Community Planning Committee recommends shutters for Woodbury Lane restoration project

During the recent Acton Finance Committee meeting held on April 8, 2025, discussions centered around the proposed renovations for the historical property at 17 Woodbury Lane. The project, which includes the replacement of window shutters and hardscaping, has sparked considerable debate among committee members and the community.

The committee reviewed a request for $70,400 aimed at restoring the property to reflect its 1860s origins. This restoration includes not only the shutters but also plans for landscaping, accessible walkways, and additional seating to create a functional and welcoming community space. However, the committee's recommendation to fund only the shutters and hardscaping reflects a strategic decision to promote ecological sensitivity in landscaping.

One committee member emphasized the importance of aligning the landscaping at 17 Woodbury Lane with the nearby Red House, which features a native planting area designed to demonstrate ecological landscaping options to residents. The committee expressed a desire for the Woodbury Lane project to adopt a similar philosophy, advocating for naturalized plantings rather than more formal landscaping that may not be ecologically compatible.

The decision to partially fund the project was framed as a message to the town to prioritize native plantings in community spaces. The committee hopes that the project proponents will return next year with a landscaping design that aligns with this vision.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the controversial nature of the project, indicating that further discussions and community input will be essential as plans develop. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for future landscaping initiatives in Acton, highlighting the balance between historical preservation and ecological responsibility.