Letter: Path to JST restaurant has not been easy

I was pleased to see that Brian Piccini of Boston Urban Hospitality, developer of The Woods restaurant in the Josiah Smith Tavern, is prepared to submit full permitting construction documents to the Town’s Building Inspector, Board of Health, Weston Historical Commission, and numerous other boards. Timely approval of these documents is crucial to keeping the project schedule on track, allowing construction to begin this summer and aiming for opening this year.

From my 15 years on the Planning Board and 30+ years as a consultant to the Weston Historical Commission, I recognize the permitting process will present challenges. The volunteers who give their time to these boards are both knowledgeable and dedicated to striving for what is best for Weston.

The path to establishing a restaurant in the JST has not been easy. It took three years to restore the building, a year to write a contract for a restauranteur, another year to select a restauranteur and an additional year addressing issues with the state over the liquor license.

There were Historic New England approvals and other necessary steps. Now the restaurateur is tackling the last round of permitting hurdles.

I hope that everyone in town government will work together to get this project over the finish line. And maybe in the process, we can all demonstrate support for Brian and his team and look forward to celebrating opening day at The Woods.

Pam Fox, Boston Post Road