Elm Court to welcome residents to discuss zoning issues

STOCKBRIDGE – After the “Great Estates” zoning bylaw amendment failed at a recent special town meeting, one of those estates has begun a campaign encourage voters to approve it this time.

The new owner of the Elm Court estate, Travaasa Experiential Resorts, will host an open house on April 17, from 4-8 p.m., for Stockbridge and Lenox residents interested in getting an inside look at the historic gilded age “cottage” and to explain why they feel the bylaw change should be approved by Stockbridge voters when it returns to the warrants at the May 20 annual town meeting.

Chris Manning, president of Travaasa Experiential Resorts, hopes to meet with local residents and potential town meeting voters to share details of the project and answer any questions.

“I hope people see that we have the beginnings of a beautiful restoration to this property that we can continue to bring to life,” said Mr. Manning.

The bylaw, which pertains to five Great Estate properties in Stockbridge, provides for an addition to the main building that is smaller, shorter, connected to and behind the principal structure on a Great Estate, which is defined as a property with at least 80 acres.

Elm Court was purchased in July 2012 by Travaasa Experiential Resorts, a Colorado-based hospitality company, which plans to further restore the property and add a secondary adjacent wing behind the main house.

This addition would be acceptable if the bylaw change passed, but currently, it would not be allowed.

If passed, the revised bylaw would provide a path for preservation of the town’s historic estates while allowing for limited development. The bylaw also includes language ensuring the original historic structures remain the properties’ primary focal point.

At the special town meeting late this winter, the article received a majority vote, 61-55, but due to a lack of the two-thirds vote required for approval, it failed.

Since that special town meeting, Mr. Manning has held meetings with several residents of Stockbridge that had been opponents of the changes to hear their concerns, show them the scope of the project and to get their input on changes to the new bylaw.

The open house is planned to be far more than a campaign event. Visitors will be able to see the inside of the mansion and view architectural drawings of the new owner’s plans.

“We welcome anyone interested in the unique history of Elm Court to join us for an informal visit next Tuesday,” said Mr. Manning. “For anyone who is a fan of Downton Abbey, or who has not seen Elm Court since its restoration, April 17 is a great evening to visit.”

The new owners plan to refurbish more guest rooms within the main mansion and to add recreational facilities, including a farm, equine operations, fitness equipment and spa treatment rooms.

Additionally, a restaurant open to the public with an exhibition kitchen is planned.

At their latest meeting, Deborah McMenamy, chairwoman of the Stockbridge Board of Selectmen, also expressed her support for the amendment. Mrs. McMenamy explained some amendments have been made since the special town meeting, and she “hopes” it will now pass.

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on April 11, 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