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

Planning Board candidates reflect on election result

The candidates in the hard-fought Planning Board race had gracious words for each other and said the election was a good experience for the town, even though it became contentious at times.

“I’d like to congratulate Lynn [DeLisi] and Rick [Rundell] for a good campaign that stuck to the issues,” said Bob Domnitz, who will serve his second stint on the board after winning more votes than Rundell in the three-way race for two seats. “I know some of our supporters were overly enthusiastic, but the candidates took the high road and that’s the way it should be. I’m proud of the entire town for coming out and voting in the numbers they did in this pandemic.”

“I’m impressed that over 800 people felt the issues were important enough to take the trouble to vote under complicated circumstances,” Rundell echoed in a letter posted in LincolnTalk. “I do think an enthusiastically contested election benefits the town by surfacing issues we should be talking about.”

DeLisi, who got the most votes of the three, said she was surprised to finish in first place. “Actually, I thought I would lose,” she said, since much of the campaign discussion focused on Domnitz vs. Rundell rather than DeLisi alone.

DeLisi was co-chair of the South Lincoln Planning and Implementation Committee, a large group with several subcommittees, one of which was the Village Planning and Zoning team. That team’s proposal for rezoning part of South Lincoln and changing the project approval process to give the board more latitude provoked much criticism. But the full SLPIC group rarely met, and DeLisi said she was not even aware of what the zoning team was suggesting until the process was well along.

“I thought the zoning subcommittee was working on ways to make it easier for businesses to open in town… and not focusing on regulations to help developers build dense condos as well,” DeLisi said. “I’ve never chaired a committee where I didn’t know what was going on, and I clearly did not know what was going on,” she said.

Her SLIPC co-chair was Gary Taylor, who was the board’s representative on the zoning subcommittee (and ironically, the person who beat out Domnitz in another close election in 2015).

Domnitz and DeLisi want to see any future zoning change proposals come from the full Planning Board, not SLPAC (the successor to SLPIC) or a subcommittee.

One thing all three candidates agreed on: the discussion about South Lincoln isn’t over.

“My position was that the town should have the conversation — not just a matter of one group shouting it down before everybody had the chance to engage in it,” Rundell said.

“We’re going to have to talk about South Lincoln and how to sustain what we have there. Maybe we do have to change the zoning, but not in the way it was proposed,” DeLisi said. “I think we need to be speaking to the people who live around there and involve them in the conversation.”

News acorns

Pop-up testing sites for Covid-19

The state Department of Public Health is offering free Covid-19 testing at various locations on June 17 and 18 for people who have recently been in a large group setting such as a protest. Click here for more information and locations. The sites closest to Lincoln are in Cambridge and Somerville (call the listed number to check availability), as well as the CVS store at 800 Lexington St. in Waltham (click here to make an appointment online). Results come back in 2–4 days.

“Duathlon” for kids this weekend

In place of Lincoln’s traditional Splash-Mash-Dash kids’ triathlon, the Parks and Rec Department and triathlon organizers invite kids to do their own “duathlon” (run, bike, run) this weekend (June 20-210. Children age 5-14 can complete the suggested distance (see below) and submit their time and/or photos here — no need to sign up or register anywhere beforehand. This can be done around the school ballfield (only on the weekend when there is no construction traffic) or any other route where you can measure out one-third of a mile. Watch this video for tips on how to set up and execute your race.

  • Ages 5-6: 3 mile run, 1 mile bike ride, 0.3 mile run (on Ballfield Road this would be 1 lap, 3 laps, 1 lap)
  • Ages 7-10: 3 mile run, 2 mile bike ride, 0.6 mile run (1 lap, 6 laps, 2 laps)
  • Ages 11-14: 6 mile run, 3 mile bike ride, 1 mile run (2 laps, 9 laps, 3 laps)

Since the roads will not be closed to traffic as they are during the regular triathlon, make sure your kids ride and run safely by following the rules of the road, wearing helmets, watching carefully for hazards, and (when necessary) participating with them. If your child is able to complete the challenge, bring them to the Hartwell parking lot on Ballfield Road on Monday, June 22 between 4 and 6 p.m. to get a free Lincoln Kids Triathlon shirt (choose the color you like from a previous year’s race) plus a certificate to reward them for their efforts.

Library adapts and expands services during pandemic

The banner provided by the Friends of the Lincoln Library features the Mason Cooley quote, “Reading gives us somewhere to go when we have to stay where we are.”

By Lucy Maulsby

A brightly colored banner sponsored by the Friends of the Lincoln Library hangs across the porch of the original brick building to remind patrons of the many ways in which the library nourishes the community and serves as a vital resource, perhaps especially as current events demand new forms of engagement.

Since the building’s closure on March 14, librarians have focused on making more expansive use of the library website and expanding digital resources. The library has purchased additional digital content and has been regularly updating the list of available “at home” resources as new materials become available.

Regular Zoom meetings with staff at other libraries have reinforced institutional ties and allowed resources and strategies to be shared across the state. The library also began its first-ever staff book group. “It’s been great to connect for team building, morale boosting, reader advisory sharpening, and just plain fun,” children’s librarian Denise Shaver said.

To connect with local communities, the library has increased its use of social media, encouraged patrons to reach out with questions via phone and email, and run programs virtually. “We miss seeing our library visitors in person,” reference librarian Kate Tranquada said. “Fortunately, we’ve been able to serve patrons online and by phone. The use of digital resources has skyrocketed since the state of emergency began. We’ve also enjoyed helping digital book beginners, walking them through the process over the phone.”

“We’ve been holding our regular book groups (Friday Morning and Uplifting Reads) via Zoom. It’s been really nice to connect with our regular patrons, and to see people who couldn’t attend our book groups before because they were at work,” said assistant director Lisa Rothenberg. The children’s department has actively continued its Together Time Tales and Books and Bites book groups virtually. “Online book club was different, yet we were able to to talk about the same things we would usually talk about at the library,” said rising fourth-grader Russell Reiner.

The library’s new reader advisory Book Match Program has also been an extraordinarily successful way of connecting readers to books at a time when librarians and patrons can’t meet face to face. “To date we’ve matched over 50 children to just-right-for-them books,” children’s librarian Debbie Leopold said. Families have also enjoyed Lincoln resident Tara Rachel Jones’s virtual yoga for toddlers classes. 

To prepare for a phased reopening, the library has been actively collaborating with town and state authorities and librarians. Immediately following the closure, custodians Bob Bottino and Bob Lager did a comprehensive deep cleaning, and library director Barbara Myles has been visiting the building periodically during the shutdown. Since June 1, the librarians have been working within the building (while staying six feet apart) re-shelving books and preparing to engage with patrons in new ways. Some of the staff are also working part of their schedules from home following guidelines set by Gov. Baker and the town to stop the spread of Covid-19.

In the next phase of reopening, the library will start offering contactless pickup. To facilitate this effort, the Friends of the Lincoln Library have generously donated a tent to be placed outside of the main entrance where patrons will be able to pick up books. For dropoff, patrons should return books through the book drop.

The library is working to develop new guidelines to support the opening of the library building to patrons. This phase will include rearranging workstations and computers, installing Plexiglass sneeze guards, etc., as well as implementing new circulation patterns to ensure social distancing protocols can be maintained and facilitate the cleaning of high-contact surfaces. 

The Children’s Room has planned a Virtual Summer Reading Program. Please check this library web page for a list of virtual programs for all ages, as well as suggested booklists (titles can be accessed digitally). The Summer Reading Challenge, a summer highlight for many in Lincoln, will be launched on Wednesday, June 17.

More recently, the conversations about social justice, race and anti-racism, and protests that have ignited communities around the country have served as a potent reminder of the library’s critical role as a source of diverse perspectives, histories, ideas, and information. To help support parents, the children’s librarians have posted a list of books to facilitate conversations about race. For adults, the library has referenced a list of books, a number of which deal with related topics, prepared earlier in the year for the community by the Lincoln School Committee. 

The library looks forward to continuing to provide resources for the community that confront the history of race in America and anti-racism, actively expanding its collection to reflect a diversity of perspectives and points of view and drawing attention to those resources. “We believe black lives matter and will participate in the effort to make real change in our community,” Myles said.

Lucy Maulsby is the School Committee representative to the library’s Board of Trustees.

Rundell is out and Domnitz back on Planning Board

In a very close race for Planning Board, incumbent Lynn DeLisi and challenger Bob Domnitz won the two open seats, ousting Rick Rundell, who has been on the board since 2012. Domnitz previously served on the board from 2003–15 but himself was beaten by Gary Taylor in 2015 by a margin of 481-441 (click on ballot image). 

In the June 15 election, residents could vote for two of the three candidates. Domnitz, a Mill Street resident, beat Rundell in Precinct 2 (northern and eastern Lincoln), 459-412, but came in third in Precinct 1. DeLisi garnered the most votes of the three candidates, but Domnitz’s margin in his home precinct was enough to allow him to finish in second place overall, beating Rundell by 47 votes. A total of 806 ballots were cast in the election for a turnout of 17% of registered voters (the Planning Board was the only contested race).

The race was the focus of much townwide debate and campaigning. Over the last year, the board has been at the center of  controversial proposal (since shelved) by one of the South Lincoln Planning and Implementation Committee’s teams to relax some of the zoning rules for the Lincoln Station area and give the board more power to approve projects that might otherwise have had to go to Town Meeting. 

Unofficial town election results for June 2020 (click to see both pages).

In the June 11 candidate forum, DeLisi and Domnitz roundly criticized the proposal by SLPIC. But Rundell pushed back, noting that the board could not change its decision-making scope without approval at Town Meeting. The SLPIC proposal was originally on the docket when Town Meeting was scheduled for March but were withdrawn before the meeting was rescheduled due to the pandemic. SLPIC then planned to bring a revised proposal to a Special Town Meeting this fall but subsequently shelved the plan entirely. 

During the forum, Rundell characterized himself as a “forward-looking candidate” and said the board’s role should not be “fossilizing the town in a certain state.” 

Ironically, Rundell said in March that he was recruited to the Planning Board shortly after arriving in Lincoln by Domnitz because he felt the board lacked a professional architect. 

The Lincoln Squirrel will interview all three candidates about the results and hopes to publish a story on June 16.

Police log for June 1–8, 2020

June 1

Concord Road (12:37 p.m.) — DPW requested assistance for an officer to stand by Rte. 126 at the railroad bridge while they remove a tree.

June 2

Story Drive (2:00 p.m.) — Party reported being harassed online. The matter is being investigated.

Harvest Circle (3:03 p.m.) — Caller complained that a dog is barking outside their residence. Dog officer was notified.

Boston Post Rd., Weston — Weston police reported finding a dog in Weston near the town line in case someone should call from Lincoln reporting a missing dog

June 3

Smith Hill Road (10:50 a.m.) and Red Rail Farm Road, 2:16 .m.) — Allegedly fraudulent unemployment claims filed. Reports taken.

Drumlin Farm, South Great Road — Caller reports three vehicles blocking the entrance. Officer responded and asked the parties to move along.

Old Sudbury Road (10:01 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing a loud noise behind their house and seeing a vehicle leave the area. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

June 4

South Great Road (12:09 p.m.) — Three-car motor vehicle crash, no injuries. Report was taken and vehicles towed from the scene.

Concord Road (2:37 p.m.) — Large brush fire on Rte. 126 near Walden Pond. Multiple towns responded to assist.

Concord Road (3:0 p.m.) — Fire Department vehicle backed into a vehicle while turning around. Minor damage; report taken.

Tower Road (4:29 p.m.) — Resident reported their dog is missing and doesn’t have its tags on.

Mill Street (7:04 p.m.) — Shed was reported on fire. Multiple towns responded to assist.

Garland Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller reported an animal is digging in their yard; was advised to contact a pest control company.

Lincoln Police Department (3:15 p.m.) — A party came to the station to get information on how to make a payment to town’s website.

Birchwood Lane (6:26 p.m.) — Party reported he and a friend were verbally threatened by a party who was on the Sudbury River. Unable to locate the involved parties.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound — State Police had to dispatch a deer that was struck by a vehicle(notifying in case residents called the police).

Walden Pond boat ramp 8:42 p.m.) — Officer responded to assist party who parked his car at the boat ramp and didn’t remove it after the gates closed.

June 5

Lexington Road (11:18 a.m.) — Allegedly fraudulent unemployment claim filed. Report taken.

June 6

South Commons (12:44 p.m.) — Caller reported hearing a neighbor calling for help. Police and fire personnel responded and found that the neighbor was fine.

Sandy Pond Road (:34 p.m.) — Caller reported that a vehicle was parked on his property. Officer checked the area and attempted to locate the owner.

Trapelo Road at Rte. 128 (4:49 p.m.) — Caller reported a malfunctioning traffic light; was advised to contact Waltham police.

Lincoln Road (5:26 p.m.) — Officer who was flagged down by a party assisted with removing a turtle from the roadway.

Tracey’s Service Station, Cambridge Turnpike (7:11 p.m.) — Truck driver requested assistance with help backing up in the parking lot. Officer responded to assist.

Lincoln Road (8:34 p.m.) — Caller reported that a car with three people drove past her and began yelling at her. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.

Weston Road (9:01 p.m.) — Party reported losing prescription sunglasses while in the park the previous night. Nothing had been turned into the station.

June 7

South Great Road (10:10 a.m.) — Caller reported that the railroad gates were stuck down. MBTA was notified; officer reported on arrival that the gates were back up.

Conant Road (11:30 a.m.) — Police assisted a party with a civil matter.

South Great Road (1:01 p.m.) — Caller reported cars parked partially on the roadway. Officer responded and the vehicles were moved by their owners.

Tower Road (3:46 p.m.) — Domestic incident involving a juvenile.

Donelan’s Supermarket (8:35 p.m.) — Party sleeping in the area; they requested a ride to Nine-Acre Corner in Concord. Officer assisted with a ride.

My Turn: Pulling together for Town Meeting and beyond

Editor’s note: These are the opening and closing remarks delivered at the June 13 Town Meeting by Town Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden.

By Sarah Canon Holden

I want to welcome everyone here today. If you are new to Town Meeting, I can assure that we are all new to Town Meeting in this place, at this time, in this abbreviated format, and in late spring. At one level this is an experiment for all of us. But, as usual, we are here to deliberate, reflect, ask questions, and vote.

As we ease into the meeting I ask that we pause to remember our fellow citizens who have died since we last met. Many volunteered on boards and committees. They were our neighbors and friends. Let us pause for a moment of silence in their memory.

As your Town Moderator, I want to share some brief thoughts with you during this time of crisis and social unrest in our country, but before I do, I want to speak directly to our police officers here in Lincoln. Most assuredly this has been a most difficult and stressful time for each of you. You are professionals caught up in a tidal wave of anger against law enforcement. But the protests are not against you; they are against those who would abuse the dignity and authority of their badge to engage in abusive and at times criminal behavior. Under the leadership of Chief Kevin Kennedy you maintain the dignity of your badge and exercise properly the authority it bestows upon you. We are grateful for your service.

And so just like our Lincoln police officers, we have come face to face with racism in this country in a way that no one can ignore. We have seen racism in its most cruel and blatant expression. We must have the difficult and long overdue conversations, uncover facts and history, and we must demand systemic changes. We must speak out for justice and equality. We must engage in the critical thinking required. We must reflect on the words of the 13th Amendment — please go home and read it — and acknowledge its escape clause for those not ready for the end of slavery. We must look at our prison system, our schools, our housing, our courts, our pay scales, our assumptions — here and beyond. And the “we” here is everyone — black, white, brown, everyone — everyone together. You are thinking about all of this. We all are. So, please let us pause again for a moment of silence for George Floyd, whose brutal murder may have finally forced the conversations which will result in the changes we must seek.

 *     *     *

Before we leave this place to go back to our worlds — in whatever form that may be — I would like to say a few closing words. We have shown that even under unusual circumstances we can pull ourselves together. That is because we have capable leadership in this town which was prepared. They kept abreast of the state restrictions and protocols. They met the required deadlines. They deliberated and they did all they could to get information out to the town via Zoom and the U.S. Postal Service. And all of you showed up. Thank you. We all value our right to vote as well as the unique New England institution of Town Meeting. There may be procedures from this year that we will continue as we go forward. I am sure there will be plenty of introspection and review.

As we leave here now, I ask that we listen again to our town’s vision statement as mentioned by Jennifer. It says that we will “foster economic, racial/ethnic, and age diversity among [our] citizenry through… educational, housing and other public policy.” This is the town’s vision, agreed to by the voters. Let it be our collective 2020 vision to take the necessary steps to breathe new life and vigor into this goal.

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.

My Turn: Group of residents endorses Rundell for Planning Board

Dear friends and neighbors,

We have followed with interest the unfolding of this year’s election for Planning Board and appreciate the issues of the South Lincoln neighborhood, of which many of us are a part, and also the town as a whole. Seeking experienced, balanced, and professional representation on the Planning Board, we endorse Rick Rundell for the role and invite you to join us in supporting his candidacy with your vote.

Rick’s statements in the community forum, the views he has shared on LincolnTalk and in the Lincoln Squirrel, his record on the board since 2013, and his global industry engagement all speak to his thoughtfulness, willingness to consider opposing points of view, and balancing individual and neighborhood advocacy with the interests of Lincoln as a whole. This is exactly what we expect from our elected officials. The professionalization which he has contributed to the board’s operation during his tenure also reflects exactly what we all should expect from our town boards.

We agree with Rick that today, more than ever before, it is important for our town to be led by creative, active, and engaged citizens bringing a broad and experienced perspective to our local challenges and opportunities. If you value the engagement of our citizens and community in public process; objective, respectful and fair treatment of all stakeholders; and the appropriate role of town government in our lives and property, please join us in voting for Rick Rundell for Planning Board.

Signed, your neighbors and citizens of Lincoln:

Joan and John Kimball
Dan and Janet Boynton
Mark Goetemann
Rob DeNormandie
Peter von Mertens
Jona Donaldson
Patricia O’Hagan, Alex Chatfield, Lucy Chatfield
Ken and Pam Hurd
Rachel Mason
Joe and Dana Robbat
Patrick and Judith Lawler
Peter and Susan Sugar
Sandra and Josh Grindlay
Sam Newell
John B. and Ellen S. Newell
Jane Cooper
Barbara Slayter
Katherine Mierzwa
Mary Jo Veling
Kathy Nicholson
Alexander and Helgard Houtzeel
Steve Johnson
Christina Rago Brown
Sarah Andrysiak
Dea Angiolillo
Peter and Faye Speert 
Mary Jo Haggerty
Martin Pierce

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.

My Turn: Re-elect Rick Rundell and Lynn DeLisi to Planning Board

By Ken Hurd

Although Buzz Constable’s email on LincolnTalk may strike many as a little harsh, he has captured the frustration of many people, including my own at times. My own experience is unique, having served on the Planning Board from 2002 until 2012, and then after my term had ended, having sat across the table as an applicant in front of the Planning Board from 2014 through 2016 as I helped the First Parish Church secure permitting for the Stearns Room addition.

In my opinion, what Ken Bassett and Mary Helen Lorenz describe in their recent letter to the Lincoln Squirrel is accurate. Both projects were significant improvements to their previous iterations despite the objections of a relatively small number of vocal opponents.

To this end, I believe good planning requires vision as well as sensitivity to those affected by change. I also think Allen Vander Meulen in his letter to the Lincoln Squirrel highlighted the key issue at stake; namely “how to resolve the conundrum of approval for large-scale projects in the Lincoln Station area.”

With this in mind, it is my strong opinion that re-electing Rick Rundell and Lynn DeLisi will be in the best overall interests of the town. I would much prefer to have people in public office who are willing to guide and address with an open mind the inevitable changes that Lincoln will continue to face. 

If you haven’t voted yet, I urge you to join me in voting for Rick Rundell and Lynn DeLisi as the best candidates for the job.

Ken Hurd
21 Lexington Rd., Lincoln

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.

Outdoor Town Meeting zips by in 90 minutes

Voters line up in the Hartwell parking lot driveway to check in for Town Meeting on June 13. See more photos below. (Photo by Alice Waugh)

By Alice Waugh

It was a Town Meeting like no other. Instead of lasting hours with hundreds of people packed in a stuffy auditorium, the June 13 event took place in the fresh air under an enormous tent where chirping birds competed with the amplified voices of the speakers. All three warrant articles were approved, and the whole thing was over in less than 90 minutes.

About 150 residents (all in masks) sat alone or in socially distanced pairs under a gigantic tent that occupied most of the Hartwell parking lot, secured by stakes driven through the asphalt. Another 130 who couldn’t fit in the allotted space in the tent sat outside in lawn chairs or on the pavement in the bright sunshine. Questions were submitted in writing and read aloud by runners to minimize microphone handling.

Everyone was given a small orange card to hold up while voting to avoid the need for calling out loudly and perhaps spreading aerosolized virus — but there was a small hitch. Town Moderator Sarah Cannon Holden noted that the town’s bylaws require a voice vote, “so I’m asking you to speak softly and raise your bright orange cards.” A soft chorus of “ayes” signaled each vote.

The agenda was pared down from the 40 warrant articles planned for March to 21 crucial financial articles. Eighteen of those articles focusing on the town budget, including Capital Planning Committee (CapCom) and Community Preservation Act (CPA) items, were unanimously approved with no discussion in a single consent-calendar vote.

As expected, most of the discussion focused on a request by the School Building Committee to move $829,000 from free cash to the school building project to pay for some of the items that were cut when bids came in $3.5 million over budget. Before Covid-19 turned things upside down, the SBC had planned to ask for $2.02 million to restore 19 items at Town Meeting in March. The eight items funded by Saturday’s vote amount were outlined in a June 4 public forum on Zoom.

Several residents were not happy about the SBC request. “The School Building Committee was given a very large amount of money. How many more times will you come to Town Meeting asking for yet more money?” said Jeanine Carlson. “We taxpayers have to live within our budget. Why don’t you?”

“We do not take lightly how much things have changed in the last few months,” SBC chair Chris Fasciano responded, noting that it had significantly scaled down its request since early March based partly on discussions with the Finance Committee. “We have made no decisions about coming back to the town or not coming back to the town. We are in a very uncertain time and we need to see how things unfold before we make that decision.”

Some of the other cuts, such as bike paths and walkways, playground equipment, and new trees, could be restored in the future with funding from sources such as the CPA, CapCom, or a potential Complete Streets Grant. But Fasciano acknowledged that funds that were cut from the budget for furniture, fittings, and equipment will have to be restored, either within the School Committee or SBC budgets, or by direct resident vote. Private donations are also a possibility, although town officials are not permitted to engage in fundraising.

“At some point, some or all of that [$750,000] will need to come back to the town,” he said. Much of that amount will go to replace old and worn furniture, as little or none has been replaced in the past 10 years as the town was trying to finalize a school project.

After the vote, the town still has $1.5 million in free cash, which — along with $2.2 million in the debt stabilization fund — makes up the town’s $3.7 million emergency reserves, FinCom chair Andy Payne said.

Former FinCom member Peyton Marshall also questioned the wisdom of allocating more money for the school.”Many of us in town have had to reconsider or are looking at our plans to remain in Lincoln,” he said. “I think we’ve gone far enough in spending money on town buildings and schools. Should we be prioritizing buildings or people?”

But others spoke in favor of the measure. When she first heard of the request to go before voters, one resident said she thought the SBC must be “very brave or very foolish, but then I read the list and though, ‘My goddess, this is going to impact actual learning in the classroom.” The allocation won’t raise taxes any further, “so it’s not going to show up in our mailboxes, but it will show up in the learning.”

There were about a dozen “nay” votes on the measure seeking $829,000 and three or four against a related measure to transfer $325,000 from the town’s cable TV fund to the cable TV infrastructure in the Donaldson Auditorium, which is normally used for Town Meetings.

Marshall was the only one to vote against the $270,000 Water Department borrowing request. Water Commission chair Ruth Anne Hendrickson explained that $125,000 of that was needed due to “the same sad story” — a previously funded item where bids came in over budget. She outlined the needs in detail before a June 9 public forum on Zoom.

In July, consultants will begin studying long-term options for Lincoln’s water supply, including switching to water from the MWRA. And starting next year, Water Department capital requests will go before the FinCom and the CPC before coming up for Town Meeting votes. This hasn’t been the case before, because the department operates as an enterprise fund independent of the town budget, whereby revenues from user fees are supposed to cover most of its costs.

Click images below for expanded versions and captions:

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”145″ gal_title=”Town Meeting 2020-2″]

My Turn: A time for civil discourse

By Bob Domnitz

In their recent letter to The Squirrel, Ken Bassett and Mary Lorenz have mischaracterized my role in two cases that came before the Planning Board during my previous tenure.

Below, I will provide details that refute their claims. But if you read nothing else, please know this: a Planning Board member must be responsive, fair, and consistent, even when the issues stir emotions. It is regrettable that Ken and Mary’s message does more to divide than unite at a time when we need to build bridges toward a stronger future in Lincoln.

With respect to the mall’s redevelopment 15 years ago, Ken and Mary may be confusing the roles that the ZBA and the Planning Board played in that process. Here is what happened. The ZBA was approached by the Rural Land Foundation (owner of the mall) for relief from the town’s restrictive parking requirement. The ZBA declined to grant that relief. The Planning Board believed that this was an important project for the town and we all wanted the project to go forward. To achieve that goal, I helped draft the South Lincoln Overlay District zoning that enabled the mall redevelopment. The new zoning and the redevelopment proposal were unanimously supported by the Planning Board and overwhelmingly approved by Town Meeting.

With respect to the expansion of the First Parish Church, readers should be aware that all three candidates in this Planning Board election were members of the Planning Board at the time that project was before the board. Our discussions were collegial, and we converged on an approval for the project in a single evening of discussion after a public hearing that extended over several sessions.

The key issue in the First Parish project was the setback to a side lot line that had been created when the Flint family gave land to the church. The church wanted to build to within 7 feet of that lot line. Because of the unusual circumstances that created the lot line, the board was able to find a way to allow a 10-foot setback without creating a worrisome precedent that could be used by other nonprofit institutions elsewhere in town. However, we could not find a rational basis for granting the smaller setback of 7 feet that was desired by the church. The church appealed the Planning Board’s decision to the ZBA and they were granted the additional 3 feet that they needed for their project to proceed as designed.

I believe both the Planning Board and ZBA did a good job fulfilling their roles in this process. The Planning Board deals with zoning that must be applied consistently throughout the Town, and that’s why the Planning Board had to consider the precedential effect of its decision. But zoning can be a blunt instrument, and the ZBA exists to weigh the issues in exceptional cases such as this one.

The entire First Parish experience was extremely emotional for the town. There was tremendous pressure on the members of the board from all sides. It was an unforgettably difficult time for all of us. The fabric of the town was wounded, and it remains wounded to this day. This is clear from Ken and Mary’s attack against me. It is unfortunate that Ken and Mary’s misunderstandings and mischaracterizations only revisit old wounds and do not help us come together to heal.

Bob Domnitz
2 Mill St., Lincoln

”My Turn” is a forum for Lincoln residents 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.