SHA accepts $123,000 sustainability grant for 705-4 window replacements, moves forward on CIP projects

The Sudbury Housing Authority voted March 10 to accept a $123,000 sustainability grant to replace windows in the 12 units comprising the 705-4 development (Fairbank Circle, Old Meadow and Pine) and authorized Executive Director Sheila M. Cusolito to sign grant documents on the Authority’s behalf.

Cusolito said the grant—identified to SHA by RCAT’s newly expanded sustainability coordinator—covers materials and installation and is not expected to require patching or painting. She noted that Village windows did not qualify for the program because replacement parts are no longer manufactured; staff described settling-related gaps as the likelier source of energy inefficiency at that site.

The board also approved the FY26 Capital Improvement Plan under Work Plan 5001. The CIP authorization allows SHA to proceed with two projects: a 667 air quality study to be managed by SHA at an estimated $21,275 and a 705-4 improvement project for entry door overhangs and sheds estimated at $231,261 to be managed by either EOHLC or RCAT.

On infrastructure procurement, Cusolito reported that EOHLC received two engineering fee proposals to replace septic systems at the 705-4 sites—one at about $92,000 and a second at $95,000—and that both proposals were rejected. She said a third proposal will be sought and that staff expect a fee “approximately half those costs,” attributing the earlier high bids to elevated construction-market costs.

Actions recorded: board accepted the $123,000 sustainability grant and approved the FY26 CIP authorizations. Staff will solicit additional engineering proposals for septic replacement work and return with recommendations.