Weston Conservation Commission Deadlocks 2-2 on Contested Rockport Road Home

WESTON — May 24, 2022 — Weston Conservation Commission deadlocks 2-2 on a disputed home proposal inside the town's 25-foot no-disturb wetland buffer. The four-member quorum — reduced after a resignation and one absence — split evenly on closing the hearing for 120 Rockport Road (DEP 337-1449), where applicant Brandon Robinson had revised his proposal to reduce foundation disturbance to 708 square feet within the buffer, cut impervious surface by 23 percent, and offer a conservation deed restriction on nearly 60 percent of the 64,162-square-foot parcel. Commission consultant Patrick Garner said the plan "would be a fully approvable plan under the Wetland Protection Act" absent the local policy, but acknowledged it still does not meet the town's no-disturb standard. Member Alison Fronk Barlow said an offer to withhold the conservation restriction if the commission voted no felt "like extortion," while abutter Brendan O'Donoghue of 26 Driftwood Lane argued the town's policy should be upheld. Chair Joe Berman said the commission would seek legal counsel on the effect of a tie vote before determining next steps.