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Link Name:	Red Lion Inn Menu Boards Appeal	Description:	
Subject/Title:	November 2, 2006	Subtitle:	
Keywords:		Review on:	
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TOWN OF STOCKBRIDGE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

MEETING MINUTES FOR: Thursday, November 2, 2006

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Linda Day, Patricia Flinn (clerk and associate),
 James Murray, Thomas Schuler, William Selke and Jack Spencer (chair)


ROARING LLC (RED LION INN)
MENU BOARDS APPEAL

Chair Jack Spencer opened the hearing at 7:26pm at the Stockbridge Town Hall.  He read the notice published in the October 12 and October 19 issues of the Berkshire Eagle:  

Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a hearing for November 2, 2006 for Roaring LLC, The Red Lion Inn who wishes a variation from the requirements of section 6.8.3 of the protective bylaws.  The applicant wishes the addition of three Menu boards and to re-site one existing…  The property is in the R-B zone.

The only attendees of interest were:
Bruce Finn - General Manager of the Red Lion Inn
Jim Hunt - Maintenance Manager of the Red Lion Inn
Nancy Denig - Denig Design Associates, landscaper

Bruce Finn made the presentation, during which he referred to formal site plans and designs which had been prepared.  He explained that the old, single Menu board out by the sidewalk was falling apart and had been taken down.  In its place, four smaller boards are proposed:
"	Two separate boards positioned left of the Den steps - one for the Courtyard (left), one for the Den (right).  
"	Two separate boards positioned on either side of the main steps - one for the Widow Bingham's Tavern (left), and a larger one for the main dining room (right).
Bruce pointed out that the combined area of the four new proposed boards is less than the area of old single Menu board, so they will be less obtrusive.  And set back further from the street, they will ease pedestrian congestion on the sidewalk.

Member Jim Murray questioned why a variance was needed if the total new board area is smaller.  A check of the bylaws showed that 6.8.3.d.2 reads: "…one (1) sign…for each separate business…attached flat against the wall of the building, advertising the…goods or services available…"  So a variance is needed based on placement.  

During a brief discussion period, the following points were made:
"	Other restaurants in town have menu boards: Michaels and Once Upon A Table.  
"	There is no flat area at the front of the Inn practical for posting the menus.  Using the front outside wall would necessitate going up the steps onto the porch.

Member Murray made a motion to hold a site visit at 4:30pm on Wednesday, November 8th, followed by a continuation of the hearing at 5:00pm at Town Hall.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.  

The session was ended at 7:50pm.
							Respectfully submitted,
							Patricia E. Flinn
							Clerk