New Kent Planning Commission chairman steps down

New Kent Planning Commission chairman Michael B. Lane Sr. stunned fellow commission members by announcing his resignation during the group’s Monday night meeting.

Lane, who represents District 2, said his resignation is effective immediately. He has served on the commission for the past seven years.

Lane told the commission he plans to relocate outside the county, probably moving to Florida in the near future, adding he would no longer be able to devote full attention to commission work.

“I have very much enjoyed working with the commission,” he said. “The people here are wonderful, and I think the county is headed in the right direction.”

Fellow commission member and former chairman Jack Chalmers praised Lane’s work with the group, saying Lane proved instrumental in conducting research and aiding other members, particularly those new to the commission.

“Michael Lane has been a big part of this planning commission,” Chalmers said, adding that Lane’s resignation “comes as a big shock.”

Board of Supervisors member Tommy Tiller, who represents District 2 and serves as the board’s representative on the commission, is charged with appointing Lane’s successor.

“He will be hard to replace,” Tiller told the commission. Lane’s current four-year term expires at the end of 2018.