Weston CPC reviews Birch Lane duplex ahead of March 22 hearing

WESTON — March 8, 2021 — Weston CPC takes second look at Birch Lane duplex with neighbors still demanding a cap on the second lot. The Weston Affordable Housing Foundation walked the Community Preservation Committee through updated site photos and an $865,000 hard-cost duplex budget — $1.02 million with contingency and landscaping — on March 8, after the Historical Commission cleared the two existing houses for demolition. Donor Polly Dixon's deed requires permanently affordable rental units on both parcels, and WAHF's Peter said she has refused to amend the gift despite his offers of five-, 10- and 20-year limits on the second lot. "I just think they need certainty," member Nina said of the abutters, while member Sue questioned whether the project was "fully baked" enough for Town Meeting. The CPA fund is now projected to carry $5.1 million into FY22, after roughly $2 million in costs — including a $750,000 Case Estates restriction and a $250,000 Brooks School Apartments study — slipped to FY23. The committee approved prior minutes 6-0-1.