Weston Historical Commission Presses Woodley Farm Developers on Preservation Restrictions

WESTON — March 21, 2019 — Weston Historical Commission questions scope of historic preservation plan for 180-unit Woodley Farm apartment proposal. Co-Chair Phyllis Halpern and other members pressed developer Mark Romanowicz of Salt Marsh Design and Lars Onion of Mill Creek Residential to consider saving more than the three structures currently planned for retention — an 1840 Greek Revival house, its barn, and a portion of the 1725 to 1735 colonial residence — on the 62-acre Route 20 property. The commission raised particular concern about a 1938 addition attributed to architect Eleanor Raymond, which is slated for demolition. Rail trail committee member Paul Penfield warned the commission that development of a second upland parcel, which would raise site disturbance from 21 percent to approximately 36 percent, would be "even more of a detriment" to the adjacent town trail. The commission, which must submit comments to the Board of Selectmen before a March 26 meeting, planned to attempt a site walk before drafting its letter and discussed asking the developers to document the farm's buildings through photography, scanning, and possible exhibit installations.