Town of Lenox
Planning Board
Laurel Lake Neighborhood, Cranwell Resort
Minutes
April 24, 2007
Members present: Joe Kellogg, JK; Pam Mackie, PM; Kim Reopell-Flynn, KRF; Kate McNulty-Vaughn, KMV; Steve Sample, SS
Also in attendance were Town Planner Joellyn Warren and Town Manager Greg Federspiel
6:10 p.m. Dennis Welch, informal, 0 Cliffwood Street
Mr. Welch described the 4 parcel ANR on the corner of Cliffwood and Main Streets. He has purchased the lot on the corner. The largest part of the lot is zoned R-15. He would like to build a structure that would hold 3 offices on the 1st floor and 2 living units on 2nd floor. There is a possibility of combining two lots to create one larger lot. The building would be colonial in design, not exceed 24’ in height and would require 14 parking spaces to the rear. Businesses may include offices but no retail or medical. SS and JW noted that the zoning bylaw allows for offices in R-15 in existing structures. Members noted there would need to be a zoning amendment to allow office use in new construction. KRF suggested that the board put Mr. Welch on their May 8th meeting at 6:15 p.m. to
discuss further.
6:25 p.m. John Toole, 117 Main Street
KRF recused herself. SS took over as chair. Attorney Phil Heller presented petition on behalf of the applicant. The applicant seeks a special permit from the ZBA to convert an existing residential property to an office on the lower level and one residential unit above. The petition meets all the requirements under the bylaw except driveway setback to access the parking area. The applicant had received a memo from town planner, Joellyn Warren, stating that Table 6.6-1.D.2 does not specifically identify insurance but it should be considered similar in nature to those uses listed. The Toole Insurance Company has had a location in Lenox since 1987. The lease term has expired in current location and they seek to purchase this property for their use. Office currently employs one person. Structure would be renovated and
upgraded. JK made a motion to make a favorable recommendation to the ZBA. PM seconded. All voted in favor. JK to write a letter for ZBA meeting on May 2, 2007.
6:45 p.m. General Business
KRF returned as chair. Town Manager Federspiel asked the board to explain their plans for the planning board update at Town Meeting. KRF explained that she would prepare an outline for the presentation that would be circulated to all the board members to comment by the following Monday. JW would provide maps of the neighborhood areas to Town Manager Federspiel. JK suggested that it be short and to the point.
JK reported on the Community Preservation Committee’s activities. To date the CPC had not made a final decision on the library but planned to hold another meeting before Town Meeting to finalize. PM stated that she does not think CPA funds should be spent for the library. KMV stated that open space is not a topic coming to the top for funding at this time. JK agreed that it would take several years for open space projects to surface to be considered for CPA funds. Town Manager Federspiel outlined the warrant articles. JK said he would advise CPC that the Planning Board has not changed it’s position on using CPA funds for library.
7:00 adjourn business meeting.
7:10 Laurel Lake Neighborhood Meeting
The Planning Board held a community meeting to hear from the residents of the Laurel Lake neighborhood. Many of the issues presented related to:
Ecology and stormwater runoff, especially related to lake area
Sewer around lake would improve water quality
Protect character (backroads, country side, greenways)
How can we get people to Lenox and reduce cars at the same time
Scenic road designations, adopt a road programs
Informal meetings with abutting towns on large projects
ZBA should consider impact on water as part of project
Need year-round housing that is affordable
Neighborhood meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Minutes taken by JW
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