Selectmen to Vote on Possible Purchase of Concord Road Property

The Town of Sudbury's deadline to vote on first right of refusal to purchase a 2.2-acre parcel of land on Concord Road is this week, and the Board of Selectmen is expected to make that vote at its Dec. 17 meeting.

According to its agenda, the Board will take that vote regarding 233 Concord Road at 8 p.m. during a public hearing.

If a "Yes" vote is recorded, the Town will be required to appropriate funds for this purchase. If a "No" vote is recorded, there will be no financial impact. The deadline to cast the vote is Dec. 19.

Many residents have voiced concern over having a private buyer purchase the land and possibly use it to build a house.

"If this is not a high priority for the people in this room," Concord Road resident Suzanne Kellogg said at the Nov. 5 Board meeting, "then I’m ashamed to be a part of this town."

In a narrow 3-2 vote at that meeting, 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 35 days of that vote.

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 land is currently owned by Stephen and Sharon Booma.

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, the Boomas 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."