Town Planner Marcus Phelps announced he would retire at the end of the fiscal year.
Phelps, 67, has served as Southwick’s planner for five years and said he wants to “cross a few things off my bucket list.”
First up on his to-do list is a month-long motorcycle trip in July.
Phelps is a motorcycle enthusiast who loves the open road.
“I’m going to ride my BMW motorcycle to southern Missouri to visit friends where I used to work at the Mark Twain National Forest, then there is a national rally of BMW motorcycles that is being held this year in Missouri,” said Phelps.
His wife Barb will be along for part of the ride.
“She has a sister in Pittsburgh so she’ll go with me to there,” said Phelps.
Other plans include spending more time with his children, including his two daughters and 18-month-old grandson. Phelps’ children live in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Phelps is a Southwick native whose roots here run deep. His great-great grandfather, also Marcus Phelps, moved to Southwick from Otis in 1863. Phelps attended the University of Massachusetts and worked in many capacities for the U.S. Forest Service, from which he retired in 2004.
His work allowed him to travel throughout the country and he lived 20 years of his life in Pennsylvania, where he and Barb raised their daughters. While living in Pennsylvania, Phelps earned his master’s degree in planning from the University of Pennsylvania.
Phelps moved back to Southwick when his work with the U.S. Forest Service took him to a position at UMass, After retiring, Phelps saw the advertisement for the Southwick planner position and thought he would put his planning degree to use and try to give back to the town. He was hired and said he has enjoyed serving the town.
“We have done a lot over the past five years,” sad Phelps. “I think we have brought forward some good bylaws and we are working on others.”
Phelps said he is proud of the work he has done, adding that he has worked at the federal, state and local levels of government. One of his greatest accomplishments was writing a report on the New York and New Jersey Highlands and its drinking water resources, which directly prompted federal and local legislation.
Phelps owns two historic homes on Depot Street and has been engaged in renovation projects, which he said he would continue. In addition to taking care of his 96-year-old mother, who lives with him, Phelps said he looks forward to remaining active in town.
“I am excited to get to use the new expanded Senior Center, and I can’t wait to walk downtown on our new sidewalks,” said Phelps.
As for his “bucket list,” a train ride in Australia is one item he hopes to check-off soon.
Phelps’ last day is set for June 30.
