Lenox Planning Board Backs Hurlburt Road Garage Variance, Delays Open Space Endorsement

LENOX — June 11, 2026 — Lenox Planning Board sends positive recommendation on front-yard garage variance, delays open space plan endorsement vote. The three-member board — Chair Pedro, Jonathan, and Jackie, with Brandy and Jeremy absent — unanimously recommended the Zoning Board of Appeals approve a front-yard setback variance at 150 Hurlburt Road for Shelter Farm, LLC, represented by applicant Max Ritt on behalf of owner James Penrose; Ritt cited well and septic placement that blocks any side-yard option on the sub-half-acre nonconforming lot, with existing lot coverage under 10 percent. The board then deferred a vote on the endorsement letter for the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan after members said they had not had adequate time to review the draft, which the town manager had forwarded only hours earlier; Berkshire Regional Planning Commission planner Seth noted the BRPC's grant funding expires June 30 but that the state review process will extend into fall regardless, making the June 25 meeting the new target for the vote. Agricultural Commission member Vivian urged the board to elevate community gardening priorities in the plan's action items before endorsement, arguing that global fertilizer shortages and rising diesel costs make local food production increasingly urgent.