Weston commission narrows MBTA vegetation approval, denies broader rail exemption

WESTON — August 25, 2020 — Weston Conservation Commission narrows MBTA vegetation approval and addresses unpermitted Conant Road clearing. The commission voted 4-0 to issue only a positive 2A determination affirming wetland boundaries on Keolis Commuter Services' rail right-of-way maps, declining the broader negative-5 exemption the railroad requested, after Conservation Administrator Michelle Grzenda noted Keolis had quoted only part of state regulation 310 CMR 10.02(2)(a) — an exemption that names utilities but not commuter rail. Clary Kutu, Keolis's environmental compliance director, cited "over 23 derailments and incidents of trees since October" as justification for aggressive vegetation management. Separately, Nathaniel Heald of 118 Conant Road told the commission he cleared vines and poison ivy in the buffer zone as a pandemic outdoor classroom for his children, saying he was unaware of wetlands rules: "I have learned the hard way." The commission opted against a formal enforcement order. Members also approved a 272-foot extension of the Marion Street sidewalk boardwalk using three-inch helical piers.