Town of Lenox
Planning Board
January 12, 2010
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Joseph A. Kellogg, JK, Ken Fowler, KF, Steve Sample, SS, Gary Schiff, GS and Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV.
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA and Peggy Ammendola, Landuse Clerk, PA
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.
WS Development regarding the proposed Lenox Center project: It was noted that WS Development Associates has filed an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Special Permit to expand the Lenox Center, located on Pittsfield Road. Representing WS Development Associates, LLC were Robert Frazier, Vice President of Development and Jeffrey Heidelberg, Project Manager. Also present was Tim Williams, Vice President of Allen & Major Associates, Inc. Mr. Frazier provided an updated overview of the proposed project. He said that tenants have been secured for the project, however their identities will not be made public until the ZBA public hearing at which point the tenants will be participating in the presentation.
Jeff Heidelberg told the Board that during the process of reviewing their project with the Conservation Commission in October, 2008, a rare species was discovered which necessitated further study. The study has been completed and a report proposing changes to accommodate the rare species has been approved by Natural Heritage. The changes involve a relocation of the expanded parking lot.
Expansion plans will involve the addition of landscaping, lighting, and updated signage. The style of the center will be colonial, and the existing store fronts will be updated as the spaces are leased. Tim Williams stated that the project will provide a new parking layout and landscaping and pedestrian connections. Stormwater management and utilities will be upgraded. It was noted that work was progressing on the MEPA process to determine if an Environmental Impact Report will be required.
The Board agreed to take the matter of a recommendation under consideration and make a decision at the next meeting scheduled for January 26, 2010.
Presentation by Phil Heller regarding Allegrone - Pittsfield Road project:
Attorney Heller told the Board that Allegrone Construction Company, Inc. has a contract to purchase the property located at 150 Pittsfield Road provided they can get the approval of the ZBA for Site Plan Review. The Petitioner wishes to move their headquarters from Pittsfield to this site as well as offer rental office space. Mr. Heller presented a site plan which he said is in conformity with the Zoning Bylaw with regards to density and dimensional requirements. An existing encroachment onto the northerly abutter’s property will be removed as part of the project. Plans are to construct a two story addition in the rear of the existing building for the Allegrone offices and upgrade the existing building that will be leased to tenants. Parking will be increased by 53 spaces to bring
the total to 104 spaces. Thirty nine percent of the 5.9 acre parcel will remain as open space. A letter dated December 18, 2009 from Jeff Vincent, Director of Public Works, states that the increased water demand of approximately 1,080 gallons per day is acceptable.
Mr. Scalise stated that there would be no increase of stormwater on the site and noted that the Conservation Commission has reviewed the project and issued a Negative Determination. There will be minimum grading and the existing driveway will be reused. The southerly drive will be for entering traffic only, and the northerly drive will be for entering and exiting. Additional landscaping will be added, the amount of signage will remain the same, and the lighting will be upgraded and increased from 8 to 12 downcast lights. Mr. Scalise said that MassDOT has reviewed the proposal and determined that an access permit or permit modifications from MassDOT will not be required. A traffic study prepared by his firm determined that the traffic impact and flow associated with the proposed
improvements is very unlikely to cause noticeable disruptions and/or interruptions to the existing transportation network.
Lou Allegrone, Sr. gave a brief history of their company which started in 1921. Lou Allegrone, Jr. said that the new construction would incorporate as many “green” elements as possible providing maximum efficiency of energy.
Mike Sucoff, a former resident of Twelve Oaks, spoke in favor of the project but suggested better screening of the project from residents of Twelve Oaks.
Following the conclusion of the presentation and several questions from Board members, KF made a motion to write a favorable letter to the ZBA in support of the project as presented. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted 5-0 to approve.
Continued Discussion – Potential Zoning Amendments:
Residential Site Plan Review: JK suggested that MA prepare a redraft based on what the Board has heard and to hold additional informational meetings. MA provided a packet of information which included the December 2009 draft document with Mark Bobrowski’s edits and a copy of a similar bylaw used in the Town of Concord.
Property Rezoning: JK noted that two requests have been received to consider a change of zoning for two separate properties. The first is a 6 acre Town owned property on Willow Creek Road which the Board of Selectmen would like to rezone from Residential to Industrial. The second property belongs to Schweitzer Mauduit International, located on Mill Street. William Tyer has sent a letter suggesting that the Board consider an amendment to rezone this property from Industrial to Commercial. As suggested by the Board at a prior meeting, MA has invited Mr. Tyer to attend a Board meeting to discuss his request.
Open Space and Recreation Plan Filing Update: KM-V has been working on editing, and hopes to finish soon. JK suggested that we finalize the document at the next meeting and submit it to the State.
Minutes: GS made a motion to approve the minutes of December 29, 2009. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0-1 to approve. KF abstained as he was not present.
Public hearing notices and decisions from abutting communities were reviewed.
New Business: Jim Biancola stated that there are several inconsistencies on minor items in the Zoning Bylaw that need to be corrected. MA agreed to meet with him to get a better understanding of these items.
GS made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 pm. KF seconded the motion and the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
| 
