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

Residents slam South Lincoln survey at forum

Current zoning in South Lincoln (left) and the changes that were proposed in 2020 (click image for larger version).

Residents at a September 28 public forum to discuss the results of a survey on the future of South Lincoln criticized the study as being biased toward development and asked for another survey done by an objective professional.

The survey was open from May 14 to June 30, and data and comments from the 790 responses were released in August. Results indicated that residents have mixed feelings about South Lincoln. There was no consensus on whether the village center should change, and respondents wanted both a viable commercial center and perhaps some moderately priced housing but also wanted to maintain the town’s rural character.

“People want more benefits but not the things that could lead to those benefits,” observed resident Jen Morris.

“Welcome to our world,” quipped Planning Board Chair Margaret Olson.

Potential drivers for change include a new state law that will require areas near MBTA train stations to allow denser housing, though the specific details and any penalties for noncompliance are still unclear. The state aims to encourage more housing construction along with public transportation use, but since most of the daily commuting by train to Boston ended due to the pandemic, the viability of South Lincoln as a commuter point is also unclear, with or without new housing nearby.

Another factor: although Lincoln is generally wary of growing its population, enrollment at the Lincoln School has been declining over the past several years. “We have plenty of capacity in the Lincoln School to accept many additional students and would welcome more students,” Superintendent of School Becky McFall wrote in an email to Olson, who shared it at the forum attended by more than 50 residents via Zoom.

McFall is expected to send a more detailed memo regarding school enrollment in October.

In the survey, 46% of respondents said they supported more affordable or moderately priced housing in South Lincoln, but one-third either did not support it at all, or supported it in a location other than the South Lincoln village center.

“I support activity such as a playground, dog park and community gathering/meeting point, etc., [but] as I have said many times, there is a lot we could do to have a viable town center without adding new rental units,” Planning Board member Lynn DeLisi wrote in the chat area of the Zoom forum.

Also affecting possible development in South Lincoln is the limited capacity of the septic system that currently serves the mall and Lincoln Woods. A study is currently underway by engineers who will make a preliminary report at the Planning Board’s October 5 meeting. And even if the mall were to be redeveloped, there isn’t agreement about what sort of businesses can achieve long-term success there, given the proliferation of online shopping and nearby stores such as Market Basket and Costco, forum attendees noted.

Both the mixed-use zoning that was proposed in early 2020 by the Planning Board and the notion of “if you build it they will come” are “flawed models,” said Richard Ohlsten, adding that many storefronts in the Wayland Center development are still vacant years after completion. “I’m not opposed to development but let’s just do something smart and unique. If we get this wrong, there’s no going back.”

Many brick-and-mortar stores in Lincoln and elsewhere are struggling, “and I don’t know that we can build our way out of it,” resident Sara Mattes said. She suggested looking into subsidizing the types of  businesses that Lincoln wants, or even using Community Preservation Act funds to buy smaller houses and “put into permanent affordability… it’s the kind of crazy forward thinking that Lincoln used to do with land acquisition and preservation,” she said.

Many residents at the forum said the survey questions were skewed and urged the Planning Board to commission another survey, this time using an outside firm. “The survey wasn’t designed to hear from those of us who are opposed to development,” said Barbara Peskin.

Mattes suggested framing questions in terms of what tradeoffs people are willing to make to achieve certain objectives. “The information generated in the survey has been questioned, and to use it to guide or direct any potential change, some of us feel, is not appropriate,” she said.

News acorns

Film on slave trade

The First Parish Racial Justice Advocates will screen “Traces of the Trade: a Story from the Deep North” via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. The film is about a Rhode Island family that follows the route of the  triangle slave trade through Ghana, Cuba, and Rhode Island and see a family reacting to the past and the present. Click here for details and the Zoom link.

Two from Lincoln are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Amanda Pillar

Sonali Das

Lincoln residents Sonali Das and Amelia Pillar are among the seven Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School students who have been named semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Competition. The other honorees are Nicola Donlan, Madison Johnson, Spencer Reith, Joy Ren, and Jeffrey Zhang. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered next spring.

Free flu clinic on October 23

The town will offer a public flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the newly renovated Brooks School gymnasium for residents age 3 and up. High-dose vaccines will be available for those over age 65. To sign up:

  1. Click here to register for a time.
  2. Download and complete the Vaccination Consent Form (one per person) and bring it with you.
  3. Download the Vaccine Information Statement for your records.

Jeffrey Gibson exhibition opens at deCordova

Jeffrey Gibson, INFINITE INDIGENOUS QUEER LOVE, 2020, Acrylic on canvas, glass beads and artificial sinew inset into wood frame. Courtesy of the artist and Sikkema Jenkins and Co. Image: Jason Wyche (click to enlarge)

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum announces the exhibition Jeffrey Gibson: INFINITE INDIGENOUS QUEER LOVE opening Friday, Oct. 15 and on view through March 12, 2022. The two outer terms suggest boundless spaces and generative, tender relationships, while the interior words convey markers of identity that Gibson disassembles and reconstructs through his artistic practice as a queer Choctaw-Cherokee man. The exhibition comprises a series of collages, an immersive display featuring three hanging fringe sculptures, and recent videos created with collaborators, musicians, and performers. It complements Gibson’s large-scale outdoor installation Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House (an homage to pre-Columbian architecture) on the sculpture park’s front lawn. A series of related programs will take place throughout the fall and spring; visit thetrustees.org/jeffreygibson for more information.

State of the Town meeting to be held virtually in November

Since large in-person gatherings are still not feasible due to the pandemic, the town will again hold the annual State of the Town meeting via Zoom. A preliminary schedule discussed by the Select Board on September 27 calls for three sessions, each starting at 7 p.m., with updates on topics assigned as follows (though the schedule may be compressed into two nights and topic moved around):

November 1:

  • The public health situation
  • Finance Committee 
  • School building project
  • Special Town Meeting warrant articles

November 2:

  • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Antiracism Initiative (IDEA)
  • Climate Action Planning Committee

November 3:

  • South Lincoln planning
  • Community center

The final schedule is subject to feedback from various town committees on how much time they need for presentations and possible breakout discussions or snap polls on certain items. 

Officials will use the State of the Town to gauge interest in a community center, which was promised after the school project was finished in 2022. The discussion will include a review of the needs for a center (primarily for the Council on Aging & Human Services and the Parks and Recreation Department), possible designs, and the expected site on the Hartwell campus. They’ll also look at any other big-ticket needs on the horizon and the town’s projected borrowing capacity.

In 2018, the Community Center Planning and Preliminary Design Committee (CCPPDC) submitted its final report outlining two possible design directions for the facility, which was then estimated to cost $15.3 million to $16.2 million. Construction costs have escalated significantly since then, so those estimates will have to be updated.

A 2018 survey showed that residents were about evenly split between the two design options. However, one design element that will most likely be reviewed is having more outdoor seating and program areas — something that wasn’t a priority before the Covid-19 pandemic.

If all goes as planned, a Community Center Building Committee will be formed early next year to update the CCPPDC report, schedule public meetings, hire an architect, and produce a schematic design. A Town Meeting funding vote on the project could take place in March or November 2022.

Special Town Meeting

A Special Town Meeting on November 6 will feature three warrant articles asking approval for the following. All three need to be voted on before the Annual Town Meeting in March 2022 for contractual and construction season reasons.

  1. Using money that wasn’t spent on the recent Hartwell re-roofing project for a new roof on Pod C. The remaining funds are about equal to the cost for that project.
  2. Prepaying a portion of the cost of the refurbished school’s solar power purchase agreement to create more long-term savings and lower energy costs.
  3. Additional funds for parapet repairs on the Lincoln Public Library, as construction bids were all higher than the project’s $355,000 budget approved last spring.

Police log for Sept. 20–26, 2021

September 20

Tower Road (1:48 p.m.) —Caller reported that he is a livery driver and was having a dispute with a resident because he was owed money from a fare. Officer responded and spoke to both parties, who came to an agreement on payment.

September 21

South Great Road (12:33 p.m.) — Caller reported a party stumbling in the roadway on Route 117 near Tower Road and was concerned for their well-being. Officers responded and spoke to the party, who was brought to the Emerson Hospital.

Tower Road (2:07 p.m.) — Caller reported his water meter was leaking and he couldn’t get in touch with the Water Department. The Water Department was contacted and will get in touch with the caller.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:15 p.m.) — Report of a minor crash near Bedford Road (no injuries). State Police handled the crash and a Lincoln officer responded to assist.

Old Lexington Road (7:14 p.m.) — Caller reported a vehicle parked in the road. Officer checked the area but the vehicle was gone.

September 22

North Great Road (4:14 p.m.) — National Park Service reported a party walking on Route 2A having a mental health emergency. Officers responded to the area. The park service spoke to the party and assisted them.

September 23

South Great Road (1:45 p.m.) — Caller reported being a victim of fraud involving their payroll check. Report taken.

Old Concord Road (4:05 p.m.) — Caller reported that two bicycles were stolen from the side of the road at the bus stop.

September 24

Old Concord Road (12:03 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station dropped off old ammunition to be destroyed.

Drumlin Farm (7:09 p.m.) — An employee reported individuals having a fire pit on the property. Officers made contact with four individuals and asked them to leave.

Trapelo Road (8:55 p.m.) — People fishing were asked to move along.

September 25

Macintosh Lane (11:25 a.m.) — Caller complained about a vehicle parked on the roadway, concerned tat an emergency vehicle can’t get by. Officer spoke to the caller regarding the process of getting No Parking signs posted.

Offutt Road, Hanscom AFB (8:41 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with a possible intoxicated driver on base. Officers responded and it appeared that the party was having a medical event. They were transported to a local hospital by Hanscom’s contract ambulance

Tower Road (9:38 p.m.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer about a civil matter. Officer assisted the party.

September 26

North Great Road (12:52 p.m.) — Caller reported hitting a deer with their car. A National Park ranger moved the deceased deer off to the side of the roadway.

Wells Road (4:14 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing yelling in the area. Officer spoke to the resident and everything appeared to be fine; he spoke to neighbors who did not hear the yelling.

Wells Road (5:53 p.m.) — Caller reported a child yelling in the area. Officer responded and spoke to a group, who reported there was no argument; the group was talking about the earlier call about hearing yelling.

New restaurant hopes to open by Christmas

By year’s end, Lincolnites should have a new restaurant in town serving “elevated comfort food” using local produce.

The Select Board this week transferred the liquor license from the former owners of Real to Boston resident Michael Culpo, who bought the lease from Lindsay Parker. The Tack Room will feature a “rustic” decor and a full lunch/brunch and dinner service with reasonably priced food for everyone, “whether it’s a family coming in or someone who just wants to grab a quick bite off the commuter rail,” he told the Lincoln Squirrel late last week.

Culpo plans to serve local craft beers on tap, add more TVs and offer a kids’ menu — “we want it to be inviting for everyone,” he said. He also plans to offer catering options and delivery using online services such as Uber Eats.

The liquor license transfer still has to be approved by the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, which can take two months. He also needs to hire staff — something that can be challenging in the current employment market — and “I will be there every single day, working 60 to 70 hours a week, being the face of the restaurant and meeting people,” he told the Select Board.

Culpo, a Pittsfield native, is part-owner of the Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks in Coventry, R.I., and tends bar at one of its sister restaurants, Lulu’s in Allston. “I’ve been looking at different spots for a restaurant for a while, but the moment I saw this in Lincoln, I knew it was the right one,” he said.

Lincoln Democrats reflect on state convention

By the Lincoln delegates and alternates to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention

It’s tough arranging an event with 1,000 people, bills to consider, amendments to write, votes to tally, and numerous speakers to be heard, but it happened. Last Saturday, Massachusetts Democrats held their annual convention — all on Zoom.

While it lacked the customary fervor and excitement generated by many kindred spirits gathered under one roof, it proceeded with near perfect technical implementation, and provided delegates an opportunity to see and hear crisp, often lively, compelling presentations.

Featured keynote speaker highlights:

  • Elizabeth Warren, praising the “resisters and persisters” gearing up for the “fierce fight ahead in Washington,” asserted that the door is open just a crack to make a more just nation that works for everyone. We must all join in the fight.
  • Ed Markey said the Green New Deal is an intergenerational contract to save the planet and we must be “big and bold,” pursuing not just what is politically possible, but that which is scientifically necessary. We have the choice now: it’s either filibuster or Democracy.
  • Attorney General Maura Healey asserted, “This is our moment to bring fundamental change” and noted that the Attorney General’s office is taking on the NRA, the state of Texas on abortion rights, and a variety of issues within Massachusetts around voting rights, systemic racism, and misogyny.
  • Secretary of State William Galvin emphasized that the voting rights temporarily expanded in the 2020 election must be made permanent.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Thompkins, a member of the Platform Committee, revealed a deft style and wit chairing the presentation of the Massachusetts Democratic Platform for 2021. Young Democrats, many representing communities of color, immigrants, and other disenfranchised groups, presented each of the 15 platform planks.

Unable to enjoy the usual convention chatter and exchange of ideas and viewpoints, Lincoln delegates to the convention have pooled our “takeaway” observations. Here are some of them:

  • The next generation of office holders and candidates — their origins, self-direction, and passion — are cause for optimism.
  • Climate change is widely regarded as the top issue, but there is lots of energy around voter rights, income inequality, women’s rights, racial disparities, and immigrants’ issues. And they are all interlinked in the Green New Deal.
  • Companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Doordash want to work in Massachusetts without obeying the fair labor laws and are putting lots of money ($100 million so far) money into lobbying for changes.
  • The filibuster must go now.
  • We loved the inclusiveness of the Democratic Party, hearing voices of all of us. 
  • Three engaging, thoughtful candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor — Professor Danielle Allen, former State Senator Ben Downing, and State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz — will nevertheless have a tough fight against potential candidate Maura Healey, should she decide to run.
  • The broad progressive platform reflects the diverse constituencies currently folding into the party but might benefit from a more focused, less “boil the ocean” approach.
  • Hurray for Elizabeth Warren’s energy, optimism, and tough willingness to meet any challenge head on. May we all reflect that in the upcoming months.

Submitted by Lincoln delegates and alternates to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention: Tom Casey, Andrew Glass, Joan Kimball, Travis Roland, Jackey Sasso, Barbara Slayter, Alex Chatfield, Lorraine Fiore, Steve Kropper, and Trish O’Hagan.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their 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.

Saturday gathering for Peggy Marsh, 1920-2021

A public memorial gathering to honor the life of Margaret “Peggy” Breed Marsh will take place on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. in the Lincoln Cemetery. There will be coffee, donuts, and Lincoln talk.

Marsh died in February at the age of 100. Her sons Alec and Alan provided this obituary tribute for the Lincoln Squirrel:

“Our mother Peggy was born in Boston and came of age in Cambridge, Mass. Her father, Stephen Alec Breed, was a mathematics instructor at MIT and her mother, Laura Post was from Boston. They had a large house on Brattle Street that became a boarding house for graduate student during the Depression.

“Peggy attended Brimmer May and Buckingham schools, then matriculated at Smith College like her mother. She graduated in June 1942 and immediately joined the Women’s Army Air Force, serving through the World War as a second Lieutenant. After her discharge she undertook doctoral studies in English at Radcliffe, earning a Ph.D. She met our father, Paul E. Marsh, as he was finishing his studies at Harvard and they were married in 1949. The Marshes moved to Lincoln in 1954 and lived there till near the end of their lives.

“Both Peggy and Paul taught school. Peggy was a professor and briefly Dean of Students at Wellesley College in the 1960s. She later worked at Polaroid. Both took a lively interest in town affairs, serving on innumerable committees: fence viewer, the School Committee, Planning Board, Water Commission, etc. Both were also involved in any number of projects that have made Lincoln what it is: Codman Community Farms, The Lincoln Review, and the town historic district, to name some. They even turned the red barn on Winter Street into a nursery school for a time. On foggy dawns on April 19th, Peggy would don a British uniform, saddle a horse, and ritually ‘capture’ Paul Revere at Minuteman National Historical Park.”

Flints and Hannan spread Lincoln’s farming bounty at dinner

Two farming concerns in Lincoln — one centuries old and one very new — recently collaborated on a farm-to-table event to raise awareness of local agriculture and the Flint Homestead Project.

About 65 guests were treated to food made from Hannan Agro Farms produce prepared by Lincolnite Brianno Doo and helpers (both Doo and Mohammed Hannan donated their time and effort). Codman Community Farms also helped by loaning a grill and chairs.

Tom Flint and Mohammed Hannan (left) address the guests at the Flint homestead dinner. (Photo by Ose Schwab)

Sponsors arrived early for private tastings, a half-hour tour of the Flint fields, and gift bags hand-sewn by Tom’s wife. After dinner, everyone enjoyed music and learned about Hannan’s journey from Bangladesh to Lincoln in a short film produced by Tom Flint, a filmmaker and the latest in a line of Flint owners dating back to the 1600s.

“The event went swimmingly, and it was a real tribute to Lincoln’s agricultural heritage,” Flint said.

Guests also learned about the Flint Homestead Project, which aims to preserve the 1709 Flint farmhouse and barn dating from the 1750s on the north side of Lexington Road (Matlock Farm, also owned by the Flint family, is on the south side of the road). On the day of  the dinner, organizers turned the barn into a pop-up museum displaying historic artifacts from the family and items borrowed from the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

The Flint family did some repair work on the buildings that was deemed critical by a 2014 conditions assessment, though the trust fund devoted to maintaining the property is almost exhausted and much more work remains. They’re also exploring other options including donating the homestead to a nonprofit or turning it into a museum, but the maintenance costs have been an obstacle, Flint said.

The family has connected with a preservation consultant to help Tom and his sisters Sarah and Susanna (all three inherited the homestead in 2013) to help formulate financial and repair strategies. She previously arranged a charrette with about a dozen people specializing in history preservation, fundraising, archeology and museum curation. The Flints had hoped to have an open house two years ago but weren’t able to, so “Saturday was the first opportunity to showcase the project and speak to a larger group of people,” Flint said.

Police log for Sept. 8–19, 2021

September 8

Scott Circle, Hanscom AFB (4:04 p.m.) — Caller reported a fake Instagram account was set up in her name. An officer spoke to the party, who reported the account was deleted.

North Commons (6:41 p.m.) — Caller reported their neighbor was stomping around the apartment making noises. They do not want a police response, just a log entry. Similar reports at 9:47 p.m., September 9 at 5:55 a.m., and September 12 at 8:42 a.m. and 9:08 p.m.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (10:28 p.m.) — State Police called reporting a crash with injuries on Route 2. Police units assisted the State Police; Fire Department transported one party to Emerson Hospital.

September 9

Boyce Farm Road (2:21 p.m. and 5:29 p.m.) — Officer attempted to make contact with the resident to serve court paperwork.

Concord Road (2:59 p.m.) — Caller reported several pigs walking in the roadway near Old Concord Road. Officer checked the area; none found. (Editor’s note: Farmer Pete Lowy of Codman Community Farms included this report in his weekly email to CCF members).

Assistant Farmer Spencer Coady Bronk (left) and Pete Lowy herding the escaped pigs.

Last week we had a bit of excitement when a customer came flying into the parking lot in her car to let us know that the pigs were out and running down the bike path on Route 126. Sometimes when we shift the pig fencing to new areas without getting pre-authorization from the pigs, we find ourselves in a bit of trouble. The pigs can be very routine in their ways, and can become used to a certain area of a field… and when we shift the fencing, they don’t quite realize it. Often by accident, they run right through a new fence line we have created because they were either daydreaming or viewing their Instagram feed while walking and thus didn’t see the new fence.

A fugitive pig enjoys one of Lincoln’s trails.

When the pigs went on their walkabout last week, Spencer [Spencer Coady Bronk, Assistant Farmer] had just shifted the fence an hour or so before. When they “escape” and find themselves newly liberated they just go wandering. So, the farmers need to then find them and help coax them back to home base. So after I got word that the pigs were out, I called Jared and Spencer and then raced to the scene to find four pigs enjoying a lovely stroll down the bike path on Route 126 right near Old Concord Road. With wetlands on one side of the path and cars driving down 126 on the other side, it was easy to get them to turn to make an about-face. But then they made a louie and turned left onto the hiking path adjacent to the wetlands. This is when I pulled out my phone and snapped a few photos of the chase down the walking paths. It was equally frustrating and amusing. The reality that the pigs could have explored the 80 miles of paths in Lincoln was ever-present in my mind as I was trying to coax them back to their home field.

Luckily, pigs do not excel at running for long periods of time. When being chased they quickly start panting and get tired and are ready for a snack and nap! So with some running to and fro for a while, we were able to get them where they needed to go. Holding long fiberglass rods to extend our waving arms helped a great deal to coax them along. Thanks to all who called the farm to let us know they were on the loose! Hopefully, it’s the first and last escape of the season.

September 10

Tower Road (9:00 a.m.) — A family member called looking for assistance in locating a missing resident who was out of the country. An officer assisted the family member with notifications to appropriate Department of State contacts.

Codman House (3:44 p.m.) — Caller reported someone in a red pickup truck dumped debris on the property. Officers made contact with the resident who was responsible, who returned and picked up the items.

September 11

Tower Road (3:34 p.m.) — Caller asked an officer to check the area as they believed an ex-boyfriend was in the area. Officers checked the area but the party was not seen.

September 12

Lexington Road (12:45 p.m.) — Caller was concerned that she couldn’t get in touch with her teenager who was at a car show on the Waltham town line. Officers checked the area and passed the information to Waltham police. Waltham police located the teen, who called home.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (4:30 p.m.) — Caller reported that a party was dropped off on the side of Route 2 by a family member who was having a medical event inside the car and continued driving. State Police were notified. An officer met the caller on Route 2 and transported him back to the station to be picked up by a family member. State Police located the driver on Route 95 South and assisted them.

Tower Road (9:22 p.m.) — An Eversource employee working at the pump house reported a male party came walking out of the area of the pump house and seemed out of place. Officer checked the area but were unable to locate. Water Department notified.

Concord Road (9:39 p.m.) — A family member called to check on a resident who they hadn’t been able to contact. The resident was fine and said they would make contact with the caller.

September 13

Sandy Pond Road (1:02 p.m.) — Caller reported that landscaping truck was taking up a lane of travel. Officer responded; the company was done working and was leaving.

Mary’s Way (9:04 p.m.) — A family member was unable to make contact with a resident and requested a well-being check. Officers went to the residence but the party and their vehicle were not there. The officer followed up with the caller and checked the residence again at 12:40 a.m. but the resident was still not home.

September 14

Nothing of note.

September 15

Weston Road (7:48 a.m.) — Caller was looking to speak with Animal Control about a skunk on the property. Animal Control officer notified to handle.

Mackintosh Lane (8:19 a.m.) — Caller reported that a vehicle had been parked on the road daily for the past week and they were concerned about emergency vehicles getting by. Police checked but the vehicle was no longer there.

Tower Road (9:21 a.m.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer about a possible scam involving gift cards. Officer spoke to the party and took a report.

Mary’s Way (9:58 a.m.) — Management company asked an officer to do a walk-through of an apartment because the resident hadn’t been seen for a few days. Officer walked through the apartment but no one was home.

Mary’s Way (12:36 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station reported being involved in a crash with a trash truck on Mary’s Way. Officer followed up with the truck driver and took a report.

Indian Camp Lane (8:38 p.m.) — A walk-in to the station said their car broke down and was towed to Doherty’s garage, and they requested a ride to their residence. An officer brought them to their residence.

September 16

Tower Road (9:25 p.m.) — Caller requested information regarding a civil matter. An officer spoke to the party and advised them of the civil process.

Old Winter Street (10:32 p.m.) — Sudbury police called looking for Lincoln police to check a residence for a missing party. Officers spoke to the homeowner but the missing party was not there.

September 17

Ballfield Road (3:22 p.m.) — A Lincoln School staff member called to report a child was missing from a school program. An officer went to the residence and the child was safely home; there had been a miscommunication.

Langley Road, Hanscom AFB (4:01 p.m.) — Hanscom Office of Special Investigations was looking for assistance on an investigation. Assistance provided.

Tower Road (4:48 p.m.) — Officers spoke to the resident regarding an ongoing civil matter.

Heritage Road, Hanscom AFB (11:22 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with an assault and battery that occurred on the base. Officers responded to assist; Hanscom Security Forces will be handling the investigation.

September 18

Tower Road (1:47 a.m.) — Caller reported that he lost some items sometime in the beginning of August. He believes someone on the property is responsible.

Drumlin Farm (7:44 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing loud bangs in the area. Officers checked; it was coming from Bedford’s fireworks display.

Lincoln Road (9:53 p.m.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer regarding an encounter she had with a former resident. An officer spoke with the party and took a report

September 19

South Great Road (7:55 a.m.) — Caller reported a turtle in the roadway. Officer located it and moved it to the side of the road.

Wells Road (10:45 a.m.) — Caller reported being locked out of their apartment. The Fire Department responded to assist.

Lexington Road (4:28 p.m.) — Caller reported a party walking along Route 2 near Lexington Road north. State Police were contacted and officers checked the area but were unable to locate the party.

Wells Road (10:40 p.m.) — Two callers reported hearing a loud bang from inside the building. Officers and Fire Department responded; the source was a boiler. Management was contacted to handle.

Possible new restaurant, 5G antennas to be discussed

The liquor license for a possible new restaurant, small cell antennas, and South Lincoln planning are the topics of public hearings and meetings next week.

The Select Board will hold a hearing at 7 p.m. during its meeting on Monday, Sept. 27 on the application to transfer the liquor license from Lincoln Station Partners, Inc., which leases the property formerly occupied by the Real restaurant, to the Tack Room, Inc.

“Lindsey and Rob Parker (Lincoln Station Partners) are in the process of trying to sell the restaurant lease to another owner/operator,” said Geoff McGean, executive director of the Rural Land Foundation (RLF), which owns the Lincoln Station property. Lindsey Parker co-owned Real with Tom Fosnot and Ruth-Anne Adams of Sudbury, but the restaurant closed in November 2020 after less than two years.

After the closure, Fosnot and Adams (who now cook and deliver meals as Food for Home) told former customers in a group email that Parker had sued them. Parker listed the business for sale earlier this year. Last spring, it was announced that Tim and Bronwyn Wiechmann would open Turenne in that location, but the deal didn’t go through.

“Due to confidentiality requirements, I am not at liberty to provide any further information at this time, but it is exciting news for the town of Lincoln,” Parker said in an email on Wednesday evening. According to state records, Tack Room, Inc. is owned by Michael Culpo of South Boston, but further contact information was unavailable.

Verizon proposal

Following the liquor license hearing, Verizon will present a proposal at a 7:30 p.m. to install four small cell antennas in Lincoln: two on Trapelo Road near the intersections with Silver Hill Road and with Stratford Way, one near 66 Weston Rd., and one on Sandy Pond Road near the Five Corners intersection.

“Those are areas we get regular complaints about” regarding spotty cell coverage, Town Administrator Tim Higgins said. The town has retained a consultant to assist in the review of the technical aspects, he added.

Small cell antennas are mounted on utility poles or other existing structures as part of 5G cell phone networks.

South Lincoln

On Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., the Planning Board and its South Lincoln Planning Advisory Committee will hold a public forum on the results of the survey on the future of South Lincoln. The results, which were released in August, indicated that respondents want to retain viable businesses in the area but don’t want to see more parking or damage the town’s rural character. About 24% of respondents wanted no additional housing in the village center, while 27% preferred 50-100 units and 26% weren’t sure. Click here for detailed survey results and associated documentation.

As part of the information-gathering process, the town has hired the environmental engineering firm Wright-Pierce to assess the condition and future capacity of the septic system that serves Lincoln Woods and the Lincoln Station commercial area. Community Builders (TCB) owns both the septic system and the apartment complex, but the RLF has said that the mall can’t be redeveloped without an upgrade to the septic system.

Wright-Pierce began its work in July and is expected to issue an initial report early next month.