Town of Lenox
Planning Board
February 25 2014
Landuse Meeting Room
Members present: Chair Kate McNulty-Vaughan, KMV; Mark S. Smith, MS; Kameron Spaulding, KS
Absent with notification: Gary Schiff, GS
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA; Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA
Also present was Selectman Channing Gibson
The Board took some time to discuss the recent death of Board member Stephen Sample and reflected on his many years of service and contribution to the town of Lenox. KMV said that she would write a letter to his family on behalf of the Board.
Steve served as the Board’s representative to the Historic District Commission. It was agreed that members will fill in on a rotating basis until the Planning Board position can be filled. KS agreed to attend the next HDC meeting on March 4th, and MS will attend the meeting of March 18th. CG will notify the BOS of this arrangement.
It was also noted that MA will be retiring on March 27th after being the Town Planner for the last six years.
Approval Not Required Plans Subdivision Plans and Definitive Subdivision Plan-There were none.
Continued Discussion of Potential Zoning Amendments for Town Meeting-The Board’s goal is to have a public hearing on March 25th which will be within the time requirements to be able to bring forward to the Annual Town Meeting in May. MA offered to get the hearing notice ready for the Board to review at their next meeting. The possible proposed amendments are:
- Flag poles by right
- Elimination of the word “habitable” floor area in bylaw standards.
- Clarify the application of the parking facility design standard with regards to residential properties
- Gateway Overlay District: The Planning Board’s site plan review authority needs a reference to what site plan criteria the Board should use.
- Zoning map as per discussion.
- Historic building markers
Planning Board Recommendation to Town Boards and Commissions-Discussion ensued regarding putting on a future agenda a protocol for making recommendations.
Review Correspondence from Abutting Communities & BRPC-MS said that he has not been able to attend the BRPC work sessions regarding “Sustainable Berkshires”. A brief discussion ensued regarding the BRPC meeting regarding passenger rail service and potential train stations.
Approve Minutes-February 11, 2014-The Board wanted to add a reference to the discussion about the zoning map relative to Five Chairs/car wash. MS made a motion to accept the minutes with changes. KS seconded the motion and the Board approved 3-0.
Open Session (for Topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance) KS offered a brief update on medical marijuana licenses.
KS made a motion to adjourn. MS seconded the motion and the Board agreed to adjourn at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
| 
