Sherborn Selectmen Approve Sidewalk Project, Vote Down Restaurant Tax

from last Thursday’s busy Sherborn Board of Selectmen meeting.

Board votes down restaurant tax

The Sherborn Board of Selectmen received vehement opposition to a proposed warrant article on adding another tax to the customers of the town’s restaurants, in their meeting on Thursday. 

The tax could be another source of income for the town during a cash strapped economy. 

Selectmen George Pucci stated when the issue came up that he was against the article and upset that it even found its way onto the warrant. “I’m against this. I think we’ve already taxed them enough,” he said.  Considering the lack of restaurants in the town, he added, “They provide a service more than anything.”

Chairman Paul DeRensis and selectmen Tom Twining assured him that it was only because he was not present at the last meeting and they wanted his input. Twining added, “I’m against it, but it deserves a hearing.”

Ray Weice, of Sherborn Kitchens said, “This is a unique town. There is not a lot of industry.” He believes that is what many like about the town, but in that kind of atmosphere it is hard to remain competitive.

Sherborn Fire chief Jon Dowse added that Sherborn already has a bad reputation for being a rich community. If it were more expensive, people would patronize restaurants in other towns, he said.

In the end, the selectmen voted unanimously to remove the article from the warrant.

Selectmen approve sidewalk for east side of Main Street

The selectmen voted unanimously to approve an article that would add sidewalks on the east side of Main St. between St. Theresa’s Church and the Citgo gas station. The article would include easements to make travel safer for handicapped residents, clearer crosswalks signs and newer traffic signals.

Although the article was approved, the selectmen debated on what the language of the article should be. Twining stated that the language should be changed to accept gifts of land from residents for the sidewalks.

In the selectmen voted to approve the warrant for the 2011 Town Meeting on April 26.