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

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Lincoln committee pushing ahead with green goals

Gathering data on Lincoln’s greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging specific ways for residents to use more green energy are among this year’s goals for the Green Energy Committee (GEC).

The GEC serves as the primary resource for the town to identify technologies, initiatives, and means to reduce Lincoln’s CO2 emissions. One of its long-term goals is for the town’s public buildings to achieve “net zero” status for energy use by 2030 (with production of renewable energy equivalent to fossil fuel consumption) as required by a 2011 Town Meeting vote.

Among the efforts underway: finalizing a proposal for community choice aggregation, which uses the power of group electricity purchasing to offer a greater percentage of electricity from renewable sources than the 15% now required from Eversource. The voluntary Lincoln Green Energy Choice program will also offer a fixed price for electricity supply over a longer period of time. The prices for power will be slightly higher than they would be otherwise, though the figures for different sources of electricity under the program won’t be known until the town signs a contract with an electricity supplier.

The GEC also hopes to gather data and report each year on CO2e emissions. “CO2e” means carbon dioxide equivalent, which gauges carbon footprint by expressing the impact of each different greenhouse gas in terms of the amount of CO2 that would create the same amount of warming.

“Our focus is on tracking CO2e emissions and reductions data so that we can figure out how to have the biggest impact on reducing them as we develop a plan to become carbon neutral by 2030,” said GEC chair Peter Watkinson. The group is in discussions with a third party to provide this data for the town of Lincoln and “expects progress this quarter,” he added.

Other GEC goals for 2019:

  • Work with the School Building Committee on a high-efficiency school building powered completely by onsite solar PV arrays to achieve a net zero campus.
  • Encourage residents to buy or lease electric vehicles. Work to make it easier and less expensive to purchase residential charging stations, and investigate locations for public charging stations in town.
  • Continue residential efforts including encouraging home energy efficiency measures, energy-efficient heating/cooling systems, and solar installations.
  • Encourage/enable the development and implementation of solar PV projects at non-residential locations, including the Lincoln School, Codman Community Farms, the Lincoln Mall parking lot, the First Parish in Lincoln, the Public Safety Building, and the transfer station.

The Codman barn is now having solar panels installed, and the First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) Parish Committee has approved installation of solar panels on the roof of the parish house across from Bemis Hall (they now need approval from the Historic District Commission, according to Larry Buell, chair of the FPL Outreach Committee).

FPL Green was formed in fall 2017 under the leadership of Tom Walker in response to a membership poll that named energy and climate change as the most urgent public priority among a dozen possible. Twenty families are now driving electric vehicles and 35 are using 100% wind-generated electricity, Watkinson said.

Clark addresses impeachment and other issues with area Democrats

By Barbara Slayter and Joan Kimball
Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Rep. Katherine Clark at the Middlesex Democrats breakfast.

Rep. Katherine Clark’s vigorous and penetrating analysis of critical issues both local and national brought numerous rounds of applause at the Middlesex Area Democrats breakfast on May 4.

Twenty Lincolnites were among nearly 100 enthusiastic Democrats from Waltham, Weston, Sudbury, Carlisle and other towns gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Waltham. They listened as Clark detailed how Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is “obstructing,” or preventing legislation from moving forward. The House has passed bills on gun safety, net neutrality, equal pay for equal work, voting rights, and dark money, but none of them has made its way past McConnell to the Senate floor.

McConnell, Clark said, has gone so far as to say we don’t need an infrastructure bill, even after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had met on the topic with President Trump. Clark strongly advocated for local action saying that action starts here, not in Washington, and that we must work at home with state representatives and selectmen locally and support candidates who will make a difference.

Asked if impeachment  is “on the table,” Clark said, “Definitely it is. We cannot simply run out the clock.” However, Democrats have to bring the American people with them; impeachment, she asserted, should neither be undertaken nor avoided for political reasons. Rather, there must be a careful gathering of evidence, including a specific opportunity for the House to hear Robert Mueller’s testimony, as well as that of other key witnesses, and an effort to assure that the American public fully understands the events that have taken place, Clark said.

All this needs to be in a context of clarity about constitutional responsibilities, and a serious effort to prevent foreign influence in elections, including the upcoming presidential and congressional elections in 2020, she added.

Other elected officials contributed key observations on critical topics. State Sen. Mike Barrett, a leader in the effort to limit greenhouse gases via carbon pricing, linked climate change to refugee migration, since farmers and laborers in many parts of Central America are no longer able to make a living in agriculture. He praised Waltham for its policies for effectively serving its refugee population, especially those from rural Guatemala, who are coming in unprecedented numbers but are revitalizing the city.

Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian noted the significant mental health issues afflicting the prison population and the need to address the connections among mental health, drugs, and crime.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan discussed the “interference” she’s encountered with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). She and another district attorney have filed a federal lawsuit demanding that courthouses be places of sanctuary, assuring public safety for witnesses, victims, and defendants.

Everyone paused in a moment of silence for Lincoln’s Foster Fargo, who passed away on April 14, and speakers expressed appreciation for the many years of work by his wife, former State Sen. Susan Fargo.

Lincolnites get tips on becoming climate change activists

Andrew Gordon speaks to the Bemis Hall audience about climate change action.

By Barbara Slayter and Peter Pease
Co-chairs, Lincoln Democratic Town Committee

Dozens of Lincoln residents turned out to learn how to become effective advocates around the issues of environmental justice and climate change at a session led by Andrew Gordon, legislative coordinator from 350 Mass, a grassroots environmental organization.

Gordon, who spoke on April 6 at the invitation of Lincoln’s Democratic Town Committee, began by outlining his organization’s agenda:

  1. Environmental justice — acknowledging that race and class usually correlate closely with pollution, unequal protection, and vulnerability, and that the communities most negatively affected by climate change and fossil fuel pollution must be central to implementing new policies and must not be harmed by them.
  2. Renewable energy — aiming for 100% by 2045 including heating and transportation, with 100% renewable in electricity by 2035
  3. Equitable and green investment in our communities to become net zero in greenhouse gas emissions, directing revenue and resources to disadvantaged communities that are less able to take effective action without help from the Commonwealth.

Gordon also introduced some new names, policies, and concepts, including:

  • Marshall Ganz, a prominent Harvard professor who writes and lecturers on leadership, organizing communities and mobilizing for change.
  • The Transportation and Climate Initiative, whereby 13 states are developing a regional low-carbon transportation policy to set up a carbon pricing mechanism to reduce transport emissions.
  • Carbon pricing — levying an added charge on carbon-emitting fuels, with variations including a revenue-neutral proposal long advocated by Sen. Michael Barrett, or a Massachusetts House version by Rep. Jennifer Benson in which fees charged would be returned to poorer communities for green infrastructure.
  • Mass Power Forward, a coalition of various environmental and other civil society groups working to provide Massachusetts and the broader region with clean, affordable reliable energy and a thriving economy.

Attendees had detailed questions and comments about costs, trade-offs, timelines, and the magnitude of the challenges ahead as Massachusetts and the nation try to address the problems of climate change.   Buzz Constable went to the heart of the issue, asking, “Can we really solve social problems and climate change at the same time?” Is there an inherent conflict between “going slow together to get it right” and the urgent timeframe for diminishing carbon emissions?

Larry Buell asked about approaches for galvanizing disadvantaged communities and ways to provide incentives for poorer communities to participate in climate change policies. Joan Kimball raised a concern about the high levels of compartmentalization of professionals such as those working in the health and environmental fields.

Gordon made a compelling argument for the need to “push and expand the narrative of what is possible” if we wish to transform our economy and address the escalating problems of climate change.  He reminded us of the years required to enact comprehensive, effective policies. The text cannot be filed and then voted into law in the same year. Everyone needs to be able to take ownership and help refine the policies, he said.

Some suggestions for effective advocacy, particularly with regard to the Massachusetts legislature, emerged from event for activists of all stripes:

  • Build coalitions with like-minded groups and organizations.
  • Let your voice be heard and be vigilant in expressing your views.
  • Be inclusive, bring in the stakeholders, and bring key people to the table.
  • Figure out your next “ask,” and then ask it with persistence.
  • Activate your networks outside Lincoln.
  • Make sure your representatives know you want them to direct resources to other, disadvantaged communities.
  • Be proactive in your expenditure of political capital.
  • Build and sustain the connections between electoral activities and issues-oriented organizations in order to change policy outcomes.

Click here to watch a recording of the event, including charts (the sound is missing only for the first minute or so).

News acorns

L-S Spring Instrumental Concert this week

The L-S music department presents the Spring Instrumental Concert on Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln-Sudbury Auditorium. Ensembles performing include the Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. The orchestra is directed by Mr. Kyung-Nam Oh, and the bands are directed by Thomas Grandprey.

Four senior violinists — Katherine Feng, Michael Yue, Evan Lee, and Emma Christman — will be featured on “4 Violins Concerto No. 10 in B minor” (RV 580) by Vivaldi. Members of the Concert Band’s percussion section will be featured on an eclectic work entitled “Arabian Dances” by Brian Balmages. The orchestra and bands will combine for “Grand Finale, Music from the DreamWorks film Gladiator,” and there will be awards for the student musicians. L-S Friends of Music will sell concessions to help support instrument purchases and fund master classes for the music program.

Bird-a-Thon fundraiser coming up

Mass Audubon’s annual Bird-a-thon fundraiser will take place for 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, May 10–11 from 6 p.m.–6.p.m., when hundreds of birders of all abilities will compete to ID the most species statewide over a 24-hour period. Bird-a-thon takes place in the midst of the spring migration, when millions of birds are returning to Massachusetts to breed and raise young, or stopping to rest and feed in the Bay State before continuing farther north. 

Not a birder? Not a problem! Bird-a-thon Boosters participate by fundraising for their favorite teams. Boosters may bird non-competitively, do their own nature-focused activity, or simply rally support for those spending long hours in the field. Last year’s participants raised more than $255,000—the highest amount since the event began in 1983—and identified 275 species, the most ever recorded. Sponsors this year include Presenting Sponsor, Comosse Masonry Supply of Worcester, and WBUR. Click here to participate, donate, and learn more about Bird-a-thon.

Food project selling seedlings, CSA shares

Purchase vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings to start your garden at The Food Project’s Baker Bridge Farm (94 Concord Rd., Lincoln) on Saturday and Sunday, May 11–12 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (rain or shine). The Food Project also has Lincoln CSA shares still available; visit csa.thefoodproject.org for details.

Community Capture the Flag

Join fellow Lincolnites for an all-ages Community Capture the Flag on Saturday, May 4 from 4–6 p.m. at the Pierce House. Rules will be explained when you arrive. Please wear clothing with your team color: blue for last names beginning with A–K, red for last names beginning L–Z. There will be extra uniforms for those in need. Park on the grass alongside Weston Road.

LLCT seeks summer help

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is looking for a part-time summer land management intern who will work closely with the LLCT Stewardship Coordinator on land management activities, trail maintenance, baseline monitoring, and special projects. The position is for 15 hours a week over two days from the week of June 1 through August 15(11 weeks), and additional weeks may be considered. Click here details about the position and how to apply. Applications are due by May 15.

Lincoln Dems to hold caucus

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee will hold its caucus on Saturday, May 18 from 9–11 a.m. in Bemis Hall. All Democrats registered in Lincoln are invited to elect delegates and alternates to the 2019 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention on September 14 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Democrats from across the state will come together to discuss party business and focus on policies for the Democrats to support leading into the 2020 election.

Pre-registered Democrats who will be 16 by May 11 may participate and run as a delegate or alternate. Lincoln can elect five delegates and four alternates to the convention. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate may apply to be add-on delegates to the caucus or at www.massdems.org. Questions? Contact DTC co-chairs Barbara Slayter (bslayter@comcast.net) or Peter Pease (ppease72@gmail..com).

Youth in Philanthropy Program accepting applications

The Foundation for MetroWest is now accepting applications for fall Youth in Philanthropy. All MetroWest high school students interested in making an impact in their communities are encouraged to apply. Programs will take place in Hopkinton, Natick, and Sudbury (dates, times, and meeting locations vary). Click here for more information and to apply. The priority application deadline is Friday, June 7. Students who apply after June 7 will receive an admission decision on a rolling basis as program space allows.

YIP’s experiential learning program teaches participants how to become engaged and informed civic leaders in our community via the importance of philanthropy and the needs that exist in our backyard. Students work together to evaluate grant applications and distribute funds to worthy area nonprofits. YIP also helps local youth develop valuable skills including critical thinking, understanding budgets, public speaking, consensus building, and case-making.

Upcoming events in deCordova galleries

  • Join  Biennial artist Emilie Stark-Menneg with collaborators Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon and Desmond Bratton for “Confirmation: A Live Performance” in the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum galleries on Thursday, May 23 from 6–7 p.m. Free; registration requested.
  • In “Art and Neuroscience: A Gallery Talk with Nancy Etcoff” on Saturday, June 1 from 1–2 p.m., psychologist Etcoff will draw connections between art and the mind, offering a unique perspective on the Biennial. Free with admission or membership; registration requested.

News acorns

Ramsey honored for philanthropy

Meg Ramsey

Foundation for MetroWest, the community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns of MetroWest Boston, has announced that Lincoln resident Margaret “Meg” Ramsey will receive the Community Philanthropist Award.

In addition to being a trustee for the Foundation for MetroWest, Ramsey is a past board member of Belmont Day School and a past chair of the Lincoln Scholarship Committee. She also serves as a board member at the Discovery Museum in Acton, chair of the Lincoln Cultural Council, and a member of the Parents’ Council at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is founder and managing trustee of the Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation, which funds projects in arts education and general education in eastern Massachusetts.

“Meg has been involved with the work of the Foundation for more than 15 years, originally getting involved through our Youth in Philanthropy program,” said Judy Salerno, executive director of the Foundation for MetroWest. “She has always had an interest in philanthropy education, and she truly represents what it means to be not only a philanthropist and a board member but also a caring member of the community.”

Ramway will receive her award at the Spring Inspiration Breakfast on Thursday, April 25 from 9–11 a.m. at the Wellesley Country Club.

Area meeting on 5G wireless technology

A recent FCC ruling on fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology has cut local government control and reduced revenue options to towns from wireless carriers. Come learn about local options and what communities are doing in response at a meeting of HATS (Hanscom Area Town Selectmen from Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln) on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Town Office Building.

Cecelia (Cece) Doucette, technology safety educator and founder of Wireless Education, will speak. Topics will include:

  • How will the 5G build-out work?
  • How does the recent FCC ruling on 5G limit local government control?
  • What are the revenue implications for towns?
  • Have any towns generated model Small Cell Policies, and what do they include?
  • What are the health and safety concerns associated with 5G?
  • How will the 5G infrastructure interact with 3G and 4G?
  • What are 5G’s implications for privacy, energy conservation, and legal liability?

Codman Community Farm to draw all its power from the sun

These historic barns at Codman Community Farm will soon sport 21st-century solar photovoltaic arrays.

(Editor’s note: this story was updated with corrected figures on April 8.)

Codman Community Farms will install solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs of three barns and that will provide 100% of the facility’s electricity by this summer.

Work will begin soon on reshingling the barns (which were last replaced more than 20 years ago) at a cost of $110,000, paid for via Community Preservation Act funds approved at last month’s Annual Town Meeting. SunBug will design and build the solar photovoltaic array at a cost of $150,000, but two grants totaling $50,000 will offset some of that. Donations to CCF (including its ongoing capital campaign) will cover the rest.

The 54 kW system will generate all the electricity CCF needs. “With our conversion to a high-efficiency heat pump, we will no longer be reliant on fossil fuels and will effectively become ‘net zero’,” said David Alperovitz, president of CCF’s Board of Trustees.

CCF qualified for the $20,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) due to its robust farm activities, with more than 50% of its income derived from agricultural products. Codman is only the second nonprofit to receive a REAP grant and the first in many years. The other grant for $30,000 came from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources.

The farm will also save or earn roughly $15,000 a year on electricity and Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program tariffs, Alperovitz said. The state’s SMART program is a long-term sustainable solar incentive program that offers compensation for lean energy usage calculated as a proportion of the kilowatt hours of the electricity that a solar-powered facility produces.

Codman Community Farms will be the first town-owned entity to go solar, but certainly not the last. The Rural Land Foundation is hoping to build a 250 kW solar canopy in the mall parking lot this year, and the rebuilt Lincoln School, with a 700-770 kW system according to 2018 estimates, will be net zero for energy use when it comes online in 2023. The First Parish Church is also planning a 20 kW array.

Other nonresidential solar arrays are already up and running at St.-Anne’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church and in the meadow behind Lincoln Woods.

Further down the road, officials are hoping for town-owned solar PV arrays on the Public Safety Building roof and atop the transfer station. That complex project is still tackling issues such as getting access to the grid through land owned by Minute Man National Historical Park. If and when the two projects are completed, they could generate up to 50% of the electricity used by town facilities.

“Working with the town of Lincoln has been amazing,” Alperovitz said. “[Town Administrator] Tim Higgins and [Town Facilities Manager] Michael Haines have been enormously supportive and helpful, and without them this would not have been possible. They pushed for funding for the shingles to be redone in a time frame that’s in keeping with our grant restrictions, and they’ve allowed us to thread a fine needle (still in process) through many obstacles and hurdles.”

The Historic District Commission has also been “wonderful and supportive,” he added.

“I’m reveling in the fact that the farm buildings will soon be powered by the sun (our eggs are already washed by water heated by the sun as well), and the fact that establishing this system will help to put the farm on better footing financially for the years to come,” Alperovitz said.

Newly elected Lincoln officials sworn in

Residents who were newly elected and reelected in the March 25 town election were sworn in last week by Town Clerk Valerie Fox (herself newly elected, succeeding the retired Susan Brooks). Back row, left to right: Douglas Harding (Commission for Trust Funds), Steve Gladstone (Planning Board), and Susan Taylor (School Committee). Middle row, left to right: Sara Mattes (trustee of Bemis), Heather Ring (Water Commission), Adam Hogue and baby (School Committee), Dennis Picker (library trustee), Laura Sander (Board of Assessors), and Fox. Front row, left to right: Anita Spieth and daughter (Parks and Recreation Commission), Trintje Gnazzo (School Committee), and Linda Hammett Ory (trustee of deCordova). Missing from photo: James Craig (Selectman), Keith Gilbert (Housing Commission), Conrad Todd (Cemetery Commission), Steven Kanner (Board of Health), and Setha Margaret Olson (Planning Board).

Town Meeting 2019 roundup

Here are some of the measures approved by residents at the March 23 Annual Town Meeting. See previous stories for coverage of the votes on the leaf blower bylaw and the deCordova/Trustees of Reservations integration.

Town budget

Voters approved a FY 2020 budget of $41.55 million, a 10.3% increase from this year’s budget of $37.68 million. The total includes $4.29 million in debt service for the school building project and a 2.39% increase in the operating budget. Property taxes on the median-value house (assessed value of $998,400) will increase by about $1,781 or 12.7%. See pages 4 and 6 of the Annual Town Meeting Financial Section and Warrant for pie charts showing revenues and expenditures by category.

Capital and community preservation items

Voters approved the requests from the Capital Planning Committee and Community Preservation Committee (see the Lincoln Squirrel, March 14, 2019). Also approved in a separate vote was an appropriation of up to $400,000 for an irrigation systems for the Codman athletic field next to the pool. This will be the second irrigated field in town; the first is the new Wang field on Bedford Road set to open this spring (the town’s first new athletic field in 60 years).

The largest capital item was $600,000 for a new roof for the Hartwell school building. The roof was installed 31 years ago but was designed to last for only 20, and the Finance Committee recommended doing it this year “because we could fit in in budget and we are worried about long list of capital projects on the docket in coming years,” FinCom chair Jim Hutchinson said.

Recognitions

This year’s Bright Light Award went to Gary Davis, who was recognized for outstanding volunteerism. Davis, a retired architect, headed a project to digitize and create a searchable index of Planning and Department of Public Works documents, as well as updating the Planning Department filing system.

Tim Higgins was recognized for his 25 years of service as Town Administrator. His citation noted his “integrity, accessibility to the community, creative problem solving. tireless diplomacy, eternal optimism, endless patience and thoughtful leadership.”

“There are very few dull moments in Lincoln; we seem to move from one interesting and challenging project to another,” Higgins said in accepting the award, which included his very own parking spot at Town Hall. “If you’re a public policy nerd like I am and a history-oriented person, you can’t imagine a better place to spend your career.”

Departing Water Commission chair Packy Lawler and School Committee chair Tim Christenfeld were also thanked for their service.

Solar bylaw

Residents approved changes to new definitions for roof-mounted solar systems, energy storage systems and carport/canopy PV systems; financial and ownership arrangements to allow power purchase agreements; increased height limits for canopy-carport solar arrays; and adding a general waiver section. See section starting on page 11 of the list of motions (Article 28) for details.

State flag and seal

Residents voted to support creation of a state commission to study the idea of changing the Massachusetts state flag and seal, which some believe depicts oppression of Native Americans by English settlers.

“I would put to you that this is your version of the Confederate flag,” said Patricia Thornton Wells, who grew up in Georgia. “It has symbolism that means certain things to certain people that is very offensive. Most people in my town growing up didn’t take offense, but every African American does. I think this needs to be reconsidered from the context of all the people in our community.”

Noting that the motto on the flag and seal reads in part, “By this sword we seek peace,” resident Peter Pease said, “If that is not an aggressive statement… It seems so wrong to put people who owned this land before we came and have them on a flag… with a sword over their head. Please, let’s get this out of here.”

About a dozen residents voted nay, including Michael Coppock. He referred to the Native American on the flag, partly modeled on Metacomet, who led a rebellion known as King Philip’s War. “It was most deadly war in U.S. history as a percentage of population loss… he abandoned his father (Massasoit’s) of peace,” he said.

Other measures approved

  • Authorization to bond $1.1 million for the Water Department
  • Bylaw changes:
    • Adding an exception for nonconforming lots that were reduced in size by an eminent-domain taking
    • Adding two new properties to the Brown’s Wood Historic District
    • Clarifying the definition of “demolition” under the demolition bylaw
  • A ban on sales of e-cigarettes (a preemptive measure since no stores on Lincoln currently sell them). A handful of residents voted no.

Voters approve ban on cannabis businesses in Lincoln

Lincoln voters have affirmed a ban on cannabis retail businesses in Lincoln that was first passed at a Special Town Meeting in October 2018.

Lincoln residents voted in favor of legalizing sales of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts in a statewide vote in 2016. Because of that result, state law required a twi0thirds majority at Town Meeting and a simple majority in an election if residents wanted to ban cannabis businesses within Lincoln. The ban can be reversed by another vote in the future if the town wishes, but once cannabis sales are legalized, they can’t be banned later. 

In unofficial results, the ban was affirmed this week by a margin of 279-126 (69% to 31%) on the ballot question. Last October, the ban achieved the required two-thirds majority by a tally of 73% to 27%.

Personal, noncommercial growing and possession of recreational marijuana are unaffected. Massachusetts law allows residents 21 and older to use the drug and have up to one ounce on their person (up to 10 ounces in their homes). Households with one adult over 21 can also grow up to six marijuana plants, or 12 plants if there are two adults in the household.

The Lincoln move also will have no effect on potential home delivery of marijuana products, should the state’s Cannabis Control Commission decide to allow it. As the law now stands, medical dispensaries can deliver cannabis products to registered patients but doesn’t permit deliveries of recreational pot.

Residents also voted in a new slate of town officials in this week’s election (though none of the races was contested). Click here for full election results. 

 

Leaf blower restrictions narrowly approved at Town Meeting

A new bylaw restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Lincoln was approved at Town Meeting by a leaf-thin six-vote margin after more than a dozen residents spoke passionately for and against the proposal.

The new bylaw allows residents to use gas-powered leaf blowers only during the fall and spring cleanup seasons with some exceptions, though electric and battery-operated machines can be used all year round. Police or the building inspector can issue a warning after the first violation and a $100 fine for subsequent violations of the bylaw, which takes effect on October 1.

  • More coverage of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting in the Lincoln Squirrel tomorrow

Supporters argued that gas-powered leaf blowers are unacceptably noisy and polluting and harm Lincoln’s rural atmosphere. “Gas blowers are the most polluting machine ever made,” one resident said. “It fills my entire house with fumes… they’re very noisy, very polluting, and very stupid. Get an electric blower or a rake.”

Eric Harris, who lives near Route 2, said he doesn’t notice the highway traffic noise much, “but the difference when you have a leaf blower is enormous, not just decibels but the kind of noise it makes — it’s the kind of noise you can’t escape from. I wish this proposal had been more draconian than it is.”

“This is a reasonable solution to a problem that’s resulted in over 70 unsolicited complaints on our website,” said John Koenig, a member of the Leaf Blower Study Committee, which has been studying the issue for several years and proposed the bylaw.

Other residents in favor of the new rules said limiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers is the responsible thing to do for the environment, given climate change and the particularly polluting exhaust of the two-stroke engines that many of the devices use.

But others said the bylaw was an overreach and unfairly singles out just one of many noise-producing landscaping devices. Some electric leaf blowers are no quieter than gas-powered models, and because they’re not as powerful, “they’re making just as much noise and they’re out there three or four times longer,” said Jeff Sutherland. Also, since gas-powered devices can still be used during primary leaf-clearing times of year, the regulation won’t have any effect during the periods of heaviest use, he added.

Ironically, the rural town character that the bylaw is trying to protect is also a cause of the problem, noted Margaret Olson. “We have leaf blowers because we have big pieces of property because of our zoning… if you’re banning a consequence of the look we’ve created in Lincoln, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.”

“We are a rural town, and we have chainsaws, yard trimmers, lawn mowers and log splitters. These are the tools we use to maintain our property. Try farming without a tractor,” said Andy Payne.

“This issue really makes me sad. When we start legislating behavior against each other, there’s no end to it,” Noah Eckhouse said. Also, if police have to get involved in enforcing the new rules, “there’s a nonzero chance that our police force will be busy writing a ticket in some corner of town” when they’re needed for a medical emergency elsewhere, he added.

“There’s got to be a better way to do this. I’m really disappointed,” Eckhouse said.

It would be nice to be able to ask neighbors to tone down their use of noisy leaf blowers, “but I have businesses and condos around me, so I can’t do that. For those of you not surrounded by conservation land, it’s a real problem,” said Jessica Packineau.

Although the proposal needed only a simple majority to pass (because it is a general bylaw rather than a zoning bylaw), the voice vote sounded like a tie, which it almost was — the subsequent standing vote revealed a final tally of 112 votes in favor and 106 votes against.