Editor’s note: The salutation in Taylor’s letter was originally “Fellow Lincoln residents.” He is running against incumbent Robert Domnitz.
To the editor:
I ask your support as I run for the Planning Board. I am challenging an incumbent, so it will be an uphill battle, but it is time for a change in the orientation of the board. Here’s why.
Lincoln has preserved its character by anticipating and responding proactively to challenges. When Rte. 128 was built, Lincoln rezoned creatively to shape development, and when Chapter 40B was enacted, we developed affordable housing on our own terms rather than allowing developers to override our zoning. We face similar challenges now in serving the needs of our schools, our seniors and in keeping our commercial center vital. Weighing and helping to coordinate responses to such concerns should be the Board’s role.
Right now the board spends the vast majority of its time considering site plans or minor changes sought by Lincoln landowners. We must focus more time and attention on real planning matters such as implementation of the Comprehensive Long Range Plan adopted with widespread public participation in 2009, and to developing consensus around a strategy for the Lincoln Station (Mall) area, a critical priority for the town.
Furthermore, many people with whom I have talked believe the permitting process could be much more efficient and user-friendly. Most applicants before the board are residents seeking reasonable changes to their properties. The objective should be to help achieve their goals within Lincoln’s bylaws as efficiently as possible. But applicants often find the permitting path unclear and directions from the staff and board unhelpful and inconsistent. Numerous appearances before the board may be required to gain approval. Better coordination among the permitting boards and leveraging the staff to resolve issues in advance of hearings are much needed improvements.
I believe I can address these issues. I have a useful skill set with degrees in law and management and a record of getting things done in Lincoln. During my tenure on the Finance Committee we computerized the town’s accounting system and integrated it with the schools. On the Housing Commission and Housing Trust I helped add 50 affordable housing units. As a selectman, I played key roles in the development of The Groves (now The Commons), in the protection of land for open space and in capital planning.
I would appreciate your vote on March 30.
Gary Taylor
2 Beaver Pond Road
Letters to the editor must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to news@lincolnsquirrel.com. Letters must be about a Lincoln-specific topic, will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Letters containing personal attacks, errors of fact or other inappropriate material will not be published.
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