Table of Contents
🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes
✅ ANR Plan Endorsed for 381 New Boston Road & 162 Lane Eight
— Approved unanimously (6-0) to re-divide land submitted by Peter & Lynn Zukas, creating Parcel A to be annexed with land belonging to Quink and Parcel B with frontage on New Boston Road to be annexed with Zukas land
✅ Scenic Road Special Permit Granted to National Grid for Podunk Road
— Approved unanimously (6-0) with extensive conditions requiring $202,000 compensation for 202 shade trees, 62 replacement trees on a 2:1 basis for healthy trees removed, and no cutting until all permits obtained and appeals resolved
💬 Major Discussion: National Grid Podunk Road Tree Removal Project
The Board conducted an extensive public hearing on National Grid's application to remove 110 public trees along Podunk Road as part of a utility upgrade project connecting a solar facility built in Charlton.
Project Background
Jean Bubon, Town Planner, explained that National Grid has been working with multiple town departments and private property owners to upgrade electrical lines. The project required four different types of approvals:
Private property owner agreements (all signed)
Select Board agreement (entered November 1, 2022, including debris cleanup at Podunk Annex and annual financial contributions for road maintenance)
Conservation Commission Notice of Intent
Planning Board approval for public tree removal under Scenic Roads Bylaw
Trees by the Numbers
Of the 110 public trees requiring removal:
55 trees are dead, declining, or ash trees subject to emerald ash borer
31 healthy trees contribute to the scenic character of Podunk Road
202 shade trees total when calculated by 2" diameter at breast height (DBH) measurements under the Public Shade Tree Bylaw
Special agreements were reached with specific residents:
Resident at 169 Podunk Road (Elizabeth Brosnan): trees to be trimmed only, not removed
Resident at 229 Podunk Road: trees on property line to be trimmed per agreement with National Grid
Compensation Requirements
Staff recommended—and the Board approved—substantial compensatory measures:
$202,000 total payment (calculated at $1,000 per shade tree for 202 trees, excluding the 55 dead/declining trees)
62 replacement trees on a 2:1 basis for the 31 healthy trees removed
All replacement trees minimum 2" diameter
Trees to be replanted on impacted properties within 20 feet of right of way, subject to property owner approval
If property owners decline trees, $1,000 per tree goes to town tree account for plantings elsewhere along the utility upgrade route
Heather Blakeley, DPW Director, explained the $1,000 per tree figure is based on current MassDOT bid averages for tree replacements.
Tony Crane, Tree Warden, will oversee the entire removal and replanting process, working directly with National Grid. Crane noted his four-year track record of 100% survival rate on tree plantings.
Public and Board Concerns
Mary Dowling, Select Board member, raised several questions about whether all alternatives to removal were exhausted, potential property value impacts, and whether National Grid should be required to plant larger replacement trees given that the project primarily benefits Charlton, not Sturbridge.
Sue Waters argued that if a tree is healthy, National Grid should be responsible for ongoing trimming and maintenance rather than removal.
Discussion on tree size revealed tradeoffs: larger trees have higher value but reduce total number of replacements possible and may disrupt existing trees. Staff prioritized ensuring each impacted property could receive at least two trees for every one removed.
Brande Tarantino, National Grid representative, described the company's watering and maintenance process for new plantings.
MC Porter, 193 Fiske Hill Road, asked about compensation for homeowners, but Bubon clarified the funds go into the town tree account for tree maintenance, not to individual property owners.
James Punderson, 15 Putnam Road, asked about two white pine trees between his property and his neighbor's. Crane agreed to conduct a site visit, though those trees are not part of this permit.
Critical Conditions
The permit includes strict conditions:
No tree cutting until all permits obtained and all appeals resolved
Special Permit and Conservation Order of Conditions must be recorded at Registry of Deeds
Public Shade Tree Removal Permit required from Tree Warden
Full $202,000 compensation must be provided before any work
Bonding and police details required per town bylaws
Replanting plan must be approved by Town Planner and Tree Warden before work starts
🏗️ Community Impact
🏢 Sturbridge Cinema Final Inspection — The cinema has requested a final inspection scheduled for February
☕ Mini Sturbridge Coffee House Opening — New coffee shop opening at Noble Station, replacing the original coffee shop location
🗺️ FEMA Map Updates — Preliminary FEMA flood maps received for a small portion of town; staff will review and provide additional information
👶 Planning Board News — Taylor Stedman announced the birth of his baby; Board members offered congratulations
🔍 Quick Recap
✅ Approved ANR plan for land re-division at 381 New Boston Road & 162 Lane Eight (6-0 vote)
✅ Granted National Grid Scenic Road Special Permit for Podunk Road tree removal with $202,000 compensation requirement (6-0 vote)
✅ Required 62 replacement trees on 2:1 basis for healthy trees removed
✅ Mandated no tree cutting until all permits obtained, appeals resolved, and compensation paid
✅ Approved January 13 and February 10, 2025 meeting minutes
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups
📅 National Grid Replanting Plan Submission — TBD | Town Hall
🔗 Add to Google Calendar
📅 Sturbridge Cinema Final Inspection — February 2025 (date TBD) | Sturbridge Cinema
🔗 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.
