WESTON —
The town received just one response to its request for proposals to reuse the historic Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library in the center of town, despite extending its deadline to July 23.
However the proposal from longtime Weston resident Kamran Zahedi, president of Boston-based Urbanica, has already garnered the support of the Women’s Community League of Weston, which currently occupies part of the Josiah Smith Tavern, and the Weston Historical Society.
According to Zahedi, the proposal “suggests incorporating a small cafe/restaurant in the Barn, a bed and breakfast in the tavern, and four condominium units in the Old Library.”
Town Manager Donna VanderClock said the Board of Selectmen received Urbanica’s proposal at its meeting on Tuesday night.
In November 2009, Town Meeting voters rejected a proposal to turn the Josiah Smith Tavern into a 175-seat restaurant and the Old Library into the new home of the Women’s Community League of Weston and a historical archive.
In the newest proposal, Zahedi wrote it “strives to create a place that brings together community members both young and old. Furthermore, the proposal provides space for the current nonprofit tenants, the Women’s Community League and Weston Historical Society, while also being financially feasible.
“Another key tenet of the proposal is to replace much of the vehicular drive through on the site with a landscaped garden courtyard, creating a new public space just across from the town green.”