The Peer Review of the development plan for 35-37 Interlaken (formerly the Desisto School) was submitted to the Town of Stockbridge, April 4, 2025.
The necessity for a Peer Review (PR) was determined by the Special Permitting Body (the Stockbridge Select Board) based on the size, scale, and complexity of the proposed project, or because of the uses or potential impacts. Select Board member Chuck Cardillo moved the question: the 314-acre property, owned by the 35-37 Interlaken Realty Trust, Patrick Sheehan, Trustee, qualified for a peer review. It passed unanimously.
A Peer Review is conducted by a consultant whom the applicant pays, but the consultant acts on behalf of the Special Permitting Body. Beals Associates, Boston, reviewed the 300-page application for compliance with the Town’s by-laws and provided commentary and suggestions. The introductory comments include this: “The purpose articulated in Subsection 6.6.1 encourages the preservation, restoration or improvement of the original features and character of the principal buildings, associated outbuildings, open spaces, views, landscape features, gardens and recreational facilities…We believe this is the critical lens through which the Select Board should analyze this proposal.”
Beals concludes the opening remarks, “The proposed project has a number of components that respond to this purpose…the current proposed project represents an effort to address the Town’s concerns with reduction in site density and limits on clearing…However, we believe more can be done.”
Under “Primary Issues,” the Peer Reviewers pointed out that the height of some of the proposed buildings exceeded the 35-foot limit allowed by current bylaws and proposed additions to the principal building not allowed. However, Beals noted the SB “has the discretion to grant relief for these additions as extensions of the nonconforming structure.”
Beals also pointed out that the bylaw allows hotel use but not multi-family residential use. Later in the document, Beals suggests protection of the view shed through application of the Scenic Mountain Act and placing a conservation restriction on the upland area as well as observing all conservation restrictions with respect to wetlands.
The development plan proposes 132 residential hotel units and nine hotel suites; 24 single-family homes (cluster-style); an 800-car parking lot, and a 17-acre garden. If approved, it would be the largest development project in Stockbridge history.
The document clearly articulates the applicable rules for and the rights of both the permitting authority and the property owners. Those rules and rights provide guidelines and opportunities for negotiation. May both sides go forth and do good for our community.
Carole Owens
Executive Editor
Editor’s note: Down memory lane – 1. I had the honor of being involved in production of the first Cottage Era Bylaw with authors Mary Flynn and Jeff Parsons. It was never implemented. It was challenged by the Marians of the Immaculate Conception and successfully defeated. I am so happy that the spirit and intention of the first bylaw is echoed by the Peer Review: “[Preservation is] the critical lens through which the Select Board should analyze this proposal.”
2. Mary Flynn experienced few political defeats, but there was one important one She wanted a conservation restriction placed on Yokun Mountain at the rear of the DeSisto property. It is very gratifying that the Peer Review recommended it and no there is an opportunity to realize Mary’s dream.
