Concord Select Board member Mary Hartman resigned Saturday, Oct. 10, citing family reasons and opening a vacancy that will force a special election.

Board Chair Wendy Rovelli confirmed the resignation to The Concord Bridge and said the vote to fill Hartman's seat could come in early January. The board plans to discuss the timeline at its Monday, Oct. 19 meeting.

"This is a deeply personal decision … At this point in my life, I need to make space for my loved ones who deserve my care," Hartman wrote in her resignation letter to Rovelli.

Hartman, a retired finance manager, first joined the Select Board in 2022. She won re-election in April 2025 as the top vote-getter in a four-way, two-seat race with 2,587 votes. Her unexpired term runs through May 1, 2028.

She had taken a temporary leave of absence over the summer but returned for meetings this fall before stepping down.

Three seats, six months

Hartman's departure means three of the board's five seats will be decided within roughly six months. Rovelli's and member Cameron McKennitt's terms both expire in the spring. Concord's annual town election nominating caucus is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2027.

The turnover comes as the board navigates major decisions on housing and development. Town consultants presented updated plans in September for the MCI-Concord prison redevelopment, proposing up to 100,000 square feet of retail space. The plan could accommodate as many as 1,000 housing units. Consultant Phil Schaeffing estimated the project could generate roughly $1.2 million per year in revenue for the town and its schools. A zoning vote could go before Town Meeting voters in May.

Housing advocate steps away

Hartman represented the Select Board on the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust and was a vocal advocate for new housing. At the Sept. 24 groundbreaking for the Novo Riverside Commons development, she said, "I believe most people in Concord want to contribute to the solution and not let NIMBYism stand in the way," as The Concord Bridge reported Oct. 2.

Rovelli said she expects to take over Hartman's seat on the housing trust because of the housing components in the MCI-Concord redevelopment process. Rovelli co-chairs the MCI Concord Master Plan Committee. Hartman's remaining committee assignments will be divided among the other board members, Rovelli said.

"We regret it … but obviously she's doing the right thing for her family," Rovelli told The Concord Bridge.

The Select Board meets Monday, Oct. 19 to set the special election timeline. Residents interested in running for Hartman's seat should watch for filing details from the town clerk's office.