NEW SCOTLAND — After searching for appointees to the town planning board and zoning board of appeals for several months, the town board has appointed Crystal Peck to the planning board. Peck was appointed on Sept. 29 and will serve up to the end of 2019.

Peck earned her bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany in 2001, and graduated from Albany Law School with her Juris Doctor in 2006. She started working as a law clerk for the firm Bailey Johnson in April of 2004, two months after it had opened.

Peck began work as an attorney at Bailey Johnson in January of 2007. She primarily practices in municipal law, working on cases ranging from zoning issues and land use to civil rights case involving First Amendment violations and use of excessive force by police.

“It’s always interesting when you work with municipalities,” Peck told The Enterprise. “You take yourself out of the lawyer and into the citizen...it all affects you.”

A little over a year ago, Peck moved to New Scotland. She lives with her husband and two children by both the Colonie Country Club and Kensington Woods. Witnessing these two developments with the idea of settling down with her family in mind, Peck says she wants to see how her community will change “literally and figuratively.”

“I think it is important to be part of the process,” she said.

Peck says she would like to approach applicants before the planning board with an open mind, but also will consider what town residents will want, striking a balance between the “rural feel” desired by the townspeople and allowing some development to take place.

“I’m excited about this,” said Peck. She later told The Enterprise,“I’m looking forward to being part of the process and its shaping of the community.”