Town Meeting Passes All Remaining Articles

On its second night, Town Meeting tackled articles dealing with affordable housing, using Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to renovate the Old Library and establishing a licensing system for special liquor sales in Weston.

The remaining articles, not dealt with on Monday night's Town Meeting session, were all passed, mostly unanimously, with little debate.

Wes Marple was a rare voice of dissent, expressing his feelings against passing Article 29, which would allocate CPA funds for the Old Library, calling it a "white elephant."

"I see this expenditure as being unwise and for an unforeseen purpose," said Marple.

Selectman Michael Harrity countered that the CPA account has $8 million in cash, and that the group and others have identified the library as fundamental to the town's character and deserving of these funds.

The article passed with some scattering "no" votes.

In speaking in favor of the affordable housing trust, Selectman Chairman Steven Charlip said the trust, almost seven years in the making, would make a difference to those working in Weston who cannot afford to live there otherwise.

"We have teachers and other employees who make this town what it is and cannot afford to live here," he said.

Town Meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.