Sudbury Planning Board approves tree removals, new curb cut at 25 Plympton Road to improve fire access

The Sudbury Planning Board on May 27 approved a Scenic Road tree removal application and a new curb cut at 25 Plympton Road to improve emergency vehicle access.

Cornerstone Engineering's Vito Colonna, representing the property owner Lee Webster, told the board the existing shared driveway had prevented fire trucks from reaching the house during a recent emergency response, prompting the owner to seek a new curb cut. Colonna said the proposed route was approved by the Town Engineering Department and was chosen to avoid larger specimen trees; the applicant consulted a landscaper and proposed planting two sugar maples and one American hornbeam to replace the smaller trees removed.

Adam Burney, Sudbury's Director of Planning & Community Development, said the Town Tree Warden had reviewed the plan and concurred that removal of approximately six smaller trees would not be of concern. Burney also reported the Assistant Fire Chief told staff the new driveway would allow better access for emergency vehicles.

Board members discussed measures to preserve larger trees and improve sight distance at the new driveway entrance. Chair Stephen Garvin suggested removal of an additional sapling to improve sight lines; Vice-Chair John Sugrue commended the applicant's efforts to preserve larger trees.

Sugrue moved to approve the Scenic Road tree removal application for 25 Plympton Road (Assessor's Map H11-0004) with conditions that saplings under 4 inches within the sight-distance triangle be cleared and that tree stumps be ground per the Tree Warden's request. Member Kirsten Roopenian seconded the motion. The motion passed 3–0 (Sugrue—aye; Roopenian—aye; Garvin—aye).

The approval includes the replacement plantings and the specified site-work conditions; the board did not record additional permits or waivers in the minutes. The board adjourned at 7:50 PM.