GARDINER — Jason Simcock, the city of Gardiner’s planning and development director, is stepping down after six years.

Simcock will start Monday as a member of Androscoggin Bank’s business and government services team. He said his new position involves helping local governments, nonprofits, schools, and businesses “meet their banking needs.”

He will work out of the bank’s Lewiston office. His last day in Gardiner is Friday.

“I appreciate the opportunity to have worked for Gardiner over the past five plus years,” said Simcock, who lives in Manchester. “I consider myself lucky to have met and collaborated with so many hard working and talented people and to have helped the community accomplish many of its goals in development.”

Major projects under Simcock’s direction have included a multi-million dollar downtown waterfront redevelopment, the Libby Hill business park expansion; the planning and designing of a bike and pedestrian trail to connect to the Kennebec River Rail Trail, and the building a new community playground.

City Manager Scott Morelli said Simcock helped secure more than $2 million for public infrastructure projects during his tenure with the city.

Simcock left his job after one year as town manager of Monmouth to accept the Gardiner post. He also worked in West Rutland, Vt., and Exeter as town managers and for the Maine Department of Transportation’s Maine Local Roads Center for three years.

Morelli said aside from managing multiple infrastructure projects, Simcock focused on economic development and helped bring two new businesses to the Libby Hill Business Park.

He also helped the city launch a revamped marketing program for Libby Hill, including a email campaign and new website, www.libbyhillbusinesspark.com.

Simcock is also credited with working with Gardiner Main Street and the Gardiner Board of Trade to publish “A Guide to Doing Business in Gardiner, Maine,” which is now featured on the city’s website.

“Jason certainly made a positive impact on our community during his tenure,” Morelli said Monday. “Whether it’s the waterfront project, Libby Hill or the Cobbossee Corridor, Gardiner residents have tangible benefits that are directly related to Jason’s hard work. I wish him all the best in his career.”

Morelli said city officials are considering options regarding the future of that position and expect to begin advertising the vacancy this month.

Mechele Cooper — 623-3811, ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com

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