Weston Planning Board Approves Stone Ridge Planting Plan, Closes Out Neighbor Dispute

WESTON — October 4, 2023 — Weston Planning Board unanimously approved a Stone Ridge Lane planting plan and a 405 North Avenue special permit while advancing a sweeping revision of outdoor lighting rules. Chair Leslie Glynn and the four-member board closed a multi-meeting dispute over tree screening at 135 and 7 Stone Ridge Lane, voting 4-0 to accept a landscape plan presented by consultant Karen after test digging confirmed ledge limited planting options near the structure; abutter Paul Nolan, identified in discussion as Mr. Nolan, argued three additional trees were insufficient but the board found the developer had done what was reasonably possible within site constraints. The board also approved the special permit for 405 North Avenue 5-0 after confirming the applicant had constricted a driveway from 22 feet to 18 feet and reduced lighting to 2,700-Kelvin fixtures. Lighting consultant Glenn, retained by the board, proposed capping individual fixture output at 800 lumens, requiring full shielding above 200 lumens, and replacing the current 22,000-lumen per-property allowance with a formula scaled to house square footage; no vote was taken, and members agreed to submit written questions for a future session. A resident identified as Diana urged the board to coordinate with Police Chief Lanahan before finalizing any restrictions, citing a recent uptick in break-ins.