CPC advances open space plan update and historic preservation fund to public hearing

WESTON — September 30, 2024 — Weston CPC advances $50,000 open space plan update and $20,000 historic preservation drafting fund. The Community Preservation Committee on Sept. 30 sent both requests to its public hearing without requiring either applicant to return. Conservation Administrator Jordan McCarron presented competing proposals from Activitas (about $65,000) and Weston & Sampson (about $50,000) to update the town's state-required Open Space and Recreation Plan, last refreshed in 2017. Recreation Director Chris Fitzgerald said the ADA self-evaluation built into the higher bid is largely unnecessary because only the renovated swimming pool has materially changed. Historical Commission Co-Chair Phyllis Halpern asked for $20,000 to pay consultants to draft donated preservation deed restrictions, citing a recent drafting cost just under $8,000 and Town Meeting delays of up to 10 months. "Many times a vulnerable resource cannot wait so long," Halpern said. The committee canceled its Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 meetings and will next meet Oct. 21.