Town of Lenox
Planning Board
December 11, 2012
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; Steve Sample, SS; Gary Schiff, GS; Mark S. Smith, MS
Absent with notification: Kimberly Reopell Flynn, KRF
Selectman present: Channing Gibson, CG
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA; Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
Approval Not Required Plans-There were no plans submitted.
Discuss Sign Regulations-Board Review examples from other communities- The Board discussed the pros and cons of the Dennis, Massachusetts sign bylaw. It was felt that the stated purpose was very well done, but overall there seemed to be too much level of detail. GS felt that this document could be used as a basis but with a process of elimination the Board could focus in on more macro issues. It was thought that the bylaw from Belchertown might be a better fit for Lenox and that its chart is a good, easy reference.
There was also discussion about whether the sign bylaw should be a general bylaw or a zoning bylaw. MA will check with Dennis to see if their bylaw is a general bylaw. It was agreed that there was no reason to take the sign bylaw out of zoning. MA asked if the Board felt that it was time to create a new draft. It was agreed that KMV, MS and MA will meet to create a new draft.
Discuss the Open Space and Recreation Plan Project Meeting-There will be a meeting December 17, 2012.
Discuss Solar Bylaw Discuss Solar Bylaw-There was nothing to discuss.
Discuss 7&20 Corridor Overlay Bylaw-MA said that the Planning Commission is working with MA Department of Transportation regarding design standards for curb cuts and driveways.
Discuss Economic Development- CG said that the Board of Selectmen has discussed who should take on economic development. There had been an understanding by some members based on previous comments by the former Chair of the Planning Board, Joe Kellogg, that economic development was the responsibility of the Planning Board. The consensus was that the Board’s charge is reviewing of the zoning bylaw and map and determine where the opportunities are for development and enhancement of the residential pool.
CG stated that he believed that the Town should get its cues from professionals, that being the business community. He asked the Board for their ideas, if a “head hunter” would be the correct approach. He doesn’t believe that the BOS can do this task. He wondered if pursuing businesses would be productive.
GS said that over the years much effort has gone into attracting business to the Berkshires, but the success rate has been very low. He stated that Lenox is fortunate in that it draws many people into the community and that we need to determine a way to connect to those visitors and make a pitch while they are here. He believes that the connection on the 1Berkshire macro level is also important, but the Town needs to insert itself. He suggested marketing through the inns, restaurants and cultural entities with a sustained campaign of 12 to16 weeks focusing on promoting Lenox as a great community in which to live.
CG felt that focusing on the summer visitors is great idea. GS noted that there is time to do something for the upcoming tourist season, but the challenge is determining the message the town wants to deliver. He suggested working with Canyon Ranch, Boston Symphony and Cranwell who have an international reach and professionals such as Kevin Sprague and Nate Winstanley for delivery channels. CG said that the BOS would like for the business community to organize and present ideas.
Discussion ensued regarding housing. MA said that the existing zoning reflects what the community wants. She noted the recent additions to the bylaw for cluster and inclusionary housing.
Planning Board Recommendations to Town Boards and Commissions-There was nothing to review.
Review Correspondence from Abutting Communities -There was nothing to review.
BRPC-There will be a presentation on the updated regional plan here at Town Hall on the evening of December 12, 2012 between 6:30 and 8:30.
Minutes-Nov 27, 2012-GS made a motion to approve the minutes. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted to approve 3-0-1. MS abstained as he was not at that meeting.
Other Business: KMV advised that for those interested there will be a meeting tomorrow at 10:00 am at the Academy Building to discuss the safety and preservation issues related to the tombstones at the cemetery at Church on the Hill.
MS made a motion to adjourn at 7:15 pm. SS seconded the motion and the Board voted to agree 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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