Weston Rail Trail Committee unanimously approves granite benches at all five sites

WESTON — May 13, 2019 — Weston Rail Trail Advisory Committee votes unanimously for granite benches at all five trail sites. The May 13 vote ended a multi-meeting dispute over bench materials, with the committee rejecting a longleaf lumber alternative estimated at $6,192 for five benches in favor of granite supported by donors affiliated with Weston 300 and preferred by DCR. A resident near the Gun Club Lane trailhead argued during public comment that the process had violated the open meeting law, that an informal Recreation Commission poll ran four-to-one in favor of wood, and that "the role of Weston 300 in here is really, really was the literal kiss of death for a humane, family-oriented bench." The committee also heard that aluminum trailhead signs would cost $62.25 each from Fast Signs in Waltham, a separate cantilever identity sign was quoted at $3,960 from Worcester vendor Ready to Run, and construction on the Conant Road underpass and Church Street and Concord Road trailheads is described as imminent.