The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

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The Fall 2026 issue of the Lincoln Review is here! Enjoy the writing, painting, photography, poetry, and other creative work of your fellow Lincolnites on the Lincoln Review home page, a service of the Lincoln Squirrel. Don’t worry if you’re not a Squirrel subscriber — the Lincoln Review is accessible to all, though we appreciate donations in support of our work to share the town’s artistic endeavors. A donation of $59.00 also gets you a one-year subscription to the Lincoln Squirrel (such a deal!).

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Questions? Email Lincoln Review editor Barbara Rhines at lincolnmareview@gmail.com or Lincoln Squirrel editor Alice Waugh at lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com.

SOTT offers updates on several town topics

Residents heard updates about the community center, road projects, the two school committees, and other topics at the State of the Town meeting that preceded the Oct. 24 Special Town Meeting.

Finance Committee

FinCom Chair Paul Blanchfield outlined the town’s cash reserve and debt capacity in the context of the accompanying library HVAC funding request that was eventually defeated, as well as a $46 million list of capital projects on the horizon for the next eight years. The cost for some of those projects will be mitigated to some extent by grants, state aid, and other funding sources, “but the pipeline is real and we want residents to plan accordingly,” he said.

Blanchfield also reported that:

  • The town used $3.2 million in reserve funds to achieve a zero tax increase last year.
  • Tax increases have been below the inflation rate for the past three years, and Lincoln’s median single-family tax bill is lower than that of other area towns, though at $20,737, second-highest among area towns after Weston.
  • Two FinCom seats are expiring in March, and new or returning members will be appointed by Town Moderator Any Payne right after Annual Town Meeting in March.
Community center

The project is on budget but slightly behind schedule; it’s now slated to open in the spring rather than December 2026. Rough plumbing and HVAC ductwork are complete, the terra cotta siding is almost done, and rough electrical is at about 80%, Community Center Building Committee Chair Sarah Cheter reported.

The Select Board will form a subcommittee a few months after the new building opens and its usage has settled down to plan the future of Bemis Hall, which will not be closed. “We have reaffirmed that Bemis Hall will be available for their needs,” Select Board member Kim Bodnar said she told a group of 15-20 users of Bemis Hall (including some who use the building only for storage) in June.

Water main project

Phase 1 from the Bedford Road hill to Ballfield Road is complete, and Water Department Superintendent Rick Nolli said that a curb-to-curb repaving of Bedford Road was expected to happen this fall. Mains for phase 2 from Hallfield Road to Route 117 have been installed aside from the piece under the railroad tracks, which is slated for this winter. Lincoln Road may be limited to one lane during this work, which will take place both during the day and at night, but the road will not be closed at any time and MBTA service will continue as usual, he said.

The department is now connecting residential service lines to the new main and doing pressure testing and temporary trench paving. Lincoln Road will be repaved in fall 2027, he said.

Town-wide paving

Based on data collected earlier this year and reviewed by consultants, a town-wide repaving project will cost about $20 million over five years, it was reported last week. Town Administrator Tim Higgins showed a possible five-year spending plan generally divided among main and neighborhood roads, though that could change; the town might instead do a two-year project and then “pump the brakes and do an assessment.”

The last large repaving project was done in 2008-09 for $5.5 million and focused on main roads, with neighborhood roads intended to be maintained through annual Chapter 90 state grants, which confers a 15-year life cycle for those roads, “so it’s time to refresh the system,” he said. The Ballfield Road refurbishment and Lincoln Road repaving will be paid for with existing Chapter 90 funds.

School Committee

Lincoln School Committee Chair Matina Madrick reported that:

  • Teachers and administrators now use five standard questions to ask when considering when and how to use AI in teaching.
  • This is the second year of the new English language arts curriculum. Two new math curricula are being piloted and one will be chosen this winter.
  • Enrollment as of Oct. 1 is at 1,033, up from 982 a year ago, but is expected to drop slightly next year after a large eight-grade class graduates in June.
  • Doherty’s is now using four electric school buses and a fifth will soon be added to the fleet.
Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee

LSSC Chair Cathie Bitter reported that:

  • Buses have been rerouted since the beginning of this school year in anticipation of the closure for repairs of the bridge on Sherman’s Bridge Road.
  • The high school added no-school days on Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Diwali and added early dismissal on Lunar New Year.
  • The regional district agreement was updated for the first time since 1988.
Communications

Select Board member Jennifer Glass encouraged residents to subscribe to SelectConnect (which now has 272 subscribers) and use the Inhabit app (366 Lincoln subscribers thus far) to keep track of town meetings and other events. She also noted that the board approved a social media policy for elected and appointed officials in September.

Open Space and Recreation Plan

The OSRP is being updated using the latest property parcel and population information and there will be public forums on the draft in January, Select Board Jennifer Glass said. The current plan running from 2017-2024 includes the recent trail use and signage updates as well as the Wang property and the new boardwalk behind the Lincoln School.

Correction and clarification

  • In the Oct. 25 article headlined “Geothermal option for library fails to win approval at Town Meeting,” a quote was misattributed to Laurie Gray. It was actually Lara Sullivan who said, “It’s imperative that we reduce our emissions in every way possible as soon as possible,” etc.
  • A paragraph on Sarah Postlethwait’s assertion that the process was not bid competitively was also revised and expanded. See her overall response to the Squirrel article in the comment section here.

 

Geothermal option for library fails to win approval at Town Meeting

(Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 26.)

When it finally came down to a vote on Oct. 24, the ground-source heat pump (GSHP) option for replacing the library HVAC system went down to defeat. Even though it passed by a majority (193 to 152, or 56% in favor), a two-thirds majority was needed because the measure involved borrowing. 

The geothermal system would have had a net cost to the town of $3.7 million after a state grant and tax incentives were factored in. To meet that amount, town officials proposed that the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) borrow $2.47 million, with another $1.23 million coming from the town’s general fund.

The alternative, which passed by a vote of 224 to 102, was appropriating $330,000 to install a new gas boiler, with the understanding that the town will have to spend a total of $3.24 million over an undetermined period of time to be determined to replace the entire HVAC system, the cost of which was included in the GSHP estimate. Yet to be determined is exactly when  and how the town will need to spend on those separate components once inflation is factored in.

While the GSHP option is more expensive, it is “comprehensive and aligned with the town’s carbon goals,” Finance Committee Chair Paul Blanchfield acknowledged. But he also noted that “funds committed to [CPC] debt service reduce our flexibility to fund future projects without a tax increase and reduce the likelihood of potential tax relief in the future, and we do have future projects,” currently estimated at  $48 million over the next eight years. “The Finance Committee wants residents to make their vote with their eyes open as to what’s coming,” he said.

The committees and officials who studied options for the library determined earlier this year that the best decarbonization option for the library in terms of financial incentives and operational outcomes was a GSHP system. The town received a guaranteed $1 million state grant to help pay for that option, and it could reapply in the future (with no guarantees of approval) for a different set of town projects utilizing non-fossil fuel technologies. 

At Saturday’s meeting, Peter Braun, a member of the Pierce House Committee, said the historic town-owned house “is a climate disaster — it’s a sieve” with insufficient insulation and no air conditioning. “We’d love to be a climate leader; we’d love to see some of these incentives and grants thrown at the Pierce House,” he said. “Why can’t we step back and consider this building for ground-source?”

Sarah Postlethwait objected to what she described as a noncompetitive process in selecting one of the organizations involved in the planning. While PowerOptions (a nonprofit energy buying consortium that helps public entities procure clean energy and infrastructure efficiently) was selected on a competitive basis as the town’s energy manager, that firm in turn did not have a competitive basis for selecting Energy Systems Group to perform detailed technical studies, cost-driven analyses, system design.

ESG is using a competitive process for selecting a well driller and other contractors, Select Board member Jim Hutchinson. “The idea that [the process] is not competitive is not accurate.”

Climate imperative

Several residents spoke fervently in favor of the GSHP proposal. “I trust our leaders to do something about climate change,” said Diana Jong. “Growing up, I watched as our cars got bigger and less efficient, but the green choices were always too expensive… This is exactly how I want out town money spent [to] mitigate the disaster coming our way. I think this is the least we can do to help ourselves.”

“It’s imperative that we reduce our emissions in every way possible as soon as possible,” said Laura Sullivan, a member of the Green Energy Committee. “Climate change isn’t coming any more — it’s here… people in my generation are terrified about what comes next for ourselves and our children. The most impactful climate strategy is widespread effort across the board [and] this is still low-hanging fruit.”

Bob Domnitz worried that the project and its attendant disruption would harm the appearance or health of the grounds or the library itself, which he called an “architectural gem.” But the town’s consulting engineer on the project assured that no harm would be done. Andrew Glass, chair of the Historic District Commission, added that while the group didn’t adopt a formal position, they were “favorably impressed by this plan” as having the “least impact on historical and cultural aspects of the library.”

But others felt that this approach was not the best in terms of the overall goal of “greening” Lincoln. “I’m troubled by the comments that frame this vote as pro or con on decarbonization,” said Paul Shulman. “The difference in reduction of the carbon footprint between the two choices is de minimus when you consider all the carbon contributions in Lincoln. I think the way out of this mess is to fix the immediate problem, which is Article 2, and then refocus on the best possible solutions in town for reducing our carbon footprint. We can spend a little money now to buy the time to make a bigger impact on decarbonization.”

Now that the gas boiler has been approved, the replacement can begin almost right away, saving some money that would have to be spent on temporarily winterizing an unheated building if work had to be done in colder weather, Assistant Town Administrator Dan Pereira said.

Addendum

Due to incomplete information provided to the Lincoln Squirrel for the Oct. 22, 2026 story headlined “Commons residents on the run” omitted the name of Scarecrow 5K finisher Bill Levison, another member of the team from The Commons in Lincoln. He was #1 of 1 in the men’s age 90-99 category and finished 430th out of 435 participants. You can see the times, placements, and ages of all event finishers here. 

News acorns

Pre-Halloween family events at deCordova Sculpture Park

Halloween in the Morning Mist
Sunday, Oct. 25, 10:00am–noon
Collaborate on a giant rope-web installation, make tiny spiders using unique materials, and complete a scavenger hunt around the sculpture park. Costumes are encouraged Learn more and register.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest
Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:00am–11:30am
Bring your four-legged friend to show off their festive look and compete for special prizes in categories including Best Human and Dog Duo Costume and Most Creative Dog Costume. Learn more and register.

Crop Stop at Hannan Healthy Foods

All are invited to Hannan Healthy Foods’ annual community-wide Crop Stop event on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11:00am–2:00pm at the farm (270 South Great Road). There will be delicious home-cooked food with opportunities to connect with others in a family-friendly environment. If you’d like to bring some food to share, sign up here.

Kids’ forest series at Farrington

“Into Our Woods: A Youth Forest School Series of Workshops” will be offered for kids 8+ at Farrington Nature Linc (295 Cambridge Turnpike) on November 3, 11, 17, and 25 from 9:30am–2:30pm. The hands-on series is built around the things kids notice most this time of year: crunchy apples, busy animals, crackling campfires and acorns underfoot. Each day blends outdoor skills with science, art and a little bit of history while feeling like pure adventure. $100 for a single day, $350 for the four-day series. More information and registration.

The first inhabitants of Lincoln

When people ask, “who were the first inhabitants of Lincoln,” they often mean, “what tribe lived here?” The short answer is, probably Massachusett. Read more from this Oct. 20 “Did You Know?” post by the Lincoln Historical Society.

Commons residents on the run

A group from The Commons in Lincoln participated in the annual Scarecrow Classic 5K. Left to right: Roelina Berst, Jan Regan, Judi Foster Nick Gleysteen (back), Joyce Phillips, Pam Swain, Dan Pellegrom, Margie Bride, Trish McGean, Dennis Aron, Jackie Aron, Linda Shapiro, Bill Levison, and Anthony Martinez. (Click photo to enlarge.)

(Editor’s note: This is an edited version of a press release sent to the Lincoln Squirrel on behalf of The Commons in Lincoln that was updated to add a missing name and link on Oct. 26.)

Sixteen residents and six associates of The Commons in Lincoln teamed up to participate in the 14th annual Scarecrow Classic 5K on Oct. 18, walking and running alongside nearly 700 fellow participants.

Four residents placed in the race: twin sisters Jan Regan and Joyce Phillips both took first place in the female 90-99 age category, as did Bill Levison in the male 90-99 category. Judi Foster earned the second place spot in the female 80-89 age category, and Jim Austin came in third place in the male 80-89 age category. Times, placements, and ages of all event finishers are listed here. 

The Commons has participated each year since the inception of the event. This year was even more team-focused as residents trained and traveled together for the event and celebrated their accomplishments as a team over brunch afterwards, exemplifying the genuine sense of community they share.

“The 5K has become a tradition for me, as I have been running in it for nine years,” Foster said. “At my age, it’s not so much about winning but more about being able to run the race. Staying active is so important, and The Commons makes it easy and fun to prioritize our health and fitness. “And I love that we have the chance to get out into the wider Lincoln community together and be active.”

The Commons in Lincoln was also once again a lead sponsor of the Scarecrow Classic 5K, which directly benefits the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Get ready for SOTT and Special Town Meeting

The State of the Town/Special Town Meeting is this Saturday, Oct. 24. The best resource is the Special Town Meeting web page, where you can lots of information including but not limited to:

Agenda

  • 8:00am — Doors open for voters to check in and receive their voting clickers.
  • 9:00am — State of the Town meeting. The agenda for the first 45 minutes will include updates from or about:
    • The open space planning process
    • Communications
    • The CCBC and the community center, including the Bemis Hall reuse plan
    • The Finance Committee
    • The Lincoln and Lincoln-Sudbury School Committees
    • The water main replacement project
    • The town’s pavement improvement plans
  • 9:45am — Library HVAC system replacement project informational session
  • 10:30am — Special Town meeting to vote on the library HVAC system replacement project, with two options: a ground source heat pump system or a high-efficiency gas system.

Other information

  • The Ballfield Road parking map highlights available parking locations as well as the entrance to Town Meeting, so you can plan accordingly.  
  • The auditorium seating map gives an overview of the room layout, handicap seating, the location of assisted listening devices, as well as public microphone locations. Microphones can also be brought to your seat if you are unable to get to one.
  • Voting clickers: the moderator will review instructions on how to use clickers. You may not pass your clicker to someone else to vote on your behalf, or take the clicker out of the building; you must be present in the room to vote. If you want to leave and return later, return your clicker to an attendant and they’ll provide you with a “clicker card,” which will allow you to get a new clicker when you return.  
  • Refreshments: coffee will not be served, but there will be free snacks.
  • Assisted listening devices are available; approach the AV personnel at the console in the middle of the auditorium and they’ll assist you.
  • The meeting will be broadcast in the gym for viewing only, but you will still need to come to the auditorium to comment or vote.
  • The meeting will be broadcast via cable TV (Comcast channel 8/Verizon channel 33) as well as on the town TV website.

Lincoln Squirrel stories on library project

Town-wide road repairs could cost more than $20 million

Based on data collected earlier this year on the condition of Lincoln’s roads, a consultant has recommended a five-year repaving and repair project costing about $20 million, in addition to money already allocated for repairing Bedford Road and Lincoln Road after the water main and drainage projects.

Town Administrator Tim Higgins and Department of Public Works Superintendent Stephen Olson reported the figure in a Sept. 30 memo to the Capital Planning Committee (CapCom). 

A town-wide road-by-road sequence hasn’t been discussed yet, but the first two years of work would involve mostly main roads along with a few neighborhood roads, Higgins told the Select Board on Oct. 18. He was relaying information presented by John Vancor of IMEG, who met with the Lincoln Transportation Coalition on Oct. 15.

The actual estimate was $18.6 million but officials are already assuming $20 million, given the uncertainties over the cost of field that’s used to make asphalt, he said.

The town’s last major pavement improvement program was undertaken in 2010 at a cost of approximately $5.5 million and concentrated on main roads, according to the memo. “At the time, it was determined that the neighborhood road network could continue to be maintained reasonably through routine annual maintenance.” Sixteen years later, the main roads are again in need of repaving, “and many neighborhood roads — which generally did not benefit from the 2010 program — have not been substantially repaved in 30 to 40 years.”

According to Higgins, Vancor said that 9% of Lincoln’s roads need little or no attention, more than 50% need “milling overlay or deeper reconstruction,” and about 17% are somewhere in between. The next step is deciding priorities and timeline in terms of what the town is willing to spend and when. Also to be considered: whether to defer some of the work and substitute “more aggressive maintenance” for some secondary roads, Higgins said.

The town was originally planning to seek funds at the Annual Town Meeting in March so as to begin work in spring 2027, but Higgins said that may no longer be feasible. The Select Board plans to discuss the issue in more detail at their next meeting, but even at this early stage, board member Jim Hutchinson said he would like to see at least two “price points” to present as options for requests to the Finance Committee and Capital Planning Committee (CapCom).

The town has recently been “hoarding” much of its annual Chapter 90 state road maintenance grants to fund the Bedford and Lincoln road work starting next spring, Higgins said. In other years, some of those funds have gone to projects not directly related to road surfaces such as crosswalks and cycling and safety improvements, so future Chapter 90 funds might have to go exclusively toward roadway resurfacing and preventive maintenance, he said.

The good news is that the Water Department has money allocated to offset some of the Lincoln and Bedford Road repairs. In addition, National Grid has offered to pay for some of the Lincoln Road resurfacing work after they do their own gas pipeline replacement project. They have identified Lincoln Road between the library and Ballfield Road as their “top priority” and plan to start work as soon as the water main project is completed in November or early December, working over the winter and finishing by May 2027.

“We can sync up our paving plan with what the gas company may be thinking… so the timing is fortuitous,” Higgins said. 

Meanwhile, the CapCom will be asked to approve a recommendation of $2.03 million for a March town vote for a Ballfield Road/school campus project, which would include not just repaving but also drainage improvements; new crosswalks, sidewalks, and signage; an improved roadside path; removal of the one-way slip lane entrance on the north side of the Lincoln Road intersection; and possible redesign of the Y intersection just before the tennis court, Higgins said.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission – Nov. 10 hearing (32 Lincoln)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORICAL COMMISSION

The Lincoln Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. to consider an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Buckner Creel of 32 Lincoln Road to install an HVAC system, including exterior condenser units and associated piping. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

The agenda with the Zoom information will be posted to the Town website at www.lincolntown.org/141/Historical-Commission-Historic-District- at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 983 9661 4379
Password: 167620

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.