Should The Town Purchase The Clark Tavern?

The former Clark Tavern, a piece of Medfield history, is for sale for $450,000.

According to Medfield Town Historian Richard DeSorgher,

It was a stagecoach stop on the Hartford-Boston Turnpike, also known as the Middle Road, going from Boston down to New York City. Many a weary traveler stayed over night before continuing the long stagecoach trip.  Nathan Hale, of history book fame, who was sent by General George Washington to spy on the British in New York City and who was captured and hung, stayed in the Clark Tavern. Hale’s immortal words “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country,” are an important part of our nation's history.

In addition,

During the occupation of Boston, minutemen from Connecticut were sent up as far as Medfield to guard the turnpike in the event the British tried to break out of Boston and head for New York City. The Connecticut militia used the Clark Tavern as their headquarters. The Post Office was kept there from 1809-1818.

Now the property is for sale. Do you think the town should buy the property? Why or why not? 

If so, how would the town pay for the purchase, and what would happen to the property afterward (and who would pay for that)?

Would you support adopting a local Community Preservation Act?

According to the Community Preservation Coalition, the CPA...

...allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund for open space protection, historic preservation, affordable housing and outdoor recreation. Community preservation monies are raised locally through the imposition of a surcharge of not more than 3% of the tax levy against real property, and municipalities must adopt CPA by ballot referendum. (View a map of all CPA communities; learn more about CPA adoption).

As of November, 155 of the state's 351 cities and towns have adopted the CPA, according to the site.

Nearby communities that have adopted the CPA include Sharon, Needham, Wellesley, Norfolk, Millis, Medway, Holliston, Hopkinton, Ashland, and many more.

Tell us in the comments. What would you like done with the Clark Tavern and, if it is a purchase and/or renovation, would you consider adopting the Community Preservation Act?