To the editor:
This Saturday we face a tough day of decision-making. I believe that there is only one proposal up for consideration that has the potential to satisfy the range of expressed aspirations and that checks enough boxes to get us to “yes” in December. That is L3.
Over the course of the development of these proposals, it seems to me that there are a number of points at issue, not necessarily competing, that are driving choices:
1. Educational vision
- Flexible spaces and classrooms organized around rooms/hubs that facilitate collaboration and smaller spaces to allow for individualized instruction
- Dining area (and kitchens) that are multi-use and close enough to classrooms to reduce time spent getting to and from lunch
- Common space for larger gatherings
2. Environmental concerns
- Achieving net zero
- Appropriate sizing and location of solar panels
- Minimizing demolition
- Intelligent reuse/recycling/repurposing where possible
3. Aesthetics of the campus
- Preservation of the unique landscape of buildings surrounding the center ballfield
- Respect for the value of Lincoln’s architectural heritage
- Concern regarding radical change in campus appearance
4. Shared space/community use
- Preservation of easily accessible spaces for voting and hosting Town Meeting—Smith Gym and Donaldson Auditorium, a.k.a. Brooks auditorium
- Creation of common area(s) and kitchen(s) for community use after school hours
5. Community/rec center
- Concern that most expensive project will dim prospects for a community/rec center
6. Budget
- Concern with increase in taxes
- Perception of unnecessary “frill” expenditures
- Spending close to bonding limit—“maxing out the credit card”
For some, budget is a serious issue that will drive decision-making. Town boards and committees talk about what is affordable for the town, and what are responsible and prudent investments. But what is deemed affordable, prudent, and responsible for the town may not seem so for individual homeowners/taxpayers.
Budget-driven decisions are legitimate and should not be dismissed or deemed irresponsible.
All of the choices are expensive, running from $49 million for R/Repair to $94.3 million for C/Compact. Tax impacts will be appreciable. While some seniors thankfully can use the array of senior tax relief programs offered by the town, the majority do not. Some will be digging deep.
Suggesting that we do not have to pick any of the options offered, including the R/Repair option, ignores reality. Our buildings have not had substantial repairs and/or upgrades since our last building project in 1994. We have made repairs, we have done the basics. Systems are old and need replacements. Undertaking the major repair projects triggers state code requirements and adds expense. That is why the comprehensive R/Repair option is on the table. We simply cannot do piecemeal repairs spread out over years. Building codes do not allow us to take this path. Doing nothing is irresponsible. Doing nothing is NOT an option.
The R/Repair option will proved a completely rehabilitated facility with an anticipated life expectancy of 30+ years, but it offers little else. It offers no programmatic/educational enhancements. It offers no ability to achieve net zero.
Getting to “yes” in December will require a coalition and compromise. Only L3 meets the most substantive concerns that will translate into community support so that we can reach a “yes” vote on December. It may not be the ideal solution for everyone, and certainly not for those driven by budget concerns alone, but it is not the most expensive option, and local experts in design construction and energy applications say there may be ways to bring the cost down in this option while maintaining hubs, educational enhancements, and programs, potentially allowing savings to be shifted to a community/rec center. L3 is more flexible and “forgiving” than C, and will allow the town to come together to get to “yes.”
The passion we have been reading on Lincoln talk is good—it means we care. Let’s sustain the passion and ensure we continue respectful debate with open minds. At the end of Town Meeting, we as a town must feel whole. We should see that our debate and decisions reflect sensitivity to our entire community. We must be mindful that decisions made today are an investment that will benefit Lincoln for generations to come.
See you on Saturday… and please consider L3 as a wise choice for now and for our future.
Sincerely,
Sara Mattes
Conant Rd.