Sudbury ZBA approves Brookdale variance and Wolbach Road kennel, defers Tanbark Road case

SUDBURY -- August 4, 2025, Sudbury ZBA approves first kennel permit on Wolbach Road, defers contested Tanbark Road case. The four-member board, missing Michael Hershberg, approved a special permit 4-0 for James W. Newton's roughly 15-year-old dog kennel at 42 Wolbach Road, imposing a December 31, 2026 expiration, an 18-dog cap, a 10-dog-per-attendant walking limit, and full compliance with forthcoming "Ollie's Law" regulations expected from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in June 2026. Chair John Riordan said the board could not "wash our hands" of permitted activity. A second kennel application from Susan Moylan Brennan at 8 Tanbark Road was continued to September 8 after sharply divided neighbor testimony; abutter Mary Wentworth, who cited a chronic health condition, said barking made it "really unpleasant" to use her yard. The board also approved a six-foot side-setback variance 4-0 for Joseph and Ann Burke at 74 Brookdale Road, and a 4-0 special permit for a lot-perimeter adjustment at 355 Maynard Road conveyed to abutting 24 Cutting Lane.