Options for Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library Moving Forward

With Town Meeting’s approval of stabilization funds for some exterior renovations to the Old Library, the Board of Selectmen has decided to move things forward.

The board met with representatives from The Cecil Group Monday night and decided to move ahead with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for both the Old Library and the Josiah Smith Tavern, following a comprehensive study (PDF) done by The Cecil Group discussing various options for both buildings.

Selectman Michael Harrity said he was eager to get things moving and requested The Cecil Group put together at least a preliminary RFP so Weston residents can have some input before the summer begins.

“[The discussion is] academic unless we have someone willing to put up money and suggest a use,” he said.

An RFP would not mean committing one way or the other, said Harrity.

“An RFP doesn’t mean we’re obligated to go with anyone,” he said.

The study done by The Cecil Group does not outright suggest any specific use for either of the buildings but analyzes the options residents have put forward at various information-gathering meetings.

Three matrices rate each option or suggestion against a list of criteria. For example, a suggestion that a small restaurant or café go in the first level of the Josiah Smith Tavern gets a “high” rating for the criterion of “Enhance vibrancy of Town center.”

A copy of the matrices is available at right for viewing or download.

Steve Cecil, of The Cecil Group, said they avoided any solution or suggestion for the buildings that would require a substantial increase in parking, since residents made it clear they wanted to preserve the town center’s character without adding to the traffic or parking.

Once the RFP draft is completed, The Cecil Group will present to the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m.