LONDONDERRY — With several major development projects taking shape across town, Londonderry has a new official overseeing its planning and economic growth.
Jacob LaFontaine took over as director of planning and economic development Oct. 8, filling a position that had been vacant since Kellie Caron departed June 10 to become Concord’s city planner.
LaFontaine comes to Londonderry after nearly seven years in Salem’s Planning Department, where he helped oversee development projects, including the sprawling Tuscan Village complex.
He joined Salem in December 2019 as assistant planner and code enforcement officer before becoming planning director in 2022.
His new position adds a greater emphasis on economic development, something LaFontaine acknowledged with a touch of humor.
“There are a few more words here than there were there,” he said, comparing his new title with his previous one.
The move puts LaFontaine at the center of several large-scale developments that will help shape Londonderry’s future, including Woodmont Commons, Village of Technology Hill and Brook Hollow.
Like Tuscan Village, these planned unit developments combine residential, commercial and recreational uses across ...