Park and Recreation Commission votes 3-2 against Haskell Field solar canopy

SUDBURY -- April 13, 2026, Sudbury Park and Recreation Commission votes 3-2 to oppose Haskell Field solar canopy at Town Meeting. Members Bobby Beagan, Granger Atkeson and Ben Carmel voted no on Article 34; Chair Mara Huston and Vice-Chair Laurie Eliason voted yes. Developer Byron Woodman said the 1.27-megawatt DC project would save the town roughly $92,000 in year one and about $2.1 million over 25 years with no upfront capital cost. Carmel said unresolved questions about Article 97, change-in-use status and the commission's authority under MGL Chapter 45 made the project too uncertain to support: "Until that occurs, my vote's no." The commission unanimously authorized Carmel to send a formal legal questionnaire to town counsel. Commissioners also voted 5-0 to approve a modified Feeley Field fencing plan, removing 120 feet of fence to preserve neighborhood sledding, pending input from Sudbury Softball. The Atkinson Pool closes April 30 and is expected to reopen June 1.