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

News acorns

Road closures this week and next

To accommodate water main work, Bedford Road will be closed from the five-way intersection to Canaan Drive at the following times:

  • Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28–29 from 8:15am–3:00 pm (closures begin later on the first two days of school)
  • Tuesday though Friday, Sept. 2–5 from 7:00am–3:00pm 

New appointments

The Select Board has approved the following appointments to town positions:

  • Conservation Commission — Ross Tucker (replacing Susan Hall Mygatt, now on the Planning Board)
  • Roadway & Traffic Committee — Sharon Collura (replacing Deborah Howe) and Robert Soluri (filling a vacant seat)

The Lincoln Police Department also appointed two new recruits. Aidan Hawley is the newly approved 14th  officer in the department and Owen Hughes is replacing Officer Greg Lamb, who was hired in another town. They are attending the Boylston Police Academy in Boylston and will be probationary police officers when their training is completed in six months.

Fall harvest shindig at the Food Project

Everyone is invited to the Shindig at Baker Bridge Farm, The Food Project‘s harvest festival fundraiser, on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11:00am–2:00pm at Baker Bridge Farm. The schedule:

  • 11:00am–1:00pm — Hands-on apple pressing, yoga, djembe drum circle lessons, and bluegrass music
  • 11:00am–1:30pm — Lunch and seasonal farm-inspired food and drinks from Fresh Food Generation, Mei Mei Dumplings, Root plus beer and wine
  • 1:30–2:00pm — Dessert (fresh cider donuts from Red Apple Farm) and final bids on the silent auction. Items to bid on include a wine and cheese basket by Vin Fromage, a vacation getaway in Bremen, Maine, a tasting menu experience at Nightshade Noodle Bar in Lynn, and more to come.

Reserve your tickets at www.thefoodprojectshindig.org ($50 for adults, $20 for children age 3–12).

Town gets grant to improve Stony Brook culverts

The culvert under Peirce Hill Road.

The town has received a state grant of $149,000 to collect field data preparatory to replacing three undersized culverts on Lincoln Road, Pierce Hill Road, and Tower Road over Stony Brook.

The Lincoln appropriation is part of a $2.9 funding package provided by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration to 21 towns with the goal of strengthening resilience against extreme weather events, improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and restore crucial wildlife habitat.  

“Massachusetts has over 25,000 culverts, most of which are undersized. By replacing these outdated culverts with larger, safer structures, we can better prepare our communities for severe weather,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement. “Investing in these projects now will save our cities and towns money on disaster recovery in the future.” 

A map showing the three culverts.

The existing Stony Brook culverts also act as barriers to fish passage, and larger culverts would reconnect 2.3 miles of the brook’s cold-water fishery and state-designated Outstanding Resource Water, enhancing wildlife populations in important wooded wetlands, Conservation Director Michelle Grzenda said. Certain stretches of the brook have been known to provide habitat for trout, and historical surveys have documented additional species including bluegill and American eel, she added.

The Lincoln Road crossing features a stone box culvert of undetermined age, while the Pierce Hill and Tower Road crossings have corrugated metal pipe culverts showing evidence of erosion. All three structures are undersized by current engineering standards and function as barriers to aquatic organism passage, Grzenda said.

“We’re very excited to have received this grant award,” she said. “I also want to gratefully acknowledge the Charles River Watershed Association for their invaluable assistance in the grant application process, which made this important watershed restoration initiative possible.”

Rock hammering has Old Winter Street residents up in arms

Hammering work to break up ledge had gotten abut halfway done by mid-August as shown in orange (click to enlarge).

After an outcry from neighbors complaining about teeth-rattling noise, work being done by hammering machines to break up rock ledge off Old Winter Street has been stopped while the property owners draw up a alternative plan for blasting. 

The work is being done on a three-lot, 8.5-acre parcel owned by Timothy and Madeleine Plaut to install an underground water main that will service a new hydrant, since the house is too far from the road. The Plauts, who currently live in Europe, got Planning Board approval in April to clear-cut and replant several acres of undeveloped land between Old Winter Street and Silver Hill Road.

Since work began, more than a dozen neighbors have complained to the town about the excessive noise from machinery that drills holes in the ledge and then hammers away the rock to create a trench for the water main. Jen Stephens of Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design acknowledged at an August 12 Planning Board meeting that “it’s going very slow” and could take several more weeks to complete.

“There has been a systemic lack of transparency and effective communication, severed utilities (both water and internet), and unannounced street closures,” said Jay Donnelly of 35 Old Winter St., reading from a statement signed by about 16 area property owners. The all-day hammering has “disrupted indoor activities and prevented outdoor activities,” he added.

Planning Board Chair Lynn DeLisi was even more critical, citing harm to “the mental health of your neighbors. You’ve already ruined their summers. There has to be another way to do this.”

The meeting was held to consider a request from the owners to modify the approved plan to allow blasting instead of drilling and hammering. Permission and supervision from the Fire Department would also be required. Matt Shaughnessy of Maine Drilling and Blasting gave a detailed presentation on how blasting is done, the planning and precautions that are taken, and measures to minimize sound and vibration that could potentially damage nearby properties. State law specifies limits on changes in air pressure due to blasting, which sounds like “distant thunder,” he said.

Stephens and the Plauts’ attorney maintained that they were within their rights to remove the rock in whatever way they deemed best. Running the driveway and water main from Silver Hill Road was not an option since the Conservation Commission will not allow a pipe or driveway over the intervening wetlands.

“We have a lot of factors we’re trying to mitigate,” Stephens said. “We’re trying to save some trees [and] trying not to impact the topography with huge amounts of fill. I don’t think there is a miracle solution that is going to eliminate the need for either continued hammering or a much more efficient method of rock removal.”

Young said that in general, blasting can potentially cause “cosmetic damage to the weakest construction material” such as horsehair plaster in nearby houses, though Shaughnessy said the vibration levels would be well under state limits and pose less of a threat to foundations than seasonal temperature changes and high winds. Neighbors also worried about the possibility of radon gas release and cracked foundations, since the ledge under the Plaut property may extend under houses.

“There are a lot of unknowns [about potential damage] that make me very nervous,” said Justin Hopson, whose home at 38 Old Winter St. abutting the Plaut property dates from 1886.

One possibility is placing the hydrant farther from the house, reducing the requirement for 20 feet of trench, about half of which is complete. Stephens said they were “very open to exploring the feasibility of [having] the hydrant at the current limit of excavation” and they would confer with Fire Chief Brian Young to see if that was a workable solution. 

The board acknowledged that they didn’t have the authority to order the Plauts to stop work but asked them to do so in good faith while planning continues in preparation for the next board meeting on September 9.

“You’re hanging out a giant ‘Trust me’ card,” Donnelly said. “It’s been a very long four weeks.”

Property transactions in June 2025

15 Sunnyside Lane — Linda Laughland Trust to Sara Abbott Bellin and Adam Rieth for $1,200,000 (June 26)

15 Juniper Ridge Road — Peter W. Wyatt to Julian Kwan and Rebekah Larsen for $1,025,000 (June 23)

236 Aspen Circle — Stephen K. Geiger to Jerry J. Ding and Jessica Donahue for $930,000 (June 23)

82 Virginia Road #B405 — Madeline H. Chen Trust to Diane McElligot for $430,000 (June 18)

9 Silver Birch Lane — Peter V. Marsden to Forrest Gittleson and Melissa Fitzmaurice for $1,475,000 (June 18)

46 Bedford Road — Robert P. Hopkins to Stephen Hawley Trust and Nin You Trust for $1,260,000 (June 16)

7 Lincoln Road — Thomas W. Darling to Austin Smith and Alexandra Milne for $2,525,000 (June 9)

49 Stonehedge — Annie Knowlton Trust to Timothy and Jessica Donahue for $1,850,000 (June 6) 

News acorns

Lincoln Road detour two days this week

From Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 25–27, a portion of Lincoln Road will be closed for water main work. Drivers will be detoured to Peirce Hill Road and Tower Road, and they will be able to access the Lincoln School campus only from the Peirce Hill side of the Lincoln Road/Ballfield Road intersection.

Apply for a Lincoln Cultural Council grant

The grant cycle for the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) is opening soon. Applications open on Tuesday, Sept. 2 and are due by October 16. There will be an online info cession with MCC staff on September 9. Grant recipients will be announced by January 15, 2026.

Grants are awarded by local chapters. The Lincoln Cultural Council regularly surveys town members about their thoughts on the types of programs they would like to see. Based on this input, the council will prioritize events in performance and visual arts, as well as  those that explore the natural world and local history. They strongly prefer applications from individuals and organizations who have already arranged a partnership with a Lincoln venue and/or organization, and programs that will appeal to a diverse multigenerational audience. Click here to apply. The group is always seeking volunteers to join in the decision-making process. To learn more, email LincolnCulturalCouncil@gmail.com.

Fall noticing walks

The first “noticing walk” of the fall season led by John Calabria and co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Council on Aging & Human Services will be on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 1:00pm. The walks are gently paced but cover rough terrain and elevation change. Click here to RSVP.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission (7 Lincoln Rd.)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to consider the application of 7 Lincoln Rd., M/P 143-8-0 to repoint or repair missing or crumbled mortar on the front of the house. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission (9 Baker Farm Rd.)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to consider the application of 9 Baker Farm Rd., M/P 137-15-0, to replace the roof, chimneys and change out two windows into doors. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission (0 Concord Rd.)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to consider the application of 0 Concord Rd., 160-14-0, to determine the significance of the building. Anyone wishing to be heard on this matter should be present at the designated time and place.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Zoning Board of Appeals (Sept. 24, 2025)

The Zoning Board of the Appeals of the Town of Lincoln will hold a virtual online public hearing on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 7:00 P.M to hear and to act on the following petitions under the Zoning Bylaws:

New:

Robert Fallon and Jenn Monaghan, 23 Boyce Farm Rd., M/P 178-15-0 for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.

Mike Preshman, 6 Brooks Rd., M/P 112-12-0 for renewal of a special permit for an accessory apartment.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Police log for July 31–August 14, 2205

July 31

Bank of America, Lincoln Road (2:14am) — An officer checked on a person who had stepped outside to make a phone call.

Weston Road (3:25am) — An officer performed a check on a parked and occupied vehicle. The operator cleared from the area a short time later.

Lincoln Road (8:02am) — An officer assisted a motorist who had sideswiped a utility pole.

Cranberry Terrace, Hanscom AFB (4:28pm) — An officer attempted to serve court paperwork.

August 1

Conant Road (8:11am) — An officer spoke to a person about a potential scam.

Bypass Road (10:09am) — An officer provided a courtesy transport to a motorist after their vehicle was disabled.

Lincoln Road (5:14pm) — A two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Lincoln and Codman Roads. One operator was transported to the hospital. The operator who caused the crash was cited for failing to yield to oncoming traffic.

August 2

Red Rail Farm (12:11pm) — A person spoke with an officer about a possible fraud.

Lincoln Road (12:17pm) — An officer helped a person with a follow-up related to a past motor vehicle crash.

Lincoln Road (8:12pm) — A caller reported hearing a dog barking, possibly in distress, from inside a residence. An officer arrived on scene and heard no barking and observed no signs to indicate the animal was in distress.

August 3

Baker Bridge Road (12:36pm) — An officer performed parking enforcement.

Virginia Road (1:54pm) — An officer investigated a reported noise complaint.

North Commons (4:06pm) — An officer spoke to the owner of a vehicle that was blocking access to a parking spot. The vehicle was moved a short time later.

August 4

Drumlin Farm (4:27am) — A caller reported seeing an injured deer by the side of the road. Due to obvious injuries, the deer was dispatched by police.

Baker Bridge Road (9:04pm) — A caller reported their dog was missing. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Bedford Road (2:07pm) — A caller reported a golden retriever running alongside Bedford Road near Route 2. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Lincoln Road (2:43pm) — The dog from the previous call was reunited with its owner.

Old County Road (3:15pm) — An officer spoke to a person regarding a potential fraud.

Winter Street (4:17pm) — An officer spoke to a person regarding a potential fraud.

Doherty’s Garage (4:20pm) — An officer responded regarding a person who did not pay for their gas.

August 5

Greenridge Lane (10:28am) — A caller reported the unauthorized use of a gas-powered leaf blower. An officer arrived but did not observe anyone using such a device.

Old County Road (1:01pm) — An officer was unsuccessful in an attempt to serve court paperwork.

North Great Road (4:56pm) — A caller reported seeing a person in distress on the side of the road. Police and fire units responded. The person was fine and required no assistance.

August 6

Greenridge Lane (11:04am) — A caller reported the unauthorized use of a gas-powered leaf blower. An officer arrived and spoke with a landscape crew, which was using a battery-powered leaf blower.

Todd Pond Road (3:25pm) — A caller reported the unauthorized use of a gas-powered leaf blower. An officer spoke with the landscape company and advised them of the bylaw violation.

August 7

Old Lexington Road (7:54am) — Verizon was notified regarding utility wires hanging in the roadway.

Magic Garden, Ballfield Road (8:06am) — An officer performed a courtesy transport.

Todd Pond Road (8:59am) — An officer was asked to perform a well-being check.

Lincoln Road (9:17am) — An officer came upon a downed power line. The roadway was detoured for a short period of time until Eversource could arrive to remove the wire.

Magic Garden, Ballfield Road (8:56am) — A caller reported a suspicious person in the area. An officer checked the building and surroundings but was unable to locate the person.

Lincoln Road (4:31pm) — A caller reported a tree leaning on utility wires. Verizon was notified.

August 8

Lincoln Road (11:44am) — Comcast was notified regarding the tree leaning on wires.

Todd Pond Road (1:37pm) — A caller reported the unauthorized use of a gas-powered leaf blower. An officer arrived on scene and confirmed the leaf blower use was from a battery-powered device.

Acorn Lane (5:17pm) — A caller reported the Acorn Lane street sign had been struck and was in the roadway. The DPW was notified.

August 9

Davison Drive (12:25pm) — An officer checked on a potential parking issue due to a yard sale in the area.

Winter Street (7:34pm) — An officer responded to the one-way section of Winter Street for the report of cars racing in the area. The vehicles were gone on arrival.

Page Farm Road (9:11pm) — An officer responded to a residence to check on the property. Nothing was out of the ordinary.

August 10

Mall at Lincoln Station (10:40am) — An officer performed a well-being check on a motorist parked in the Donelan’s parking lot. The person declined any assistance.

Walden Pond boat ramp (11:57am) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded to the town of Concord for a mutual aid request.

Emerson Road (12:36pm) — A person turned in two firearms-related items marked for destruction.

August 11

Hawk Hill Road (1:14pm) — An officer responded to a residence for a reported bylaw violation.

Lincoln Road (6:53pm) — A caller reported seeing a turtle in the roadway. When an officer arrived, the turtle had already made it safely across the road.

Wells Road (7:48pm) — The Fire Department responded to a residence for the odor of gas coming from a stove. The stove was disconnected and maintenance was notified.

August 12

Nothing of note.

August 13

South Great Road (8:12am) — Weston police requested assistance in locating a person who needed assistance. The area was checked by both departments but the person could not be located.

Lincoln Road (11:44am) — Verizon and Comcast were notified regarding a tree limb on utility wires.

Baker Bridge Road (9:46pm) — A tree limb was reported in the roadway. The responding officer was able to remove it.

August 14

Lincoln Road (1:41pm) — An officer spoke with a person in the lobby of the police station.

Harvest Circle (9:40pm) — An officer spoke with a person who mistakenly contacted the police for assistance.