Brocton and Portland are rightly looking at the possibility of merging Planning Boards. Part of the reason for the discussion is a lack of interest from residents who encompass a village of around 1,300 and a town of about 4,800.

“We have an issue here in the village that it’s hard to get members for both boards to step up,” said Brocton Planning Board Chairman Bill Westin.

These small entities are not alone. While many residents will fight for a village to exist, they are not as eager to help in leading the effort when decisions have to be made.

During a gathering last month, Portland Planning Board Chairman Dale Carlson addressed the topic. He stated that a recent annual training he attended, municipalities were urged not to merge the two boards into one all-encompassing Zoning Board of Appeals, calling that option a “last resort.”

Isn’t that typical? A state organization wanting increased hurdles for development when that would make zoning and planning so much easier for those looking to invest.

Brocton and Portland are good neighbors. This is an item that would benefit both municipalities – and volunteers.