Weston Historical Commission removes dozens of properties from cultural inventory list

WESTON — July 26, 2022 — Weston Historical Commission votes to pare down its cultural inventory list, removing dozens of properties deemed no longer historically significant. Working through a presentation by consultant Pam Fox, the commission reviewed more than 50 addresses at the July 26 meeting, removing properties that members said had been heavily modified, were not visible from public roads, or failed to demonstrate a public benefit from continued oversight under the town's demolition delay bylaw. The commission voted 5-0 to approve dormer additions at 61 Silver Hill Road, a 1940 Tudor Colonial Revival house damaged by a fallen pine tree, with architect Tom Timko presenting plans that members called "sensitive" and largely invisible from the street. The commission also voted 5-0 to contribute an additional $2,000 from its chest fund to cover a shortfall in the historical society's exhibition at the Julia Sherburn Taft estate. Co-Chair Phyllis Halpern reported that a request for quotes for a modern architectural survey had gone to eight Massachusetts Historical Commission-vetted vendors, with responses expected in mid to late August.