Town of Lenox
Planning Board
September 25, 2007
Land Use Meeting Room
JK Revised 09252007 as of 10152007
Members present: Chair Kim Reopell Flynn, KRF; Steve Sample, SS; Joe Kellogg, JK; Kate McNulty Vaughan, KM-V
KM-V arrived at 6:15 p.m.
Absent with notification: Pam Mackie, PM
Staff present: Mary Albertson, MA; Peggy Ammendola, PA
6:00 p.m. G & L Realty, LLC, d/b/a Haddad Toyota Hyundai Jeep, 526 Pittsfield Road (Map 33, Parcel 7). Modification of a Special Permit to expand approximately 2,200 square feet. The petitioner is also seeking approval of six new signs totaling 99.9 square feet. KRF recused herself from the G & L meeting as she is employed by Attorney Phil Heller. JK acted as Chair.
Presenting the petition were:
Attorney Phil Heller
George Haddad, Principal
Rob Hoogs, Foresight Land Services
John Ineson, architect
Mike and Lorena Coggins, Principals in G & L Realty
There were no abutters present nor correspondence received.
EXPANSION:
Mr. Heller stated that this is a modification of a Special Permit granted May 14, 1987. The modification is to expand the existing building by adding a new entrance portal that will measure 25’ by 95 feet for a total of 2200 square feet. The modification is the result of a mandate by Toyota, under a national Toyota program, Image USA II. Aerial views were presented.
SIGNS:
Mr. Heller also requested the right to increase signage. The proposal is to erect three brand symbol signs and three directional signs on the new entry portal and on the south façade of the building for a total of 99.9 square feet. Mr. Heller acknowledges that the allowed signage (one sign on building of 24 square feet and a freestanding sign of 36 square feet) is exceeded with this request. To support the request he stated that brand name signs are an important element in order to compete in the highly competitive automobile market. He reviewed the proposed signage and the existing signage. Mr. Heller noted that permission was granted February 1, 1996 by the ZBA to erect a 35.43 square foot sign on the building, however the sign was never installed.
Mr. Ineson, the architect for the proposed building addition, showed elevations and described the changes that would be made to the existing structure. The two public sides will be re-skinned with the exception of a small part of concrete masonry.
Mr. Hoogs said that a small part of the existing building will be removed with the addition of the entry portal, resulting in a net increase of 2100 square feet. The driveway will change somewhat, and the body shop door will be moved to the side where it will be more visible. The site lighting will remain the same. The portal, the smallest allowed by Toyota, is an architectural element with a translucent backlight which replaces the three wall pack lights. The light from the façade will be 0.1 foot-candles compared to a maximum of 0.2 foot-candles allowed by the bylaw.
Mr. Haddad said that the dealership was formed by his father and uncle in 1969. In 1989 there were renovations. In 2006 the dealership sold 2,000 new and used vehicles and serviced 23,000 vehicles. There are 75 full time employees and 10 part time employees. In FY 2006, taxes paid to the Town of Lenox amounted to approximately $22,000.00. The dealership sponsors 20 golf tournaments and donates $18,000.00 to $20,000.00 a year to charities.
Mr. Haddad said that Toyota has told them that when the dealership becomes compliant with the mandates, it will be awarded a Scion dealership.
KM-V acknowledged that the demands of larger signage are put upon the dealer, but that the company (Toyota) would modify if they want the dealership there.
JK asked that the Toyota symbol be reduced, as he feels the translucent will do the job of attracting customers and he would like the two existing free standing signs removed.
SS said that his first concern is safety. He noted that there have been several accidents near this location and he does not want any changes to add to the problems. He feels the scale of the proposal does not look bad and fits well.
SS made a motion that: “I will draft a letter to the ZBA that is generally along the lines of what we talked about this evening basically dealing with signs, square footage as well as lighting and other things that we discussed and then to approve it at our next meeting or make any changes at that point and then finalize it and send to the ZBA.” KM-V seconded the motion. Motion carried.
KRF returned for the duration of tonight’s meeting.
6:30 p.m. Marasco, 667 East St., Map 23 Parcel 21, Form A. Brian Koczela presented the Form A. There are two acres with one dwelling. The owners wish to break off one acre. KM-V made a motion to approve the Form A and JK seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0 to approve.
6:30 p.m. Buccaneer Development, Inc, concerning property located at 12 East Street (Map 4 and 34 Parcel 12) owned by Bernard D. Starr and Jana Starr. Special Permit for designation under Section 14 for designation as an Open Space Residential Development (OSRD). Public Hearing continued from August 14, 2007, August 28, 2007,and September 11, 2007. KRF said that Buccaneer has requested that tonight’s hearing be continued. JK made a motion to continue the public hearing to October 9, 2007 at 6:30 pm and KM-V seconded the motion. The Board voted to approve 4-0. Letter dated September 25, 2007 from James and Valerie Herrick submitted by James Herrick. Present were James Herrick and Bob Grosz.
Other business:
· Reviewed Public Notices:
1.)ZBA-Greylock Greylock Federal Credit Union, Modify a Special Permit Section 5.5, Site lighting, 444 Pittsfield-Lenox Road. Property is in the C-1A Zone (Map 50 Parcel 12). The PB will defer to the Zoning Board of Appeals for their judgment.
2.) ZBA-Marcia Golden, 52 Cliffwood Street (Map 46, Parcel 65) Special Permit under Section 5.5 to construct a 6’x10’ addition and a Variance under Section 8.4.4(a) to construct a 10’x10’ screened porch. The PB will defer to the Zoning Board of Appeals for their judgment.
· Charlie Liston: SS asked if the BOS had waived the Form A filing fee as requested at the September 11, 2007 meeting. Ms. Albertson said that she would follow through on that request.
· Minutes: JK made a motion to approve the September 11, 2007 minutes as amended. KM-V seconded the motion. The Board voted to approve 4-0.
KM-V made a motion to adjourn and JK seconded the motion. The Board voted to approve 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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