Parkinson Field driveway proposal blocked after abutter refuses easement

The Sudbury Community Preservation Committee on Jan. 14, 2026 voted unanimously to reject a $1,398,000 allocation to construct a parking lot and driveway at Parkinson Field, citing a lack of a safe entrance route after an abutter refused to grant an easement.

Marcia Rasmussen and Public Works staff reported that Ti‑SALES, the site abutter noted in the minutes, refused to grant an easement because of safety concerns related to large trucks. Committee members and consultants (TEC) said the absence of an easement made use of the Ti‑SALES driveway infeasible and left driveway configuration, wetlands, sightlines and buildable width as major unresolved constraints.

Minutes note the town‑owned driveway strip appears as 20 feet on assessor maps, but members cautioned the actual buildable width and site constraints must be verified in the field. Consultants are preparing redesign alternatives that address widening, stormwater management and permitting; test pits for groundwater and stormwater were completed and the results are pending.

Committee members repeatedly described the driveway configuration as the project’s "linchpin," saying that without a safe entrance/exit the scope and feasibility of a parking lot were in doubt. Ms. Roopenian made the motion to recommend the full allocation; Mr. Carty seconded. The roll call vote was No by all nine members, yielding a 0–9 failure.

Next steps include returning to the CPC with alternative driveway solutions, updated stormwater findings and revised cost estimates; until such alternatives are accepted the committee will not forward a construction funding request.