Public Meetings - Lee, Massachusetts

This meeting of the Lee Planning Board on July 13, 2026, addressed a Form A subdivision application for a property with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), continued a public hearing for a proposed Marriott hotel at 165 Pushitonic Street, and discussed draft bylaws for battery energy storage systems and other administrative matters. Consent Calendar - The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of June 22, 2026, with minor amendments (spelling correction and quotation marks added). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non‑agenda items. - During the hotel public hearing, several residents spoke: - Marilyn (a neighbor) expressed concerns about the zoning district line, parking shortages, the size of the project, and the need for additional special permits. She urged the board to consider whether such a large hotel is appropriate for the site. - Molly Shipper asked that the balloon test include all rooftop mechanicals to accurately represent the building height. - Holly Jones (Director of Facilities at Jacob’s Pillow) spoke in support of the project, noting that her organization spends about $600,000 annually on hotel rooms and often has to look outside Lee for adequate accommodations. - Wendy Haup and other neighbors opposed the project, citing its size, potential noise and traffic, and the existing ownership’s management record. - Ernie (37 Motor Street) raised concerns about wetland drainage and flooding on his property. - Other speakers questioned the building’s proximity to the road, the location of utility equipment, and the need for a thorough lighting plan. Discussion Items Form A Subdivision (Maple Tree Property) - Patrick Old requested a Form A endorsement to subdivide a lot that contains a primary dwelling and a detached ADU. The ADU was built after the town’s ADU bylaw, which prohibits the separate conveyance of an ADU from the primary dwelling. - The board debated whether the subdivision violates that restriction. After discussion, the board concluded that the Form A review is limited to verifying frontage and access; it does not enforce substantive zoning provisions. The board noted that the lot meets all frontage and setback requirements and that the building commissioner had no objection. - The board voted unanimously to approve the Form A, recommending that the ADU bylaw be clarified at a future town meeting to prevent similar situations. Marriott Hotel at 165 Pushitonic Street - The applicant (Brian Sander of Foresight Land Services, representing Garden Management LLC) requested a special permit to demolish the existing Pilgrim Inn and construct a four‑story, 74‑room Marriott hotel with related parking and site improvements. - Key issues discussed: - Timeline and MEPA Review: The applicant stated that a pre‑filing meeting with MEPA was scheduled for July 15, 2026. The board asked whether the project should be held until the MEPA review is complete; the applicant noted that the conservation commission would handle most environmental permits and that the processes could run concurrently. - Balloon Test: The board scheduled a site visit and balloon test for Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the property. Neighbors were invited to view the balloons from Maple Street. - Zoning District Line: A resident pointed out a discrepancy between the applicant’s site plan and the official zoning map regarding the boundary between the CBC and R‑20 zones. The board acknowledged the issue but noted that the setbacks would still be met even if the line were farther north. - Parking and Special Permits: The resident argued that the parking lot would require additional special permits (e.g., parking in the flood zone, parking in front of the building). The applicant stated that a revised plan set addressing all comments would be submitted within two weeks. - Public Testimony: Multiple residents expressed opposition, citing concerns about height, scale, traffic, noise, and the property’s history. A representative from Jacob’s Pillow spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for more lodging options. - The hearing was continued to July 27, 2026. The board agreed to review the complete revised plans and comments at that meeting. Battery Storage Bylaw - Town Planner Brooke reported that the state has set an October 1, 2026 deadline for municipalities to adopt local regulations for clean energy facilities (solar, wind, battery storage, anaerobic digestion). She presented early thoughts on a draft bylaw for battery energy storage systems. - The board discussed setback distances, fire safety concerns, and the need for input from the fire chief. Members suggested a minimum setback of 50 feet from property lines. They agreed to work toward a public hearing in September and a special town meeting to adopt the bylaw before the deadline. Other Items - Brooke announced a state PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Commission listening session on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 AM at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield. She encouraged board members to attend to advocate for fair compensation for state‑owned land in Western Massachusetts. - The board discussed scheduling for August and September, including additional meetings for the hotel hearing and the clean energy bylaw. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of June 22, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved the Form A subdivision for the Maple Tree property (unanimous). - Scheduled a site visit and balloon test for the proposed hotel on July 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 165 Pushitonic Street. - Continued the public hearing for the Marriott hotel special permit to July 27, 2026. - Directed the town planner to prepare a draft battery storage bylaw and to coordinate with the fire chief on safety requirements. - Set a goal to hold a public hearing on the clean energy bylaw on September 14, 2026, so that it can be placed on a special town meeting warrant before October 1, 2026.

The Lee Zoning Board of Appeals met on July 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, a discussion on appointing a Zoning Administrator, and a continuation of a special permit hearing for 165 W. Tonic Street. The board voted to continue both the Zoning Administrator discussion and the special permit hearing to August 26, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 16, 2026): The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting. Staff confirmed that all conditions set at that meeting had been met, including receipt of a certification from the registrar (Steve Matt of Boresight) and a zoning verification letter from attorney Jeff Belasky. Discussion Items - Zoning Administrator Appointment: The board held a detailed discussion on the potential appointment of a Zoning Administrator (ZA). Staff member Brooke presented an overview, noting that the bylaw allows the board to appoint a ZA and define their duties. Key points included: - The ZA would handle routine, non-controversial applications (e.g., simple variances or administrative approvals) to expedite the process, especially when the board struggles to achieve a quorum. - Any party, including board members, could appeal a ZA decision to the full board, triggering a full hearing within 35 days and a final decision within 90 days. - The ZA could be a board member, but an outside person is preferred to avoid conflicts if the decision is appealed. Dalton and Lenox were mentioned as potential local examples, though no Berkshire County towns were confirmed to have such a position. - Concerns were raised by board members Don and Kristen about the supermajority requirement (variances and special permits require a 4/5 vote by law) and whether a single ZA's decision could be seen as insufficient. Staff agreed to consult town counsel on case law regarding the supermajority issue and whether the ZA could simply opt not to rule and pass the application directly to the board. - Financial considerations: application fees are currently $500 (reduced from $700), but two postings might be needed if an appeal occurs, potentially requiring a fee increase to $600. The board could recommend a fee schedule change to the Select Board. - The board decided to table the decision, continue the discussion to a later date, and ask staff to reach out to other municipalities (e.g., via BRPC) for examples and verify legal questions. The discussion was scheduled to continue at 6:00 PM on August 26, 2026. - 165 W. Tonic Street Special Permit Hearing: Attorney Jeff Lynch, representing the applicant, requested a continuance of the special permit hearing because the project is still pending before the Conservation Commission and Planning Board. The applicant expects revisions after those boards act. The board agreed to continue the hearing to 6:30 PM on August 26, 2026, following the Zoning Administrator discussion. The applicant was reminded to provide an engineer's certification with the application. Public comment was deferred to the continued hearing date. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of June 16, 2026 meeting minutes. - Zoning Administrator Discussion Continued: The board voted to continue the ZA discussion to August 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM (motion made, seconded, all in favor). - Special Permit Hearing Continued: The hearing for 165 W. Tonic Street was continued to August 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM (motion made, seconded, all in favor). - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at approximately [time not specified] after a motion and unanimous vote.

The Lee Select Board convened on July 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM (UTC) to approve a range of routine items, discuss ongoing odor mitigation efforts by Green Theory Cultivation (Aruna), hear a resident’s complaint about the fire department siren, and receive updates on community grants and events. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved open session minutes from June 15, 2026 (with Chair recusal) and June 16, 2026, as written. - Paving Agreement: Authorized the Chair to sign an agreement with LB Corporation for paving multiple roads (Vias, Davis, Highfield, Crossway, Fox Drive, Robbins, and the new highway garage on Route 102). - Proclamation: Approved July 10, 2026, as “Chief Craig DeSantis Day” in recognition of his 30‑year career and retirement. - Building Department Fee Schedule: Approved an updated, uniform fee schedule for the shared building department (covering Lee, Lenox, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, New Marlborough, Becket), with an amendment to clarify that fence permits apply to fences over 7 feet (state change). - COA Drug & Alcohol Policy: Adopted FY2027 policy with a change making referrals generic to the COA director rather than a named individual. - Flag Policy: Approved the town flag policy, including a provision that flags at the Lee Congregational Church park require Select Board approval and a 30‑day limit. - BYOB Permit: Approved a bring‑your‑own‑bottle permit for the Koanas Club event at the Lee Senior Center on July 14, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM. - Entertainment Licenses: - Vow renewal (private residence) on September 19, 2026, 3–10 PM. - Chamber of Commerce Founders’ Day weekend: Friday, September 18 (5–8 PM) and Saturday, September 19 (11 AM–10 PM), with follow‑up to confirm vendors/beer garden details. - Cafe Triscal’s 4th of July/250th anniversary event (approved nunc pro tunc). - Sunday, September 20 (Chamber of Commerce Founders’ Day) entertainment license. - Temporary Sign Permits: Approved for Chamber (Founders’ Day) and Teeringham Fire Department (nunc pro tunc), with fees waived. - One‑Day Alcohol License: Cafe Triscal (nunc pro tunc). - Utility Cut Permit: 455 Greylock Street (nunc pro tunc). - Appointments: Hilda Johnkin (Housing Authority, 5‑year term) and Bill Defree (250th Anniversary Committee, Lee Fire Department alternate). - Reappointments: Donald Latino (Appalachian Trail Committee), Marilyn Hanson (Conservation Commission, staying up to one year until replacement), Daniel Blazedell (ZBA alternate); training requirements waived for Hanson. - Grant Letter of Support: Approved Chair to sign a letter of support for a DCR Park DARC grant for new playground equipment. Discussion Items Tech Environmental Odor Review – Green Theory Cultivation Phil Silverman (Dicente LLP, attorney for Green Theory/Aruna) reported on odor mitigation efforts. The prior chlorine dioxide system had been discontinued due to employee health concerns. Since April 2026, a new management team has been installing charcoal filtration units: four currently in grow rooms, with 16–20 more on order to add units to each grow room and common areas. Roof repairs (identified in Tech Environmental’s report) will begin July 8. Silverman aimed to have a comprehensive odor management plan by the end of August and offered to work with the town’s expert, Mr. Lannon. Board members expressed frustration that previous promises had not been kept and emphasized the need for measurable, tangible results with no odor leaving the facility, as required by the town’s agreement. Member Sean requested detailed specifics: equipment models, expert consultants (e.g., Cabotrol, Air Purify), routine odor monitoring logs, and documentation of neighbor contacts. He also asked about the status of the CEO search, noting that Upesh remains acting CEO. Member Chris and others discussed incorporating a negative/positive pressure system into the plan for better odor capture. The board directed Green Theory to return for a formal update at the August 4, 2026 meeting with concrete progress reports, system details, and documentation. Resident Noise Complaint – Fire Department Siren Sinan Torun, a resident of 196 Main Street (across from the fire station), described how the fire siren (measured at 98 decibels on an Apple Watch) causes distress to his 13‑month‑old child and elderly neighbors. He asked that the volume be reduced or the siren be relocated. The board noted that the siren is active from 6 AM to 8 PM and sounded 19 times in July. Chief Brown had earlier attempted to operate without it but faced public demand for its return. Board members acknowledged the community safety purpose (e.g., recall for remote emergencies) and suggested that decibel levels or a statutory requirement be investigated. The board will discuss the matter further with Chief Brown and include the resident to explore feasible options. Key Outcomes - Green Theory must provide a full odor mitigation plan by end of August and will give an interim update on August 4, 2026, with specific equipment details, monitoring logs, and progress on roof repairs. - Fire siren: The board will confer with the fire chief on possible volume adjustments or alternatives and will keep the resident informed. - All voting items were approved unanimously. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2026.

The Lee Planning Board held a special permit hearing on June 22, 2026, to consider an application to demolish the existing Pilgrim Inn (a 24-room motel) and construct a new 74–75 room Fairfield by Marriott hotel on a 3.1-acre split-zoned lot at 165 Pusatonic Street. The applicant requested multiple special permits including site plan approval in the CBC (Commercial Business District) zone, a permit to place parking in the R20 residential zone, a 50-foot extension of the CBC district, allowance for a four-story (50-foot) structure, and reconstruction of a non-conforming use. The hearing included extensive board questioning and public testimony. The board continued the hearing to July 13, 2026, to allow the applicant to respond to written questions and provide updated plans. Public Comments & Testimony - Marilyn Wyatt (neighbor living directly behind the site): Recommended a site visit for the board to see topography and visibility; cited inaccuracies and omissions in the site plan (e.g., inconsistent lot size, misstated water flow increase from 2,400 to 7,500 gallons per day claimed as 3,100 gpd increase, parking calculation errors); argued the parking should be 200 sq ft per guest not one per room; emphasized the CBC zone intends a village-like atmosphere, not a strip mall; said the four-story building would overwhelm the residential character and harm the town's gateway. - Sarah Nichols (owner of properties at 22 Fuller Street and 1620 Pleasant Street): Expressed strong concerns about increased traffic, ambient lighting, noise, ongoing maintenance, and public safety; noted the existing property is poorly managed with frequent police/EMS calls (twice a week); questioned the lack of meaningful guarantees for future maintenance; stated the proposal is not compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. - Eleanor Bellet (120 Maple Street): Shared a personal perspective on the importance of Lee's small-town New England feel; said the hotel design does not appeal and would detract from the character; urged the board to prioritize quality of life over tax base. - Gerard Fuller (281 Main Street): Questioned whether there is a contractual agreement with Marriott that might constrain future changes; urged the board to consider requiring architectural design improvements, preservation of existing trees, and strict lighting controls to prevent light pollution affecting neighbors. - Alex Penningger (Silver Street): Commended the board’s thorough questions; acknowledged the need for a hotel in Lee but argued the Fairfield in Great Barrington shows Marriott can adapt to local aesthetics; noted businesses in Lee need a place for vendors and partners to stay; supported the project if concerns about lighting, traffic, and height are addressed. - Holly Jones (125 Mountain View Road): Spoke in support of the project for job creation, tax revenue (11.7% room tax with 6% to the town), and tourism; noted that her arts organization spends hundreds of thousands of dollars housing artists, often outside Lee; would prefer to keep that money locally. - Wendy Howe (530 Meadows Street): Opposed the project, stating it would harm quality of life for nearby residents, doubted the hotel would always be full, and argued transient guests would not frequent local businesses. - Bill Yates (60 Housatonic Street): Recalled a pedestrian fatality on the corridor; said the building is too big for the residential area; suggested alternative locations like Route 102; urged preservation of the small-town gateway feel. - Additional resident (name not stated) expressed concerns about size, traffic, and the brook flooding. Discussion Items - Applicant Presentation: Attorney Jeff Lynch and engineer Brian Sider described the proposal: demolish all existing structures (two buildings, pool, 50 parking spaces) and build a four-story, 74–75 room hotel entirely within the CBC zone. The parking lot would extend into the R20 zone, requiring a special permit. They also requested a 50-foot extension of the CBC boundary to better align the parking area. The building would meet height (50 ft), setbacks, and lot coverage requirements (7% of allowed). The site is served by two curb cuts; one would be eliminated. A traffic study would be coordinated with MassDOT. The applicant argued the project is compatible with the highway corridor, would increase tax base, and improve conditions for neighbors. - Board Questions: Board members (Conrad, Peter, Dan, others) posed detailed questions on: - Non-conformity and reconstruction standards. - Design alternatives (three-story vs. four-story, architectural compatibility with Lee’s historical character). - Parking adequacy (80 spaces shown, but employee count assumed only five; concerns that Marriott staffing could require more). - Traffic impacts (tripling of daily trips from 192 to 611; comparison to Quality Inn across the street). - Stormwater management, drainage, erosion control, floodplain impacts, and off-site topography. - Water/sewer capacity, 3,100 gpd increase (later corrected by public comment to be 5,100 gpd). - Lighting plans (need details for wall packs, landscape lighting, pole heights). - Franchise agreement and long-term operational stability. - Board Member Comments: Peter noted the lot has a brook and steep slope; most development is on the southwestern part. He asked about relocating the stream, which the applicant said no. Board members encouraged architectural modifications to reflect Lee’s character, similar to a recent downtown project. Dan asked about food service and construction timeline; Lynch cited tax base expansion and visitor attraction. Key Outcomes - The board decided to continue the public hearing to Monday, July 13, 2026, at 6:15 PM to allow the applicant to address all written questions and provide supplemental materials. - The applicant agreed to: - Provide responses to the board’s list of questions (approximately 25 items covering site plan details, traffic, drainage, lighting, etc.). - Update site plans, lighting plans, landscape plans, and building elevations with materials and colors. - Explore possibility of using balloons at the four building corners to illustrate the 50-foot height. - Consider providing a statement about the franchise agreement (confidentiality permitting) to assure operational continuity. - Address concerns about shared parking with the adjacent southerly building (also owned by the applicant). - No vote was taken on the special permits; the hearing remains open.

The Lee Conservation Commission met on June 17, 2026, to address several environmental permit applications. Major agenda items included continued deliberation on a proposed Marriott Hotel at 165 Housatonic Street, a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) for the Housatonic Railroad's vegetation management plan, and an RDA for a beach path railing at Berkshire Hills Leisure Lee. The commission also received correspondence objecting to the hotel project, heard public comment, and discussed updates on the Eagle Mill development. Minutes Approval - The Commission approved the minutes of the June 3, 2026 meeting. A correction was made to a vote tally (changed from 7-0 to 6-0) to account for an abstention. Public Comments & Correspondence - Legal Objection: A letter from Attorney Dennis E. G. Egan Jr., representing the Ricky Patel Trust (an abutter to the 165 Housatonic St parcel), was read. The letter formally requested the Commission deny the Notice of Intent for the Marriott Hotel, arguing it was incomplete and failed to meet DEP standards on compensatory storage and the Wetland Protection Act. - Abutter Concerns on Marriott: An abutter to the proposed hotel site expressed concern about the project's scope and potential impacts. He formally requested the Commission require the applicant to seek an advisory opinion from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office, citing regulations at 301 CMR 11.0. He submitted an EPA opinion survey and referenced video footage of flooding at the site from 2024. - Railroad Vegetation Management Comment: A commissioner expressed concern about the proximity of spraying to residences and wetlands near West Park Street and requested to be involved in a site walk of that specific area. Discussion Items - Continued Notice of Intent: Marriott Hotel (165 Housatonic St): - Brian Slater (Foresight, civil engineer) requested a continuation to receive and integrate comments from the third-party reviewer, David Cameron. He stated they are working on revisions to the flood compensation plan (demonstrating foot-for-foot net cut in the floodplain) and a planting plan. He argued the project represents an improvement over existing conditions. - The Commission granted the continuation, stating they also needed further information from their consultant, Mark Stinson, and the third-party reviewer before making a decision. - Request for Determination of Applicability: Housatonic Railroad: - Tom Lewis (Tech Associates) presented an RDA for renewing the wetland delineation along the railroad right-of-way for their vegetation management plan. He explained the protocol restricts spraying to a 10-foot swath centered on the tracks, prohibits spraying within 10 feet of wetlands, and noted that the truck automatically shuts off in sensitive areas. - One commissioner opposed the motion, but the RDA was approved. - Request for Determination of Applicability: Berkshire Hills Leisure Lee: - Clay Squire proposed installing a 240-foot metal railing along a beach path. The Commission first voted that the Scenic Mountain Act does not apply to the project. They then approved the RDA, stipulating the railing be embedded in the ground to minimize disturbance. - Eagle Mill Project Update: - The Commission discussed an inquiry about using a grass area behind a house scheduled for demolition at the Eagle Mill site for temporary construction parking, office trailers, and material storage. It was determined that an RDA would likely be required for this activity due to its proximity to a brook. Key Outcomes - Marriott Hotel Hearing Continued: The public hearing for Garden Management Inc.'s Notice of Intent (165 Housatonic St) was continued to July 1, 2026, pending receipt of third-party review and revised plans. - Railroad RDA Approved: The RDA for the Housatonic Railroad's wetland delineation renewal was approved (motion passed with one commissioner opposed). - Beach Path Railing Approved: The RDA for a 240-foot railing at Berkshire Hills Leisure Lee was approved. - Eagle Mill RDA Suggested: Staff and Commission indicated that an RDA is necessary for the temporary construction staging area at Eagle Mill. - Laurel Lake COC Continued: The request for a Certificate of Compliance for the Laurel Lake Public Boat Access was continued. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

The Lee Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met on June 16, 2026, at 5:30 PM to discuss and vote on several key items. The board debated the creation of a Zoning Administrator position to streamline decision-making, tabled the final decision for further legal review, and held a public hearing on an amendment to a previously approved 69-unit affordable housing project on West Center Canal Street, ultimately approving the amendment unanimously. Consent Calendar - The board approved the meeting minutes from December 8, 2025, unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony (West Center Canal Street Project) - Teresa Palermo Segala (property owner, Pine Street) questioned the protection of Canal Street and expressed concern that the Town of Lee might face tax assessments or legal fees if the project causes future issues. - A Canal Street neighbor demanded a full guarantee against increased flooding, expressing worry about property damage and personal liability. - An audience member questioned why the developer did not offer to buy out adjacent neighbors and raised the issue of escalating flood insurance costs for existing homeowners in the area. - Applicant Representative Nick Elton (Westwork Architects) and Engineer Mark Levezure (Foresight Engineering) responded that the revised plans reduce the overall building footprint by six percent and include stormwater management that meets or exceeds the 100-year flood event requirements, decreasing the current flooding risk. Discussion Items - Zoning Administrator Position: Staff member Brooke presented a proposal to delegate certain zoning decisions to a Zoning Administrator to avoid delays caused by the board's difficulty in achieving quorum. Board members debated the scope of the role, specifically regarding special permits and variances which require a supermajority. They discussed necessary stipulations such as a mandatory waiting period for a board quorum, notification requirements for the full board, and the appeals process. The board tabled the final appointment and policy details to allow members to review the specific state statute (MGL Chapter 40A, Section 13). - "Friendly Approach" to Permitting: Brooke also introduced an initiative to create a multi-departmental roundtable for new applicants, providing a single point of contact and aligning requirements from the Building, Health, Clerk, and DPW departments for clearer communication. - West Center Canal Street Project Conditions: The board discussed requiring Foresight Engineering to provide a stamped letter certifying that the amendment does not increase the 100-year flood flow, and requiring a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Lee as an additional insured. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes from December 8, 2025, were approved. - Zoning Administrator Policy: The decision on the zoning administrator's appointment and policy was tabled to the next regular meeting to allow board members to further review the legal statute. - West Center Canal Street Amendment Approved: The board passed a motion finding the amendments did not significantly alter the original special permit. A subsequent motion to approve the amended plans (dated October 20, 2025) was passed unanimously (4-0), maintaining the original terms and conditions from the September 18, 2025 approval, and adding the conditions of updated engineer certification and insurance. - Next Meeting Scheduled: The board set a meeting for July 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

The Lee Select Board met on June 16, 2026. The meeting covered public comment, a third-party odor review under the town's host community agreement with Green Theory Cultivation, the former Price Chopper property, proclamations, licenses, appointments, and the town administrator's report. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Hall, a Lee citizen, raised two concerns. First, she said the town's redesigned website made it difficult to find meeting agendas and she had to call Town Hall for help. Staff responded that the website vendor had forced a platform migration and that the new site has filtering and subscription features. Second, she requested a joint meeting among the Lee Youth Commission, Parks and Recreation, DPW, and the Town Planner to clarify responsibility for maintaining fields and playgrounds, citing two recent vandalism incidents at the athletic field, the need for a maintenance plan for the coming ninja playground, and a winter when ice skating did not happen until she contacted the town administrator. The town administrator said a seasonal parks employee will be added starting July 1 and offered to reach out to the relevant chairs. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Approved the prior meeting minutes unanimously. - Reappointed Andrea Wadsworth to the FY27 Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board. - Appointed Troy Barola as a per-diem Firefighter/EMT, based on Fire Chief Ryan Brown's recommendation. - Appointed Matthew Camp to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Discussion Items Host Community Agreement / Odor Review – Green Theory Cultivation - Third-party odor consultant Michael Lannon of Tech Environmental presented findings from an early-morning site visit. He detected odor along Route 102 but found it less skunky than typical because new carbon filtration was in place. The facility has four grow rooms total: one mother room and three flowering rooms on staggered eight-week cycles, with four new carbon canisters installed in each flowering room. - Lannon reported the facility operates at neutral pressure rather than positive or negative pressure, and that translucent roof panels had slid and bowed, creating gaps likely to allow odor to escape. He recommended sealing the panels, conducting a leakage test, moving to negative pressure, creating an odor management plan, and staggering carbon canister replacement to maintain odor control. He said there was no existing odor management plan, the maintenance record was weak, and the assessment was a one-day snapshot. - Board members said the host community agreement promised no odors, but odors had persisted for at least two years despite repeated promises. Board member Sean expressed dismay that promises did not appear to have been made earnestly. Board member Gordon said neighbors on Highfield Drive, Route 102, Clark's Nursery, and Meadow Street were tired of the odor, and he was ready to discontinue the agreement if conditions were not met. The chairman emphasized the issue was solely the enforceable no-odor agreement, not an endorsement or condemnation of cannabis. - The board voted unanimously to table the matter to the next meeting and to require a company representative to attend with a written improvement plan submitted in advance. 88 West Park Street (former Price Chopper) - Town Administrator Chris reported the building is for sale, listed at $3 million, and that the town's earlier purchase offer was declined; the parties remain far apart. - The board approved, contingent on owner Mohammed Zabian's signature, an agreement allowing continued town use of the parking lot for special events. The town would provide and maintain barricades at the West Park Street entrance and would name the owner as an additional insured; events would be coordinated in advance and the agreement renews annually unless the property is sold or leased. FY27 Board/Committee Reappointments - The board discussed a policy requiring board and committee appointees to complete annual professional development. ZBA member Kristen O'Brien had signed up for a course; another member, Francine, had not yet confirmed training; and Conservation Commission member Marilyn Hansen was not on the posted list and will be handled separately. - The board approved the posted FY27 reappointments conditionally, requiring confirmation that training requirements are completed before appointment. Proclamations - Proclaimed July 11, 2026, as Mary Swift Day in Lee, recognizing Mary Swift's more than 20 years in Lions International and service as district governor for the 2025 Lions year. - Proclaimed June 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month in Lee. Licenses and Permits - Approved a one-day entertainment license for All Hallows Eve 2026, scheduled for October 17, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m.; organizers Nicole and Carrie said it was the third year and was chamber-sponsored. - Approved a Berkshire Gas permit for a new gas service at 120 Silver Street. - Approved a temporary sign permit for St. Mary's School bingo advertising and waived the fee. - Approved a request to film a scene for the movie Caroline on Main Street on Thursday, June 18, 2026, for up to two hours, in front of Ben's and Main Street Comics, with a police detail and pedestrian rerouting. Other Announcements - Announced a free public lecture by historian Justin Jackson, Frontier of Revolution: Berkshire County and America's Democratic Foundations, on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Greenock Country Club. - Announced an at-large vacancy on the Community Preservation Committee because Stephen Belafado is moving; interested residents may contact the town administrator. Town Administrator Report - The new town website is live after a forced platform migration; staff are fixing remaining glitches. Agendas are now grouped by board or committee, with subscription and filtering options available. - The public safety building's structural steel is nearly complete; the final beam is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. - The town received a $250,000 state technology grant to build an internal fiber-optic network connecting town buildings, with the new public safety building as the hub. - An intermunicipal agreement for animal control services with neighboring towns, with Lee as the lead town, was approved by Town Meeting; the board authorized the chair to sign the IMA. Key Outcomes - All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. - The host community agreement/odor issue was tabled to the next meeting; the company must provide a written improvement plan in advance. - The 88 West Park Street parking-use agreement was approved, contingent on the owner's signature. - The next regular meeting was scheduled for July 7, 2026, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Lee Planning Board met on June 8, 2026, called to order under MGL c.38 Sec. 20, with new member Tim Seuss welcomed. The board reorganized its leadership, approved prior minutes, endorsed a Form A boundary adjustment, heard a preliminary parking expansion proposal from Sharp, and discussed zoning and state permitting for battery energy storage systems. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the May 11, 2026 meeting were approved as submitted, with board compliments on their quality. - Correspondence was noted from Great Barrington (public hearing for variances for Shelter Farm LLC on Grobert Road) and from the Town of Lenox (special permits related to an SDR, same matter). Public Comments & Testimony - Norbert Johansson of South Lee asked the board to consider liquid-air energy storage as an alternative to lithium batteries, describing it as safer, non-toxic, and free of exotic metals. He said three New England companies work on the technology, offered to share information, and stated he was not representing a lobby. Discussion Items - Form A - 140 Wood Duck Road: Surveyor Patrick McClogan requested endorsement of Form A for property owners Rebecca and Abdullah to adjust the lot line near the private cul-de-sac so a lot constrained by ledge can meet setbacks. The homeowners association signed the application. After discussion of private-road implications and setbacks, the board voted unanimously to endorse the Form A. - Sharp parking expansion - 480 Pleasant Street: Mike Coolie of First Engineering and Alicia Rossi presented an informal concept for about 100 additional parking spaces on two lots Sharp purchased at the end of Marble Street. The plan includes pervious pavement, a small bridge over an intermittent stream, landscaping, lighting, and a walking path; it would consolidate access to improve the Route 102/Marble Street intersection. The proposal would require a special permit because parking in the R20 zone requires one, plus site plan review and Conservation Commission review due to wetlands. Board members voiced strong support for Sharp as a successful local manufacturer and encouraged the applicants to submit a formal application for a special permit hearing. - Zoning update and use-table work: Brooke reported that the town is still waiting to hear on an EEA technical assistance grant, and that zoning consultant CJ will convene a working group later in June to continue drafting a table of uses. A special town meeting has not yet been scheduled, and the board discussed whether clean-energy work may delay the use table. - Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and consolidated permitting: The board reviewed state draft model bylaws, example town bylaws, and the state’s new consolidated permitting timeline (optional readiness July 1, mandatory October 1). Brooke proposed consolidating solar, wind, battery storage, and similar facilities into one clean-energy chapter. Board members cautioned against adopting the state model wholesale, asked for quantitative fire-risk data, suppression methods, separation distances, and air-emissions information before setting setbacks, and supported exploring community benefits agreements, visual renderings, landscaping, and wildlife-habitat features such as raised fencing. The board also noted that projects above 25 megawatt-hours are state-permitted and that the existing BESS moratorium expires November 14. Fire Chief Brown was suggested as a technical resource for the next discussion. - Other staff updates: Brooke noted a tree-planting ceremony at 300 Stockbridge Road (50 sweet gum trees honoring Lee babies), the opening of a mowed path and parking at Cornhill Farm Park, a $250,000 MassDOT grant for a Berkshire Bike Share program with about seven locations, pending grant applications for downtown revitalization and habitat management, and the current short-term rental registry count of 45 properties, with four new unregistered properties to receive notices. The board also briefly discussed state seasonal-community designation and whether minimum frontage requirements may affect housing affordability; no action was taken. Key Outcomes - Buck Donovan was elected chair and Peter was elected vice chair for the upcoming year; both votes were unanimous. - Minutes of May 11, 2026 were approved unanimously. - The Form A at 140 Wood Duck Road was endorsed unanimously. - No vote was taken on the Sharp proposal; the board invited a formal special permit and site plan review application to be scheduled. - The board asked Brooke to prepare a letter recommending the Land Use Department as the local consolidated permitting representative for the Select Board. - BESS bylaw discussion is expected to continue at the July 13, 2026 meeting, with fire safety input to be brought in; no bylaw changes were voted.

The Lee Conservation Commission met on June 3, 2026, to discuss several agenda items including approval of previous meeting minutes, a forest cutting plan review, a request for determination of applicability, a continued certificate of compliance, and a notice of intent for a new hotel at 165 Housatonic Street. The commission also addressed administrative approvals and received updates on upcoming public hearings. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of May 20, 2026 without edits. - Ratified administrative approval for removal of a hazard tree at 200 Antelope Drive. Public Comments & Testimony - During the discussion of the hotel project, several members of the public spoke. Rebecca Bircher, a neighbor at 189 Housatonic Street, expressed concerns about upstream flooding, the condition of the culvert under Housatonic Street, and potential impacts on wildlife including blue herons and trout in Barnes Brook. She requested a concrete assessment of upstream impacts. - Another resident questioned the capacity of the stormwater system to handle large volumes of water during heavy storms. - The applicant's attorney, Jeff Punch, responded that the project would reduce stormwater discharge and improve conditions compared to the current site. Discussion Items - Forest Cutting Plan at 258 Washington Mountain Road: The commission reviewed a plan for rotational cuttings on 15 acres. Members noted it is on the property owner's own land and outside any jurisdictional areas. No further action was taken. - Request for Determination of Applicability, Northeast Trail Works: The item was tabled as a site inspection had not yet been scheduled. - Continued Certificate of Compliance, DEP File 196-19 (Laurel Lake): The commission voted to continue the item due to inability to contact the applicant's supervisor. - Notice of Intent for 165 Housatonic Street (Garden Management Hotel): The applicant presented plans to demolish an existing motel and construct a 74-room, 11,577-square-foot hotel further from the stream. Stormwater management included a rain garden, detention basin, and proprietary separators. Commissioners raised questions about floodplain compensation, stormwater attenuation, erosion control, and discrepancies between the narrative and plans. A late email from Mark Stinton with additional comments prompted the commission to seek a peer review. Key Outcomes - The commission voted unanimously to hire a peer consultant (Dave Cameron) for a full review of the hotel project, with the applicant required to pay for the review under M.G.L. Chapter 44. - The hearing on the hotel notice of intent was continued to June 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM. - The certificate of compliance for Laurel Lake was continued. - The commission approved the administrative removal of a hazard tree at 200 Antelope Drive. - Upcoming hearings were noted: Zoning Board of Appeals on June 16 for a floodplain special permit, and Planning Board on June 22 for the same hotel project.