City Manager George Lahanas announced the appointment of Justin Quagliata as the director of Community Development, a newly established department that focuses on city planning, ordinance creation and oversight, and zoning compliance. In addition, he will work on Economic Development, and oversee the Building Dept.
In past years through this May, the city has used a planning consultant to do this range of work. With rising consulting costs and a new development going up (The Downs), the city manager determined it was the right time to bring the position in-house and create a new department.
“I expect Justin will do a terrific job for the city in this new role. Our needs on the community development front have grown tremendously over the past year and this offers a way for better integration with the entire ‘built’ environment,” said Lahanas.
The built environment starts with a developer’s concept, continues through the process of meeting zoning requirements or being granted a variance, adhering to ordinances and Master Plan guidelines, obtaining permits for skilled trades work, lighting and landscaping, and receiving a certificate of occupancy when the new building is done.
Quagliata earned a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning with a minor in Economics from
Michigan State University in 2018. He previously was a planner for White Lake Township’s Community Development Dept. While there, he assisted the Planning Commission with the 2024 Master Plan update and worked with the Corridor Improvement Authority to adopt a Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan. He also led the creation and adoption of the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
In his new position, Quagliata will work closely with the Planning Commission, the Historic District Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. He will also lead the Planning Commission in updating the Master Plan in the coming years. He is experienced in working on projects that involve landscape architects, attorneys, engineers and other professionals, as well as residents. He will also provide oversight to the building official to ensure certificates of occupancy and permits comply with board and commission approvals of site plans, special land uses, variances, consent judgements, and other specific applications.
He recently passed the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam. Provided by the American Planning Association (APA), the exam is a verification of a planner's qualifications in upholding the high standards of practice, ethics, conduct, and continuing education required by the APA.
Please give a warm welcome to Quagliata, a resident of White Lake Township who enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Emme, and their family and friends.
