Notes from the Planning Board (PB), November 15, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Kate Fletcher, Chair
• Wayne Slosek
• Marie Raftery
• Lis Wheeler
• Gary Pitney
• Carl Sprague and Nancy Socha via Zoom
• Jennifer Carmichael, Secretary

1. Minutes approved as written
2. Reopen Public Hearing for special permit to build 900 ft driveway
   1. Attorney Nick Arienti and Marc Volk, Foresight Land Services, on behalf of 4 Stone Ridge
   2. A revised plan submitted that included no construction within 200 feet of "no cut zone", no disturbance of the "circle of stone"
   3. Abutter Henry Kirchdorfer did not object to long driveway.
   4. Sprague wanted it clear that this does not undermine bylaw that allows driveways of 500 ft maximum
   5. Approved with "a declaration of restrictions" per Town Counsel: no disturbance of land beyond what was approved, file plans with Fisheries and Wildlife.
3. White Pines discussion
   1. At the invitation of the Select Board (SB), the Planning Board (PB) considered a request from White Pines: that the Building Inspector may approve additions up to 500 sq. ft. without a special permit (500 sq. ft. = a space 20 ft. x 25 ft.)
   2. On behalf of White Pines, Attorney Martin asked that the Building Inspector be given power to approve addition up to 500 sq. ft. and therefore avoid the special permit process. He said the Condominium requirements, including architectural review and Board review, are sufficient.
   3. Wheeler wanted to be sure the addition would be exterior (a deck or porch) not interior living space or converted to interior living space later
   4. Chair's concerns included the massive additional square footage at White Pines if everyone added a deck. (62 units x 500 sq ft = 31,000 sq ft)
   5. Martin assured her not every unit would want or could have a deck and some already had one so closer to 40 units.
   6. Chair replied that even if 40 units x 500 = 20,000 sq ft. Chair was also concerned about proximity to lake and concurred with Wheeler that decks and porches can become rooms
   7. The limits of the septic field would limit additional interior spaces
   8. Jennifer Carmichael, Assistant to the Building Inspector said there are no setbacks at White Pines. Martin added all the condo requirements make special permit redundant
   9. Sprague said special permit process not onerous and did not see reason to alter the traditional process for one neighborhood
   10. Chair called for vote — 4 against, 3 for — the PB will recommend to the SB not to approve White Pines request
4. Sign Bylaw draft — voted to approve and send to SB for inclusion in Town Warrant
5. Socha wanted to place the following on a future agenda
   1. To discuss Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) and determine if LPOD should remain with PB, be transferred to the Conservation Commission (ConCom), or be considered by both
   2. To invite the Berkshire Regional Planning Consultant in to discuss her work on Town's Open Space Bylaw on agenda (tabled by Chair earlier)
6. More than one member noticed "devastation" presumably from blasting on private lakeside property across from the causeway. Members were asked to go to causeway and take note

Meeting adjourned

Stockbridge Bowl. Photo: Lionel Delevingne