The Hampstead Town Council voted 3-2 last night to reappoint planning commission member William Drummond, who was reportedly involved in a heated discussion with a resident at a recent planning commission meeting.
The two dissenting votes were cast by Councilmen Wayne H. Thomas and Dwight W. Womer. Both said they would like to see other interested residents given a chance to serve on the commission.
Mr. Thomas said it appeared Mr. Drummond patterned his planning commission votes along those cast by Councilman and Planning Commission Chairman Arthur H. Moler, and suggested it might have something to do with both men's membership in a Masonic order.
Mr. Thomas added he understood Town Manager John Riley is also a Mason.
Mr. Riley did not confirm his membership, but asked, "Is there something wrong with Masons?"
Also last night, the council voted 3-2 against changing the zoning of Roberts Field Business Center.
The vote came after a public hearing on whether part of the business center should be changed from general business -- which allows retail, wholesale and light processing -- to local business -- which is limited to businesses that serve the residential neighborhood.
Lawyers Elwood Swam, representing Hill-Reedy Inc., and J. Brooks Leahy, representing Foxleigh Limited Partnership, argued against any change in the existing zoning.
Resident Greg Jugo, representing the subdivision's homeowners association, told the planning commission, "I don't think we need a business general zone. I don't think we need to bring additional business and traffic into our neighborhood."
Under state law, "You may not rezone to please the interests of a particular group of people," Mr. Swam said.