NORWICH – The outgoing chair of the Chenango County Planning and Development Board said last week the organization has been underused and is not complying with New York Sate General Municipal Law.

“We want to be asked to study things for the Board of Supervisors. They should, ideally, be pitching more to us,” said Kenneth Ryan, chairman since 2003 and a board member representing Oxford since 1999.

Specifically, Ryan said state law requires the Chenango County Planning and Development Board to review and comment on highway construction projects, such as the 32B Halfway House bridge project.

“By state law, we have to review all new highways being built. We don’t want to be bullheaded about it. It may be not natural for them, but, tactfully, we should tell them,” Ryan said.

Supervisor Linda E. Natoli, who, as chair of the county’s Planning & Economic Development Committee sits on the all-volunteer board, suggested it “would save time” if supervisors used the group “as a resource.” However, she suggested approaching standing committees first.

“I agree. The Planning Board is being wasted,” Natoli said, adding later that she wasn’t sure whether or not supervisors “really want us to do our job.”

“I’ve been very encouraged and impressed with your commitment to making Chenango County a better place to live, and how you all drag out here at 8 a.m. for this meeting every month,” she said.