The Caldwell County Planning Board elected new leadership during its meeting Monday night at the City-County Chambers in Lenoir, with Kenneth Crump becoming chairman and Sharon Schmidt chosen as vice-chairman.

Both members are veterans of the board and replace Harry Suddreth Sr. and Dal Haigler, both of whom had resigned earlier this year.

The board also amended its by-laws, giving two-year terms to both leadership posts.

Additionally, the board approved eliminating the Subdivision Review committee, which had consisted of a group of board members. Moving forward, the full planning board will consider new subdivision plans and will forward their recommendation for approval or denial to the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners for a final decision.

County Commission Chairman Ben Griffin and Commissioner Don Barrier also attended the meeting. Griffin indicated the commissioners are seeking to fill the two vacant seats on the planning board.

Coves general manager leaving

Bruce Dickinson, who has served as general manager of The Coves development, has announced he is leaving to pursue other opportunities in his native Canada.

Today was expected to be his last day on the job.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity," Dickinson said. "I'm looking forward to the change."

Dickinson has been in charge of The Coves project since March 2007. The sprawling, multi-phase development runs from near Gamewell toward Collettsville and has been one of the few to survive the real estate crisis that choked off several high-end projects in the county.

Dickinson said he will heading to Toronto in another month. He said he is not sure what his departure will mean for the project, which is about to welcome its first homeowners in December.

"It's hard to say," Dickinson said. "New leadership will take over. It's been a great time, and I have made a lot of friends. But it's time for some personal change.

"I wish all the best for everybody. It's always been great to have all the support from the folks in Colllettsville, Lenoir and Caldwell County."