Developments Continue in Sudbury’s Fight against Eversource
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For immediate release
Developments Continue in Sudbury’s Fight against Eversource
The Sudbury Board of Selectmen announced this week that it has retained additional Special Counsel to aid in the battle against the proposed Eversource reliability line in Sudbury.
The Selectmen retained Jeffrey Bernstein of BCK Law. Bernstein, formerly the Director of the Massachusetts Legislative Energy Development Caucus, has vast experience representing parties, including municipalities, at the Energy Facilities Siting Board.
“The Selectmen wanted to make certain that they had the best legal team possible so we can hit the ground running when Eversource files with the siting board,” Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues said. “This year we have spent over $100,000 in legal fees to start preparing for what will be a complicated and expensive legal process. The town will be voting on additional funds at Town Meeting so we can continue to work with experts and attorneys to position the town in the best possible way.”
“We are excited to have Attorney Bernstein on the team,” Chairwoman Susan Iuliano said. “Working with him and Kopelman and Paige, I feel confident that we will be prepared to oppose the project at the siting board.”
“I was thrilled to have Attorney Bernstein in our corner,” said Selectmen Robert Haarde. “After researching him and seeing his experience at the siting board, I know that we have assembled a top notch legal team.”
The Town of Sudbury continues to oppose any project along the MBTA right of way. We will not accept any project in our Town, which comes with a power line running through our conservation land, along back yards and endangering our way of life.
Late last week, the Town of Sudbury was copied on correspondence from MassDot’s Chief of Real Estate, Janelle Chan. The correspondence stated that the MBTA had made substantial modifications to their option with Eversource based on feedback received from local and state officials and residents. The option, which is for nine million dollars, allows only sub-surface transmission lines. The option also requires Eversource to work with DCR to create a rail trail. They allowed a wide easement to help Eversource avoid wetland impacts.
In conversations with the Town, Janelle Chan stated that if an overhead line was awarded at the Energy Facilities Siting Board, MassDot and Eversource would revisit the option to discuss a potential option for an overhead project.
The letter from Janelle Chan is available here: https://sudbury.ma.us/selectboard/?p=3217