Table of Contents

🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes

Scenic Road Special Permit Public Hearing Continued
— National Grid's application for Podunk Road postponed to February 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM due to improper meeting posting; approved unanimously 3-0 by Charlie Blanchard, Sue Waters, and Wally Hersee

💬 Major Discussion: Administrative Posting Error Halts Business

The Planning Board's February 10th meeting lasted just six minutes after Charlie Blanchard opened the session at 6:30 PM and immediately announced that an administrative error had occurred.

What Happened

The meeting had not been posted correctly according to Open Meeting Law requirements, which mandate proper public notice for all governmental meetings. This procedural violation prevented the Board from conducting its scheduled public hearing on National Grid's scenic road special permit application for work on Podunk Road.

Limited Quorum

Only three members were present for the meeting: Charlie Blanchard, Sue Waters, and Wally Hersee. Absent were Dane LaBonte, David Bourbeau, Brad Goodwin, and Taylor Stedman. While three members constitute a quorum sufficient to vote on continuing the hearing, the improper posting would have invalidated any substantive decisions on the permit itself.

Also in Attendance

Tony Crane, Tree Warden and Robin Grimm, Town Administrator were also present, likely in anticipation of the National Grid scenic road hearing.

🏗️ Community Impact

📋 Rescheduled Public Hearing — Residents interested in National Grid's proposed work on Podunk Road will need to wait until February 24th to provide input or hear details about the scenic road special permit application.

🔍 Quick Recap

Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM with three members present

Administrative posting error prevented business from proceeding

National Grid scenic road permit hearing continued to February 24th

Minutes from January 13, 2025 could not be approved due to lack of quorum

Meeting adjourned at 6:36 PM

🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups

📅 Scenic Road Special Permit Public Hearing - National Grid (Podunk Road) — February 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM | Town Hall
🔗 Add to Google Calendar

🗂️ Resources

✍️ Written by The Town Minute — making town government easier to follow, one meeting at a time.

Disclaimer

The Town Minute is an independent publication not affiliated with the Town of Sturbridge or any municipal office. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur. For official and complete records, please refer to the Town's approved meeting minutes or watch the official meeting recordings on the Town's website.

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