In an effort to get a better grasp on the projects included in the master plan, the Marion Planning Board is considering hiring a part-time Town Planner.

“We need someone to outline what the Planning Board should go for with the master plan,” said Planning Board Chair Jay Ryder.

The board’s master plan seeks to increase business development in town with a Neighborhood Overlay District that would allow limited commercial development near  Route 6 and in the Village area.

On Tuesday, the board asked the town’s Grant Writer, Pamela Marean, to help with researching the option.

Marean agreed to look into possible grant opportunities that might help cover the salary of a Town Planner.

“It sounds like a solid, tangible goal, which is good,” Marean said.

Discussions are in the early stages. Board member Tom Magauran suggested the board better define the responsibilities of a Town Planner before looking into financing the position.

“Before you do that, you need to decide what you want to do,” Magauran said.

Fellow board member Steve Kokkins agreed. “I think we need a fairly good definition of what this person will be doing,” Kokkins said.

The board agreed to continue discussions at the next meeting.