The Weston City Commission on Nov. 17 unanimously approved a package of land‑use actions that clear the way to demolish three existing buildings and build two warehouse/distribution buildings measuring about 92,018 square feet and 69,355 square feet at 3040–3050 Universal Boulevard and 3265 Meridian Parkway.

The commission voted to vacate a short cul‑de‑sac segment of Universal Boulevard, grant a variance to avoid installing a 4‑foot perimeter berm in a 40‑foot landscape buffer, approve a height variance (buildings measured 39.15 feet above the relevant crown of road, 4.15 feet above the 35‑foot limit), and adopt the site plan. Mayor Margaret Brown and all commissioners voted yes.

Developer representatives told the commission the site is largely vacant and needs redevelopment. Dennis Mealy, representing the applicant, said the design raises finished‑floor elevations to about 9–9.4 feet to reduce flooding risk and that the crown‑of‑road measurement and elevation work together to drive the requested height variance. He said the project will meet or exceed open‑space and pervious‑area requirements and includes on‑site truck parking so vehicles will not need to load on Meridian Parkway.

Public testimony focused on traffic. Frederick Scott Ross, a nearby resident and commenter, said he was concerned that the property turning into an industrial site would bring “18‑wheelers and big ... trucks” and could make intersections such as Meridian and Commerce more dangerous. Ross also told the commission he had difficulty locating where meeting notices were posted and asked commissioners to view the site in person.

In response, Mealy and staff pointed to a traffic analysis prepared by Langan Engineering (submitted with the application) and to the city’s review. Mealy summarized the findings: the existing 110,342 square feet of office use would generate roughly 1,264 daily trips, while the proposed 161,897 square feet of warehouse would generate about 294 daily trips — “a reduction of 970 trips a day,” he said. He provided AM/PM hour estimates and a truck breakdown; Mealy said the industrial scenario would produce an estimated ~97 truck trips daily with lower peak‑hour vehicle counts than the office use.

City staff confirmed the applicant’s traffic totals were reviewed during the site‑plan process and that the city’s traffic engineers concurred with the methodology and totals presented. Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff about specific operational scenarios — for example, concentrated short‑term truck movements that can create temporary backups — and about utility easements in the vacated street. Staff said easements would be reviewed and amended as needed during construction design.

Public‑safety officials sworn during the hearing noted that unloading on Weston Road or Meridian Parkway is not allowed and that deputies and code enforcement would respond to curbside loading or standing trucks that obstruct traffic. Fire officials said blocked lanes affect emergency response and the city can coordinate enforcement when incidents occur.

Mealy said the project is being marketed to prospective tenants and is not yet committed to a single occupant; he said the buildings could be occupied by one or several tenants and that internal fit‑outs will require permits and staff review to ensure compliance with Weston regulations.

The commission’s votes came at the close of the quasi‑judicial hearing. Each motion (vacation, two variances, site plan) was moved, seconded and approved by roll call with five yes votes. The hearing record includes the applicant’s packet, the Langan Engineering traffic study (dated 11/26/2024), staff presentations and public testimony. The commission did not impose additional conditions beyond those in the staff report and the application record.

The next steps are ministerial: amendments to easements and construction‑level civil plans will be addressed if the applicant proceeds to building permitting. The site plan approval is effective under standard permit and review processes; no immediate ground‑breaking date was provided during the meeting.