Former Planning & Zoning Administrator speaks in a recent Town Council meeting. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Corporation of Shepherdstown is about to begin looking for a new Planning & Zoning Administrator.

The search follows the departure on Feb. 28 of former Planning & Zoning Administrator John Andrew “Andy” Beall, who served in the position for seven years. For the four years preceding that, he acted in a similar capacity, as the Corporation of Shepherdstown’s Zoning Planner.

Beall has now taken the position as Jefferson County Zoning Administrator, according to his letter of resignation, which he gave to the Corporation of Shepherdstown on Feb. 14.

“I want to start by thanking my coworkers, whom I can say I honestly love. We’ve been together eight hours a day, five days a week, for the last 13 years. We were a team and a well-oiled machine,” Beall said at the start of his letter. “I will truly miss each and every one of you, with all my heart.”

He then spoke about his reasons for resigning.

“I believe I made an impact on Shepherdstown and worked hard to help property owners achieve their desired ends,” Beall said. “This was all taken away, when the current mayor took office. His ineptitude and micromanagement decrees have made my job intolerable.

“We were on a path to success, getting projects done that will benefit the town, and now no decisions are made and Shepherdstown has come to a screeching halt!” Beall said. “I have been talked to in a manner I couldn’t even imagine . . . a manner of utter disrespect and complete disregard.”

He added that he believes some good will be able to be accomplished in Shepherdstown in the future, due to the recent hiring of Gino Sisco as the town’s new administrator.

The Corporation of Shepherdstown responded on Feb. 28, with a letter addressing Beall’s resignation.

“The Corporation of Shepherdstown would like to thank John Andrew (Andy) Beall for his service and dedication to Shepherdstown for the last 13 years. His passion and love for the community was demonstrated daily. As the Planning & Zoning Administrator, he played a vital role within the staff of Shepherdstown,” the letter said. “His easy smile and pleasant demeanor will be missed by his coworkers, as well as many in the community. We wish him the very best of luck in his new position working for Jefferson County and look forward to collaborating with him, as Shepherdstown and Jefferson County work together to improve the lives of our fellow citizens.

“With the change in leadership at the Corporation of Shepherdstown during the previous eight months, it was expected that there would be staff turnover,” the letter said. “Change is inevitable. Change provides opportunities for reflection and improvement. With the Planning & Zoning Administrator post opening soon, we will be reviewing the responsibilities and tasks of this position, while seeking to improve the efficacy and value this position provides to Shepherdstown.”