Sudbury Admits Gaff in Town Warrant

Sudbury Town Manager Maureen Valente has alerted the public about a clerical error in the Town warrant regarding the tax impact of the Town Center project

The error is on Page 4 in the second paragraph of the summary for ballot question 2.

"It should have been $0.19 per $1,000 of property assessment instead of $9 per $1,000," she said in an email. "Somehow the 0.1 was not included in the final version of the document."

Valente said the rest was correct as to the impact on a $622,862. 

The project is aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at the congested intersection of Old Sudbury/Hudson roads and Concord Road. A new traffic light with dedicated left turn phases, realigned roadway approaches, improved drainage, as well as new curbs, walkways and crosswalks are part of the plan.

In addition, the scheme calls for converting the two-way diagonal cut-through in front of Town Hall to a one-way street, which selectmen supported at its June 18 meeting.

For further assistance in calculating the tax impact on your parcel, residents may email inquiries to Treasurer@sudbury.ma.us.

In another developement regarding Town Center, The Sudbury Center Improvement Advisory Committee (SCIAC) met on June 10 to recap the discussion from the 2013 Annual Town Meeting, scheduled for a ballot vote for $700,000 in construction funds on June 25.

"The issue of whether to redesign the plan with a two-way road in front of Town Hall was the major discussion item for the committee," the Town of Sudbury said in a release. "Many residents had voiced a concern over the circulation of the intersection, and the committee sensed that keeping this road two-way may be a critical factor in completing the project. The SCIAC debated the pros and cons of expanding the road to allow two-way traffic, and voted to keep the road two-way. Some curbing realignment will be necessary around the Town Common, but this change to the plan should not significantly impact the overall design."

Other items discussed by the committee included:

• Crosswalk material – The plans call for epoxy resin. More discussion will continue on the color and texture choices. 
• Final grade of the retaining walls at First Parish and on the common  – the final design plans will clarify.
• Sign schedule – the number, size and types of signs will be reviewed before going out to bid.
• Number of Signals – nine signal poles are shown on the design plans. Committee members wondered if fewer could be installed.
• Signal size – attention will be paid to the size of the lights, as they vary. 
• Style of signal poles – shiny painted finish or matte? black or green? plain or ornamental? There are many design styles. These details will be worked out before going out to bid.
• Compensation to First Parish for the Town's use of the Town Common (which is owned by First Parish) and grant of a road widening easement on Concord Road for the project - The Selectmen will discuss these items and how to convey the Town's position.

The SCIAC June 10, 2013 DRAFT Minutes are available for review.