Weston Planning Board moves to close site plan phasing loophole, schedules planner interviews

WESTON — May 6, 2020 — Weston Planning Board weighs closing site plan loophole as chair announces departure and planner search advances. KP Law attorneys Katie and John walked the board through the 2011 144 Beaver Road land court decision, which requires "de novo" review when phased construction pushes a house past the town's 6,000-square-foot threshold. Member Sue urged closing the phasing loophole; John warned the board against reading intent into applications, saying site plan approval "isn't punitive." Member Alicia called the case-by-case approach "completely uncomfortable." Chair Tony confirmed he will not seek re-election and will leave at term's end after consulting Town Manager Leon. The board approved four sets of 2019 minutes unanimously, pencilled in a May 21 Zoom interview for two town planner finalists, and tasked member Steve and Town Planner Dana with negotiating a tiered driveway-width standard with the Fire Department to replace the current 12-versus-14-foot impasse.