Town of Lenox
Planning Board
May 13, 2008
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Kim Reopell Flynn, KRF; Steve Sample, SS; Joe Kellogg, JK; Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KM-V
Gary Schiff, absent with notification
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA; Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA
Meeting was called to order at 6:08 p.m.
1. Minutes
April 8, 2008
April 30, 2008
JK wants additional time to make comments. He will send comments to PA who will make the changes and present at the next meeting.
2. ANR Plans
There were no ANR Plans for tonight’s meeting.
3. Informal Meeting with the Jurney Family to Discuss Future Plans for Springlawn
Making the presentation were:
James Jurney Sr.
James Jurney Jr.
Gwen Jurney
In July of 2005, the Jurneys purchased just over 30 acres from Shakespeare and Company that was a part of a 62 acre property. Springlawn and Clipson Grange are the two main structures on this property (Map 7 Parcel 22-5) and both are part of the Great Estates. The Jurneys have done extensive restoration to these structures. Additionally there is a carriage house that the Jurneys plan to restore, and two other structures that are in disrepair and are slated to be demolished at a future date.
The Jurneys presented a binder with photos of the two Great Estate structures when they were new, after years of neglect and what they have become. Mr. Jurney Jr. reviewed a satellite view of the property with the proposed pool and tennis courts. He explained that this property has conservation restrictions and for the last 2 ? years ago have been in discussion with the state in trying to change Shakespeare and Company’s use of theater to hotel use. Though the Jurneys do not have physical evidence in hand, they strongly believe that they are coming to a conclusion with permissions from the state which will allow them to go ahead with the town permitting process.
Mr. Jurney Sr. would like to do formal gardens, but with the restrictions in place, he is unable to do so. He has been in touch with family members of the original owner in his quest for documentation to support that such gardens did exist. The architect for Springlawn, Guy Lowell, was known for his formal gardens. Thus far Mr. Jurney has been unable to find documentation.
Other items Mr. Jurney Jr. mentioned were finishing the trail for public access, public parking on Old Stockbridge Road, and some form of covered parking for Springlawn.
George Jordan was the only member of the public at the meeting. He asked about the plans for the two buildings that are in disrepair. Mr. Jurney Sr. said that they had intended to take them down right away, but have left them to protect their right to rebuild if they choose to. He stated that both houses have caved in and an underground tunnel between the two has also caved in. Mr. Jordan also asked about the public trail and the continuation of that trail into town behind the Walker House. Mr. Jurney Jr. responded that the connection would involve 2 or 3 property owners and that there is not an easement.
Town permits for a variance and special permits would be required for the Jurneys to change the use of their property. MA advised that a recent court ruling regarding the appeal of another petition suggests that the Jurneys should first file for the variance. In the past an applicant who needed a variance and special permit would do so with the same petition, but this recent court ruling indicates the process should be to first file for any variances before requesting special permits. If the Jurney’s request for the variance is granted, then a second petition should be filed for special permits. MA gave a copy of the ruling to the Jurney’s, suggested they speak to their attorney and offered to discuss with the Town Counsel on their behalf.
4. Vote to Accept Open Space Plan Update
MA provided copies of the Update and reviewed items that have been updated and changes made. Joellyn Warren, the former Town Planner, had worked on the Update prior to her departure and MA has made it a goal to complete as the Town is not eligible to apply for some grants without an Update. KM-V would like to read this document before voting. MA explained that the purpose of the Open Space Plan is to define the Open Space and protect it.
Jan Chague was the only member of the public present for this discussion.
5. Old Business
- East Ridge Subdivision accept letter to continue & discuss potential dates for the informal hearing.
- MA advised that the letter expected from Rob Akroyd has not been received.
- Discuss zoning amendments
The Board plans on having more public discussion regarding these issues:
OSRD
Flexible Zoning
FAR
“Pork chop” lots
Form Based Zoning
Inclusionary Zoning
The goal is to have each topic discussed at regular meetings, one topic per meeting, by September and to have a Special Town Meeting later in the fall.
6. New Business
JK presented a letter for the Board to review regarding General Electric’s proposal to rid the Housatonic River of PCB’s from Pittsfield to Wood’s Pond. A coalition has been formed which opposes the current proposal. After reviewing the letter, JK made a motion that the Planning Board sign the letter with the proviso to change the bold text to standard text. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted to agree 4-0.
KRF said that she will submit her letter of resignation to the Board of Selectmen on May 14, 2008 to be effective June 30, 2008.
Gary Schiff was elected at the Annual Town Election to be a member of the Planning Board. The reorganization of the Board will be at the next meeting.
JK made a motion to adjourn and SS seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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