The Planning Board is considering drafting a special permit that would regulate the use of congregate living facilities for charity events.
EAST LONGMEADOW -- The Planning Board is considering drafting a special permit that would regulate the use of congregate living facilities for charity events.
Several establishments are currently using their facilities for charitable events even though such uses are not permitted within the town bylaws, said Planning Board Director Robyn D. Macdonald.
The board is reviewing the issue but will not take formal action until information is gathered about how many places currently have the desire and capabilities to run charity events.
Community activities are allowed in municipal buildings, but not in congregate living facilities, Macdonald said.
East Longmeadow Planning Board member Michael Przybylowicz"I don't think it’s a good idea. It muddies up the waters when you have to apply it across the board and be subjective," Planning Board Chairman Peter Pundersen said of the special permit. "It could cause a lot of potential problems."
Planning Board members Michael S. Przybylowicz and Michael Carabetta agreed that organizations that have the space should be able to use their facilities for charity events.
"There will always be subjectivity in our decisions. If it was black and white, they wouldn’t need us,” Przybylowicz said.
“There are a lot of nice events that could be held here in town, but are held elsewhere because our bylaws do not allow it,” he added
The special permit would apply to congregate living facilities, nursing homes, handicap facilities and a few other residential establishments.
“The truth is this is happening in an uncontrolled manner anyway,” said board member George C. Kingston. “We can draft a proper bylaw and it will give us the opportunity to regulate and control the situation.”