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Community Corner

New Lachat Plan Gets More Time

The Weston Board of Selectmen gave residents more time to secure private funding to restore the Lachat residence.

Progress has been made in obtaining private funds to restore the Lachat property residence, about to be demolished only weeks ago, Carol Baldwin told the Board of Selectmen at its meeting last Thursday, May 5.

Baldwin presented a basic plan to the Nature Center Building Committee last month, ; both suggested returning the property to its original roots as a farm.

This week, Baldwin noted that "with very little effort," she was able to secure several donations for the renovation. 

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"There is a groundswell of effort," she said, and asked for more time to investigate private funding options, as well as grants from historical organizations.

The selectmen agreed to hear Baldwin's progress at the June 2 meeting, although Selectman Dan Gilbert said, "the clock is not ticking."

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The board is not currently inclined to keep a hard-and-fast deadline to secure private funding. 

Possible demolition isn't the only hurdle that the Godfrey Road West residence faces. Ownership questions relating to the Nature Conservancy and money issues relating to the trust are hovering over the plan for the property, . 

Baldwin asked the board if some of the funds from the trust couldn't be used to make temporary repairs to the house, such as placing a tarp over the roof and re-attaching the gutters.

First Selectman Gayle Weinstein said that the town checked the roof and it is not leaking.

Baldwin also noted that pairing with the Green Village Initiative would provide the project 501 3(c) status, which could take a year to obtain otherwise.

Gilbert and Selectman David Muller agreed that laying the groundwork with the Planning and Zoning Commission in a casual way may move the project along.

"We have to understand what it is we're proposing," Weinstein commented. "Until we own the property, we can't take the steps."

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