Columbus will be losing its first town planner soon as Daniel Hallstrom has announced his resignation.

Hallstrom told the Columbus Planning Board last Thursday that he will be leaving the town on July 31.

The town is consolidating projects Hallstrom has been working on for him to finish prior to his leaving. Hallstrom said plans are for the town to hire a replacement in time for Hallstrom to work with him/her for a smooth transition.

Hallstrom was hired as the town planner in July, 2007 after Columbus officials said they needed the position to help meet recent growth in the town.

With Hallstrom, Columbus was able to create its own inspections department and the town planning board began working closely with Hallstrom to enact new ordinances to meet new subdivision growth.

Hallstrom began working with Columbus as he was finishing up his community and regional planning and geography degree from Appalachian State University.

Hallstrom has been instrumental with the town&squo;s planning and inspections department as well as conducting research, working on GIS and the town website and coordinating special events for the town.

Hallstrom says he is leaving in July to leave with a historical program to sail around Africa. The trip will take approximately a year.