Planning Board postpones Merriam Street ARC vote to April 22 special meeting

WESTON — April 15, 2020 — Weston Planning Board delays Merriam Street ARC vote one week and brokers Black Oak irrigation deal. The board continued the 255 Merriam Street zoning amendment and concept plan to a special April 22 meeting at 5 p.m. after member Sue Zacharias said she needed more time. Developer Jeff Engler, frustrated by mounting costs, told members the process has cost him "tens of thousands of dollars more than I had anticipated" but offered to pay for town counsel's review of condominium governance documents to clear a sticking point. On 79 Black Oak Road, the board accepted applicant Jonathan Buckman's offer to remove the exterior backflow preventer and cap the interior supply line rather than install a private irrigation well, with building inspector John Field monitoring water-bill anomalies. Alicia Primer dissented in substance, warning that exceptions "throw into disarray" past decisions. The board also unanimously approved certificates of action for Edge of Science camp, a 100 Highland Street pool addition, the Merriam Street ARD amendment, and Highland Meadows Lane.