Finance Committee opposes $360,000 Case Estates pathway, defers on 275-unit South Ave proposal

WESTON — March 28, 2019 — Weston Finance Committee opposes $360,000 Case Estates pathway, hears 275-unit 40B pitch. Five members voted against recommending Article 23, a Community Preservation Act request for a sidewalk on Ash Street and a stone-dust path across the Case Estates, citing scarce CPA cash and the looming bonded cost of the Josiah Smith Tavern. The committee separately heard David Hall of Hanover Company, the Houston-based developer, propose a 275-unit rental complex at 518 South Ave. owned by resident Jonathan Buckman — a five-story building wrapped around a 405-space garage on 9.54 acres, with 25 percent affordable units and a projected 84 school-aged children. Hall said the 275-unit figure was chosen because that is exactly what Weston needs for Chapter 40B safe harbor. Outgoing Town Moderator Tom Crane used a farewell appearance to warn members that incoming moderator Doug Alasky, an 18-year selectman, "is not a fourth selectman." Members also agreed Chair Lisa would privately raise with the Board of Selectmen what member Karen described as factually misleading comments by Chair Harvey at town meeting.