Opinion: Vote Yes For Camp Sewataro Land Acquisition

The following was submitted as a letter to the editor. If you would like to submit a letter to the edit, email samantha.mercado@patch.com.

We are writing in support of the town’s purchase of the Sewataro property and in response to a recent letter by Selectman Len Simon. We found the letter to be misleading at best, and feel compelled to correct some of the errors and false assumptions purported. Above all, Sewataro in one of the most special characteristics of Sudbury and all residents should have the right to fairly evaluate this acquisition for themselves.

Mr. Simon and others have continued to point to the $200,000 loss of tax revenue resulting from the town’s purchase of Sewataro but fail to consider the town’s cost to educate the students of a Sewataro development. The Sewataro property is made up of 31 subdivided residential lots. Using the published student/household number of 1.6, we can expect about 50 students from a development at Sewataro. That number is likely much lower that the actual student number would be since $1M multi-bedroom homes like what would be expected at Sewataro traditionally generate more than 1.6 students per home. When faced with educating 50 students at the average of approximately $18,000 per student, Sudbury will be paying $900,000 to educate these new students. Not only does this far exceed the tax loss, but where is this money coming from? Is this the “substantial tax increase” Mr. Simon is referring to?

Although Mr. Simon described Broadacres as a “quintessential part of Sudbury,” you will be hard pressed to find a property in Sudbury that has more meaning to the people of Sudbury and surrounding towns than Sewataro. Whether they have priceless camp memories, like our own three children, a connection with the Taylor family who have owned and maintained the property for over sixty years, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the land, countless Sudbury residents find the property to be special and an integral part of the Sudbury community.

Further, this is the only Sudbury land acquisition that has the potential to not only be revenue-generating, but could actually pay for itself over a number of years. Despite Mr. Simon’s claims throughout the letter that “it was not possible to determine whether the camp was a profitable business,” the camp financials have been released and show it is indeed very profitable. Not only does the camp clear over $1M in the summer, the actual profit for the town could be even higher since Sudbury would not be paying the $200K in taxes and other efficiencies could be realized by utilizing the existing town infrastructure.

Most concerning is the perpetuation of the false hope that, if the town fails to approve the acquisition, a private buyer could still purchase the property and preserve it. As residents, we do not get to choose whom the Taylors sell their property and 60-year business to, nor should we. Sewataro is jointly owned by four family members who are trying to do what they feel is the right for the future of the property. We, personally, are thankful that the Taylors have been patient with the town despite years of conversations about selling with no action, and are still putting the town first, despite leaving millions on the table that they could realize with a residential developer. The Taylors have confirmed that the town is their clear first choice but their back-up offer is a residential developer and the Board of Selectmen have that information. For those that are asking for more transparency in the bidding process, and even those disclosing information in spite of their confidentiality obligations, we wonder if they would be as transparent in the sale of their own homes and businesses.

Despite the many supportive arguments that could be made to purchase Sewataro, it is not a priority for a vocal few and that has led to misleading rhetoric. We would encourage all voters to look at all the facts and information available to make an informed decision. Visit Friends of Sewataro for more information.

Thank you,
Jenn & Adam Stone