Sudbury Council discusses acquisition of historic train station and section house

The Sudbury Historical Commission and Historic Districts held a joint meeting on October 28, 2024, to discuss the status of two historically significant buildings owned by the MBTA: the South Sudbury Train Station and the railroad section house. The meeting focused on the potential acquisition of these buildings by the town and the necessary restoration efforts they may require.

During the meeting, members reviewed photographs of the buildings to better understand their current conditions. The South Sudbury Train Station, a yellow building located on Union Avenue, is largely intact but requires approximately $22,000 in restoration work. The railroad section house, situated south of Boston Post Road, also needs repairs, with an estimated cost of $12,000 for roof and shingle work.

The town council is currently in discussions with the MBTA regarding the acquisition of these properties, including the possibility of waiving fees to facilitate the transfer. The MBTA is conducting an internal review to determine if there are any future uses for the buildings. If the town successfully acquires them, both commissions will need to collaborate on restoration plans and potential future uses, especially for the building located within the historic district.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the presence of two large timbers found near the railroad section house. Members expressed concern about their origins and whether they should be removed. It was suggested that the commissions reach out to Eversource for clarification on the timbers' purpose and to request their removal if they are not historically significant.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep these topics on the agenda for future discussions, ensuring that both commissions remain engaged in the preservation and potential restoration of these important historical sites in Sudbury.