Historical Commission reinstates 261 Merriam Street preservation restriction request

WESTON — January 19, 2021 — Weston Historical Commission reverses course to revive 261 Merriam Street easement. The seven-member commission voted 6-0 on Jan. 19, with member Steve Wagner absent, to reinstate its Community Preservation Committee funding request for a preservation restriction covering the historic house, perimeter woods, and a roughly 1,500-square-foot addition over the rear garage. Co-Chair Phyllis Halpern said the owners — a neighbor group led by Jim Philando — had renewed interest after the commission had voted last fall to release the placeholder funds. Members also pressed for a registered letter to the owner of 770 Boston Post Road, where a demolition delay began July 15 and member Alfred Aydelott noted only "about 40 feet" of frontage would constrain any rebuild. Project manager Dana reported the Josiah Smith Tavern restoration is roughly 40 percent complete, with Historic New England signing off on a reinforced chimney design after "four or five rounds" of review. The commission also approved $168 for a marker at 50 Byron Road.