Lanesborough Hears Mall Redevelopment Plan, Votes to Enter Executive Session on Property

LANESBOROUGH -- August 25, 2025, Lanesborough Select Board and Finance Committee hear plans for 400-unit senior housing complex on former Berkshire Mall site. Development consultant Tim Grogan, representing JMJ Real Estate Holdings, told the joint boards at their August 25 meeting that the company has engaged Pittsfield-based Integritas Healthcare as senior housing partner and Dallas-based Cypress Equities as retail developer for the 655 Cheshire Road property, with demolition estimated at $5.56 million and first tax receipts not expected until fiscal year 2029 or 2030. Town Administrator Gina Charron reported that after consultation with the state Division of Local Services, the town identified roughly $75,000 in underestimated receipts and does not currently expect the Baker Hill Road District revenue shortfall to push the tax rate above the increase already approved at town meeting. The board voted two-to-one to nominate Select Board member Jason Breau as the town's candidate for the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization delegate position, with Finance Committee member Kristen Toole agreeing to present his nomination at the September 8 caucus. The board also awarded a $26,840 tree services contract to Asplund Tree Services and appointed Daryl Gagney as a full-time EMT before voting unanimously to enter executive session to discuss litigation strategy and property value considerations related to the mall site.