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Planning Board minutes for Thursday June 9, 2016
- The meeting opened at 7:15 p.m.
- Members present: Larry Klein, Roger Tyron, Maggie Leonard, co-chair, and Richard Piepho (newest member and not yet sworn in by the Town Clerk).
- Public present: Steve Weiscz, Select Board.
- Steve Weiscz met with the board at the request of the Select Board to discuss a proliferation of plastic signs advertising services from Pittsfield. He noted that the signs are illegal and was concerned that they could be construed as temporary signs and thereby unintentionally allowed by the zoning bylaws. Larry Klein disagreed stating that the bylaw clearly describes the type of temporary signs that are allowed in Monterey and that there is no ambiguity in the bylaw. Klein added that it is also a commercial sign and pointed out the sections of the sign bylaw governing those signs. Weiscz suggested that the word “duration” be added the to sign bylaw indicating that the very nature of a temporary sign is that of duration and not indicating materials that are cheap and transient. Either way you read the sign bylaw it is illegal to post a
multitude of plastic signs advertising a Pittsfield business in the town right-of-way. The board thanked Weiscz for calling the phone number on the signs and issuing a “cease and desist” and also for coming to the meeting.
Speaking of signs; Leonard requested that the Monterey Fire Company be alerted that their steak roast signs violate the sign bylaw, if and when they come before the Select Board for a permit for their steak roast sign (if they even do that?).
- Klein reported to the board about the zoning bylaws controversy in Sheffield regarding the legality of a private airstrip. A Massachusetts Supreme Court? Land Court? Ruled in favor a by-right land use of a private airstrip or helipad as long as it has been approved by the DOT. Klein noted that the Monterey zoning bylaws must be changed to reflect the ruling.
- In the mail:
- ZBA ruling on Brenner application for special permit to construct in the 40’ setback from Lake Garfield and in the 15’ side setback. The permit was denied.
- Common Ground newsletter from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
- Meeting adjourned 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maggie Leonard, co-chair
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