Developer proposes bakery, diner and basement speakeasy at 1913 Library; offers to fund road and parking improvements

Peter Rojas of Great Dane Construction presented a redevelopment concept for the 1913 Library to the Economic Development Committee on Aug. 4. Rojas outlined possible uses — a breakfast diner, a bakery and coffee shop, and a basement speakeasy limited to patrons 35 and older — and proposed using the overgrown historic right-of-way adjacent to the building for parking.

Rojas told the committee he proposed installing a drive-over-rated concrete septic system beneath the parking area and said he was "willingness to pay all costs to open, grade, pave, and maintain the road at no cost to the town." He also reported ongoing deed and survey research to determine ownership of the right-of-way, noting that the right-of-way "may have reverted to abutters due to a 1933 road closure," and said he had begun outreach to abutters.

Committee members said there was strong community interest in the breakfast/bakery option and advised Rojas to continue deed research and pursue the formal town processes necessary to enable use of the right-of-way. The committee referenced potential requirements for a town meeting warrant article, including attorney-prepared language and 25 registered voter signatures. No final approvals or votes on land use, road work or septic installation were taken at the meeting; the developer was directed to continue research and pursue the procedural steps required by the town.