Lenox Select Board Meeting - September 23, 2026

The Lenox Select Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. The meeting featured announcements about community events, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, and a major discussion on the Seasonal Communities Designation, which the board voted to advance to a special town meeting. A policy for associate members of the Conservation Commission was also adopted.

Consent Calendar

• Donation acceptance request from Chief Casucci for the fire department.
• Appointments to the Conservation Commission: Madeline Johnston and Cynthia Pansing (filling a vacancy).
• Appointment to the Meeting Preservation Committee: Sarah Goodberlay.
• Special one-day liquor license for Loretta to Nuta on October 10, 2026, 6–9 p.m. at Benford Hall.
• Special all-alcoholic license for Michaela Lewis on November 7, 2026, 4–11 p.m. at Benford Hall.
• Temporary sign permit for the Homelands Powwow on October 3–4 (12 signs throughout town).
• Chair noted upcoming electronic system for committee applications.
• Motion to approve consent agenda passed with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Jameson (Homelands Powwow board) expressed gratitude for sign approval and invited the board to the powwow on October 3–4 at Shakespeare & Company. She stated over 160 Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans are traveling from Wisconsin. Chair confirmed sign permit was ready.
• Cape McCalkey (Fall Fix It Clinic) reported on the upcoming clinic on October 17, sponsored by the Lenox Community Center. He noted the April clinic was the largest yet: 43 people brought 31 items for sewing (31 completed), plus mechanical/electrical items including 11 lamps and 22 other items. He encouraged volunteering and emphasized the skilled team.

Discussion Items

Seasonal Communities Designation

• Representative Lee Davis spoke as a champion, urging the board to let residents vote on opting into the Seasonal Communities Designation. She highlighted the need for regional housing solutions, noting that 16 of her 18 district towns are eligible. She addressed concerns about unfunded mandates and floodgates, emphasizing that the designation offers tools (not requirements) and state funding (roughly $50,000+ per town, with $2 million allocated in FY26/27). She supported increasing local preference for Berkshire County residents.
• Brett Roberts (Berkshire Regional Planning Commission) detailed the origin in the Affordable Homes Act (August 2024). He explained that Lenox qualifies because 20.9% of housing is seasonal and 3.89% are short-term rentals. He outlined optional tools: a Year-Round Housing Trust Fund (supports housing up to 250% AMI), year-round occupancy restrictions, essential public employee preference, artist housing preference, and a residential property tax exemption up to 50% (currently 35% without designation). Required zoning actions: permit existing undersized lots (approx. 45 identified) and tiny houses (≤400 sq ft) as-of-right in single-family zones, with year-round and attainable housing restrictions. Town must adopt zoning within two years of voting to accept. Funding is not guaranteed but available for planning, local actions, and infrastructure.
• Bob Munch (Planning Board) noted minimal zoning lift (tiny houses and undersized lots already largely permissible) and that the board works carefully. He supported the designation, stating the tools could help maintain Lenox’s community balance.
• Don Weber (Affordable Housing Trust) expressed personal support, noting the importance of attainable housing (up to 250% AMI) and local preference for teachers, police, etc. He mentioned the trust had not yet met on this but called a meeting of all Berkshire affordable housing trusts.
• Board members discussed levy shifting concerns, but concluded the designation is a toolbox and fits Lenox. They moved to advance to special town meeting.

Conservation Commission Associate Membership Policy

• Eamon presented a policy to allow non-voting associate members to train and participate. The board discussed the policy, noting it could serve as a model for other boards. The final bullet regarding training costs was clarified that the town would pay for required training. The policy was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with all appointments and permits.
• Seasonal Communities Designation: The board voted to advance the designation to a special town meeting in November 2026 for a vote by residents. The motion passed with all in favor.
• Conservation Commission Associate Membership Policy: Approved.
• Next Regular Meeting: October 7, 2026. Meeting adjourned.