Historical Commission backs Birch Lane house preservation, defers on density

WESTON — December 16, 2019 — Weston Historical Commission backs saving two Birch Lane houses but balks at adding a third building. The Weston Affordable Housing Foundation presented three design options on Dec. 16 for 8 and 10 Birch Lane, with preservation adding roughly $300,000 to a $1.75 million teardown-and-rebuild baseline. WAFI president Peter asked the commission to help close the gap through Community Preservation Committee historic-preservation funds. Three abutters opposed the density jump from two units to four; Lisa Kukay of 28 Derby Lane called the proposed new duplex "brand new, large… does not blend harmoniously." Affordable Housing Trust Chair Sarah Radigan urged the two boards to collaborate. Member Henry S. Stone, Jr. said "most of the fabric is salvageable" on the existing houses. The commission also previewed a Cambridge School preservation request for the 1800s White Farm dormitory on Lexington Street.