City hires planning director

Painesville recently named Phoenikx Buathier as its next director of planning after a year-long search for a candidate to fill the role.

According to City Manager Doug Lewis, Buathier comes into this position after working in planning and zoning for more than eight years.

“She has a vast array of experience in dealing with these issues and will be a great addition to our team and our community,” Lewis said. “I am confident in her abilities and look forward to working with her to move the city forward.”

“I look forward to supporting the city with all of its current projects as they move forward with developments, along with any future projects.” — Phoenikx Buathier

Buathier found the opening through the website for the Ohio chapter of the American Planning Association. Before coming to Painesville in May, Buathier explained, she spent two and a half years in Columbus where her “main focus was on new and existing commercial developments and sign applications.” Before that, she was zoning administrator in Greenville County, S.C.

“I look forward to supporting the city with all of its current projects as they move forward with developments, along with any future projects,” Buathier said.

“I also hope to be a resource for the citizens of Painesville.

“The Planning Division is responsible for the administration of all necessary planning and development review related to all improvements and development within the city.

The purpose of the Planning Division to preserve and enhance Painesville’s unique character and quality of life by upholding the city’s adopted development codes and regulations,” Buathier noted.

Buathier added that the Planning Division is involved in development permits and zoning clearances, questions regarding planning or zoning, business proposals, site development plans, land use applications, the city’s Comprehensive Plan, amendments to the zoning code and preparation for the meetings of the city’s governing bodies.

Lewis noted that the city has a contract for a consultant from Tactical Planners, LLC, which will expire at the end of July.

The consultant will use the remaining time to help Buathier transition into her new role.

“The assigned consultant has done an excellent job, and we appreciate the services they have provided over this past year,” Lewis said.