Sudbury CPC opens FY24 hearings on four community preservation requests

SUDBURY — November 16, 2022 — Sudbury CPC takes first testimony on four FY24 community preservation requests totaling more than $1.1 million. The Community Preservation Committee, chaired by Sherry, heard from Sudbury Housing Trust's Kelly Cronin on a $730,000 ask — likely to be trimmed given more than $3 million in total requests against limited funds — with the trust holding roughly $221,000 in reserves and eyeing a $500,000 Nob Scott Road parcel. Historical Commission archaeologist Catherine McGrath requested $35,000 for an Indigenous Cultural Landscape Study, with half potentially reimbursed by a state grant; Commission Chair Chris Hager called the gap in Sudbury's indigenous documentation "an equity issue." Planning Director Adam Deschano sought an additional $300,000 to push the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail's quarter-mile extension to Route 20, on top of $300,000 from May Town Meeting and a $240,000 MassTrails grant; rail-trail advocate Len Simon urged the town to pursue federal TIP funding instead. Staffer Ryan presented the routine $33,000 Regional Housing Services Office membership fee. No votes were taken; the next hearing is Dec. 7.