Weston voters approve $18 million town center redesign and utility burial

WESTON — March 18, 2019 — Weston town meeting approves $18 million town center overhaul in back-to-back two-thirds votes. More than 425 voters approved Article 1, a $10.8 million master plan for sidewalks, a four-way stop, 10 added parking spaces and roughly an acre of new open space, 285-103, then approved Article 2, a $7.19 million utility undergrounding, 349-56. Selectman Harvey Boshart pegged the cost to a median $1.2 million home at $150 per year for 20 years on the master plan and $122 per year for 15 years on the undergrounding. Town Center Planning Committee Chair Steve LaRock said the low bid was $13.6 million all-in, with the four next bidders running $1.9 million to $3.1 million higher. An amendment by resident Peter Hill to narrow travel lanes from 12 to 10 feet for cyclists failed 55-339. Committee member Kevin Sullivan urged voters, "Don't go halfway. Go all the way."