Lenox Planning Board Endorses Two Land Division Plans, Eyes Hotel Hearing

LENOX — May 11, 2026 — Lenox Planning Board unanimously endorsed two approval-not-required land division plans and received early notice of a Fairfield Inn hotel application to replace the Pilgrim Inn at its May 11 meeting. Town Planner Brooke Steg confirmed that Foresight Engineering has filed complete plans for the Marriott-affiliated project, which would demolish the existing motel and construct a new four-story building up to 50 feet tall by special permit on a split-zoned parcel — Central Business Commercial in front, R20 residential in the rear. Steg said the application likely requires at least two separate special permits and that she was awaiting Town Counsel guidance before posting a public hearing, which could open June 22 or in July. The board also endorsed a 20,013-square-foot buildable lot at 765 Fairview Street for Katy Street, LLC, and approved a lot-line reconfiguration at 730-734 Pleasant Street for Gordon Bailey, with a remotely attending member observing: "I think it's a little messy still, but I'll vote yes." Steg reported that MassDOT staging lots near the outlets will be cleared of equipment by June 1 after all contractor permits expire.