Highland Meadows protected area to link up with town’s trail system

By Gabriel Leiner
STAFF WRITER

Conservation enthusiasts in Weston can now be assured that over 17 acres in town will remain as open space.

In support of a recommendation from the Conservation Commission, the Board of Selectmen unanimously agreed to sign and adopt a policy to forever conserve the land as part of the Highland Meadows housing project off Route 20.

“The goal is to protect about 17 acres in perpetuity,” said ConCom Chair George Bates. “That means no developing on it.”

The 17.4 acres of conserved space will also connect to the Red Barn forest trail.

“The trail around the property line (of Highland Meadows) will connect with the existing (Red Barn) trail on Boston Post Road and the trail across the street,” said Bates. “It’s a pretty good deal for the town.”

The trail is part of the circuit maintained by the Weston Forest and Trail Association.

“This will be a great way to preserve that land,” said selectmen Chairman Michael Harrity. “And as I understand it, (bike) riders use the trails too.”

The open space is adjacent to Highland Meadows, an under construction 69-unit senior housing development on the former Paine Estate between Highland Street and Route 20.

“We think conserving the land will be a great benefit to the homes,” said Mark Romanowicz, vice president of the Needham-based Highland Real Estate Development. “It will give a protective boundary and give a nice vista for people who live there.”

Romanowicz said the idea to conserve the land was first discussed during design of the project with the Planning Board, which suggested during the approval process in 2005 to conserve the 17 acres.

Bates said the town’s decision to conserve the area now means that any work on the site, including pruning, trimming and planting, all has to be approved by the Conservation Commission.

“Ultimately we hope by (the selectmen signing the conservation restriction), that this section will keep it open space forever,” said Bates. “The next step is for us to have the secretary of environmental affairs to sign the same thing.”

The rezoning to allow the construction of Highland Meadows was approved by Weston voters at Town Meeting in 2005. Construction on the model homes is expected to be completed this fall.

Romanowicz said units are still available for purchase, and will go on the market in early 2008. For more information call 781-591-5200.

Staff writer Gabriel Leiner can be reached at 508-626-4436 or gleiner@cnc.com