For residents interested in, or concerned about, Weston’s housing priorities for the future, your chance is now to give comments and input on the draft Housing Production Plan. Open up that computer there on Little Hunter Beach or in between shark baiting on the Cape, and take a look. Remember, under Weston Statute 432. 2B*, you cannot complain about town plans if you haven’t at least read them.

Per the town website, here is an explanation of the Housing Production Plan or HPP:

A Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a proactive and studied means towards developing affordable housing that is in keeping with the Town’s own affordable housing policies and preferences (PDF).

The HPP is not a construction plan, but more specifically is intended to communicate to the state how Weston can address its affordable housing responsibilities. This plan contains three elements, which outlines for the state:

• a comprehensive assessment of Weston’s housing needs
• affordable housing goals to meet the needs
• strategies towards achieving the goals

An HPP committee was appointed in the fall of 2020 to update the 2015 plan. The new plan was presented as a draft to the Select Board and the Planning Board in June, 2021. In July 2021, the Select Board voted to extend the comment period to September 8.

You can also entertain yourself by reading the comments that have been consolidated so far. My personal favorite is regarding Chapter 5 and reads “how does noise physically divide Weston?” It is a valid question. One that may be reviewed by the Wes-TEN in a future show.

Comments may be submitted by September 8 to the Weston Town Planner, Imai Aiu, at aiu.i[at]westonma.gov. 

*That statute does not exist. Please don’t get crazy.