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Planning Board — March 25, 2026

While the board was unified in its voting, there was notable community pushback regarding the loss of recreational space and concerns over wireless technology.

Date Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Duration 1.3h Speakers 24 Public comments 6 Decisions 4 Lively

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Ask MeetingWatch answers from this meeting’s report, transcript, and records — with linked sources.

Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

At the March 25 Planning Board meeting, two significant issues surfaced that directly impact the character and safety of our neighborhoods: the Frank Feeley Field improvements and new wireless zoning amendments.

Regarding the Frank Feeley Field Phase Two project, several residents—including Tim Rasmyson, Gail Kessler Walsh, Tim Walsh, and Bettina Westerberg—spoke up to demand the preservation of the long-standing sledding hill. While the project promises upgraded athletic facilities, it threatens to eliminate a space where local children have played for decades. The Board ultimately moved to continue the hearing until April 8, leaving the fate of this community recreational space in limbo.

Additionally, the Board moved to close the public hearing on the Wireless Services Overlay District zoning amendment. While the Board argued that 'co-location' requirements would prevent the clustering of towers, they did not address specific requests from residents to implement mandatory setbacks near schools and athletic fields to mitigate concerns regarding wireless technology proximity.

As these decisions move forward, residents should continue to ask: how are we balancing modern infrastructure and athletic upgrades with the existing, informal ways our community uses its open spaces?

Mar 25, 2026 1.3h long 24 speakers 6 public comments 4 decisions Lively
Notable statements Drag to browse

“Our Parks and Grounds Division within the DPW will maintain this site.”

— Victor Garofalo · Responding to a question regarding the long-term maintenance of the athletic fields. ▶ 37:26

“The current bylaw is incredibly strict about where and how towers are located... [it] is likely causing strife or stress for residents.”

— Adam Burney · Explaining the necessity for updating the Wireless Services Overlay District bylaw to accommodate modern technology and improve coverage. ▶ 52:31

“The proposed bylaw includes a requirement for co-location prior to the location of a new facility, meaning providers must ensure co-location is not possible before a new tower is approved.”

— Mr. Berrien · Responding to concerns about the concentration of cell towers in neighborhoods. ▶ 1:04:24

“When the board voted on the bylaw, there was no maximum or minimum height included, so I did just transfer the existing hundred feet into the proposed bylaw.”

— Mr. Berrien · Explaining the inclusion of the 100-foot height limit in the new draft. ▶ 1:05:29
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

Broad regulatory changes affecting how wireless infrastructure is permitted and located within the town.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

A site plan review and stormwater management permit application for improvements to two softball fields, including ADA access, regrading for drainage, new dugouts, seating, and irrigation.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

A discussion regarding proposed updates to the zoning bylaw to reflect contemporary wireless technology, expand evaluation criteria, increase buffer notifications, and require decommissioning bonds.

Speakers: Nick Mashawney, Speaker S (Chair), Speaker U (Stephen Garvin), Speaker V (Kirsten Roopenian)
What was discussed

A request for minor modifications to an approved site plan and stormwater management permit, involving the repositioning of compost bins, windrows, and a landscape berm for improved drainage and aesthetics.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Speaker S (Chair)
What was discussed

An update regarding the progress of the open space plans, including information on an upcoming open house and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) annual public hearing.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

Frank Feeley Athletic Field Phase Two Improvements

The project threatens to eliminate a long-standing neighborhood sledding hill, creating a conflict between formal athletic facility upgrades and informal community recreational use.
Board position: The board deferred the final decision by continuing the hearing, while the Chair suggested technical workarounds (fence height/gaps) to mitigate the loss of use.
high concern
02

Wireless Services Overlay District Zoning Amendment

Residents expressed health concerns regarding 5G radiation and the concentration of towers near sensitive areas like schools and athletic fields.
Board position: The board supported the amendment to modernize outdated bylaws, relying on 'co-location' requirements to prevent tower clustering.
medium concern

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
6
Total speakers
3
Addressed
2
Partial
1
Not addressed
Tim Rasmyson
Partial
The speaker noted that the current plan for the hill between the parking lot and the lower field will eliminate a site used for sledding. He expressed that this is a common activity for local neighborhood children. Key concern
Loss of a local sledding area due to the proposed site improvements.
Board response
The Chair acknowledged the concern and noted that since multiple neighbors had raised the same issue, it was a significant question that should be shared with Parks and Rec.
The board acknowledged the concern and directed it toward the appropriate department (Parks and Rec), but did not provide an immediate solution or change to the plan.
Gail Kessler Walsh
Addressed
The speaker stated that the hill is a beloved sledding spot for the neighborhood and many visitors. She expressed concern that the new fence at the bottom of the slope would negate its use and requested a workaround. Key concern
The proposed fence will prevent the use of the sledding hill.
Board response
The Chair suggested three potential workarounds: lowering the fence height, leaving a gap in the fence, or using a removable fence system.
The Board Chair provided specific, actionable suggestions to mitigate the impact on sledding.
Tim Walsh
Partial
The speaker emphasized that the hill has been used for sledding for thirty years by children from various neighborhoods. He pointed out that this current use was likely overlooked during the initial planning requirements. Key concern
The planning process failed to account for the winter recreational use of the land.
Board response
The Chair acknowledged the input and again noted that the issue should be addressed by Parks and Recreation.
The board acknowledged the comment and validated that it was a significant concern from abutters, but deferred the resolution to the relevant department.
Bettina Westerberg
Addressed
The speaker reiterated that the hill is a neighborhood treasure used by many children. She requested a workaround to accommodate small children while still allowing for the necessary field upgrades. Key concern
The need to balance athletic field improvements with the preservation of the sledding hill.
Board response
The Chair provided specific mitigation suggestions regarding the fence design (height, gaps, or removability).
The Chair provided specific design alternatives to address the conflict between the fence and sledding.
Bettina Westerberg
Partial
The speaker expressed concern regarding the potential health impacts of concentrated wireless energy from 5G towers. She suggested implementing setbacks from schools or athletic areas to prevent crowding frequency in specific neighborhoods. Key concern
Concentration of wireless tower radiation near schools and athletic areas.
Board response
The Planning Director responded by explaining that the proposed bylaw requires 'co-location' as a requirement, meaning providers must attempt to use existing towers before building new ones.
The board responded with a policy mechanism (co-location) intended to limit the number of new towers, though it did not directly address the specific request for school setbacks.
Nick Mashawney
Addressed
The speaker presented a plan for minor modifications to a site, involving the relocation of compost bins, windrows, and planting beds. He explained that the changes are primarily aesthetic and intended to improve drainage and security. Key concern
Request for approval of minor site modifications for better drainage and aesthetics.
Board response
The board generally supported the changes, though one member suggested shifting the mixing area further from the stone filter strip to prevent clogging.
The board reviewed the proposal and provided specific guidance on where to place the windrows to avoid future maintenance issues.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Motion to continue the public hearing for Frank Feeley Field site plan and stormwater management permit to April 8, 2026.
All members in favor: Sugrue, Shah, Perlman, Roopenian, Garvin.
Passed
Close the public hearing for proposed zoning amendments for the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting (Section 4300 Wireless Services Overlay District).
Motion by a speaker, seconded by a speaker. All members in favor.
Passed
Approve minor modifications to the approved site plan and stormwater management permit for 12 Harvey's Farm Lane (Assessor's Map H10-0201).
Motion by a speaker, seconded by a speaker. All members in favor.
Passed
Approve the Planning Board meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026.
Motion by a speaker, seconded by a speaker. All members in favor.
Passed

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X / Twitter — by angle

Community concerns raised but dismissed/deferred
At the 3/25 Planning Board meeting, residents pleaded to save the Frank Feeley Field sledding hill—a neighborhood staple for decades. The Board deferred the decision, leaving the future of this community space unresolved... https://meetingwatch.org/ma/sudbury/planning-board/2026-03-25/ #MeetingWatch #SudburyMA
311/280 chars
Dismissal of specific community health/placement concerns
Sudbury Planning Board is moving forward with wireless zoning updates. While the Board cited 'co-location' to prevent tower clusters, they did not address specific resident requests for setbacks near schools and athletic... https://meetingwatch.org/ma/sudbury/planning-board/2026-03-25/ #MeetingWatch #SudburyMA
311/280 chars
Highlighting the specific conflict of interest between project goals and community use
The Frank Feeley Field Phase 2 improvements are on hold until April 8. The core conflict remains: formal athletic upgrades vs. the loss of informal community recreation space used by local children. #Sudbury #ParksAndRec https://meetingwatch.org/ma/sudbury/planning-board/2026-03-25/ #MeetingWatch #SudburyMA
308/280 chars

X thread

1
At the March 25 Planning Board meeting, two major issues highlighted a gap between town planning and resident concerns: the loss of local recreation space and new wireless zoning rules. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #SudburyMA
212/280
2
First, the Frank Feeley Field project. Residents (including Tim Rasmyson and Gail Kessler Walsh) argued strongly to preserve the neighborhood sledding hill. The Board acknowledged the concern but deferred the resolution to Parks & Rec. #Sudbury
244/280
3
The Board suggested technical fixes like fence modifications, but the fundamental question remains: will formal athletic improvements come at the expense of decades of informal community use?
191/280
4
Second, the Wireless Services Overlay District. Residents raised concerns about 5G radiation and tower proximity to schools. The Board moved to close the hearing, relying on 'co-location' rules rather than addressing specific setback requests. #LocalGov https://meetingwatch.org/ma/sudbury/planning-board/2026-03-25/
277/280

Facebook — long form

At the March 25 Planning Board meeting, two significant issues surfaced that directly impact the character and safety of our neighborhoods: the Frank Feeley Field improvements and new wireless zoning amendments.

Regarding the Frank Feeley Field Phase Two project, several residents—including Tim Rasmyson, Gail Kessler Walsh, Tim Walsh, and Bettina Westerberg—spoke up to demand the preservation of the long-standing sledding hill. While the project promises upgraded athletic facilities, it threatens to eliminate a space where local children have played for decades. The Board ultimately moved to continue the hearing until April 8, leaving the fate of this community recreational space in limbo.

Additionally, the Board moved to close the public hearing on the Wireless Services Overlay District zoning amendment. While the Board argued that 'co-location' requirements would prevent the clustering of towers, they did not address specific requests from residents to implement mandatory setbacks near schools and athletic fields to mitigate concerns regarding wireless technology proximity. 

As these decisions move forward, residents should continue to ask: how are we balancing modern infrastructure and athletic upgrades with the existing, informal ways our community uses its open spaces? https://meetingwatch.org/ma/sudbury/planning-board/2026-03-25/ #MeetingWatch #SudburyMA

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Address stormwater peer review comments and potentially update the irrigation plan/design to comply with conservation buffer requirements.
Assigned: Kyle Rowan (Gale Associates) · Due: April 1, 2026
Submit responses to peer review comments and updated plans to the Board.
Assigned: Kyle Rowan (Gale Associates) · Due: April 1, 2026
Adjust windrow placement to ensure they are not immediately adjacent to the stone filter strip to prevent clogging.
Assigned: Nick Mashawney
Complete the online survey for the Open Space Master Plan.
Assigned: Board Members

Member ⁠positions

4 issues · 1 explicit · 3 inferred
Present
Frank Feeley Athletic Field Phase Two Improvements YES
Zoning Amendment: Wireless Services Overlay District YES
Minor Modifications to Site Plan: 12 Harvey's Farm Lane YES
Approve the Planning Board meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026. YES
John Sugrue
Vice-Chair
Present
Frank Feeley Athletic Field Phase Two Improvements YES
Zoning Amendment: Wireless Services Overlay District YES
Minor Modifications to Site Plan: 12 Harvey's Farm Lane YES
Approve the Planning Board meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026. YES
Present
Frank Feeley Athletic Field Phase Two Improvements YES
Zoning Amendment: Wireless Services Overlay District YES
Minor Modifications to Site Plan: 12 Harvey's Farm Lane YES
Approve the Planning Board meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026. YES
Anuraj Shah
Member
Present
Frank Feeley Athletic Field Phase Two Improvements YES
Zoning Amendment: Wireless Services Overlay District YES
Minor Modifications to Site Plan: 12 Harvey's Farm Lane YES
Approve the Planning Board meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026. YES
Present
Frank Feeley Athletic Field Phase Two Improvements YES
Zoning Amendment: Wireless Services Overlay District YES
Minor Modifications to Site Plan: 12 Harvey's Farm Lane YES
Approve the Planning Board meeting minutes from February 25th, 2026. YES

Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”

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Report composed by grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-30.