Weston Select Board picks Cat Rock Alternative 1 for new water tank

WESTON — February 27, 2024 — Weston Select Board picks Cat Rock Alternative 1 for new water tank over abutter objections. The 3-0 vote, taken after a two-hour hearing, rejected a competing "Alternative 2A" pushed by abutter Michael Chasen, who showed renderings of a 97-foot tank visible from the summit and warned the board it would "destroy Cat Rock." Wright-Pierce engineer Amy Coppers scored Alternative 1 at 66 of 85 points against 61.7 for 2A, and estimated the abutter's site would cost $200,000 to $600,000 more and require taking 0.35 acres of private land within 20 feet of an 80-year-old water main. Chair Lori Bent acknowledged "there are no winners in this process." The board also voted to put a 0.75-to-1 percent local meals tax on the May warrant, projected to raise about $100,000 a year, and authorized MSBA Statements of Interest for both secondary schools. Member Chris Houston announced he will not seek a fourth term after nine years.