Weston Planning Board defers action on Highland Street rock-breaking amid noise concerns

WESTON — October 18, 2023 — Weston Planning Board defers Highland Street rock-breaking approval and rejects affordable-unit septic vent options at its October 18 meeting. Vice Chair Timothy Shawn Lanier led the hybrid session, during which Sustainability Committee member Nick Kreisman pitched adopting the state's specialized net zero building code — which has been adopted by more than 21 surrounding communities — citing Department of Energy Resources estimates of roughly $20,000 in reduced construction costs per five-bedroom home before rebates; the board tabled a motion of support pending member review of reference materials. On 355 Highland Street, abutter Robin of 365 Highland told the board the applicant's estimates had shifted from 15 to 25 truckloads of rock removal and from fewer than five to more than five days of breaking, saying "mistakes just keep happening on this project"; the board directed staff to take decibel readings at property lines before clearing work to resume. In a unanimous vote, the board rejected both a landscaping screen and an underground trench as solutions for an unapproved 10-foot septic vent pipe placed adjacent to the development's affordable housing unit at the 255 Merriam Street and 11 Hallett Hill 40B project, directing the applicant to return with an alternative that does not burden the affordable unit.