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.