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Deaconess expansion advances with $3M mitigation deal; school project and board appointments expose cracks
Key Takeaways
▪ Board backed a zoning overlay for Deaconess after finalizing a mitigation deal worth $3M over ten years at full buildout
▪ $1.77M school amenities building passed narrowly despite sewer capacity concerns and planning questions
▪ Land Use Working Group appointments approved, but process disagreements remained unresolved
Deaconess agreement finalized, overlay supported
The Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement with New England Deaconess Association tied to a proposed zoning overlay for senior housing. The agreement includes $3M in mitigation payments over ten years, traffic and safety studies, and language around future tax status. However, tax payments are only guaranteed while taxable—if Deaconess becomes exempt, a PILOT would be “negotiated,” not required. No fiscal modeling or public discussion explored long-term tax impacts, infrastructure costs, or future precedent. The Board voted unanimously to support Article 46.
$1.77M school project approved with pushback
Article 13, funding restrooms and an amenities building at the CCHS campus, passed 3-2. Board members acknowledged the need for ADA access but raised concerns about planning rigor, sewer system capacity, and the lack of alternative funding after a CPA request was denied. The project could require up to 5,000 gallons/day in sewage capacity, with little data shared publicly on realistic usage scenarios.
Board appointments reveal process strain
Appointments to the Land Use Working Group were approved (including Mary H. as Select Board rep), but board members voiced concern over the unclear process for selecting at-large members. One member acknowledged the need to “admit that none of these things have happened.” The vote for Mary H. passed 4-1, with T. Ackerman voting no.
Gas and cable permits approved amid calls for stronger documentation
Public hearings for Comcast and National Grid resulted in approvals, but not without Board and public concern. National Grid’s request to increase gas pipe size from 2” to 6” was approved 3-1. While the utility cited safety and reliability, questions lingered about whether the upgrade was for capacity expansion. Several members called for better documentation from utilities in future applications.
Other actions
▪ Switchbox art approved for Sudbury and Thoreau
▪ Tree removal at 401 Elm St. approved due to fungal disease
▪ Committee appointment policy changes discussed, no vote taken
▪ Consent agenda passed with one set of minutes pulled for edits related to RTE framing
▪ Town Meeting speaking assignments confirmed
Highlights from the Public or Staff
▪ G. Hire questioned the legality of siting a cell tower at the Umbrella Arts Center without legal review
▪ P. Dritt urged limiting clickers at Town Meeting to close votes, citing transparency and community building
▪ Public Works commentary encouraged coordination with utilities on upcoming roadwork
“And the process of appointing candidates needs to be thoughtful and clear and then we need to get moving quickly but actually we have to admit that none of these things have happened.” – Select Board Member
Votes Taken
• Enter executive session re: Deaconess – Passed (5-0-0)
• Appoint Land Use Working Group members – Passed (4-1-0 for Mary H.)
• Switchbox art design – Passed (5-0-0)
• Consent Agenda (excluding Sept 30 minutes) – Passed (5-0-0)
• Comcast permit (936 Elm St.) – Passed (5-0-0)
• National Grid permits – Passed (3-1-0)
• Article 18 & 19 (Reserve funds) – Recommend no action (5-0-0)
• Article 13 (School amenities building) – Recommend affirmative action (3-2-0)
• Article 46 (Deaconess Overlay) – Recommend affirmative action (5-0-0)
Quote to Reflect On
“And the process of appointing candidates needs to be thoughtful and clear and then we need to get moving quickly but actually we have to admit that none of these things have happened.” – Select Board Member
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, meeting materials, and recording below.
SelectBoard_05272025-12991.pdfSelect Board Meeting Packet - May 27, 2025 - V2_202505271503457626.pdfPage updated
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