Bobby Kirby has announced his resignation from McMinnville’s Historic Zoning Commission. 

“I have served on this commission for 10 or 12 years,” said Kirby. “I have enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed being a part of downtown and a member of the Historic Zoning Commission. I do think that it is time for me to step down. I will be doing that and resigning.”

That announcement came Tuesday during the monthly meeting of the commission. Among the items of business on the agenda was to select a chairman. Kirby, who was serving as vice chairman, was the natural selection. Instead, he announced a pending resignation.

“I can’t,” said Kirby. “I wouldn’t be opposed, but I will say publically right now that I most likely will be resigning my position on this board in the very near future. Possibly even today. Fortunately, I’m involved in a very exciting project downtown that we are looking forward to.”

Investment Partners LLC, of which Kirby is one of three developers, has entered into an agreement with the city of McMinnville to purchase and develop the Blue Building property. That project, once approved for TIF financing, calls for putting 24 condos in the Blue Building itself and building 40 additional townhomes in back. 

Raven Young was selected as interim chair.

Kirby’s resignation leaves two open positions on McMinnville’s Historic Zoning Commission. Tom Ward also resigned. Open seats are filled by McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen appointment.