In the March 5 article headlined “Planning Board candidates have their say,” there were some minor editing errors in the section submitted by Lynn DeLisi, who also expanded on her comments about Minuteman Vocational technical School. The original post has been updated.
TV station to film Lincoln MBTA activists on Friday
WHDH-TV (Channel 7) is coming to the Lincoln train station on Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m. to shoot video for a piece about the difficulties that physically handicapped riders face when trying to board the commuter rail at the Lincoln stop, which is not ADA-compliant.
The piece will be hosted by Sam Smink for Solve It 7. Carol DiGianni, a Ryan Estate resident, has been working to draw attention to the issue for Lincoln riders, including residents of Ryan Estate and Lincoln Woods and hopes others with mobility issues will come on Friday.
The state legislature passed a bill in 2018 that would allocate $500,000 for designing improvements to Lincoln’s MBTA station and commuter lot, but has yet to release the money despite repeated requests from town officials. Residents and the Board of Selectmen pressed the issue with state legislators again at a December 2019 forum.
Some activities canceled as town girds for coronavirus
Some activities for seniors in Lincoln have been canceled, and town officials are beginning to make contingency plans in case the threat of the Covid-19 coronavirus makes it necessary to postpone the town meetings and election later this month.
In consultation with town public health nurse Tricia McGean, the Council on Aging canceled several non-health-related group events during the next few weeks, including Lincoln Academy talks and special educational presentations, senior dining, and foreign language conversation groups.
As of March 9, the COA’s Matter of Balance, Stretch and Flex, Active Aging, tai chi, and line dancing classes will continue, as will tax counseling, the wellness clinics for all ages, the senior legal clinic, and office hours with Jay Higgins of Rep. Katherine Clark’s office. All social services provided by the COA are still in place. To check on specific activities or for more information, call the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 or consult their online calendar.
The town has convened a group of senior department staff and health officials including McGean and the Board of Health to plan local prevention and response measures during the epidemic.
“It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility” that the town would need to postpone the special and annual town meetings on March 28 and the town election on March 30, Town Administrator Tim Higgins told the Board of Selectmen on Monday. The virus seems to make older people the sickest, “and they turn out in big numbers for both.”
Postponing town-wide votes could have logistical repercussions, especially for the school project. At the Special Town Meeting that will start at 9:30 a.m. on March 28 immediately before the Annual Town Meeting, residents will be asked to vote on whether to fund some of the $3.5 million recently cut from the project. Bids have been received and contracts must be signed as soon as those decisions are made.
Higgins told the selectmen he had asked construction managers how long they could postpone the Town Meeting vote and heard that “June 1 is an important deadline for them,” and they would have to have a final decision on the cuts at least a week or two before that. If the town election is postponed, Llincoln would also have to coordinate with Sudbury, which holds its election on the same day to have simultaneous votes of members of the Lincoln-Sudbury regional School Committee.
By state law, town boards and commissions must hold meetings in person and in public. Asked if that rule would be relaxed if meetings need to be held remotely, “the state has resisted that to this point, but a public health emergency might change their thinking,” Higgins said on Monday.
Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts today, which gives the governor some extra powers including ordering cancellation of large-scale events, but it was not immediately clear how this would affect requirements normally imposed on local governments.
Town Clerk Valerie Fox considered not ordering ballots for the town election but went ahead and did so this week, Higgins said. If Town Meeting were to be postponed, it would technically have to be convened and then adjourned, though a quorum of residents probably would not be required for that vote. Plans are being made for sanitation precautions regarding microphones at Town Meeting and pens at the election, but “there is no backup plan yet” if the town moderator or town clerk were unable to preside at the meetings, Higgins said.
“These are the practical things we’re having to think through” as the situation changes rapidly, Higgins added. Health officials “tell us it’s just a matter of time until everyone in the community experiences this on some level.”
As of March 10, there are 92 confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. Of those, 70 are employees or their contacts from Biogen, which held a conference from Feb. 24–27 at the Marriott Long Wharf in Boston. Forty-one of the 92 patients are from Middlesex County, and six have been hospitalized thus far.
The Centers for Disease Control have issued guidelines for older people and others at higher risk of serious illness should they become infected. Those measures include stocking up on prescription and over-the-counter medications, groceries, and other household items in case they need to stay at home for an extended period. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath that appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
More information:
Police log for week of Feb. 28, 2020
February 28
Wheeler Road (6:25 a.m.) — Caller reported not having water at her house and wanted to see if there was a water main break in the area. No water main break; the caller had had plumbing work done the previous day.
Old Bedford Rd. (5:48 p.m.) — Report of vehicle pulled off to the side of the road. Officer checked on the person, who had pulled over to get directions.
February 29
Lincoln Road (12:46 p.m.) — Party came to the station to pick up court paperwork.
March 1
Lincoln Road (12:32 a.m.) — Officer checked on a bicyclist on Lincoln Rd. Party is a resident riding home; all is fine.
Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:38 a.m.) — Vehicle was stopped and Omar Hernandez, 35, 50 Day St. in Fitchburg was arrested for an outstanding traffic warrant out of Malden District Court.
South Great Road (4:07 p.m.) — Officer assisted a party just over the town line in Weston with dogs running in the roadway.
Ballfield Road (3:36 a.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle in the parking lot of the school after it turned off its lights on Lincoln Road. Officer issued a summons to Daurey Moreta Garcia of Boston for operating without a license and failure to stop for police. Two other people in the car were identified. Personal checks were later found on school grounds that had been stolen out of a mailbox in Newton. A mailbox “fishing device” was also found in the Lincoln Post Office mailbox. Investigation is ongoing.
Lincoln Road (10:11 p.m.) — Officer checked on a party who was pulled over and was lost. Assistance given and party went on their way.
they’re on their way.
March 3
Lincoln Road (8:27 a.m.) — Road sign knocked over near Rte. 117. Officer retrieved the sign and contacted the DPW.
Lincoln School — Officers assisted with traffic and patrolling school during primary election.
Lincoln Road (3:03 p.m.) — Report of a suspicious white van. Area was checked; nothing found.
South Great Road (6:59 p.m.) — Concord Police Department reports an erratic operator entering Lincoln on Rte. 117. Lincoln officer located party and attempted to stop. Party failed to stop and continued into Weston. Subject was stopped and was transported to Lahey Clinic. Operator to be summonsed to court for operating under the influence of alcohol, failure to stop for police, drinking from an open container, and marked lane violation.
Codman Road (3:46 a.m.) — Officer checked on a package on the side of the road. Appears to be from a bread truck; all is fine.
March 4
Lincoln Road (8:48 a.m.) — Solicitor permit issued to a party to go door to door for Edward Jones Financial Advisors.
March 5
1 Harvest Circle (7:33 a.m.) — Elderly party fell victim to a sweepstakes scam, investigation ongoing.
Lincoln Police Department (1:16 a.m.) — Caller was looking for information regarding a probate order. He was advised to contact his attorney as it’s a civil matter.
Tower Road (7:04 p.m.) — Caller reported that both they and their dog were bitten by a dog while on the trails. Dog officer will follow up with the reporting party.
March 6
Wells Road (12:54 a.m.) — A confused party reported people at the residence. Officers spoke to the party and family and made referrals to Senior Services for assistance.
Wells Road (5:25 a.m.) — Well-being check on resident.
Hanscom Air Force Base Vandenberg Gate (7:05 a.m.) — Arthur Cardoso, 27, of Delmar Ave. in Providence, R.I. was arrested while trying to enter the base as he had an outstanding larceny warrant out of Taunton District Court.
Lincoln Road (10:58 a.m.) — Hit-and-run crash in the Donelan’s parking lot. Officer spoke to parties involved and took a report.
Main Street, Watertown (11:20 a.m.) — Det. Spencer assisted Watertown Police Department with a forensic sketch relating to an investigation in that town.
Tower Road (4:12 p.m.) — Caller reported being bitten by three dogs. Party received medical attention and was transported to a local hospital. The Animal Control Officer notified and is handling the matter, and the dog owners were contacted.
Main Street, Maynard (4:42 p.m.) — Det. Spencer assisted Maynard Police Department with a forensic sketch relating to an investigation in that town.
First Parish offers August summer program for kids
The First Parish in Lincoln is introducing Summer Spirit, a full-day program running from August 10–21 for kids who’ve completed grades K-7, with counselor-in-training opportunities for eighth-graders.
“I’ve heard parents mention the lack of an in-town opportunity for ‘good’ (i.e., fun, interesting, safe, etc.) childcare in between the time Lincoln Summer Day Camp (and others) end, and the start of the school year,” said Margit Griffith, director of religious education at the First Parish in Lincoln. Many families have two working parents, “and they don’t all choose to vacation during the last two weeks of August, and not all have nannies, especially once children begin school. College-age summer caregivers start to head back to their schools. This all leaves a child care dilemma here in town.”
Summer Spirit will be headquartered at the church’s Parish House (the stone church) at 14 Bedford Rd., across from Bemis Hall), “and we’ll make use of the historic building, grounds, and abutting conservation lands,” Griffith said.
Each of the two weeks has a theme: “Spirit of Earth” and “Spirit of Lincoln.” Details on activities as well as the parent handbook, registration form, dates and rates, tuition assistance, and contact information can be found at www.fplincoln.org/summer-spirit.
“The program is quite secular in the sense that activities and themes are distinctly summer-day-camp-ish,” Griffith said. “However, our guiding principles in how we interact with each other and with the children focuses on kindness, caring, community service, and support We will relate everything we do to how we nurture each other, our neighbors, and the earth. We may practice moments of mindfulness, but religious practices and beliefs will not be part of Summer Spirit.
Funding for Summer Spirit operations is fronted from the church’s Religious Exploration budget for children and youth programs, with the hope that the program gets enough participants to cover costs, Griffith said. Tuition assistance is available. Any proceeds after all program operations costs are covered will be used to fund scholarships.
The program will run from from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with optional early drop-off at 8 a.m. or late pickup until 5 p.m. for an additional charge. The cost per child is $290 for one week or $530 for both weeks, with discounts for multiple children.
“We also seek to form community partners through this and all church endeavors. Working together is the best way for local organizations to more fully meet the needs of all residents,” Griffith said. “First Parish in Lincoln has rededicated itself to reaching out to continue old tried-and-true traditions and find new, outside-the-box ways of serving with and for all our neighbors.”
Water Commission candidates discuss the issues
Terms on town boards and committees are usually staggered so new members join others who have more experience on that board, but this year, all three seats on the Water Commission are open due to two resignations and a normally expiring term. Three candidates are running for those seats (down from six residents who initially expressed interest):
- Michelle Barnes was appointed as an interim member and is now running for a full three-year term.
- Incumbent Ruth Ann Hendrickson (chair of the commission) is up for reelection and is running for a two-year term. She has previously said in a letter to the editor to the Squirrel that, if reelected, this will be her last term.
- Jim Hutchinson is resigning from the Finance Committee a year before his term expires to run for a one-year term on the Water Commission.
Barnes and Selectman Jennifer Glass were both sworn in as emergency interim Water Commissioners in October after Bob Antia and Heather Ring resigned (in Ring’s case, because of dissatisfaction with management by Water Department Superintendent MaryBeth Wiser).
Below are Q&As and statements from the three candidates, lightly edited for length and clarity.
Michelle Barnes
South Great Road
Please tell us a bit about your background.
Most of my career I spent as a macrofinancial economist in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Before that I was a tenured lecturer at the University of Adelaide teaching finance, international monetary economics, and macroeconomics. During graduate school, I worked as a consultant at both JP Morgan and the World Bank, and before going to graduate school, I managed Teamsters at Roadway Express in my hometown of Sacramento, Calif. I received my PhD in economics in 1998, and my last day on the job at the Fed was in December 2018.
I’ve lived in Lincoln since 2008, and feel super lucky to be able to fully enjoy Lincoln’s bucolic open spaces with my 10-year-old daughter and our border collie. During our time in Lincoln, I have had the opportunity and pleasure to serve on the Magic Garden board, the Lincoln METCO Coordinating Committee (as co-chair in 2015, secretary through 2019, and as president since then), and on the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust/Rural Land Foundation Board of Trustees (as chair since 2019).
Why are you running for the Water Commission?
I’ve chosen to run for Water Commissioner to continue the efforts our team has made since October 2019 to stabilize the Lincoln Water Department (LWD). I believe that at this important juncture, continuity, stability, and a strong measure of critical and analytical thinking are required to further stabilize the LWD and bring it to the point where it is successfully delivering safe and reliable water in a fiscally prudent and sustainable manner. Due to my recent tenure as a Water Commissioner and my background as a macrofinancial economist, I bring both attributes to the table.
Back in October 2019, when there was a call for the need to fill two Water Commissioner vacancies, I heeded that call (as did Jennifer Glass and Jim Hutchinson, who have been members of our team since then as well). I have thoroughly enjoyed climbing the steep learning curve of overseeing the Water Department’s operating and long-term planning process, getting to know all of the people involved in this organization and process, and being able to use my background in macro-financial policy analysis to help frame some of our debates about LWD fiscal management and long-term capital planning
In your opinion, what are the biggest problems or decisions facing the Water Commission, and how do you propose to tackle them?
The biggest problems facing the Water Department are personnel issues, chronic underinvestment in maintenance and infrastructure, and the long-standing leadership culture that brought the LWD to this critical point. It bears emphasizing, however, that I believe that a certain amount of continuity and stability in leadership are integral to moving the LWD forward in the most constructive possible way; the role of institutional knowledge in solving the LWD’s problems should not be underestimated.
I have confidence in the ability of the chair of the Water Commissioners, in conjunction with the team that has been assembled, to address and solve the critical issues facing the LWD for the benefit of the town and its water customers. More personally, I am committed to facing head-on the multiple challenges I outlined above with candor, curiosity, clarity of vision, and a critical mind, and in a manner that simultaneously celebrates and preserves our positive contributions while having the courage to mitigate and reshape efforts that I believe are a detriment to the LWD’s mission.
Why should Lincolnites vote for you?
Lincoln voters should vote for me because I am deeply committed to ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to the Town of Lincoln in a manner that is financially prudent and fair, both in the short- and long-term. Given my recent tenure on the Water Commission, I have been able to come up to speed in the areas that matter most for ensuring the current and future safety and stability of water treatment and delivery in Lincoln. My skills as a macrofinancial economist focused for much of my career on policy analysis can continue to help the LWD chart a clear path to a more financially sustainable future.
Ruth Ann Hendrickson
Concord Road
Please tell us a bit about your background.
I’ve lived in Lincoln since 1967. While I was home raising my children, I served as president of the Recycling Committee for several years in the 1970s and as the Lincoln’s representative to the Regional Solid Waste Committee for several years after that. I was on the board of the Lincoln League of Women Voters, which was very active in town issues as well as state and national issues. I served as president for two years and vice president for several years.
I chaired studies on whether the town assessors were undervaluing older houses and on the per-pupil cost of our public schools, the latter leading me to run for School Committee, where I pushed for consolidation of all the grades into the Smith-Brooks complex. I also led the move to close the town’s polluting open dump and create the current transfer station. I went back to work in 1989 and retired in 2009.
In 2011, I ran for Water Commissioner after looking for a way to serve the town that would utilize my technical background and allow me to promote water conservation. For the past few years I have also served as the liaison to the School Building Committee (SBC), promoting both water and energy conservation. I recently withdrew from the SBC due to the demands on my time from chairing the Water Commission.
As I said in my letter to the editor, given the recent changes in Water Superintendent and Commissioners, I believe my continuing on the commission for another two years would lend a needed continuity. Moreover, since I am retired, I can devote a substantial amount of time to gathering and analyzing data to ensure knowledge-based decision-making. I bring to the position communication and creative problem-solving skills honed by my years in industry and an aptitude for electromechanical systems developed during my work on advanced gyroscopes and vacuum robotic systems.
In your opinion, what are the biggest problems or decisions facing the Water Commission, and how do you propose to tackle them?
Going forward, the issues are:
- Successfully completing the projects needed to upgrade the water system infrastructure
- Developing both short-term and long-term financial plans
- Assessing whether to continue with the existing upgraded treatment plant, to build in new treatment plant, or to sign up for MWRA water
- Attracting seasoned personnel to fully staff the Water Department
We are making significant progress on all four issues, especially in staffing, as we have hired a new and very experienced senior plant manager and several experienced part-time water operators, and we are about to add another full-time operator. We are in the midst of revamping our fee and rate structure to ensure we have the funds needed to provide clean, safe water. I’m confident that by the end of the next two years, the department will be back on an even keel with a solid plan for the future.
Jim Hutchinson
Stonehedge
Please tell us a bit about your background.
I hold a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT. Earlier in my career I developed novel machine learning and financial applications for supercomputers. I then co-founded a hedge fund with two partners, where as CEO I led the R&D for our quantitative, systematic trading strategies as well as managing all outside vendors and services for the firm, including legal, brokerage, fund administration, and hardware and software services. I am now retired.
My family and I have enjoyed living in Lincoln since 1999. I’ve always admired how so many good and capable residents have volunteered over the years to help keep our town running smoothly, and once I had the time I’ve tried to step up and do my part. I served as treasurer of Codman Community Farms from 2010–2013, and on the Finance Committee since March 2013, serving two years as chair and two years as vice chair. I’m resigning from FinCom as my seat has one more year on it. I’m not allowed to serve on FinCom and the Water Commission at the same time, and I feel like Water needs some attention.
While on FinCom, I’ve had the opportunity to act at times as liaison to various other groups including the Green Energy Committee, the Affordable Housing Trust, and most recently the Capital Planning Committee and the PPA Subcommittee, which is in charge of getting solar on our new school project. Since October 2019, I’ve also been invited to attend Water Commission meetings as an additional FinCom liaison.
Another relevant fact is that I own and maintain my own swimming pool, and am quite comfortable discussing water chemistry and sanitation. My setup is not as complex or sophisticated as our water treatment plant, of course, and I have plenty to learn if I am to become a Water Commissioner. But I find the water processes and equipment quite interesting and will be happy to dig in and learn more on the job.
In your opinion, what are the biggest problems or decisions facing the Water Commission, and how do you propose to tackle them?
The Water Department has been going through a very challenging period, with high staff turnover, difficulty hiring and retaining staff, and aging infrastructure to replace, all while trying to meet regulatory standards as the chemistry of Flint’s Pond changes over the years. Some of these challenges have already begun to be addressed starting last fall by a coalition of the Water Superintendent, town administration and finance staff, the elected and interim commissioners, and two liaisons from FinCom (including myself). However, much work remains to be done, including answering big-picture questions like whether the town would be better off switching to MWRA service.
Of course I don’t have all the answers to these questions yet. But in my opinion, the staffing issue is the most critical to resolve, for two reasons. First, the FY21 budget has risen sharply, in part due to the Water Department’s current need to engage outside consultants to get necessary tasks done. I’d like to see as much of the necessary work done in house as possible, since that would be more cost-effective.
Second, even if we decide to switch to MWRA, it will take years to do so, and in the interim we need to continue to operate our plant smoothly and safely. On the capital equipment issues, since October I have been advocating for deferring any capital investments that are not needed in the near term for safety or regulatory compliance reasons until we can make an informed decision about MWRA, although given the projects that have already been approved, it may be a foregone conclusion to stick with our own plant. In any case, I believe it is incumbent upon the Water Department and commission to make capital equipment decisions that get what value we can out of our existing investments and only replace or supplement that equipment when necessary to meet regulatory standards and provide clean drinking water to residents.
Why should Lincolnites vote for you?
I believe I have the management and team-building experience to help guide and oversee the staffing issues and rebuild a capable and stable team; the technical skills and interest to evaluate engineering trade-offs and make the correct capital equipment decisions; and the finance experience and orientation that will be needed to bring all of this together in a cost-effective manner.
Planning Board candidates have their say
The Lincoln Squirrel is gathering statements from the candidates in the town election that takes place March 30. First up: the three candidates who are running for two seats on the Planning Board, which is the only contested race this year: incumbent Lynn DeLisi, challenger and former board member Robert Domnitz, and incumbent Rick Rundell.
Lynn DeLisi
South Great Road
Lynn DeLisi
I am running for re-election to the Planning Board of our town and I would like to tell you why.
Like so many other people, we decided to purchase a home in Lincoln several years ago because we fell in love with the picturesque vistas of wide-open spaces with nighttime stars in the sky, fields of wildflowers, organic farms and wild-life of all kinds safely roaming conservation land. The zoning for one residential home per two acres appealed to us, along with the many mapped walking paths and scenic ponds. We were amazed that we could carry our canoe to the Sudbury River and see blue herons, and yet attend a concert at the BSO only a 30-minute drive from our house.
Not even a month after we moved into our new home, however, we received a letter by registered mail from a neighbor whose property we abutted on three sides. He included a diagram of a dozen dense structures on the acreage surrounding our lot with a letter informing us that a developer in Concord was interested in buying his land and placing several groups of condos in an L shape surrounding our new home. The letter further stated that “The Planning Board was very interested in having this done.” I cried a lot after receiving that letter and the stress of this crisis was tremendous. We had just purchased a house we loved with a beautiful view in a town we thought was unique for the reasons I mentioned, and now we were about to be surrounded by dense dwellings and more people, cars, and noise than we thought could be possible in this quiet, environmentally sensitive community.
Not long after receiving this letter, I saw there was a vacancy on the Planning Board, expressed my interest, and was appointed. Once on the board, I became aware that what my neighbor wanted would need to go through zoning changes and site plan reviews and be approved by Town Meeting. It still could have happened, but this neighbor’s plan never came to fruition simply because we managed to purchase that extra lot surrounding us to preserve our view, our favorite wildlife, and quiet.
I realize, however, that not everyone in town can stop the development around them as we did. If someone convinces the Planning Board and the town of the need to rezone a neighborhood for new housing or something else, what almost happened to us could be reality for others. They need someone on the Planning Board who will listen to them and look out for their interests.
Currently there is a controversy about whether or not significantly more dense housing units are needed in South Lincoln near the train station. Some people think we need to do our share as a town to alleviate the housing problem in Boston. Others do not agree and predict the changes to the town would be dramatic. Those most affected are those living there already and are the most vulnerable to the changes.
It’s difficult to know what the majority of people truly want for this district. I don’t think that gets answered by early-morning or late-weekday-evening public forums and meetings. Can all those who care attend these meetings and speak up to voice an opinion? Are these opinions being counted in some way? Do we need a scientifically and carefully constructed survey of the town to determine what the residents want? This may be the best way to hear all the views.
I know very well what the negative consequences of not carefully listening could be. I will always be questioning why, where, and what, and looking for ways to preserve neighborhoods and the interests of abutters while maintaining the uniqueness of Lincoln.
One of my past accomplishments on the Planning Board was my service on the Selectman’s fact-finding committee on the implications of the legalization of recreational marijuana businesses in the Lincoln. As a committee, we were very cognizant that we needed to put our personal views aside and recommend to the Selectmen a path to follow that the people of the town truly wanted.
In order to do that, I took the lead in conducting a survey of residents to hear their views on having marijuana grown, manufactured, and/or sold within our town. Based on that survey, a public forum, and extensive research on the facts, we brought to a Special Town Meeting a bylaw amendment to ban marijuana establishments in Lincoln, and this was passed by two-thirds vote and by subsequent ballot. I am proud to have contributed to this, knowing as I do (someone working with young adults addicted to marijuana) that we have taken a small step not to promote easy access to a harmful substance by the youth of our town. If, in the future, carefully controlled treatment trials show positive effects of cannabis products on an array of medical ailments, I will be happy to help reverse this town vote.
Another campaign of mine has been to help the residents of North Lincoln, who in my mind have suffered more than their share for the town. The Route 2 changes occurred before my time on the Planning Board and I have been dismayed with how they were handled and how residents of our town have suffered. I tried hard to minimize the effects of Minuteman Vocational High School on the residents of Mill Street. I believe it is a disgrace how the school officials handled this project, not collaborating with the neighborhood. They did not need the high tower for theater classes, or to clear out so many trees, or to build a highly lit stadium with a loud speaker system.
In addition, as a Harvard-affiliated psychiatrist who treats people with borderline personality disorder frequently, I knew that what McLean was doing to claim they were an educational facility was wrong. I spoke out against it orally and in writing. Unfortunately, this ultimately did not go in favor of the North Lincoln residents. Nevertheless, I will continue to speak out forcefully against anything that has a negative impact on the neighborhoods of North Lincoln and will of course rigorously support the positive.
In summary, I am for responsible planning, always in collaboration with the people in neighborhoods. I am for keeping the South Lincoln commercial district successful but not dense with new housing unless that is truly what the majority of residents want. I am for keeping North Lincoln residents free from any more adversity, which means keeping a DPW site out of North Lincoln.
I am for regulations that preserve Lincoln’s unique atmosphere, with nighttime stars and early morning wildlife grazing in open fields. I am for preserving the historical significance of some of Lincoln’s neighborhoods and the designated Historical Districts, the highest quality education available to our children in modernized facilities, a community center that serves our residents well, safe and supportive facilities for senior residents, keeping the availability of harmful substances away from our young generation, and most of all, keeping Lincoln safe.
If these are your interests and you want to be assured that you will have someone representing them, then vote in Lincoln’s election on March 30. I always have time to listen to people’s concerns and suggestions. You can email me at DeLisi76@aol.com or phone me at 781-257-5046.
Robert Domnitz
Mill Street
Robert Domnitz
(Editor’s note: Domnitz is a former member of the Planning Board who narrowly lost his bid for reelection in 2015.)
What is your previous experience in town government?
I served on the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission from 1985–1991. In Lexington, I was member/chair of the Lexington Planning Board from 1990–1995 and a Town Meeting Representative from 1986–1995. I was member/chair of the Lincoln Planning Board from 2003–2015
In the next few years, what do you think are the most important issue(s) facing the Planning Board, and how would you tackle them if elected?
The Planning Board has given top priority to promotion of increased business activity and housing in the Lincoln Station area. They are developing a complex revision to the town’s zoning bylaw which they believe will foster this development. A key feature of their proposal is that they — and they alone — will have authority to approve large-scale development proposals without review by Town Meeting. This is a dramatic departure from our traditional reliance on Town Meeting for major decisions.
I revere our Town Meeting form of government. As a member of the Planning Board, I will work to ensure that Town Meeting continues to play a central role in Lincoln’s decisions about land use. I believe that the Planning Board’s effort to foster revitalization of Lincoln Station without meaningful participation of Town Meeting will be divisive and will fail. Conversely, with Town Meeting’s participation, we have the opportunity to welcome projects that appeal to neighbors, business owners, and the town at large. Again and again, we have proven that our Town Meeting can take decisive action when it’s needed. I will do my best to make sure that Town Meeting gets the balanced information it needs to make those bold, prudent decisions.
Why did you decide to run for the Planning Board again?
In recent years, many residents have become increasingly concerned as our Annual Town Meeting has turned into a mostly routine exercise that “rubber stamps” the proposals that are presented. Our boards and committees almost invariably present unanimous, seamless recommendations. If there is another side to the issue, it is rarely presented for our consideration.
The Planning Board’s current zoning proposal accelerates this worrisome trend. It authorizes the board to approve major projects in Lincoln Station without Town Meeting’s participation in the decision-making process. These projects can have profound impacts on virtually every aspect of Lincoln: finances, services, school population, traffic, and Lincoln’s overall character. I feel we should not rely on five future Planning Board members to make these important decisions. As a member of the Planning Board, I would work to preserve the vitality and relevance of our Town Meeting.
Rick Rundell
Todd Pond Road
Rick Rundell
What background and experience do you offer?
I am a Massachusetts registered architect with over three decades experience in the building industry and a member of the American Institute of Architects. I hold credentials from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council. I presently work in the software industry, where I lead innovation programs focused on architecture, engineering, and construction. I hold a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University and a B.A. in engineering science from Dartmouth College.
My wife Virginia and I came to Lincoln in 2012 with our two children and small flock of chickens, drawn by its unique character, connection to nature, and the thoughtful planning of its beautiful neighborhoods. The children are now in college and the flock has flown—and meanwhile, Virginia and I have become deeply committed to the community, serving on several local volunteer boards and organizations.
I was recruited to the Planning Board shortly after arriving in Lincoln by then-member Bob Domnitz because he felt the board lacked a professional architect. I agreed, and since then I have brought the energetic perspective of an active, engaged professional to the board. I am a registered architect in the state of Massachusetts and the sole candidate for the board with an architectural background. I’ve served on the Planning Board since 2012, including as chair in 2015, and have been one of two Board members appointed to the Historic District Commission since 2013. I have also been president of the Todd Pond Residents Association since 2013.
Why are you excited about serving on the Planning Board?
We’ve seen tremendous changes in the Planning Board over the last few years. I am especially proud of the amendments to the Zoning By-Law passed by Town Meeting in 2018 as Article 27. This measure, by putting a five-year sunset on site plan review requirements, finally put limits on the creeping power of the Planning Board as property after property had become permanently encumbered under site plan review, with the obligation to bring even the most trivial improvements before the board. Changes that many residents could make as of right were closed off to property owners once they had fallen under site plan review. Though the article was opposed by a former board member at that Town Meeting, the measure passed resoundingly. That today’s board proposed a measure to so limit its own power made me proud to be a member, and proud of our Town Meeting process. It is also evidence of the change represented by today’s board that has benefited the citizens of Lincoln.
The challenges to Lincoln come largely from the world around us—changes to demographics, the economics of retail, the cost of public infrastructure, development in towns around us that impact our residents without benefiting them, and even the legalization of marijuana. With the newly professionalized board and Planning Department that is bringing hundreds of thousands of grant dollars to Lincoln for civic improvements, and with the level of civic engagement in the town, I see a tremendous opportunities to respond to these challenges in ways that continue to preserve and increase the health and character of the town.
The opportunities presented by having our own rail station, world-class cultural facilities, and spectacular rural landscapes in conservation allow Lincoln to punch well above its weight as a vibrant, diverse, and engaging community. My experience with Town Meeting since first attending on our arrival in 2012 leaves me with nothing but respect for direct democracy, and I have seen time and time again where authentic discourse has led to great results.
Mass Audubon gets 85 acres of land in Lincoln and Wayland
The 85 acres donated by the Carroll School to Mass Audubon is shown with a dotted outline (click to enlarge).
The Carroll School has donated 85 acres of recently acquired land to Mass Audubon that will become part of the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.
An anonymous donor gave the school a total of 103 acres in Wayland and Lincoln that lie south of Old Sudbury Road. (Land records show that the Lincoln portion of the donated land is owned by the Roy S. MacDowell Jr. Trust.) The school is keeping 18 acres in Wayland abutting its upper school, which opened in that location in 2017. Carroll also has a middle school campus on Baker Bridge Road in Lincoln and a lower school on Trapelo Road in Waltham just east of the Cambridge reservoir.
“We will continue to be good neighbors in the towns of Lincoln, Wayland, and Waltham. We look forward to the outdoor education opportunities that access to this property provides,” said Head of School Steve Wilkins.
This version of the map shows the Carroll School’s full 103-acre acquisition outlined in yellow. The school is keeping the darker brown portion in Wayland and has donated the rest to Mass Audubon, which also owns the parcels with red dots. The black dot indicates the Carroll Upper School property. (Map by Lincoln Squirrel using Lincoln and Wayland property maps; click to enlarge.)
The 85 Mass Audubon acres feature a meandering boardwalk passing through wetlands. The Bay Circuit Trail runs through the land, which was already protected by a permanent conservation restriction and is open to the public.
“We’re going to keep it a passive recreation area,” said Michael O’Connor, public relations manager at Mass Audubon. “Perhaps down the road we might think about some nature-related educational programs, but right now it’s just a beautiful place to take a walk.”
“This new addition to the sanctuary will extend the Drumlin Farm conservation corridor through south Lincoln and into Wayland, providing continued protected habitat for wildlife as well as a wonderful mixed forest/wetland environment for visitors to explore on the boardwalk and lesser-known trails beyond,” Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director Renata Pomponi said. “We’re excited to extend Drumlin Farm’s stewardship to include this important parcel and the opportunities it brings for environmental education and conservation.”
“Carroll School’s Board of Trustees believes that Mass Audubon is the best steward for the 85 acres,” said Amy Dempster, the Carroll School’s director of communications and marketing. As for the other 18 acres, “there are no near-term plans to build on the property, but that potential exists in the future. Our donor saw this as a long term opportunity.”
News acorns
Piano concert on Saturday
Lincoln pianist Trevor Berens presents “Long Piano Project 2.0” on Saturday, March 7 from 3–6 p.m. at Bemis Hall. This is a continuation of his “Long Piano Project” with two solo piano pieces, each 75 minutes long. The first half is the U.S. premiere of composer Ian Wilson’s multi-movement piece, “Stations.” The second half of the concert is Morton Feldman’s “For Bunita Marcus.” Tickets are $20 at the door (cash or check).
Talk by author of “The End of Ice”
Join The Walden Woods Project and RESTORE: The North Woods for a Stewardship Lecture with Dahr Jamail on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception with the author) at the Walden Woods Project headquarters (44 Baker Farm Rd.)
Jamail will discuss his award-winning book The End of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption in which he journeys to locations experiencing the most dramatic impacts of climate disruption, climbing and diving alongside leading experts and front-line scientists. The End of Ice was named one of the Ten Best Science Books of 2019 by Smithsonian and is a finalist for the 2020 Pen/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award for exemplifying literary excellence. The book will be available for purchase at the event, with a book-signing by the author after the talk. This event is free, but registration is required.
L-S students go on Habitat for Humanity trip
Among the group from L-S on the Habitat for Humanity trip to Balitmore were Lincoln students Anjuli Das (far right in gray sweatshirt), Gabriel Feinberg (back row, third from left), and Emily Griffith (back row, second from right). Other students were Keely Durning, Kares Mack, Gretchen Mills, Anna Cincotta, Jesus Tejeda, Emily Fisher, Khadija Ceesay, Luca Nicastro, Eric Wilson, Michael Cruz, Katherine Johnstone, and Anna Haberman, and L-S staff Susan Frommer, Steven Driscoll, and Regina Shopiro. Click image to enlarge.
Fifteen students from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, including three from Lincoln, took part in the L-S MLK Action Project’s annual Baltimore Habitat for Humanity trip over February break. For many years, Habitat of the Chesapeake (HHC) has selected entire neighborhoods in which to buy abandoned property and construct new homes. During their three days on site, HHC estimated that the L-S group completed $10,000 worth of work, which included picking up trash, shoveling and transporting dirt and debris, destroying and constructing fences, and smashing a concrete driveway to pieces as well as painting and some framing. Manual labor in place of down payments by HHC workers, volunteers, and future homeowners turn drug-infested, run-down neighborhoods with up to 95% home vacancies into safe communities.
Wine and beer tasting to benefit Domestic Violence Roundtable
The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites the public to a free wine and beer tasting to support its annual Shower for Shelters at Sudbury Wine and Spirits (Rugged Bear Plaza, 410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided by the Roundtable. A domestic violence survivor is also scheduled to speak.
Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift to the event for families transitioning from shelters. Donations will benefit clients of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence as well as the transitional housing and shelter programs of these agencies.
Requested items include twin size linens of all types, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small kitchen appliances. Gift cards are also welcome. If you’re unable to attend, there will be collection baskets at the Sudbury Police Department, the Wayland Public Safety Building, and the Lincoln Police Department from March 28 to April 13.
This year’s event will also include raffles of gift baskets and donations from members of the Sudbury Art Association. Winners do not need to be present at the drawing to win. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to purchase additional gift cards as part of the Shower for Shelters.
Used electronics fundraiser
The L-S girls’ softball team and Friends of Lincoln-Sudbury Softball (FOLSS) is sponsoring an electronics recycling fundraiser on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m.–noon at Feeley Field (200 Raymond Rd., Sudbury). Dispose of unwanted office and computer equipment as well as small appliances. Monetary donations will also be collected to safely dispose of electronics. Large appliances and items containing chemicals/hazardous waste materials cannot be accepted. Tax receipts will be provided. Click here for more information or email FriendsofLSSoftball@gmail.com.
2020 Presidential primary results for Lincoln
As he did statewide, former Vice President Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential primary in Lincoln. However, Lincoln’s second-place finisher was Elizabeth Warren rather than the statewide #2, Bernie Sanders. He and Michael Bloomberg were tied for third place in Lincoln with 16% each.
In Lincoln’s Republican primary, former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld garnered 22% of the vote (far better than his statewide tally of 9%) but was still decisively defeated by President Donald Trump, who got 71% of Lincoln’s Republican votes.
Overall, those voting in the town’s Democratic primary far outnumbered those voting Republican, 2,459 to 176 (93% to 7%). Twenty-five percent of those who voted in both primaries cast their ballots early.
More resources:
| DEMOCRAT | Precinct #1 | Precinct #2 | Total votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph R. Biden | 525 | 303 | 828 | 33% |
| Elizabeth Warren | 486 | 225 | 711 | 29% |
| Bernie Sanders | 225 | 169 | 394 | 16% |
| Michael R. Bloomberg | 251 | 136 | 387 | 16% |
| Pete Buttigieg | 50 | 36 | 86 | 3% |
| Amy Klobuchar | 40 | 13 | 53 | 2% |
| Andrew Yang | 5 | 3 | 8 | 0% |
| Tom Steyer | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0% |
| Deval Patrick | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0% |
| Tulsi Gabbard | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0% |
| Michael Bennet | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0% |
| John K. Delaney | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0% |
| John Delaney | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Corey Booker | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Marianne Williamson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Total ballots cast | 1,593 | 893 | 2,494 | 100% |
| REPUBLICAN | Precinct #1 | Precinct #2 | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donald J. Trump | 88 | 52 | 140 | 71% |
| William F. Weld | 28 | 16 | 44 | 22% |
| Joe Walsh | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2% |
| Roque "Rocky" De La Fuente | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Total ballots cast | 126 | 70 | 196 | 96% |
| GREEN-RAINBOW | Precinct #1 | Precinct #2 | Total votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dario Hunter | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| S.K.C. Moyowasifza-Curry | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total ballots cast | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| LIBERTARIAN | Precinct #1 | Precinct #2 | Total votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Hornberger | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Total ballots cast | 1 | 1 | 3 |
NOTE: Totals include early voting but do not include write-ins or blank ballots.
Democratic Town Committee:
Sharon Antia, Graham Atkin, Laura Berland, Alexander Chatfield, Gary Dean Davis, Sheila Dennis, Marjorie Debowy, Theordore Debowy, Lorraine Fiore, Jerry Gechter, Andrew Glass, Jennifer Glass, Alexandra Golden, Jennifer Gundy, Roy Harvey, Sarah Cannon Holden, Joan Kimball, Geraldine Lattimore, Christopher Loschen, Rosemary Kerrebrock, E. Rachel Mason, Margaret McLaughlin, Carolyn Montie, Paul Montie, Jessica Packineau, Travis Roland, Jacqueline Sasso, Betty-Jane Scheff, Alvin Schmertzler, Paul Shorb, Barbara Slayter, William Stason, Tricia Thornton-Wells, Jean Welsh.
Republican Town Committee:
Stephen Binder, Sandra Damirjian, Joseph Dwyer Jr., Richard Fraiman, Adam Hogue, Mark Soukup, David Stubblebine, Richard Theriault.