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The Camp’s Vision — and Then the Housing Trust’s Parcels

Sharing my notes from the Sewataro Committee meeting dated 7-16-2026, as the recording just became available this week, by Laura Briggs

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Kristen Drummey shared the Camp’s vision, incorporating public input from the 6-24-26 meeting, for a long-term Camp lease that would expand year-round recreational programming at the Sewataro property. Screenshots of the Camp’s presentation are below.

Scott Brody shared his commitment to the Camp, Sudbury, and his desire for a long-term partnership. He is open to expanding Camp capacity with more Sudbury children. However, he also expressed concern that the Sudbury Select Board will not take action in Q1 2027 to extend the Camp lease beyond Summer 2027.

Folks, there is a real risk that we could lose the camp after next Summer 2027.

The Camp’s presentation

Improved Communication — signage, maps, and advertising
Work with Director of Health & Community Services — programming and activities
Work with the Commission on Disability — accessibility improvements
Work with the Schools — enrichment and outdoor activities
Boost Passive Recreation Opportunities — pavilions, trails, bike station, community garden
For Our Sudbury Camp Families — scholarships and early application for residents
Work Toward a Long-Term Lease — year-round town use and further action

Then the Housing Trust

Next, Carmine Gentile (1:30:17 in the recording), who was offered 20 minutes for a presentation but stated he only needed 5 minutes regarding the SHT (Sudbury Housing Trust) recommendations.

Carmine stated that July 2026 was the first time in 10 years that the SHT bought a home to make available for affordable housing. Let that sink in — THE FIRST TIME IN 10 YEARS THE SHT HAS BOUGHT A HOME TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Wow.

The SHT also bought 2 units on Hudson Road in July, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. Applause to the SHT for taking positive action after a decade of inactivity.

It should be noted that Carmine has not been Chair on the SHT very long, but this might be an indication of why SHT is trying to make up for lost time by pursuing the Sewataro property.

Carmine shared that Scott Brody was fine with the small house at 213 Haynes Road being re-purposed for affordable housing, as it is outside of the Camp perimeter. Carmine said the SHT is interested in the 2 parcels (C09-0165 & C08-0164) near the house at 213 Haynes Road, and the 4 parcels on the north side near Greystone Lane — C08-0148, 0149, 0150, 0151 — to build affordable housing.

Parcel map showing the house and paddock area near 213 Haynes Road
The Haynes Road parcels the Housing Trust is targeting.
Parcel map showing the four lots off Greystone Lane
The four Greystone Lane parcels.

How much is even buildable?

Deb Dineen shared a geology map showing areas where bedrock could be difficult or impossible to build on, plus other areas with glacial till. Deb said it looks like half of the site is not conducive to development at all. Rather than spinning wheels, understand there are a lot of severe constraints to building on the property. Deb suggested an overall assessment including testing the soil before committing to any housing development.

Surficial geology map of the Sewataro property
Geology map shared by Deb Dineen — areas in red show bedrock constraints.

Public comment

Dave Henkels invited public input, with 12 callers asking why the Committee was ignoring the public input for a long-term Camp lease and expanded year-round recreational programming for residents.

One of the callers inquired about the process if the Select Board sought to sell the property to develop into affordable housing. Radha Gargeya (Select Board) shared that the Select Board may not impose sale of land without approval by town vote.

Folks, this is where we will need your help


Please email your support of a long-term lease at Camp Sewataro and resident recreation, or your opposition against any housing at Sewataro, to both the Select Board and the Sewataro Committee at llsac@sudbury.ma.us and selectboard@sudbury.ma.us. And be sure to take the town survey before it closes September 7.

Watch the recording

Watch: July 16 LLSAC Meeting on SudburyTV

Recording provided by SudburyTV