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Board Differences Persist as Small Cell Installations, Housing Funds, and Tree Removal Spark Scrutiny
Key Takeaways
Clerk election and shade tree removal revealed board differences, with close votes and competing priorities.
Small cell wireless sites approved over sustained abutter objection and process criticisms, spotlighting planning gaps.
Public pressed for dedicated housing funds, concrete action on street safety, and clearer accountability.
Leadership Turns Over
Mark Howell was unanimously elected Chair, but the Clerk contest saw Wendy Rovelli prevail 4-1 over a publicly interested Cameron McKennitt. His direct expression of interest, and board pushback over the Clerk role as a “prerequisite” for Chair, exposed procedural friction beneath official comity.
Housing Funds and Public Comment Signal Fiscal, "Equity" Tensions
Multiple residents called for immediate and transparent allocation of all New England Deaconess (“Newbury Court”) funds to affordable housing, flagging the ongoing, politically charged debate over PILOT gifts and restricted-use housing accounts. Public comments also sharply criticized longstanding inaction on pedestrian/cyclist safety, specifically demanding urgent remediation rather than further studies.
Small Cell Approval Pushes Process, and Public
The Board approved AT&T small cell sites at 1 and 143 Sudbury Road despite robust abutter concerns about notification, siting decisions (“surprised by the application”), aesthetic integrity, and health risks—including calls for alternative locations and expanded Town Meeting oversight. Town staff and AT&T cited infrastructure constraints, and the Board defaulted to a rule-bound approach, voting to permit the installations under staff-provided conditions.
Capital Spending, Comcast Deal, and Tree Removal
A $615k 10-year Comcast capital agreement was approved with little debate, increasing the Town’s financial commitment to media network equipment. The Board voted 3-2 to remove a public shade tree at 138 Crescent Road, siding with property owner safety claims over dissenting board members and raising questions about evolving risk standards for public assets.
Other actions
Approved extensive committee appointments and reappointments
Set August 19 special election for road and amenities projects
Advanced MCI Concord planning next steps, with final report pending review
Reviewed draft FY26 goals and liaison assignments, seeking revisions
Comments from the Public or Staff
Matthew Johnson, Rich Feeley: Urged full use of Deaconess funds for affordable housing, citing senior need gaps.
Christine Dinaro: Called for official Gerow Park opening and use of Phase I surplus for benches, picnic tables; pressed Town for timely Community Preservation Act application.
Linda Nieman (Mothers Out Front), Vicky Alani, Gina Stark, John Smith, Katie Chagnon: Pressed for decisive pedestrian/cyclist safety upgrades and clearer signage, reporting persistent lack of progress and staff responsiveness.
Votes Taken
Mark Howell elected Chair – Passed (Unanimous)
Wendy Rovelli elected Clerk – Passed (4-1; McKennitt Nay)
Approve Consent Agenda – Passed (Unanimous)
Approve Select Board and Town Manager appointments – Passed (Unanimous)
Approve Comcast Franchise Agreement – Passed (Unanimous)
Approve AT&T small cell installations at 1 & 143 Sudbury Rd – Passed (Unanimous, after public comment)
Approve permit to remove shade tree at 138 Crescent Rd – Passed (3-2; Howell, Hartman Nay)
Hold Special Town Election August 19 – Passed (Unanimous)
Approve At-Large Rep (Judith Long) to Land Use Working Group – Passed (Unanimous)
Approve non-elected financial interest for Johnson (Affordable Housing Trust) – Passed (Unanimous)
Quote to Reflect On
“The Board commended Mr. McKennitt’s work over the last year, though noted that being Clerk is not necessary prior to becoming Chair. – Official Minutes (on the fault lines of Board leadership and process)
Go Direct to the Source
The meeting summary above is auto-generated and may contain errors (report them here). You can access this meeting's official minutes and recording below.
June 30, 2025 - Concord Select Board - minutes.pdfOfficial Meeting Minutes
Official Meeting Minutes
June 30, 2025 - Concord Select Board - meeting materials.pdfOfficial Meeting Materials
Official Meeting Materials
Video of the Meeting
Video of the Meeting
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