Town of Lenox
Planning Board
August 14, 2012
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Acting Chair Steve Sample, SS; Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; Gary Schiff, GS; Mark S. Smith, MS. MS arrived at 6:00 PM.
Absent with notification: Kimberly Reopell Flynn, KRF
Selectmen present: Chair Ken Fowler, KF; David Roche, DR; John McNinch, JM; Channing Gibson, CG; Ed Lane, EL
Town Manager present: Greg Federspiel
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA; Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
Also present were: Dave Coffey of the Berkshire Record and Kameron Spaulding of the Beacon.
Approval Not Required Plans-There were no plans.
Economic Development Opportunities Discussion with Board of Selectmen: This was an open discussion in which all members shared their opinions and discussed strategies for developing economic opportunities within Lenox. MA provided in advance to all participants a set of eight questions to promote discussion. Additionally there was a handout from the National League of Cities, The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development. Key points addressed were:
Attracting businesses: The consensus of the group was medical and high tech industries are preferable.
Marketing expertise: DR suggested that Lenox treat business recruitment like events are recruited. GS suggested utilizing “1 Berkshire”, a county wide organization which consists of the Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation and Creative Economy Council, and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission as they have already done a great deal of work which includes regional site selection. KMV also suggested a review of the Master Plan of 1999 and the Community Development Committee’s work of 2004.
Reconnect with existing businesses: Visit with local businesses, perhaps over coffee, to discuss their business, possible expansion, and any concerns that they may have.
Negative perception and permitting process: Some businesses still feel that Lenox is not business friendly. Suggestions for improvement included using our website and other websites with a prominent notice of the permit processes for establishing a business, and creating a highly visible land use department.
Identifying properties that may be available for development and rezoning: Lenox Dale and Routes 7 and 20 should be reviewed. MA said that C3A zone along the corridor is so limiting. The 20,000 square foot limitation was discussed.
Educational resource: JM pointed out that Lenox students are opting out of the Lenox schools and going to prep schools and another public school which offers theater and art programs. Openings for “school choice” are up in Lenox. GS stated that this program had been a magnet for residential growth. He is concerned about losing our competitiveness and suggests investigating to determine why.
Strengths: Our industry is tourism. GF said that our strengths are creative, cultural and health and wellness, and that we are situated 2 law for commercial facilities which addresses possible locations, what size and what should be regulated. MA suggested that there be a provision for restoration of the land when a facility becomes obsolete as well as requiring a bond. This item will be on future agendas for further discussion.
Continued Discussion of Sign Bylaw Amendments: MA said that she has been in conversation with the Town Planner of Dennis regarding their HDC bylaw and learned that it was developed in-house over two year span The Board has been very impressed with their bylaw.
Update on the Open Space and Recreation Plan Project: Gige Darey will be the representative from Land Trust. MA said that Lauren Garrity at BRPC suggested to her that our Board look into Conway School of Design. Mary is to consult with Professor David Nordstrom of Conway as well as with John Mullen at UMASS.
Update on the BRPC 7 & 20 Corridor Management Project: MS and MA went to a meeting on August 8, 2012, and a draft of a proposed bylaw was handed out to the Board. MA is trying to arrange a joint meeting in Lenox with the City of Pittsfield. The date proposed is September 12, 2012 at 7 PM.
Planning Board Recommendations to Town Boards and Commissions: There were none.
Correspondence from Abutting Communities and BRPC was reviewed.
Approve Minutes: KMV made a motion to approve the minutes of July 24, 2012. MS seconded the motion and the Board voted to approve 3-0-1. GS abstained as he was not at that meeting.
MS made a motion to adjourn at 7:30 PM and KMV seconded the motion. The Board voted to agree 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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