Weston Historical Commission approves six applications, backs depot acquisition at May meeting

WESTON -- May 3, 2022, Weston Historical Commission approves six historic-district applications and votes to support depot acquisition ahead of May 9 town meeting. The seven-member panel, chaired by Phyllis Halpern, cleared projects at 23 Pinecroft Road, 23 Old Road, 251 Merriam Street, 12 Hemlock Road, 266 North Avenue, and 284 Glen Road, all without imposing demolition delays. The commission also voted unanimously to declare two additional properties historically significant and to support Article 19, a Select Board request for authority to acquire the former train depot at 55 Church Street by purchase, gift, or eminent domain. Member Alfred Aydelott will present at town meeting the request to fund a preservation deed restriction on 669 Boston Post Road, whose demolition-delay clock expires June 22. The lone divided vote of the night came on 227 Merriam Street, where Phyllis Halpern voted no on replacing 11 original wood windows with Anderson Renewal composite units, citing the commission's standing preference for maintaining historic wood sash; the motion passed 6-1. Treasurer John Thompson reported the commission holds $55,413 in long-term CPC funds against only $338.54 spent from the $4,800 annual operating budget.