Town of Lenox
Planning Board
August 25, 2009
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Joseph A. Kellogg, JK; Ken Fowler, KF; Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV, Steve Sample, SS. and Gary Schiff, GS;
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner.
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm.
Approval Not Required Plans: There were no plans submitted.
Continued Discussion - Section 6.7 Religious and Educational Uses and FAR Regulations:
MA suggested that the Planning Board consider requirements for all buildings in residential zoning districts that are larger than 5,000 square feet. She also suggested screening requirements for unsightly utility equipment. The provision would apply to all buildings, including single family homes. JK said he recognizes the need to remove the existing Section 6.7 as recommended by the Attorney General in order to avoid any constitutional challenges, but would like to replace it with some controls over the impacts created by places of assembly such as traffic, parking and aesthetic compatibility. He would like information on current places of assembly such as building size and location. MA will provide this information. She will also invite Bill Thornton, Building Commissioner to attend a
future meeting to discuss how the Building Code classifies places of assembly. SS wants to make sure there is adequate parking for places of assembly. KMV distributed copies of a newspaper story regarding a RLUIPA case in Portland, Maine.
Continued Discussion – Use Categories: JK and MA will develop a draft proposal for the Board’s consideration.
Open Space and Recreation Plan: JK said he discussed this matter with MA and suggested that a reasonable strategy would be to submit the draft plan to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). Filing the plan with EOEA allows the Town to apply for Department of Conservation Service grant applications. It is understood the EOEA will probably require changes to the draft plan. It was noted that CPA funds could be used to prepare a more comprehensive Open Space and Recreation Plan. MA distributed copies of the revised draft and JK asked that this matter be on the September 22, 2009 agenda for a vote.
Minutes: KF made a motion to approve the minutes of August 11, 2009 and SS seconded the motion. The Board voted 4-0- to approve. (GS abstained as he did not attend the meeting.)
Public hearing notices and decisions from abutting communities were reviewed.
SS made a motion to adjourn at 6:52 pm. KF seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Albertson
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