Town of Lenox
Planning Board
April 13, 2010
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Joseph A. Kellogg, JK; Ken Fowler, KF; Steve Sample, SS and Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV.
Members absent: Gary Schiff, GS
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA and Peggy Ammendola, Landuse Clerk, PA
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm
Zoning Amendments: The Board discussed and voted on their reports to the Annual Town Meeting for the following proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw:
Item 1 - Amend Section 3.1.E. 3. “Laboratory or research facility for medical, dental, technical, scientific use and uses accessory to them (but excluding direct services to patients) provided that all uses are in enclosed buildings” by allowing it as a By Right use in the Industrial-I District; and amend Section 3.1.E. 4. “Laboratory or research facility” by allowing it as a By Right use in the Industrial-I District.
KF made a motion to recommend approval of Item 1. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve.
Item 2 - Amend the Zoning Map by rezoning the classification of 6 acres of property located at the intersection of Housatonic Street and Willow Creek Road specifically Assessors Map 8 Parcel 98 from Residential-R-1A to Industrial-I District.
KMV made a motion to recommend approval of Item 2. KF seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve.
Item 3- Remove in its entirety Section 6.7 - Educational and Religious Uses.
KMV made a motion to recommend approval of Item 3. KF seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve.
Item 4 - Add the following new Section 6.2.4 Off-Premises Outdoor Display and Sales
SS made a motion to recommend Item 4 be tabled for further discussion and to not present at the Annual Town Meeting. KF seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve.
Continued Discussion Green Communities Designation: Handouts were provided to the Board for review including a Solar Energy Bylaw being considered by the Town of Winchester, MA. In addition there was a brief discussion of a recent presentation in the Lee Town Hall attended by JK regarding constructing solar photovoltaic facilities on landfills.
Route 7/20 Corridor Study Project Update: It was noted that KF, JK and MA attended a breakfast meeting on March 24th held at the Hampton Inn to discuss the status of this project. MA said it is clear from information presented at the meeting that the Corridor adequately handles the amount of traffic, but safety concerns need to be addressed. The next public meeting is scheduled for May 26th at 7:30 am at the Patriot Suites in Pittsfield.
Permit Extension Legislation: JK informed the Board that the Massachusetts Legislature is currently considering a stimulus bill which contains a section to extend the two year deadline to begin work for special permits. It is thought that the intention of the legislation is to give additional time to complete projects that may have been held up due to the poor economy. JK wanted the Board to be aware of the proposal. MA will follow up with Representative Pignatelli’s office.
Minutes: KF made a motion to approve the minutes of March 23, 2010. KMV seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve.
Decisions and notices of public hearings from abutting communities were reviewed.
There was a brief discussion regarding the May 11th meeting. Due to schedule conflicts, it was agreed to cancel the meeting unless there is some pressing business which cannot wait until May 25th.
KMV made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 pm. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0 to approve.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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