Weston presents three water tank sites, commits to neighborhood site walks

WESTON -- March 21, 2023, Weston holds second water tank forum as abutters push back on proposed sites. Select Board member Lori Bent, serving as project coordinator, and Wright-Pierce engineers Robert Williamson and Amy Coppers presented conceptual siting plans for replacement tanks at Payne's Hill, Cat Rock, and Doublet Hill, each proposed roughly 40 feet higher than existing structures to meet pressure and fire-suppression standards. Cat Rock abutters, including Michael Chasen of 111 Bradford Road, challenged the accuracy of the site drawings and argued the proposed tank would sit as close as 200 feet from his home, compared to the existing 600 feet. Planning board chair Leslie requested a formal seat at the table for future site walks, reading six criteria for siting, screening, and construction-staging review. Conservation Commission Chair Allison Barlow confirmed the commission supports the required Article 97 land swap but has not yet selected replacement parcels. Williamson and Bent committed to site walks at all three locations with abutters before the project advances to a vote at the May 8 town meeting.