The Santa Clarita City Council has appointed Philip M. Hart to the Santa Clarita Planning Commission after the unscheduled departure of Charles Heffernan left a vacant seat open back in March.

The City Council voted unanimously to approve Councilmember Bob Kellar’s nomination and appointed Hart to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission during the council’s regular meeting Tuesday night.

“Phil has great knowledge of the area and what is going on in our community,” said Kellar. “I feel he will be an outstanding planning commissioner for our city.”

Hart has lived in Santa Clarita since 1988, and recently retired as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Logix Federal Credit Union. He is a past member of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo.

“I have seen the city grow significantly over the past 30 years,” said Hart. “I would like to give back to the community I love so much and help it grow responsibly for the next 30 years. I feel my work experience provides me with a balanced perspective on growth and the needs of the community.”

Eight people applied to the planning board representing many facets of Santa Clarita, from business, arts and the public sector. Besides Hart, Corey Alan Carter, Sarah Darabi, John Lewis Dortch, Dr. Mark Elfont, Jason Warren Gibbs, Dan Masnada and Gary L. Morrison all applied for the position.

The Planning Commission advises the City Council on major development projects, property acquisition, specific plans zoning and other planning matters, said city officials

Hart is set to serve for one unexpired term of office on the Planning Commission, ending December 31, 2020.

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