Weston Historical Commission Approves Wellesley Street Renovations With Window Condition

WESTON — August 22, 2023 — Weston Historical Commission approves Wellesley Street renovation and clears contested Ridgeway Road garage for demolition. The commission voted 4-0 at its August 22 meeting to approve plans by architect Jane Grover to expand and renovate the circa-1862 home at 76 Wellesley Street, owned by Breck Bailey, with the approval conditioned on a separate determination about five original front windows following a site visit by member Henry S. Stone, Jr. The board also voted 4-0 to find a detached garage at 169 Ridgeway Road not historically significant, clearing the way for its demolition — despite objections from abutters who argued the owners, Rebecca Sykes and Joe DiGregorio, had not disclosed the full scope of their development plans, including a proposed carriage house, during prior approval proceedings. Co-Chair Phyllis Halpern held those concerns outside the commission's jurisdiction, saying the only question before the board was the garage's architectural merit. The commission also began early-stage planning to pursue a preservation deed restriction at the 487 Wellesley Street farmstead, a seven-and-a-half-acre property with a historic barn, directing staff to seek an appraisal proposal to be funded through the Community Preservation Committee.