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Sudbury residents urge select board to object to Maynard 40B plan, cite flooding, water and safety risks
Summary
Neighbors told the Sudbury Select Board that a proposed 200‑unit Maynard 40B project at 182 Parker St. risks flooding, could strain water supply and emergency response, and alters critical wetlands; the board asked staff to prepare a supplemental letter outlining those concerns for MassHousing Partnership review.
Residents who live along Iron Works Road and nearby neighborhoods told the Sudbury Select Board on Nov. 6 they oppose a proposed Maynard 40B development at 182 Parker Street and asked the board to submit comments to MassHousing Partnership.
Laura Harris, a nearby resident, told the board the Sudbury portion of the parcel is "extremely marshy, and it's a compensatory storage for floodwater," and said the water table is "only 4 feet below grade." She warned that filling or building near wetlands could worsen flooding in the neighborhood and on Parker Street, hamper emergency exits during high water and impede emergency vehicles.
"Maynard has reported they can't provide the water to this development," Harris added, saying the developers have asked whether Sudbury Water would supply the project and that tapping Sudbury's supply could reduce pressure or affect fire response.
Laura Briggs, another nearby resident, said the proposal would place multiple large apartment buildings near homes and wildlife habitat. "This project's going to have like 5 or 6 large apartment buildings to be built by Avalon," she said, noting past efforts to build private homes on the site had been denied and arguing the density was inappropriate for the wetlands.
Town planning staff had previously prepared a memo from Planning Director Adam Birney that flagged potential impacts on stormwater, groundwater, traffic circulation and public safety including mutual‑aid burdens. Town Manager Andy Sheehan briefed the board that MassHousing Partnership extended the comment window and asked Sudbury to respond by Nov. 28.
Select Board members said they want staff to gather clarifying information—especially about recorded easements and whether informal cart paths or easements could be used as access points—and to prepare a supplemental letter that echoes the planning director's concerns. The board scheduled the item for further discussion at its Nov. 19 meeting so members can review a draft before sending comments to MassHousing Partnership.
If MassHousing Partnership issues project eligibility, the developer could pursue a comprehensive permit in Maynard; Sudbury officials said that sequence could leave infrastructure questions unresolved while an out‑of‑town project proceeds through state review.
Next steps: staff will investigate ownership and easement details for the parcels that touch Sudbury, add Sudbury planning and public‑safety reasoning to a draft letter, and return to the board on Nov. 19 for approval before the Nov. 28 deadline.
