Lenox meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Lenox meeting roundup: Select Board to consider returning $36,804.78 to cannabis dispensary

All recent Lenox meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no final decisions have been made. The most consequential item on the table is the Select Board's vote on returning $36,804.78 in Community Impact Fees to Kapha Cannabis Dispensary. Other notable items include a continued hearing on a 74-key hotel resort at Elm Court and zoning bylaw revisions.

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on returning $36,804.78 in Community Impact Fees to Krishna Lenox, LLC d/b/a Kapha Cannabis Dispensary. It will also consider approving an RFP for leasing space on the town-owned emergency communications tower for telecom facilities. The board is set to ratify appointments for Joseph Koslowski (Patrol Officer), Bart Temple (Firefighter/EMT), and Stephanie Kluka (Community Center Board). One-day liquor licenses are proposed for Lenox VFW (Sept 12), Antimony Brewing (Sept 26), and Timothy Bosworth (Sept 26). A $5,000 donation to the Community Center for youth programming is also on the agenda.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA will continue a public hearing on a request to modify an existing special permit at the Elm Court property, 310 Old Stockbridge Road. The applicant seeks to allow a 74-key hotel resort with restaurant and spa uses, plus up to 38 single-family residences, under the Resorts section of the Zoning Bylaw (§8.2).

Planning Board

The Planning Board will vote on moving zoning amendments (sections 5.2F #14 and #15) to a public hearing. It will also receive presentations on seasonal communities, housing initiatives, and a sign bylaw update, and discuss contracts with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority will review bid results for the Curtis Community Room bathrooms (ARPA-funded, FISH #152109) and discuss selecting a new accounting firm. It will also review program updates on rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists for programs 667, 705, and 689.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will vote on Certificates of Appropriateness for two properties: 169 Main Street (remodeling, new construction, demolition, elevator lift, ramp/stairs alteration, window/door reconfiguration, chimney removal) and 7 Hubbard Street (renovations, new construction, removal of fire escape/porch/chimney, addition, new porch, replacement chimney/windows, bulkhead relocation).

Other boards

• **Historical Commission**: Discuss a draft Memorandum of Agreement with the Massachusetts Historical Commission regarding Spring Lawn and plan an anniversary celebration weekend.
• **Kennedy Park Restoration Committee**: Review trail maintenance and signage, a partnership proposal, a letter from Berkshire County, and memorial plaques.
• **Lenox Library**: Review meeting room and hotspot policies, and get updates on the Dome Room Project and Space Utilization Study.
• **Permanent Building Committee**: Review the Library Dome Room scope of work and receive status updates on all current projects.
• **Board of Assessors**: Review motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications and discuss charter review.

Coming up

• **School Committee (Governance & Policy Subcommittee)** – Aug. 24: Discussion of a new cell phone and smart device policy for Lenox Memorial Middle and High School.
• **Planning Board** – Aug. 25: Review of revised zoning bylaws (including street and lot line setback terminology and institutional uses), the proposed Springlawn development, and housing initiatives.

Planning Board advances zoning amendments; boards review housing, conservation, and park items

This week, Lenox boards met to discuss a range of items, from zoning amendments to housing incentives and conservation enforcement. The Planning Board voted to move two zoning amendments to a public hearing. No other final decisions were made; most meetings were agenda-only with minutes not yet published.

Planning Board advances zoning amendments

The Planning Board voted to move zoning amendments in sections 5.2F #14 and #15 to a public hearing. The board also received presentations on seasonal communities, housing initiatives, and a sign bylaw update, and discussed contracts with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC).

Housing and rental incentives

The Affordable Housing Trust discussed whether to pursue tax incentives for full-year rentals compared to monthly or short-term leases. Members also heard reports on the Housing Production Plan, rental assistance program, and abandoned housing.

The Housing Authority reviewed bid results for the Curtis Community Room bathrooms project, funded by ARPA (project #FISH #152109). The board also discussed selecting a new accounting firm and reviewed program updates on rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists for programs 667, 705, and 689.

Conservation and enforcement

The Conservation Commission discussed potential enforcement actions for a trespassing and Wetlands Protection Act violation at 0 Undermountain Road. The commission also continued reviewing a Notice of Intent for redeveloping the former Lenox Inn at 525 Pittsfield Road into a gas station and convenience store, which involves work within a 100-foot buffer zone of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland. An appointment to the Community Preservation Committee was also on the agenda.

Select Board public hearing and licenses

The Select Board held a public hearing on proposed no-parking zones at Elm and School Streets. The consent agenda included a request from the Lenox Youth Basketball Association to use Lilac Park for a craft fair and pancake breakfast, two special one-day liquor license requests at the Lenox Community Center (for Katia Galarza on August 22 and Lee Ann Collins on August 29), and a temporary sign request by BUTI for a Community Day event August 5–11.

Historical and park committees

The Historical Commission discussed a draft Memorandum of Agreement with the Massachusetts Historical Commission regarding Spring Lawn, and planned an anniversary celebration weekend. The commission also received updates on subcommittees, a meeting with the AHT, a draft bylaw, and the historic plaque program.

The Kennedy Park Restoration Committee reviewed a trail maintenance report including signage, discussed event guidelines, a partnership proposal with Rose Dupuis, a letter from Berkshire County regarding outdoor recreation, and memorial plaques for Art Stringer/Luke Martin and an Andy Breslin bench.

Coming up

• **Historic District Commission** (Aug. 18): Will vote on Certificates of Appropriateness for two properties — 169 Main Street (remodeling, new construction, demolition, elevator lift, ramp/stairs alteration, window/door reconfiguration, chimney removal) and 7 Hubbard Street (renovations, new construction, fire escape/porch/chimney removal, addition, porch, replacement chimney/windows, bulkhead relocation).
• **Lenox Library Board of Trustees** (Aug. 19): Will review meeting room usage and hotspot policies, receive updates on the Dome Room Project and Space Utilization Study, and hear a director's report on ARIS.

Lenox boards take up U-Haul proposal, housing incentives, parking rules

Three Lenox boards met in late July and early August to take up items ranging from a proposed U-Haul facility to housing incentives and parking restrictions. No votes or decisions have been published; all items were listed on agendas, and minutes are not yet available.

Planning Board (July 28)

The Planning Board’s agenda included a proposal for a U-Haul facility at 36 Pittsfield Road, located at Brushwood Farm. The board also reviewed two Form A applications: one for 90 Hawthorne Street and another for 70 Kemble Street, associated with Shakespeare & Company. Additional agenda items covered the Schedule of Uses as it relates to gas stations and light auto service, and an update to the Sign Bylaw for temporary event signs.

Affordable Housing Trust (August 3)

The Lenox Affordable Housing Trust discussed whether to pursue tax incentives for full-year rentals compared with monthly or short-term leases. The board also received reports on the Housing Production Plan, the rental assistance program, and abandoned housing. Routine items included member introductions and approval of prior minutes.

Select Board’s Office (August 5)

The Select Board held a public hearing on proposed “No Parking” zones at Elm and School Streets. Its consent agenda included a request from the Lenox Youth Basketball Association to use Lilac Park for a craft fair and pancake breakfast, two special one-day liquor license requests at the Lenox Community Center—one for Katia Galarza on August 22 and another for Lee Ann Collins on August 29—and a temporary sign request by BUTI for a Community Day event running August 5–11.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Lenox boards weigh major Elm Court resort proposal, U-Haul plan, and housing incentives

Lenox boards have a full docket this week, with the Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled to take up a proposal for a 74-key hotel resort and up to 38 single-family homes at the Elm Court property on Old Stockbridge Road. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not what was ultimately decided.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Elm Court site visit and public hearing

The Zoning Board of Appeals had three agenda items posted for July 22, all tied to the Elm Court property at 310 Old Stockbridge Road (Map 3, Parcel 4). The board was scheduled to conduct a site visit and hold a public hearing on a petition to modify an existing special permit under §8.2, the town's Resorts bylaw.

The petitioner is listed as Linda Law, trustee of the Linda Law Trust. The proposal seeks to allow a 74-key hotel resort with restaurant and spa uses, plus up to 38 single-family residences on the 89-acre former Vanderbilt estate. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the board's July 14, 2026 meeting.

Minutes have not yet been published, so no vote tallies or outcomes are available.

Select Board: liquor licenses, signs, and appointments

The Select Board's July 22 agenda included several one-day license applications:

• One-day wine and malt license for Donovan Motorcar Service at 104 Walker Street.
• One-day wine and malt license for Lenox Dale Fire Co. / St. Vincent de Paul at Crystal Street.
• One-day all-alcohol license for Prima Music Foundation at Ventfort Hall.
• One-day entertainment license for Berkshire International Film Festival at 18 Main Street.

The board was also scheduled to review and approve regulations and permit applications for temporary signs in the public way, and to consider the appointment of Selina Lamb to the Affordable Housing Trust.

No minutes have been published, so it is not yet known which items were approved.

Charter Review Committee: reviewing prior draft

On July 23, the Charter Review Committee was set to review a 2019–2020 draft of the Lenox Charter and discuss the schedule for future meetings. No outcomes are available.

Board of Assessors: motor vehicle excise tax

The Board of Assessors met July 24 to review motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications and address Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4. No dollar figures or vote counts were included in the agenda.

Planning Board: U-Haul proposal and housing items

The Planning Board's July 28 agenda included discussion of a U-Haul proposal at 36 Pittsfield Road, Brushwood Farm. The board was also scheduled to take up:

• Form A application for 90 Hawthorne Street.
• Form A application for 70 Kemble Street, Shakespeare & Company.
• Schedule of Uses regarding gas stations and light auto service.
• Sign bylaw update for temporary event signs.

No minutes have been published.

Coming up

The Lenox Affordable Housing Trust meets Monday, August 3, 2026. The agenda includes member introductions, approval of minutes, and reports on the Housing Production Plan, a rental assistance program, and abandoned housing. Members are also scheduled to discuss whether to pursue tax incentives for full-year rentals compared to monthly or short-term leases.

Lenox boards focus on housing, budgets, and charter review; major Elm Court hearing set for July 22

Most Lenox town boards met over the past two weeks on housing, year-end finances, and internal planning. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, outcomes — including any votes or approvals — are not available in the public record. The most consequential item ahead is a July 22 Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing on a proposed 74-key resort and up to 38 homes at the Elm Court estate.

Housing Authority reviews bathroom bid results

The Lenox Housing Authority met July 14 to review bid results for community bathroom projects at Turnure Terrace and Curtis Community, funded through ARPA funds. The projects are identified as FISH #152108 (Turnure Terrace Community Bath) and FISH #152109 (Curtis Community Rm Bathrooms). The board also planned to review monthly balance sheets as of May 31, 2026, and discuss rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists for Programs 667, 705, and 689. Whether bids were accepted is not yet confirmed in the public record.

Finance Committee and Select Board address year-end transfers

The Finance Committee met July 15 to review and approve year-end budget transfers — the only item on its agenda. The Select Board also met July 15 on year-end budget transfers, and met separately to review a 2019-2020 draft of the Lenox Charter and discuss the schedule for future meetings. No minutes have been published for either body.

Planning Board discusses sign bylaw and housing zoning

The Planning Board met July 14 to receive an update on a proposed Sign Bylaw and discuss goals and workstreams related to housing zoning amendments. The board also planned to approve minutes from June 2, 9, and 23, 2026.

Historical Commission hears Spring Lawn presentation

The Historical Commission met July 9 to hear a presentation and discussion with owners/developers of the Spring Lawn estate. The agenda also included subcommittee assignments for office administration, education/outreach, maintaining vital properties, and a minimum maintenance bylaw. Commissioners also planned to approve minutes from June 11 and June 22, 2026, review 50th anniversary plans, discuss member training and a possible Historical Commission bylaw, and consider a new member candidate.

Board of Health covers green burial, tobacco, camps

The Board of Health met July 14 to discuss an update on Green Burial options, review tobacco regulations, and receive updates on summer camp inspections, the fall clinic schedule, and staffing for SBPHC.

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust filed a procedural meeting notice for July 6 with no specific agenda items listed. The document only confirms the date, time, and location.

Coming up

• **July 22 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a petition to modify a special permit under §8.2 "Resorts" for the Elm Court property at 310 Old Stockbridge Road (Map 3, Parcel 4). The proposal includes a 74-key hotel resort with restaurant and spa, plus up to 38 single-family residences on the 89-acre former Vanderbilt estate. Petitioner: Linda Law, trustee of Linda Law Trust.

Lenox ZBA Weighs 74-Key Hotel Resort and 38 Homes at 310 Old Stockbridge Road

The most consequential item before Lenox boards this month is a Zoning Board of Appeals proposal to modify a special permit for a resort development at 310 Old Stockbridge Road — a plan that includes a 74-key hotel with restaurant and spa and up to 38 single-family residences on the 89-acre former Vanderbilt estate known as Elm Court.

No decisions have been recorded yet. All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only filings; minutes have not been published, so no votes or outcomes can be confirmed.

Zoning Board of Appeals — 310 Old Stockbridge Road

The ZBA held a public hearing on July 1 on a petition to modify an existing special permit under Zoning Bylaw §8.2, which covers resorts. The proposal calls for a 74-key hotel with a restaurant and spa, plus up to 38 single-family residences at 310 Old Stockbridge Road (Map 3, Parcel 4). The petitioner is Linda Law, trustee of the Linda Law Trust. The board also discussed its summer meeting schedule.

A continuation of this public hearing is scheduled for July 22.

Housing Authority — CFA Amendment #19

The Lenox Housing Authority held a special meeting on June 30 to consider Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) Amendment #19. The agenda included a public comment period and possible discussion of other unforeseen topics. No minutes have been published, so the outcome of the vote is not yet on the record.

Historical Commission — Spring Lawn Estate

On July 9, the Historical Commission was scheduled to hear a presentation and discussion with the owners and developers of the Spring Lawn estate. The agenda also included approval of minutes from June 11 and June 22, 2026; subcommittee assignments for office administration, education and outreach, maintaining vital properties, and the minimum maintenance bylaw; updates on 50th anniversary plans and member training; and consideration of a new member candidate.

Other Recent Meetings

The Lenox Library filed a procedural meeting notice on July 1 with no specific topics listed. The Affordable Housing Trust met on July 6 with a blank agenda — the filing confirmed only the date, time, and location.

Coming Up

Several boards meet the week of July 14:

• **Board of Health (July 14):** Update on Green Burial options, tobacco regulations review, summer camp inspection updates, fall clinic schedule, and staffing updates for SBPHC.
• **Housing Authority (July 14):** Bid results review for community bathroom projects at Turnure Terrace (FISH #152108) and Curtis Community Room (FISH #152109), both using ARPA funds; review of monthly balance sheets as of May 31, 2026; and discussion of rent collection, vacancies, and waitlists for Programs 667, 705, and 689.
• **Planning Board (July 14):** Update on a proposed Sign Bylaw, discussion of housing-related zoning amendments, and approval of minutes from June 2, 9, and 23, 2026.
• **Finance Committee (July 15):** Review and approval of year-end budget transfers.
• **Select Board (July 15, two meetings):** One meeting covers review and approval of year-end budget transfers; the second covers review of a 2019-2020 draft of the Lenox Charter and discussion of future meeting schedules.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals (July 22):** Continued public hearing on the Elm Court special permit modification at 310 Old Stockbridge Road.

Lenox ZBA Weighs 74-Key Hotel and 38 Homes at 310 Old Stockbridge Road

The most consequential item on Lenox's recent meeting agendas is a Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing on a proposal to modify a special permit for a resort development at 310 Old Stockbridge Road, which includes a 74-key hotel with a restaurant and spa and up to 38 single-family residences.

All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only filings; minutes have not yet been published. Outcomes of votes or discussions are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Zoning Board of Appeals — 310 Old Stockbridge Road

The ZBA scheduled a public hearing on a petition to modify an existing special permit for the property at 310 Old Stockbridge Road. The proposal includes a 74-key hotel with a restaurant and spa under Zoning Bylaw §8.2, along with construction of up to 38 single-family residences. The board also planned to discuss its summer meeting schedule. No decision has been recorded yet.

Housing Authority — CFA Amendment #19

The Lenox Housing Authority held a special meeting on June 30 to consider Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) Amendment #19. The agenda included a public comment period and possible discussion of other unforeseen topics. The agenda headline referenced a vote, but minutes have not been published, so the outcome is not confirmed.

Planning Board — Solar Bylaw, Housing Zoning

The Planning Board agenda for June 23 included discussion of a proposed BESS Solar bylaw, housing-related zoning amendments, and a seasonal communities designation. The board also planned to approve minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting. No outcomes are recorded.

School Committee — Improvement Plan, Goals, Donation

The School Committee had two meetings on the calendar. The June 22 agenda included public comment (3-minute limit), approval of May 18, 2026 meeting minutes, a donation from BMW Audi VW of Lenox (amount not specified in the agenda), and discussion of 2025-26 School Improvement Plan results, followed by an executive session under MGL Ch. 30A §21(a)(7) for legal matters. The June 26 meeting focused on finalizing the 2026-27 meeting schedule, adopting committee norms, and setting goals and priority projects for the upcoming school year.

Community Center — Rental Policies and Fees

The Lenox Community Center Advisory Board met June 23 to finalize and approve rental policies and fees. The agenda also covered senior services and youth programming reviews, a fall and winter programming brainstorm session, open space plan participation, and a building update priority list.

Historical Commission — FY2027 Planning

The Historical Commission held a June 22 planning session to discuss and assign priorities, tasks, and assignments for fiscal year 2027. No specific project or funding votes were listed.

Lenox Library — Procedural Filing

The July 1 Lenox Library meeting agenda contained no specific topics, decisions, or discussions. It appears to be a routine administrative filing with no public business listed.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — Affordable Housing Trust:** Procedural filing with no specific agenda items listed.
• **July 9 — Historical Commission:** Presentation and discussion with owners/developers of the Spring Lawn estate, plus subcommittee assignments, 50th anniversary plans, and consideration of a new member candidate.
• **July 14 — Board of Health:** Update on Green Burial options, tobacco regulations review, summer camp inspection updates, and fall clinic schedule.

ZBA hears resort expansion plan, Housing Authority takes up funding amendment

The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals met on July 1 to hold a public hearing on a major resort expansion at 310 Old Stockbridge Road, while the Lenox Housing Authority considered a financial amendment and other town boards advanced policy work. No votes were reported as of press time, as official minutes are forthcoming.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board’s July 1 public hearing focused on a petition to modify an existing special permit for a resort property. The proposal would allow construction of a 74-key hotel with a restaurant and spa, plus up to 38 single-family homes on the site. The board also planned to discuss its summer meeting schedule.

School Committee

The School Committee held sessions on June 22 and June 26. On June 22, members heard of a donation from BMW Audi VW of Lenox (amount unspecified) during the superintendent’s report and reviewed results from the 2025-26 School Improvement Plan. The meeting then moved into executive session for legal matters.

On June 26, the committee focused on organizational planning for the 2026-27 school year. Items included finalizing next year’s meeting schedule, adopting committee norms, discussing strategic initiatives, and setting goals and priority projects. Subcommittee structure was also addressed.

Planning Board

Meeting on June 23, the Planning Board discussed a proposed BESS Solar bylaw, housing-related zoning amendments, and a seasonal communities designation. Minutes from the June 2 meeting were up for approval.

Housing Authority

During a June 30 special meeting, the Lenox Housing Authority took up Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) Amendment #19. The agenda allowed for public comment and other unforeseen business. No details on the content of the amendment were disclosed.

Community Center

The Community Center Advisory Board on June 23 aimed to finalize and approve rental policies and fees, and reviewed senior services, youth programming, and director reports. Members also brainstormed fall and winter programming, discussed participation in the open space plan, and updated a building priority list.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission met June 22 for a special planning session, assigning priorities, tasks, and assignments for fiscal year 2027. No project votes were taken.

Coming up

July 6 – Affordable Housing Trust

The trust has filed a procedural meeting notice for July 6, but the agenda is blank. No specific matters are scheduled.

July 9 – Historical Commission

The commission will hear a presentation from the owners or developers of the Spring Lawn estate. Additional agenda items include adoption of minutes, subcommittee assignments (office administration, education, maintaining vital properties, minimum maintenance bylaw), updates on 50th anniversary plans, member training, a possible historic commission bylaw, and consideration of a new member candidate.

July 14 – Board of Health

The board will discuss an update on green burial options, review tobacco regulations, receive summer camp inspection updates, and set the fall clinic schedule. Staffing updates for the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative are also listed.