City Manager Bill Lindsay announced today that Planning Director Barry Cromartie has resigned his position with the City of Richmond effective April 22, 2005.  Mr. Cromartie has accepted the job to be the Planning and Building Director for the City of American Canyon.

Mr. Cromartie has been a controversial figure in Richmond for some time. Some have lauded him for his efforts to eliminate barriers for new development, while others have accused him of trying to cut the community out of the entitlement review process.

On a personal note, I am currently under investigation for creating a “hostile work environment” for Mr. Cromartie.

I wish Mr. Cromartie the best in his new job at American Canyon (population 13,150). He should feel right at home in this development friendly city. Last year, American Canyon citizens protested a Walmart Superstore. City officials approved the plans, though suits were filed against the project by grassroots groups Citizens Against Poor Planning and American Canyon Community United for Responsible Growth.