Sudbury Conservation Commission approves routine permits, continues major wetlands hearings

The Sudbury Conservation Commission on Sept. 29, 2025, approved multiple routine permits and compliance certificates and continued two larger hearings for additional review.

David Henkels, chair of the Sudbury Conservation Commission, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the panel handled a series of wetland applications and Certificates of Compliance during the 86-minute session. Commissioners voted unanimously on all recorded motions.

For a soil-testing request at 1011 Boston Post Road, Norman Hill of Land Planning Inc., representing applicant Reinaldo Faria, described proposed test holes and said the work was "intended to have minimal impact, with site restoration expected within one to two weeks of completion." Conservation Coordinator Lori Capone recommended a Negative Determination of Applicability limited to testing, with conditions including a pre-construction meeting, equipment cleaning to prevent invasives, survey-marked test locations, restoration to pre-existing conditions, and photographic documentation. The Commission approved the Negative Determination on a roll-call vote.

At 11 Barbara Road, homeowner William E. Cole asked to remove five trees, noting one tree shaded his solar collectors and had reduced output "by about half." Coordinator Capone and several commissioners urged leaving a fallen pine within the wetland for habitat. The Commission issued a Negative Determination limited to removal of the four trees near the house and declined to authorize removal of the fallen pine.

Kathryn and Alexander Brennan sought permission to install a fence at 46 Blackmer Road within the 200-foot Riverfront Area to secure their backyard. Capone said the proposed six-foot vinyl (house side) and four-foot chain-link (sides and rear) configuration and prior site conditions meant the fence would not be detrimental to the wetland, though she advised coordinating plantings with the Commission if raspberry brambles do not recover. The Commission closed the hearing and issued the Order of Conditions unanimously.

The Commission also closed and issued an Order of Conditions for work at 10 Brookdale Lane, where contractor David Biondolillo of Advanced Guard Builders described demolishing an attached two-car garage and reusing the foundation for an 864-square-foot addition. The applicant described erosion control measures, including a 300-foot silt fence, and said roof runoff would be directed to existing dry wells.

First Colony Development Co. representatives presented plans for 94 Prides Crossing Road, proposing demolition of a 600-square-foot carriage house and construction of a 3,500-square-foot single-family home located about 50 feet from the wetland edge. Coordinator Capone advised that the Town Stormwater Bylaw requires a permit for projects disturbing more than 5,000 square feet and requested a breakdown of impervious surfaces and proposed mitigation. The applicant agreed to consult with engineers and the Planning Department; the Commission continued the hearing to Oct. 20, 2025 for follow-up.

The Commission issued Certificates of Compliance (full or partial) for multiple prior orders after staff updates on restoration and outstanding items: Larson (25 Singletary Lane), Sorsaburu (150 Prides Crossing Road), Rakatansky (22 Fox Run Road), Fenton (8 Singing Hill Circle), Kotikian (438 Concord Road), and a partial Certificate for Watson (25 Bridle Path) pending the completion of a small number of plantings within two weeks.

Procedural items included the tabling of 68 Barton Drive because abutters were not properly notified; that hearing was continued to Oct. 20, 2025. The Commission adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

What happens next: applicants continued to Oct. 20, 2025, must supply stormwater and mitigation details where requested and coordinate required planting plans with the Conservation Office.