Public Hearing continued: Applicant Vanderbilt Berkshire Estate (VBE)(Elm Court)

The applicant presented information requested by the permitting authority and answered questions. For example, the thought put into lighting, conservation (expanses of wild flowers rather than grass), and a maximum size not to exceed 7500 square feet and built by each new owner (the average house size built in USA is 2500 sq. ft).

Questions from those attending followed. Although no questions were not answered during the hearing, each participant asked that their question be answered at some point. Questions and comments included: since Lenox is carrying some of the burden of the development – water and sewer – should Lenox receive some of the taxes paid and funds donated to affordable housing? Shouldn’t there be a fair agreement? Question asked about Elm Court actually being developed and not just flipped. Concern about stress placed on Lily Pond which is actually shrinking, and concern about the wildlife for which this undeveloped land is habitat, and more.

The SB continued the Hearing although SB had no further questions and made no further requests for information. The attorney for VBE, Joel Silverstein, questioned why if there were no further requests, they did not close the hearing and vote? Nonetheless SB voted to continue until March 26, 2026, 6:30pm.

Thank you