Residents Put Pressure on Selectmen to Purchase Historic Concord Road Land

Concord Road resident Suzanne Kellogg made a clear state to Sudbury's Board of Selectmen.

"If this is not a high priority for the people in this room, then I’m ashamed to be a part of this town."

During its Nov. 5 meeting, the Board continued a discussion about possibly purchasing the 2.2-acre property at 233 Concord Road, which is a part of the Town Center historic district.

In a narrow 3-2 vote, the Board decided to ask the Community Preservation Committee for $100,000 toward the purchase, meaning the remaining $225,000 would have to come from private fundraising. That amount would need to come within the next 35 days.

David Frasca, another Concord Road resident, said it's unlikely to happen.

"I hope we can find a way to keep it togther," he said. "I'm all for a public/private partnership (to raise the funds). But I think it's a steep hill to get to $225,000."

The Board has a deadline of Dec. 19 to exercise its right of first refusal on the land. Should it not happen, a private buyer plans to build a house on the property. 

"Other land (in town) has been purchased through the CPC, and the community did not have to raise any money," resident Susan Doherty said. "This is the last open piece of land. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. There will be a 6,000 square-foot house, and the Historic Districts Commission is nervous about that."

Selectman Bob Haarde suggested the Board ask the CPC for the full amount.

"I think we're setting ourselves up for failure," he said of asking for only $100,000. "Let's let them decide how much they can spend."

Should that fail, Haarde said a request to borrow CPA fund could be brought up at Annual Town Meeting in May.

Chairman John Drobinski said the Board wants to do what's right for the town.

"Our heart is there, but we're nervous about the finances," he said.

If the residents are able to raise the $225,000, Stephen and Sharon Booma, who are selling the property, would have to OK an extension for the sale.

"I've heard many good reasons to do this, and I've heard many not to do it," Vice Chair Chuck Woodard said. "I'm torn over the issue."

Selectmen Larry O'Brien and Haarde voted against the motion to ask for just $100,000.

"We should be looking out for this land," Haarde said. "If it’s not a priority to us, then we have to look at what our priorities are. Why wouldn’t we buy open historic space? All we need to do is preserve it."