Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
June 7, 2011
Members present: Chair Jason Berger, JB; Clare Cantone, CC; Steve Sample, SS;
Absent without notification: Elaine Steinert, ES
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, PA
Present was resident George Jordan.
Town of Lenox 18 Main Street, Map 43 Parcel 173. Construction of a twelve foot by twenty-one foot concrete pad with three foot high concrete walls on three sides to be located in the northeast corner of the Roche Reading Park near the rear of the Olde Heritage Tavern. The purpose is to provide a suitable enclosure for the existing dumpsters.
Presenting the application was Jeff Vincent, Superintendent of the Department of Public Works.
Mr. Vincent stated that this is a part of the Downtown Phase II project. The actual location of the pad is in the town parking lot that is located behind the library. The idea is to consolidate the existing dumpsters for the library, Betty’s Pizza and Olde Heritage Tavern, reducing the number from 3 dumpsters to two larger ones and have four totes for recyclables. The three sided structure will be well hidden with tree configuration. This will improve the appearance.
SS made the motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness and CC seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0.
Sandwich Signs- Informal discussion regarding sandwich signs in the HDC will follow the TOL meeting.
Selectmen Linda Messana and John McNinch were present and wanted to know how the Commission felt about having sandwich boards for additional signage seasonally. Copies of the Lenox Bylaw, Chapter XIII, Miscellaneous Provisions to the Commissioners were made available. This Bylaw states that temporary sandwich signs can be approved by the Board of Selectmen, and a $50.00 fine can be imposed upon violators.
Discussion ensued. JB stated that this request does not fall under the purview of the HDC as it is a temporary sign. Mr. McNinch said that his goal for the Town is to define this signage and if it is agreed upon, then to enforce. This topic will be discussed at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on June 8, 2011.
Mr. Jordan expressed his opinion that the HDC Bylaw prohibits banners and sandwich signs. He referred to Section 7.5.2. It was determined that this section referred to by Mr. Jordan is an excerpt of the outdated section of the Zoning Bylaw and was merely referenced in the HDC Bylaw, not a part of it. While the HDC understood Mr. Jordan’s concerns it was suggested that Mr. Jordan take up his argument with the Board of Selectmen, Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning Board.
Minutes May 17, 2011: Tabled as there was not a quorum.
SS made a motion to adjourn at 6:30 pm. CC seconded the motion and the Commission voted to agree 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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