Weston Planning Board Approves 51 Eversource Tree Removals Along Scenic Roads

WESTON — September 18, 2019 — Weston Planning Board unanimously approved removal of 51 Eversource trees along scenic roads while preserving 16 others at its September 18 meeting. Chair Leslie Glynn led the board through five individually contested trees, voting to remove a large hollow oak at 400 Concord Street in snag condition — deferring to the Tree Advisory Group's recommendation that snags benefit wildlife — while saving a low-risk tree near the rail trail and approving the removal of a pine just six inches from energized conductors on worker-safety grounds. The board continued the 60 Old Road new-home hearing to October 2 after neighbors Jerry and Michael Cooper of 29 Hilltop Road pressed for more screening, with the applicant agreeing to field-locate six evergreen trees rather than three on the steep slope toward their property. A separate hearing on an unapproved six-foot cedar fence on Highland Street was continued pending a site visit, with one board member stating the fence "creates a corridor effect" on a scenic road and calling the installation a clear rules violation.