Does the proposed use of the Josiah Smith Tavern barn and connector as a restaurant endanger this historic building because of the daily traffic by large numbers of restaurant patrons?
The Webber Group’s proposal to locate the restaurant in the connector and barn essentially removes the majority of the activity to these areas which are larger, newer and better suited to the demands of a busy restaurant, and away from the areas of greatest historic significance. For many years the barn has been used as a rental space for functions and the connector has seen weekly traffic by patrons of the Women’s Community League resale shop. Furthermore, the barn was once inhabited by horses and other large animals and vehicles. Ongoing maintenance of the interior spaces will be the responsibility of the restaurateurs. Carefully monitored and responsibly maintained activities are far less deleterious to the structure than continued inactivity and neglect. Historic New England would not approve any changes which would endanger the building.
