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On May 1, the League of Women Voters of Sudbury issued a press release outlining the non-partisan organization’s positions on articles for Sudbury’s Annual Town Meeting. According to the release:
“The League is in favor of Articles 33 and 34 creating a zoning bylaw to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. League members could not reach a consensus on Article 16, amending the zoning bylaw to establish criteria for firearms business uses, and so the League takes no stand on that article.”
The Firearms Safety Business Use Zoning Bylaw has been subject to a variety of different positions from Sudbury boards and committees. The Select Board supported the bylaw by a vote of 3-2. The Planning Board unanimously supported it, and the Zoning Board of appeals did not support it; opting instead to voice the need for additional work to improve it.
Articles 33 and 34, which would bring Sudbury into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, have the unanimous support of the Select Board and the Planning Board, though the legislation has been a source of controversy across the state.
While controversial, the vast majority of municipalities have voted to comply, with the exception of a few. The Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) has taken a firm stance on enforcement. For example, Milton was sued by the AG for non-compliance after residents voted down a zoning change that would have brought the Town into compliance, and then the Town filed a counterclaim questioning the AG’s ability to enforce the law.
The League of Women Voters of Sudbury announced support for 19 Sudbury Annual Town Meeting articles in total:
In addition to their decisions on the MBTA Communities Act and gun shops articles, League members voted to support: Article 15 to extend the means-tested senior tax exemption; Article 17 to acquire two historic railroad-related structures; Article 20 for culvert and drainage reconstruction; Article 23 for Atkinson pool renovation; and Article 28 for electric car charging stations at the library.
On the Community Preservation Act proposals, the League supports Article 37 to allocate funds to the Sudbury Housing Authority to replace two single-family homes with two duplexes. The League, however, asks the SHA to guarantee that families currently living in these homes and in any future homes scheduled for redevelopment will be relocated to comparable housing at a comparable rent in Sudbury, suitable for their family size and without disrupting the schooling of any children involved.
The League supports the other nine CPA-submitted proposals, Articles 35 and 36, and Articles 38-44.
The League urges a yes vote on Article 45, to amend the bylaws to correct the omission of the word “disability.”
Town Meeting begins on Monday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. Full details here.