Town of Lenox
Planning Board
March 27, 2012
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Joseph A. Kellogg, JK; Vice Chair Steve Sample, SS; Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; Mark S. Smith, MS; and Gary Schiff, GS.
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA and Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.
Approval Not Required Plans: No plans were submitted.
Discuss Sign Bylaw Amendments with the Historic District Commission (HDC): Chair Jason Berger, Steve Sample, Claire Cantone, and Ken Fowler were present for the HDC.
JK began the discussion by stating that as a result of issues last summer regarding sign violations within the Historic District, specifically sandwich board signs, the Board of Selectmen requested that the Planning Board look into the sign bylaw to see if changes should be made.
In October of 2011, the Planning Board commenced a review of the existing bylaw and had two informational sessions, both of which were well attended by merchants of the District. The merchants expressed dissatisfaction with the regulations of temporary signs, such as sandwich signs and banners, and the requirement for a full HDC review of signage which they feel creates unnecessary delay in getting a sign for their business.
JK said the Board has been working on a new bylaw which would create a new sign district within the boundaries of the District. A very detailed set of guidelines, including standards and sketches, controlled by the HDC would be created to enable an applicant to fully understand sign requirements. Under a new bylaw, provided that the signage request complies with these guidelines, the Building Commissioner could issue a permit without the review of the HDC. The bylaw should provide for the revocation of a temporary sign permit if an applicant fails to comply with the requirements. For these Guidelines to be changed, a simple public hearing and vote of the HDC, not Town Meeting, would be required.
JK noted that even though some members of the HDC have participated in discussions, the full Commission has not taken a vote. Until recently the Planning Board felt that the HDC was on board with the proposed changes, however there has been some indication that not all members are in agreement with the concept. He therefore asked that the HDC convene a meeting fairly soon to discuss and take a vote on whether they will support the proposed bylaw. If the vote is to not support, JK said he believes the Planning Board should advise the Board of Selectmen and abandon the proposed bylaw amendments for the District. The Board could then move on to Phase II involving a new sign bylaw for the rest of the town.
Discuss Economic Development Plan: No new information has been received.
Recommendations to Town Boards & Commissions: JK noted that the Board of Selectmen has scheduled a hearing on the acceptance of Stone Ledge Road as a public way. The matter will be referred to the Planning Board for a formal recommendation and it should be reviewed at our next meeting.
Review Correspondence: Decisions and notices of public hearings from abutting communities were reviewed.
Minutes: MS made a motion to approve the minutes of March 13, 2012. GS seconded the motion and the Board voted 4-0-1 to approve. KMV abstained as she was not at the meeting.
Other Business:
For April the Planning Board will meet on April 17 and April 24. The meeting on April 17th will be a joint meeting with the HDC. If the HDC votes on April 3 to agree to the concept for a new sign bylaw, then MA will provide a draft to the Planning Board in advance for their review.
MS advised that he was unable to attend the last BRPC meeting.
JK noted that the Community Preservation Committee has voted to recommend approval of the Planning Board’s request for CPA funding for an update of our Open Space and Recreation Plan.
SS made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 pm. GS seconded the motion and the Board voted 5-0 to approve.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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