CPC sends WAFI back to refine Birch Lane affordable housing budget

WESTON -- January 27, 2020, Weston CPC tells WAFI to tighten Birch Lane budget and lock in endorsements before March hearing. The Community Preservation Committee, chaired by Glenn Butcher, declined to signal support Monday for the Weston Affordable Housing Foundation's request to rebuild two roughly 1900-era cottages at 8 and 10 Birch Lane as six-bedroom rentals at 80 percent area median income. Architect Dan Kuefler presented plans to move one house, rebuild both on new foundations, and share a single septic system, with $1,800 monthly rents. Member Steven Wagner said the per-unit cost looked to be three times the Viles Street project and asked for an independent estimate, "not from the contractor." Attorney Eric Goldberg, representing five abutting households, said neighbors back the two-cottage rehab but oppose a reserved future duplex. WAFI will return March 9 ahead of the March 23 public hearing.