Select Board approves Room 203 deed restriction to unlock Josiah Smith Tavern variance

WESTON — December 18, 2019 — Weston Select Board clears state accessibility hurdle on Josiah Smith Tavern. The board voted 3-0 at a Dec. 18 special meeting to approve a declaration of restriction recording Room 203 of the tavern as limited to "town employees and contractors only," a condition the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board suggested after determining that a doorway adjacent to a curved wall could not be widened for wheelchair access. The motion was structured to conditionally pre-approve a slightly expanded version if town counsel confirms volunteers of nonprofit tenants can be included. The board called the special meeting because MAAB reviews the variance Jan. 6, ahead of the board's next regular meeting Jan. 7. Earlier, resident Greg Saunders of 301 Highland Street showed video of a near-crash near Lookout Point and reported a separate vehicle actually went over the edge the prior day, drawing a fire truck and two police cars with no injuries. The board then entered executive session under Exemption 6 on the JST, Hand Work, and 255 Merriam Street properties.