Weston CPC Approves Updated Guidelines, Eyes Six Town Meeting Projects

WESTON -- September 25, 2017, Weston's Community Preservation Committee advanced six projects totaling more than $5 million toward November town meeting after a wide-ranging September 25 session. Member Steven Wagner presented a $205,000 phase-two request to restore priority-one gravestones at Central Cemetery and Farmers Burial Ground, with a phase-three request of roughly $185,000 anticipated for walls, gates, and tomb stabilization. The Weston Affordable Housing Trust sought approximately $430,000 to complete the long-troubled Warren Avenue renovation after a contractor dispute settled in mediation consumed the original budget, with a representative noting "it was a very difficult project" involving a cracked roof rafter, a foundationless garage, and a boulder discovered in the septic field. A rail trail subcommittee member presented a $73,000 contract with design firm Utile, whittled down from an initial $370,000 proposal, to manage site planning and abutter outreach through the spring town meeting. A $2.8 million Wellesley Street open-space purchase drew extended debate over whether the September 2016 appraisal remained valid, with Town Counsel opining the committee may proceed and the chief assessor confirming flat market conditions. The committee voted unanimously to adopt revised CPC plan guidelines, substituting "cognizant" for "mindful" and trimming language about "over concentration" of funding in any single category.