Select Board continues fight against Hanscom proposal
The Select Board this week approved a detailed letter to the state that takes issue with the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) on a proposal to significantly expand hangar space and make other changes at Hanscom Field to accommodate private jets.
The DEIR is “deeply troubling for a number of reasons,” including what the letter says are:
- incomplete treatment of GHG emissions,
- unsubstantiated analysis of ferry flights (empty flights),
- inaccurate representation of the role of sustainable aviation fuels, and
- misleading characterization of commitments to solar installations.
“We are forced to conclude that the proponent’s DEIR is not a serious assessment of the environmental impacts of the proposed project, and that their claims are not backed by adequate analysis or fact. We therefore urge [Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs] to instruct the proponent to revise their DEIR to produce a more comprehensive and accurate environmental impact report,” the letter says.
Officials and residents from area towns and all over the country have been protesting the plan. The public has until May 10 to submit comments on the DEIR.
Open Studio reception and exhibit at library
Lincoln Open Studio’s biennial exhibit in the Lincoln Public library is now on display through May 25. There will be an opening reception with the artists on Thursday, May 2 from 4–6 p.m.
Arts and Farmers Market begins this Saturday
Starting on Saturday, May 4, the Lincoln Arts and Farmers Market runs weekly from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on the green outside the Tack Room (145 Lincoln Rd.). the market will take place each Saturday until the end of October. New vendors from the community are welcome to set up a table to sell garden produce, arts and crafts as well as vintage and collectible items. There is no table fee, but it’s nice to tip the band $5 or more as they attract many patrons. Please bring your own table, tent (optional), etc.; you’re welcome to join as many or few markets as you wish. For more vendor information, email Bill Huss at billhuss53@gmail.com.
Session on parent-child communication
Join Lincoln Nursery School and local child behavior specialist Emily Barker for a conversation and Q&A in Studio Purple on Monday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at LNS at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Her parent-coaching business called Little Love Language uses a holistic approach as well as her signature tools to help parents communicate with and better understand their children.
Get ready for the Great Create
The Lincoln School Foundation invites K-5 students to complete creative challenges in the Great Create at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum on Sunday, May 19 from 1–3 p.m. (check-in starts at 12:30 p.m.). Working together in small groups, students will use unexpected materials and make connections between art and nature. Join us for a fun afternoon of community and friends while supporting the LSF’s mission to inspire and fund innovative teaching and authentic learning experiences in our schools. Register at www.lincolnschoolfoundation.org.
Battle Road BioBlitz
The Battle Road BioBlitz at Minute Man National Historical Park from Saturday, May 11 to Friday, May 17 will engage scientists, naturalists, and the interested public to survey and document as many species as possible within a designated time period. The 10 free events at various times and locations — including Amphibians and Aquatic Organisms, Battle Road Botanizing, Biodiversity at Dusk, Pollinators and Plants, and Quest for Uncommon Species — take place at various locations and times at the park; sign up for one or several (space is limited). Click here to register or view the entire collection on Eventbrite.
Co-sponsored by MMNHP and Friends of MMNHP; the towns of Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln; the Concord and Lincoln Land Conservation Trusts; the Brookline Bird Club, and Zoo New England. Questions? Contact Margie Brown at margie_coffin_brown@nps.gov.
Watering restrictions now in effect
Water use restrictions are automatically implemented from May 1 through September 30 each year, and higher restrictions may be imposed in response to state drought declarations. Lincoln is now in Stage 2 (one stage higher than state guidelines, per the Lincoln Water Department’s Drought Management Plan), which allows use of sprinklers, drip irrigation and soaker hoses two days a week from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. by house number. See this chart for details on rules for all types of outdoor water use. Customers who are farmers as defined in the Lincoln Right to Farm Bylaw are exempt from these restrictions.
Water Department staff will be monitoring all sprinkler use in town and will stop to remind residents of the new restriction policy. A first offense will result in a $100 fine, and subsequent violations will result in a $200 fine. If any residents have questions, please contact Darin LaFalam, Water Superintendent, at email lafalamd@lincolntown.org or 781-259-2669. For further information on water conservation, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page.
The comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the L.G. Hanscom Field North Airfield Development project (EEA# 16654) has been extended. Comments will be accepted until June 14, 2024.