Weston CPC Returns $413,000 to Reserves, Advances Dog Park and Tree Planting Bids

WESTON -- February 2, 2026, Weston's Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously to close out roughly $413,000 in completed projects and return the funds to its unallocated reserves at its February 2 meeting, the panel's first gathering in about six months. Chair Glenn Butcher, participating remotely, handed in-person chairmanship to Member Gwen King per state open meeting law. Town Manager Leon Gohman told the committee its finances are "able to support this level of funding" across seven incoming applications totaling well over $1.8 million. Two applications received preliminary review: a citizen-sponsored $18,000 dog park feasibility study, clarified down from a $68,000 agenda figure, raised sharp governance questions from members and Finance Committee Chair Bharat, who warned applicants, "you would need to tell us which committee is going to maintain it"; and a $300,000 Town Green Rehabilitation Phase I from the Tree Advisory Group, which drew requests for before-and-after photographs to accompany its 53-tree planting plan. All applications head to a public hearing February 23.