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

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Design firm for community center is chosen

The Community Center Building Committee has announced that the Town of Lincoln has hired ICON Architecture for professional services to develop plans for a community center within the Hartwell segment of the Lincoln School campus on Ballfield Road.

“It was a very difficult decision,” and references were a major factor, said Select Board member Jonathan Dwyer (the board’s liaison to the CCBC). Town Administrator Tim Higgins noted that ICON Architecture demonstrated openness in their past work to repurposing older buildings and were committed to the town’s sustainability goals.

Six firms submitted proposals and four were invited for interviews. There were two finalists — the other was Maryann Thompson Architects, which came up with the two design concepts that gained the most positive feedback from residents at a 2018 Special Town Meeting.

The most recent cost estimates in November 2022 pegged the project at about $26 million, which caused considerable consternation among residents. Based on a Special Town Meeting vote in December 2022 when design funding was approved, the designer must develop a range of design choices and budgets, including options not to exceed 75% and 50% of the $25 million estimate, for the Hartwell complex (supplemented or not with existing available town space).

ICON Architecture — a women-owned Boston firm that specializes in institutional building types, building renewal, multi-family, and affordable housing — will develop schematic design options in preparation for a vote on a preferred design and budget at a Special Town Meeting in November 2023.

 

Correction

In the March 5 edition of News Acorns, an incorrect date was given for the FoMA/Lincoln event on the revitalization of Lincoln’s Modern school. The event will take place on Thursday, March 16 from 6:30–8 p.m. in the school’s Learning Commons.

Heather Hill dies at age 99

Heather Hill

Heather Davidson Hill of Bedford, a former 45-year resident of Lincoln, died on February 27 at the age of 99. She was the beloved wife for 62 years of the late Craig C. Hill, who died in 2019.

Born in Alberta, Canada, Heather and her late sister Patricia were raised by their widowed mother during the era of the Dust Bowl in Saskatchewan. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Radcliffe’s Management Training School. Prior to her marriage, she was director of personnel at New England Deaconess Hospital. Over the years, she also served on the board of directors of the deCordova Museum, as a gallery guide at the MFA, and as the coordinator of the Lincoln Public Schools Elective Program. 

Hill was a world traveler and veteran book club member, but happiest when entertaining and being entertained by her expansive circle of friends in Lincoln and beyond. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Hill and husband Kevin of Lincoln; son Matthew Hill and wife Lisa of Conway; son Tom and wife Emmanuelle of Costa Rica; grandchildren Malcolm, Vix, Hannah, Hardy, Montgomery and Calvin; and her niece and nephew, Laurel and Robert Gillespie. Family members will gather privately for Heather’s burial service at Lincoln Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in her online guestbook, visit www.deefuneralhome.com.

News acorns

March 6 AIDE discussion open to all

The First Parish in Lincoln is opening up its “reflection” sessions on the school-sponsored 21-Day Challenge on Anti Racism, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (AIDE) to anyone in Lincoln who would like to attend. On Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. on Zoom with Becca Fasciano (one of the Lincoln School teachers who designed the program) and Ken Hurd will lead a discussion on topics including microaggressions, institutional racism, wealth and education disparities, and our inequitable justice system. Click here for more information in the challenge and reading materials on these topics, and click here for the Zoom link (passcode: 366258).

Informational meeting on zoning proposals

The Planning Board will hold an information session on Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. three proposed amendments to the zoning bylaw that will be voted on at the March 25 Annual Town Meeting. At issue are rules regarding land use restrictions for cluster housing (Article 25), accessory apartments (Article 26), and wireless equipment (Article 28).

FoMA event on revitalization of Lincoln’s Modern school

The Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln invites you to a presentation, panel discussion, and reception celebrating the revitalization of the Lincoln School on Thursday, March 16 from 6:30–8 p.m. in the school’s Learning Commons. Lincoln Modern architects Lawrence B. Anderson and Henry B. Hoover, who designed the original school buildings beginning in the 1940s, saw the power of Modernism to reimagine how architecture could assist the school community to think and learn in new and inclusive ways.  With the generous support of the town, the School Building Committee and the project architects have again reimagined the transformative power of architecture. The project team has realized an ambitious, first-in-the-state net-zero renovation that centers on teachers and students while preserving Anderson’s and Hoover’s original design intent of creating close connections to nature and using natural light to create calm energy throughout the building.  

“Sip, Talk, Learn” storytelling event

Adults are invited to the First Parish in Lincoln to share three-minute stories on Sunday, March 19 from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Stearns Room (rear of white church). Past stories have touched on adventures, passions, hobbies, unknown siblings and more. Telling a story in three minutes is a challenge but it makes for a fun event with about 12-15 speakers. We will have a fire going and if you’d like to bring a beverage to share, we will provide nibbles. We welcome you even if you just want to listen. Please email tuckerwsmith@gmail.com to sign up to tell your story or if you have any questions.

Movie night: “Luca”

The First Parish in Lincoln will host a movie night on Wednesday, March 22 at 5 p.m. in the stone church with pizza and popcorn to watch “Luca.” There will be refreshments and cheese boards for adults plus gluten-free options. Please click here to RSVP so we have an accurate count for all our nibbles. All are welcome and encouraged to attend (we’ll have gluten free options as well). If you would like to make a suggested donation of $10 per family to help cover food costs, click the link at the bottom of the RSVP form, select Youth Programs, and enter “Movie Night 3/22” in the notes field. Donations of flashlights and batteries for Syria are also welcome.

Learn about a 100-year-old Codman Estate mystery

Codman Estate researcher and lead guide Camille Arbogast will present “A Tale of Two Chauffeurs: True Crime in the Age of Early Motoring” on Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. One morning in June 1914 the Codman family awoke at their country estate in Lincoln to discover their prized new Peerless motorcar — as well as their chauffeur — were missing. This mystery, full of colorful characters and misadventures at the edge of the law, winds its way from the Lincoln station to Rutland, Vt., with detours across New England. Click here to register. 

Event on the Beatles

All are welcome at “A Cultural and Historical Reflection of the 1960s through the Music of the Beatles” on Friday, March 31 at 1 p.m.in Bemis Hall. This performance combines live music by the Beatles tribute band 4EverFab with presenter and band founder Fran Hart. Event supported in part by a grant from the Lincoln Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by th Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Library now accepts Venmo for used books

Have you ever wanted to buy a book or puzzle from the Friends of the Lincoln Library sale carts but didn’t have cash or a check with you? Venmo payments are now accepted at the carts, along with cash and checks. Sales benefit the Friends of the Lincoln Library, which pays for all events and programs for children and adults, museum passes, special equipment (such as the items in the new “Library of Things”), and other services that enrich patrons’ experience.

Corrections

  • The February 27 articled headlined “Energy-efficiency amendments among zoning proposal at Town Meeting” mischaracterized a proposed amendment to the zoning bylaw on cluster developments. If approved at Town Meeting, the bylaw would be revised to comply with the current statutory language of MGL c.40A, which does not allow a mandate to a specific entity.  The proposed bylaw will mirror the current 40A language by having the land subject to a use restriction enforceable by the town or a nonprofit organization whose principal purpose is the conservation of open space (details here).
  • Two events listed in the February 27 edition of News Acorns — “Celebrating Celtic history, music, and literature” on March 10 and “The Softer Side of Celtic” on March 17 — included incorrect locations. Both events will take pace in Bemis Hall. The original post and calendar listings have been updated.

Energy-efficiency amendments among zoning proposal at Town Meeting

Five zoning measures — including a more energy-efficient town building code and a rule that would require new buildings and major renovation projects to be fossil fuel free — will be up for votes at the Annual Town Meeting on March 25.

Article 30 will ask Lincoln to adopt the new Specialized Municipal Opt-in Code released by the Department of Energy Resources in September that includes building performance standards designed to help the state meet its goal of 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction from the 1990 baseline levels by 2030. Adopting the code is optional for Lincoln, which otherwise will be governed by an updated version of the so-called “stretch code” that took effect here in January.

The stretch code requires new buildings to be more energy-efficient and includes incentives — but does not mandate — that they be all-electric. The Specialized Code would go further by increasing those incentives and allowing an effective date about six months sooner. In either case, fossil fuels could still be used if the structure meets even stricter energy efficiency requirements.

Article 31 would build on the Specialized Code but go further by generally removing the option to use fossil fuels. If approved, it would let Lincoln participate in the state’s Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. As such, the town could require all new buildings and major renovations to be fossil fuel free for building permits issued starting January 1, 2024.

The term “fossil fuel free” means that the entire building or condominium unit does not utilize coal, oil, natural gas and similar natural and synthetic hydrocarbons for heating, cooking, gas fireplaces, and other indoor systems after construction is complete. However, backup electric generators and outdoor gas grills that use propane tanks would still be permitted.

Another measure aims to encourage more accessory apartments in Lincoln. Article 26 would allow accessory apartments by right within the principal dwelling unit. It would also streamline the permitting process for an accessory apartment in an accessory structure by no longer requiring the Planning Board to make a recommendation on each application to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Click here for the Zoom link (passcode: 062640).

Other zoning matters on the agenda at Town Meeting:

  • The current zoning bylaw requires those proposing a cluster development to give the town and/or the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust interest in land as part of the approval process. An amendment up for a vote would revise the language to a second option: having the land subject to a use restriction enforceable by the town or a nonprofit organization whose principal purpose is the conservation of open space (details here).
  • A change to bring the town’s zoning requirements in line with federal law by allowing modifications or additions of wireless equipment that qualify as “eligible facilities requests” (details here).

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on those two proposals on Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. Click here for the Zoom link (passcode: 362874)

  • Adding 58 Bedford Rd. to the town’s Historic District.

My Turn: Levinson seeks election to Planning Board

(Editor’s note: Levinson is one of three candidates running for two seats on the Planning Board along with Craig Nicholson and incumbent Lyn DeLisi. Incumbent Bob Domnitz filed papers to run for another term but recently withdrew his name and endorsed Levinson.)

By Mark Levinson

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for one of the two open seats on the Lincoln Planning Board.

I have lived near Lincoln Station for almost 25 years and have been active in issues affecting our neighborhood and the town. I have served as one of two neighborhood liaisons to the Planning Board and its South Lincoln Planning Advisory Committee (SLPAC). I have also been committed to environmental issues, and volunteered for many years for the Sudbury Valley Trustees, a very active and successful land conservation organization.

I think that town planning is a key factor in allowing Lincoln to navigate current and future challenges, while preserving the character of the town and our wonderful quality of life. I believe I share the goals of many Lincolnites for our neighborhood and our town: viability of local businesses, diversity, encouraging use of public transportation, and generally doing what we can to fight climate change while maintaining the rural character of our town.

I will represent the views and opinions of all Lincoln residents, not only those of my neighborhood. I will do my best to be open-minded, always considering the facts and likely outcomes of any course of action, knowing that actions to promote one goal may sometimes produce adverse consequences for others.

I ask for your support on election day, Monday, March 27. Thank you and best regards.

Mark Levinson
8 Ridge Road, Lincoln

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

My Turn: Thanks from Domestic Violence Roundtable

By the Domestic Violence Roundtable

This year, despite the continuing circumstances created by Covid, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable held its annual Valentine collection at Sudbury Wine and Spirits. Although community members could not be invited to help fill the Valentine bags for families affected by abuse, members of the Roundtable gathered to fill the bags and delivered them to clients of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. Due to the generosity of our local communities, the Roundtable was able to provide 50 gift bags to all the residents who ranged in age from 5 months to 71 years old.

Domestic Violence Roundtable members sort donations for Valentine’s Day bags.

The Roundtable would like to thank everyone who generously donated Valentine gifts and made this year’s collection a great success. We would like to offer special thanks to Joseph Saia of Sudbury Wine and Spirits for again hosting the collection basket, to the students at Sudbury Extended Day for decorating the gift bags, and to the staff and the families of Sudbury Extended Day for their wonderful donations. Thank you also to Kate Ryan for using her birthday celebration to collect donations in lieu of personal gifts. The Roundtable also appreciates the ongoing support of members of the League of Women Voters of Sudbury.

The pandemic has been especially difficult for families in abusive situations, and these Valentine’s Day bags brighten the lives of families living in domestic violence shelters and transitional housing and let them know that they are supported in their efforts to rebuild their lives free from abuse.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Route 126 bridge slated for two-year repair project

The Route 126 railroad bridge looking south.

The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will begin work to repair the Route 126 bridge over the railroad tracks near Baker Bridge Road in fall or winter of 2024.

The bridge, which was built in 1950, has needed repair for some time. The project will involve replacing the superstructure (steel beams, concrete deck, and attachments) and upgrading the piers and foundations to handle the new superstructure.

Construction will take place in stages over a period of 24 months so a detour will not be required. Bicycles and pedestrians will be accommodated during construction by the installation of a temporary bike/pedestrian bridge, said MassDOT Project Manager Eamon Kernan. When completed the bridge will have one lane each way, a usable shoulder in the southerly direction, and a multi-use side path on the northbound side.

“Plans have not been advanced to know if any private property will be taken, but the adjacent properties will be disturbed. Disruption will be kept to a minimum but is inevitable,” Kernan said.