Historical Commission unanimously opposes Eversource plan to pull Section Tool House tracks

SUDBURY — July 7, 2022 — Sudbury Historical Commission votes 6-0 to oppose Eversource removal of Section Tool House tracks. Vice Chair Diana Warren convened the July 7 meeting to draft formal comments to the Historic District Commission hours before its hearing on Eversource's June 22 application to remove roughly 150 feet of ties and rails and build a 14-foot-wide gravel access road within the George Pitts Tavern Historic District. Members Steve Green, Margie Katz, Diana Sebra, Catherine McGrath and Chris Durall joined Warren in approving the memo, which argues removal "would devalue the historical integrity and significance" of the National Register-eligible resource. The commission separately voted 6-0 to send Massachusetts Historical Commission Executive Director Brona Simon a letter challenging the draft Memorandum of Agreement for the broader project, noting the panel still has not received an "in-depth evaluation" of Bridge 127 alternatives. Resident Richard Flynn, a 30-year rail industry veteran, told the panel the tool house is the only one of its kind left in Massachusetts.