Clintonville Area Commission Chairman John DeFourny resigned late Wednesday evening, May 16.

In a letter to Vice Chairman Nick Cipiti, DeFourny wrote:

“Effective at 11 p.m. tonight, May 16, 2012, I, John DeFourny, hereby resign my positions as: commission of District 8, Beechwold, chairperson of the Clintonville Area Commission, chairperson of the planning and development committee of the Clintonville Area Commission, committee member of the zoning and variance committee of Clintonville area commission.

“I have been honored to serve my community.”

The area commission will be down two members at a special meeting set for Monday, May 21, regarding designs for new gateway signs.

District 7 representative Dave Southan, who lost in a bid to retain his seat in the May 5 election to Jason Meek, also stepped down.

DeFourny announced via email that he was excusing Southan from attending the May 21 special session and the June 4 regular meeting, the last before Meek takes office in July.

“I think with what’s going on in (DeFourny’s) family at his time, it would be good if everyone respects his decision and moves forward with this in a positive light,” District 2 CAC representative Nancy Kuhel said Thursday, May 17.

She was referring to the May 5 death of DeFourny’s 51-year-old sister, Lisa Inez DeFourny, at her Clintonville home.

“I am surprised,” incoming commission member Meek said. “I hope the decision helps John with processing his recent family loss and that his efforts won’t be forgotten. He has served the community diligently. His efforts will be missed but I’m sure he will continue to be involved.”

DeFourny had come under considerable heat in recent weeks for his handling of the process for settling upon the design for community welcome signs.

In his resignation letter, DeFourny points out that, since more than 13 months remain in his present term, a special election will have to be held to fill the vacancy created by his departure.