CPC recommends $12.96 million Josiah Smith Tavern package for December town meeting

WESTON -- October 28, 2019, Weston CPC sends $12.96 million Josiah Smith Tavern package to December town meeting. The Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously Oct. 28 to recommend up to $12,958,433 for the tavern renovation, with $7.8 million in upfront CPA cash and roughly $5.16 million to be borrowed over 10 years. Project manager Jim said filed sub-bids came in "plus and minus right on the estimate" at about $2 million, with a $2 million contingency and a $350,000 bid alternate for the tranquility garden. A Finance Committee member identified as John urged a shorter borrowing term and more upfront cash, telling the committee to "use as much of the kitty as you can," citing the town's roughly $90 million in debt and quarter-billion in combined unfunded liabilities. The committee also recommended $43,000 for rail trail buffer plantings phase two and approved $3,000 in administrative funds for a Memorial Pool feasibility study, after Recreation Chair Eric Rozenthal reported pool revenue had fallen from $263,167 in fiscal 2016 to $158,070.