Scott Allison has been named Richmond Hill’s new director of planning and zoning.
His appointment was announced at Tuesday’s city council meeting. Allison, a former director of planning and economic development in Garden City, started work Monday. 
“We felt that he’s what we’re looking for,” said Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler, adding that planning will be a key part of Allison’s job. “He can help us move forward as we continue to grow.”
Fowler said Allison’s experience was important, as Allison has worked in the public sector as a planning director and as a private-sector landscape architect who worked with developers and local governments across the state. 
Mayor Pro Tem Van Hunter said Allison also brings a “fresh perspective.”
Allison, a University of Georgia graduate, will make approximately $60,000, Fowler said. A registered landscape architect, Allison was both a project manager and planner with private companies in Atlanta prior to working for Garden City. 
Allison is LEED-accredited and earned an Honor Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for his work on the Highway 441 Heritage Corridor Project.  
Allison said his job is to help city leaders “be mindful of our history but also plan for the future.”
The past includes a city that previously has done things right, he said.