Town of Lenox
Planning Board
May 14, 2013
Land Use Meeting Room
Members present: Acting Chair Steve Sample, SS; Mark S. Smith, MS; Gary Schiff, GS
Absent with notification: Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV
Selectmen present: Channing Gibson, CG
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA; Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.
Approval Not Required Plans: There were none.
Discuss Sign Regulations: Discussion ensued regarding the sign regulations. MA and MS offered an update regarding the sign subcommittee held on May 8. The subcommittee would like to complete move forward with zoning amendments to bring to a late fall Special Town Meeting.
Update on the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee: The Plan is complete and hardcopies should be available shortly.
Discuss Solar Bylaw Model & Medical Marijuana Moratorium Model: Discussion ensued regarding the need to develop a Medical Marijuana Moratorium. MA said that she felt that something could be ready for a Special Town Meeting. There was also discussion about using the Department of Energy Resources Model Solar Bylaw to develop a Solar Bylaw. MS mentioned that there were a few “house-keeping” changes as well. The consensus was that these amendments would be ready for a late fall Special Town Meeting.
Discuss 7&20 Corridor Overlay Bylaw-There has not been any forward movement on this and it is thought that is because there has been a prolonged vacancy of the Director of Development position in Pittsfield. MA will contact C.J. Hoss, Pittsfield City Planner, to discuss issues which came up with regard to the proposed hotel at the former location of Dr. Lahey’s Garden Center.
Discuss Economic Development: MA said that she and KMV have been invited to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting of May 29, 2013 to discuss economic development. She invited the other Board members to attend also. MA made available to the Board members and suggested they read an article entitled “Economic Gardening” which offered an interesting concept and a healthy approach to economic development. MA also suggested the Board consider fiscal analysis of different land uses and how they affect the tax base of a community and felt that it would be worth the investment to bring in a professional who works in this field.
Planning Board Recommendations to Town Boards and Commissions: There were none.
Reviewed Correspondence from Abutting Communities & BRPC.
Minutes-Tabled as there was not a quorum.
MS made a motion to adjourn and GS seconded the motion. The Board voted to agree 3-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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