Hoff’s changes delayed again

LENOX – Another extension will be needed in the nearly yearlong battle over a change of use for Hoff’s Mobil.

At the most recent Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, board members repeated their calls for a traffic safety study to look at any possible dangers the changes could create for the public.

Several board members explained to Jeffrey Lynch, the attorney for Glenn Hoff Sr.’s business, Shanlen Realty Corp., they could vote on the matter, but due to the fact they expect legal action after their vote, they would like to gather as much information as possible.

“My concern is we’re facing potential litigation,” added Board Member Robert Fuster Sr. “I think because of that, we should be as cautious as we possibly can.”

ZBA Chairman Ethan Berg, who stated he could vote without it, also added some measure of support for the study.

“We have a neighbor who plans to contest this in court,” said Chairman Berg. “Valid issues have been raised, so it seems only prudent to proceed with a study.”

The study will be used to help the ZBA determine if the proposal is “substantially more detrimental neighborhood than existing conditions,” with safety and the “character of the community” being main concerns.

The request for a traffic safety study has been made before and at this most recent meeting, Atty. Lynch brought Matthew D. Puntin, a project engineer with SK Design in Pittsfield, who has drawn the new layout of the pumps and parking area.

Mr. Puntin explained that, while he is not qualified to create a traffic safety study, in his opinion, the designs made by his firm offer a great amount of safety and is a solid plan for the property.

Attorney Alexandra Glover of Lazan, Glover and Puciloski in Great Barrington, who represents abutter Daniel O’Brien, proprietor of O’Brien’s Market, argued that even in the newest drawings the property does not meet the town’s zoning requirements.

Atty. Glover explained she feels there are not adequate parking spaces, wide enough travel lanes and the design does not meet the town’s loading-area requirements.

The zoning board has scheduled its next meeting on the Hoff’s debate for April 3.

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on February 14, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry