3-2 to recommend Planning Director candidate. Robert Watchilla, a municipal planning veteran with five years of experience in three Western Massachusetts towns, was endorsed by Chair Marc Charney and Member Edward Chazen following an open-session interview. Secretary Patricia Mallett and Member James Roberti voted against the motion, expressing concerns about Watchilla's familiarity with local issues and the scope of the interview process; Vice Chair Thomas Taylor supported the motion.
The Board selected Watchilla from a pool of five finalists drawn from 31 total applications, with human resources now proceeding to background check and salary negotiations.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of June 1, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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