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Planning director outlines Master Plan implementation, cautions on solar bylaw changes ahead of Oct. 1 state deadline
Summary
Planning Director Adam Burney updated the Planning Board on Master Plan implementation (Open Space open house May 28; housing roundtable in early June), previewed a Wireless Article, described progress on a DPW Walkway Policy and staffing plans, and warned that new Energy Siting Board regulations require a solar permitting framework by Oct. 1, 2026.
Planning Director Adam Burney used the April 8 meeting to summarize several ongoing implementation and administrative items tied to the town’s Master Plan and state regulatory changes.
Burney said an Open Space open house will take place May 28 at the Fairbanks Community Center and that a Housing Roundtable organized by the Sudbury Housing Trust and Housing Authority is planned for early June. He also said Planning will present the final version of a Planning Board-sponsored Wireless Article at the next meeting and that the Select Board has not taken a position on the wireless article to date.
On energy siting, Burney cautioned that the state’s Energy Siting Board regulations require a consolidated permitting approach for new solar facilities and related rules must be in place by Oct. 1, 2026. He said that timeline does not change the Planning Board’s local site-approval authority but will require additional department review and preparation time if Sudbury moves to amend local bylaws or adopt a battery storage bylaw.
Burney reported that the Department of Public Works has completed a final draft of the Town Walkway Policy and Walkway Prioritization Plan; ADA feasibility considerations will be addressed as part of implementation and feasibility studies. He also said the Planning Department is in the process of hiring an assistant planning director and expected to have more details in six to eight weeks.
The board listed possible future agenda items, including continuations of the Bonnie Brook and Feeley Field public hearings and a solar public hearing. Chair Stephen Garvin adjourned the meeting at 7:56 PM.
