Board grants two‑year extension to Elaine McCrystal after counsel cites illness and failed closings

The Jackson Planning Board voted unanimously on July 20 to grant a two‑year time extension for preliminary and final major subdivision approval for property associated with Elaine McCrystal.

Dennis Galvin, an attorney who said he previously represented the applicant, told the board that McCrystal has been battling cancer and that her husband — who had served as the board’s court reporter for decades — recently died. Galvin said multiple prospective buyers had failed to close because of financing problems and asked the board to grant the remaining allowable extensions to ease pressure on the applicant. "I'm asking if you could grant us this kindness in this instance and give us 2 years," Galvin said.

Before presentation, the board attorney disclosed a conflict and stepped down from the matter; conflict counsel handled the item. Board members asked whether the applicant was waiting on any outside approvals; Galvin said everything was in order and that the requests were driven by personal hardship and market financing falls‑through. Several members expressed sympathy and support; one member said the extension should be granted "for the good of the family." The motion to grant the two‑year extension passed by roll call.

The extension uses the maximum remaining one‑year extensions allowed under local rules and is intended to give the applicant additional time to secure a buyer and complete the subdivision transfer. The board offered condolences to the family as part of the public record.

Next procedural steps: the extension was recorded in the minutes and will be incorporated into the file for subdivision 665‑2.