Weston ZBA unanimously declares blasting and stone wall changes substantial at 269 North Ave

WESTON -- March 17, 2026, Weston ZBA blocks blasting at 269 North Avenue, sends dispute to April 13 public hearing. The three-member Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Monday to declare both items in a Notice of Project Change for the 16-unit affordable rental project substantial changes under Chapter 40B, meaning neither blasting for septic tank installation nor replacement of a deteriorated North Avenue stone wall can proceed without a full public hearing. Acting Chair Jane Fisher Carlson, Chair Stephen J. Larocque, and Associate Member Laura Mintz sided with several neighbors who argued blasting posed unacceptable risk to fieldstone foundations and nearby underground fuel tanks. Attorney Adam Costa, representing 269 North Ave, LLC, acknowledged the developer has the right to default to weeks of drilling and hammering without board approval, but said that decision had not been made. Neighbor Ralph Mazitschek cited a 2016 memo from the developer's own engineer documenting bedrock at the exact septic installation location, calling the developer's surprise at finding ledge "not credible." The public hearing is set for April 13, 2026 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.