GOSHEN – Orange County Planning Commissioner David Church, who has held that position for nearly 17 years, has announced his retirement effective late January 2020.
Prior to joining county government in May 2002, Church was executive director of the New York State Planning Federal and worked with the World Wildlife Fund/Conservation Foundation.
County Executive Steven Neuhaus said Church has done “a wonderful job leading the planning department.”
Neuhaus said he developed a number of innovative green initiatives that benefited the county and its residents.
As planning commissioner, Church oversaw the Orange County Water Authority, Orange County Transportation Council and the county’s grants unit.
The commissioner was also charged with developing the county’s comprehensive plan, a detailed assessment of transportation assessments that will provide guidance across county government in defining priorities and allocating funds.
He planned an integral role in expanding bus services in the City of Newburgh, bringing Coach USA’s headquarters to Chester, reintroducing Newburgh-Beacon Ferry service, and making all park and ride commuter bus stops free in the county. He also led several conservation projects, including the purchase of the Sparrowbush Delaware River access site, which protects thousands of acres in the county.
Church also worked with Neuhaus to develop the county’s shared services plan, which saved county taxpayers an estimated $8 million in 2019.
