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

New HCA options would move some allowed units from south to north Lincoln

Editor’s note: this article was amended on October 26 to include mention of the upcoming public forums.

Faced with a torrent of protest over the “Lincoln Station only” option for allowing multifamily housing, town officials discussed three more options that include subdistricts in north Lincoln and fewer units allowed around the train station.

Option C, which officials have already submitted to the state for a compliance check.

The Housing Choice Act (also known as the “3A legislation”) requires Lincoln to allow a total of 635 multifamily housing units at an overall density of 15 units per acre. Twenty percent of that land must be within a half-mile of the train station and at least 50% must be in a single contiguous subdistrict.

Earlier this month, the town submitted Option C comprising four South Lincoln subdistricts to the state for a compliance check to ensure it meets HCA requirements. That option was selected over two earlier proposals that included subdistricts in the areas of either Battle Road Farm or the Lincoln North office building because, at the time, public sentiment at the State of the Town meeting and at public forums over the summer was overwhelmingly in favor of having a single compact area of multifamily housing. 

However, since then, many residents have said on LincolnTalk and elsewhere that they want to minimize the number of units in South Lincoln due to concerns about traffic, environmental impact, and overall congestion. (Archived LincolnTalk posts can be browsed here — login required). As a result, the Housing Choice Act Working Group asked consultant Utile to suggest more options that included North Lincoln after all.

A comparison of the four options now on the table (click image to enlarge).

New options D1 and D2 were presented at a multiboard meeting on October 24. D1 reduces the size and and number of allowed units in the Codman Road subdistrict (indicated in green on Option C) while allowing 94 units around the Lincoln North office building. D2 has the same Codman Road reduction but would allow 242 units in the Battle Road Farm area (up from the current 120). Option D3 removes the Codman Road subdistrict altogether while allowing even denser development than D2 in the Battle Road Farm area.

Since it concentrates multifamily housing near the train station, Option C (with a total of 639 permitted units, four more than the minimum) hews the closest to the town goal of revitalizing South Lincoln with businesses and housing and is “most aligned with the spirit of the 3A legislation,” said Director of Town Planning and Land Use Paula Vaughn-Mackenzie. Options D1, D2, and D3 call for multifamily unit totals of 636, 784, and 749 units respectively.

Battle Road Farm

Options D2 and D3 would require the town to allow more multifamily housing around Battle Road Farm — “but the likelihood of anything being built there is pretty close to zero,” Vaughn-Mackenzie said. This is because Battle Road Farm comprises individually owned condos and shared common space, so any developer would need every owner to sell or approve of new construction there. As a practical matter, therefore, Options D2 and D3 don’t include Battle Road Farm as a realistic area for new housing and thus serve as a workaround to reduce the total number of units that can ultimately be built in Lincoln.

“I actually think it’s a negative because it signals we’re just checking a box and we don’t want significant housing added to town,” said Rachel Drew, a member of HCAWG and the Housing Commission. “I’m worried that the state will see it that way —  not adhering to the intentions of the HCA.”

While there’s no telling yet how state housing officials would feel about those two options, they realize that towns will add 3A subdistricts in areas that already have multifamily housing, Vaughn-MacKenzie said. “There are different perspectives in town on what compliance should look like… and I think options we’ve presented have run that gamut.”

In an effort to comply with the spirit of the law, the town and Utile initially considered subdistricts in other areas in town that already have multifamily housing. They were discarded because there is no public transportation near any of them, while there are MBTA bus stops at Hanscom Field and Hanscom Drive that are accessible from Battle Road Farm and Lincoln North.

“While bus service at Battle Road Farm may not be great, at least it is something that exists. You can’t make that argument for Farrar Pond Village, Oriole Landing, or The Commons,” Select Board member Jennifer Glass said.

Some residents are also worried that more development in South Lincoln will interfere with a wildlife corridor, but Conservation Director Michelle Grzenda said this isn’t an issue. More South Lincoln development “is not going to dramatically impact wildlife corridors and habitat,” she said. If the town was looking to allow housing on a “big forested patch,” it would be concerning, but putting units in an area that already has numerous businesses and housing “I think is smart planning.”

Resident input

HCAWG will host two public forums on Wednesday, Nov. 8:

 At the Special Town Meeting on December 2, there will be a nonbinding paper ballot “sense of the town” vote by residents on which of the four current options they prefer (and “none of the above” will also be a choice). The Annual Town Meeting in March will include a vote on the preferred option for final submission to the state. Cities and towns have until December 2024 to have HCA-compliant multifamily zoning in place.

My Turn: How would you use a community center?

By Ellen Meyer Shorb

A friend asked me the other day, “Do you really think you will use the community center?” Absolutely, I said. Another friend leaned in to the conversation and said, “If we don’t build a community center, I may not stay in Lincoln.” The first friend said, “Tell me, how do you think you would use the center?”

Well, I said, I imagine that… since I work from home a lot and particularly when I retire, I will have a routine where I work out in the mornings at the center, in a class or on my own. After my workout, I stop by the lobby for a cup of coffee. While there, I sign up to read to second graders on Tuesday after my workout. And in my afternoon watercolor class at the center, I find myself sitting next to the second grader that I read to!

I imagine that… every Fourth of July I attend a fundraiser at the center, enjoy a barbecue and wine, see my friends, and then mosey over to the fireworks with my blanket and friends I bumped into.

I imagine that… if we’d had a center 17 years ago when we moved in during August with four kids ages 7 to 15, our realtor would have mentioned that the center has welcome ambassadors, one at Parks and Rec and one at the Council on Aging. And that I would have found out about the pool, Valley Pond, membership to the deCordova, and made my first friend through an ambassador.

I’m curious — what do you imagine? Why are you interested in a community center? 

Shorb is submitting this piece as a personal note, although she is a member of the Finance Committee and the Community Center Building Committee. You can contact her at meyershorb@gmail.com.

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

Marion Meenan, 1943–2023

Marion Meenan

Marion Morey Meenan, 80, a Lincoln resident since 1968, passed away at Care Dimensions Hospice House on October 9, 2023. She was the wife of the late Robert L. Sutherland.

She was born in Washington, D.C., on January 25, 1943 as the daughter of the late Joseph H. Morey, Jr. and Marion (Leeson) Morey. After growing up in Buffalo, N.Y. and graduating from Brown University in 1964, Marion held several jobs in publishing in New York and Boston.

As she raised her two daughters, Marion became a devoted volunteer for several local organizations and activities while working on a part-time basis for Brandeis University. She later returned to school, earning an MBA at Babson College in Wellesley. Subsequently, she held several management positions at XRE Corp. in Littleton before becoming Vice President of Engineering. 

Her retirement years were joyfully spent sharing life’s adventures with those she loved most. Special bonds were formed with each arriving grandchild over the years. She was an extremely loyal and devoted fan, attending every hockey game, horse show and extracurricular event involving any grandchild. She enjoyed attending theater and ballet performances, visiting museums, traveling, biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, and walking. Marion became a proud resident of the vibrant and loving community at The Commons in the final years of her life. Among the many qualities that endeared Marion to many, she will be profoundly missed for her positive influence, supportive nature, love for learning and zest for life. 

She is survived by two daughters, Susan Barron and her husband Dev, and Loraine Cook and her husband Steve, all of Concord; and five grandchildren: Thomas Barron, Annie Barron, Charlie Cook, Peter Cook, and Ben Cook. She was the sister of Susan Morey Harries and the late Loraine Morey Rust. 

A private burial service will be held at the Lincoln Cemetery on November 24, 2023, which marks the 31st wedding anniversary of Marion and Bob. A private reception will follow.  

Marion valued education, “expeditions,” and equal rights. In lieu of flowers, please honor Marion’s spirit by enjoying an adventure or fun activity, signing up for that class you’ve always wanted to take, and of course, making sure to register to vote.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a memory or to offer a condolence in Marion’s online guestbook, click here.

News acorns

“Tales of the Night” at Drumlin Farm

Tales of the Night, the annual family-friendly, nature-oriented spooktacular at Drumlin Farm, returns on Thursday and Friday, October 26 and 27 from 6:30–9 p.m. Activities range from “not so spooky” to “very spooky,” making Tales of the Night great for all ages. The wildlife sanctuary’s pathways will be candlelit to set the mood, so attendees will be able to spot the illuminated jack-o-lantern display. And don’t be surprised to wander into a story along the Nursery Rhyme Trail! Haunted Hayrides will explore Boyce Field. A variety of wildlife “ambassadors” will also be joining the party, including tarantulas and scorpions as special Halloween guests. Snacks will be available, as will secret “Witches Brew” for the (blood)thirsty. (This concoction may taste like apple cider to young attendees.) 

Proceeds from the event ($17 members/$20 nonmembers) provide critical support for Mass Audubon’s nature education and conservation programs. Admission is free for children 2 and younger — and coming dressed in costumes is encouraged! Register and learn more here, or visit massaudubon.org/tales.

Sinister Spectacular for kids at L-S

Come to the fourth annual Sinister Spectacular at Lincoln-Sudbury High School on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1-3 p.m. Halloween-themed games and crafts will be hosted by our students (outside if weather permits; in the cafeteria if it doesn’t). This event is best for pre-school through elementary kids. Costumes not required but encouraged. $5 entry and refreshments for sale. Email danielle_weisse@lsrhs.net with any questions. 

Coming up at the library  

“I Remember Abuelito” — A Day of the Dead Story
Saturday, Nov. 4 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Tarbell Room)
Enjoy bilingual storytelling with this Day of the Dead story. This Mexican holiday is a celebration where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink, and celebration. After the story, we will reinforce Spanish vocabulary from the story as we sing, play, and do a craft. This program is for those who speak Spanish and those who want to learn. No registration or previous knowledge required. Recommended for children ages 5+.

Opera for Everyone with Erika Reitshamer: “Nabucco”|
Sunday, Nov. 5 from 2-3:30 p.m. (Tarbell Room
The story of Nabucco and captivity of the Israelites in Babylon transcends time and culture. It has grown into a powerful representation of oppression and people struggling for freedom throughout history. The Verdi  opera’s most famous number, the chorus of the Hebrew slaves “Va pensiero,” gave voice to a simmering Italian nationalism and eventually became the unofficial anthem of the Italian independence movement. Presenter Erika Reitshamer is returning to Lincoln Library with a three-week opera course.

Living with Wildlife in Massachusetts
Monday, Nov. 6 from 3-4 p.m. (Tarbell Room)
Learn about commonly encountered wildlife such as deer, coyote, and raccoons, and their intersection with wild and developed spaces. Find out best practices for maintaining bird feeders and attracting visitors and learn about amazing pollinators and problematic mosquitoes and ticks. Led by Tia Pinney, lead naturalist and educator at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Lincoln’s Lituri to be honored

Kathy Lituri

On Friday, Nov. 3 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, ABCD will honor Lincoln resident Kathy Lituri at Boston’s most empowering event, the ABCD Community Heroes Celebration. Lituri is among 18 nominated from across the region by ABCD neighborhood centers and programs for their selfless contribution of time, energy, expertise and compassion. Boston native Lawrence O’Donnell, host of MSNBC’s The Last Word, and Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson of the “Tennessee Three” will engage in a keynote conversation during the gala.

Lituri, a dental hygienist and faculty member at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, directs the school’s dental outreach programs. Her work with ABCD revolves around oral health, ensuring that Head Start children have their required dental exams, coordinating parent and staff workshops, and helping Head Start sites establish and maintain tooth-brushing programs.

“Leave the Leaves”

The Lincoln Garden Club presents “Leave the Leaves, Save the Stems” with landscape designer, writer, and educator Kathy Connolly on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Bemis Hall. Why are fallen leaves and dead stems important? What are the practical concerns? How can we keep properties attractive? Organized by the Lincoln Garden Club in collaboration with Lincoln Common Ground and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. Also available via Zoom; click here to register.

“Food for Thought: Maternal Health Equity”

Come to a special community supper for all ages offering a chance to enjoy a simple meal together, and learn and talk with each other at “Food for Thought: Maternal Health Equity” on Wednesday, Nov. 8 hosted by Racial Justice Advocates at the First Parish in Lincoln. Supper prepared by FPL chefs at 5:30 p.m., discussion from 6:30–8 p.m. Speakers include Marianna McPherson from the Neighborhood Birth Center in Roxbury. Reservations appreciated for dinner and required for childcare; form will be posted soon here.

Talk on those who worked the land

Join us for “Recovering Lost Voices” on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 4–5 p.m. at the Codman Estate’s Carriage House with Jen Turner of the Robbins House as we explore an important and often overlooked part of our history here in Lincoln — the lives of people who worked this land, many of whom did so without choice. Click here to RSVP (appreciated but not required).

Thanksgiving pies from FELS

FELS, the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury, will offer its annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale again this year.  FELS is grateful to Tom Fosnot and Ruth-Anne Adams, LSRHS parents and owner/chefs of The Hyve, for offering their talents in crafting an array of wonderful Thanksgiving dessert choices. Pies can be ordered until Friday, Nov. 10 at www.FELSGrant.org. Pickup will be Tuesday, Nov. 21 (times and location information are on the pie-ordering website).

Pies can also be purchased as a gift for LSRHS faculty and staff and/or for donation to the Lincoln or Sudbury Fire and Police Departments and to the Sudbury Food Pantry at Ascension Parish/Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sudbury. A donor has notified the Lincoln Food Pantry that they will supply pies for all households who utilize the pantry, and thus further donations for them from FELS are not needed this year. All gifted and donated pies will be delivered by FELS to their respective recipients. Don’t need a pie this Thanksgiving? Consider a donation to FELS (the goal for their 2023 annual appeal is $15,000). Questions? Contact Nancy Marshall at admin@FELSGrant.org or 781-259-9471.

Wendy Sobel to perform at LOMA

Wendy Sobel

Wendy Sobel is the featured performer at the next LOMA (Lincoln Open Mic Night) on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 7–10 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m. Perform or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word in the Lincoln Public Library’s Tarbell Room.Sobel has been the driving force in several notable bands including Girl’s Night Out and Daring Angels. Her guitar-playing appeal might well be compared with Bonnie Raitt’s. To see her in action, watch her video of “One Love,” an original performed live at the MA Country Music Association Awards

For a slot at this monthly event, performers should email Rich Eilbert at loma3re@gmail.com before noon of the open-mic day) or (space permitting) sign up at the event. Names of those who are signed up by 7 p.m. will be drawn at random. We have a sound system with mikes and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style.

Movie for kids: “Zootopia”

First Parish in Lincoln is hosting a movie night on Wednesday, Nov. 15 — get cozy and watch “Zootopia” with pizza at 5 p.m. and the movie starting at 5:30 p.m. with popcorn. Refreshments and cheese board for adults. We’ll have gluten-free options as well. We will also be collecting diapers for the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive — any and all unused diapers welcome, loose or in packages. Please RSVP so we have an accurate count for food (note: this is not a drop-off event). To make a suggested donation of $10/family to help cover food costs, click here, select Youth Programs and type “Movie Night 11/15” in the notes field.

Lincoln Arts (and Crafts) Show

Calling all artists, photographers, potters, jewelers, wood workers, and crafters of all materials — show and view at the 2023 Lincoln Arts (and Crafts) Show Friday to Sunday, Nov. 17–19 at the Pierce House. Meet the artists at the opening reception on Friday, Nov. 17 from 5–7 p.m.

As always, this open show is for all ages, all creative arts, and all abilities — and student entries are free. Due to high attendance, we will be opening up the second floor to additional displays. The deadline to register your work is Friday, Nov. 10. Details and registration at lincolnma.myrec.com.

Lincoln field finally gets its historically correct name

Betsy Dakin (left) and Erica Dakin Voolich of Somerville at the dedication of Dakin Field.

Betsy Dakin (left) and Erica Dakin Voolich of Somerville at the dedication of Dakin Field.

For years, Lincolites have known the field at the corner of Sandy Pond and Baker Bridge Roads as the Muster Field. But now, thanks to some historical correction, it’s been officially renamed Dakin Field.

Almost a dozen Dakins from all over gathered at the field on October 13 to witness the installation of a new sign above the wooden “Lincoln Conservation Land” sign. Lincoln’s Betsy Dakin and others in her clan wielded a power screwdriver to tighten the last couple of bolts.

The etched rock a few feet away says “Here men from the western part of town joined the Minute Men and militia marching from the town center” and quotes from an 1850 affidavit by Amos Baker, then a 94-year-old veteran of the Revolutionary War’s opening battle. So far, so good — Baker and several others — did indeed meet other Lincoln soldiers on that spot, according to local historian Rick Wiggin, a guest at the Dakin Field dedication and author of a 2021 Lincoln Squirrel article on this topic.

There were seven members of the Baker family who were in arms at Concord the morning of April 19, 1775: brothers Amos, Jacob, James, Nathaniel, and Samuel; their father, Jacob Sr.; and their brother-in-law, Daniel Hosmer. Jacob Sr. was probably there as a private citizen (probably too old to have been in the militia) to look out for the well-being of his sons and son-in-law. Three of their neighbors (Daniel, Nathan, and Timothy Billing) were also in arms at Concord as members of the Minute Man company, so it’s likely that they were with the Bakers as they rendezvoused with the two companies at Dakin’s Field. The Bakers and Billings all lived more or less along what is today Route 126 and Old Concord Road and Baker Bridge Road.

Representatives from several branches of the Dakin family gathered at the dedication of Dakin Field.

When the alarm rose, it wouldn’t have made sense for them to go to the Lincoln’s actual muster (gathering of troops) in the town center, where they drilled and where Bemis Hall now stands, and then pass to the field near their home again on the way to fight the British in Concord, Wiggin explained.

The field didn’t actually get its erroneous name until the early 1980s, when Sumner Smith was offering to sell several parcels of land to the town, Wiggin said. His ancestors had bought the land from the Dakins and some years earlier, had given another large parcel to the town for the schools (hence Smith School, the name of the southern end of the Lincoln School when it was treated as a separate middle school).

The town couldn’t afford all the land being offered in 1983; “they were about to let this field go for development,” Wiggin said, until the late Henry Rugo (a charter member of the modern Lincoln Minute Men) stood up at Town Meeting and protested, saying, “This is where the Lincoln Minute Men mustered!” or words to that effect. Given the parcel’s apparently valuable historical significance, the town went ahead and bought it.

The story became local lore and the boulder dedicating the “Muster Field” was dedicated on the 225th anniversary of the battle in 2000. (The erroneous history can also be found on page 151 of the A Guide to Conservation Land in Lincoln.) It was another example of a misstatement inadvertently becoming received knowledge, “but it saved the land, and that’s the important thing,” Dakin said.

The Dakin family has not been continuous in Lincoln since the Revolution. Betsy Dakin moved here to Ryan Estate from Plainville several years ago. She had an idea of the family’s earlier connection to Lincoln and she was curious to find the site of the old homestead, “so I did some detective work,” she said. “I was delighted that it was conservation land — I was afraid I’d have to knock on the door” of a newer house standing on the spot.The Dakin name lives on in the area — the LEAP School, a Sudbury preschool, moved into the former Dakin Homestead at 123 Dakin Road in 1998.

Police log for October 8–15, 2023

October 8

Old Cambridge Turnpike (5:25 p.m.) — Police were asked to stand by while a resident retrieved some belongings.

October 9

South Great Road (11:55 a.m.) — A resident reported discovering a dog on the conservation trails with no owner in site. Animal Control was notified.

Stonehedge Road (8:36 p.m.) — A caller reported hearing what they thought were gunshots in the area. Police checked the area but were unable to locate the origin.

Tower Road (9:08 p.m.) — An officer discovered a small dog wandering Tower Road while investigating the previous call. The dog was reunited with its owner a short time later.

October 10

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (8:28 a.m.) — A two-vehicle crash with no injuries was reported. The Massachusetts State Police responded and booked the crash.

South Great Road (12:51 p.m. and 4:32 p.m.) — Court documents were served.

Wells Road (3:51 p.m.) — A resident called to report an item partially obstructing their fire control panel. The Fire Department was notified.

Russett Court (9:08 p.m.) — An employee reported that their vehicle had been struck and damaged in the parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

October 11

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (8:2 a.m.) — A motorist reported a disabled vehicle on Route 2 East. Police checked the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Russett Court (10:58 a.m.) — A caller reported being the victim of a possible internet fraud scheme.

Codman Road (1:10 p.m.) — A caller notified the police regarding a missing cell phone. The owner was notified.

Linway Road (3:06 p.m.) — A resident was having an issue with their water meter. The Lincoln Water Department was notified.

October 12

Warbler Springs Road (8:13 a.m.) — A resident called to report a suspicious vehicle idling. The operator of the vehicle was picking up their child.

Lincoln Road (8:58 a.m.) — Police responded to the Donelan’s parking lot for a minor motor vehicle crash and assisted the operators with exchanging information.

Airport Road (2:41 p.m.) — Police and fire personnel responded to the exit of Minuteman Tech for a two-vehicle crash when a vehicle had entered Route 2A and struck a vehicle. There were no injuries reported. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Laurel Drive (4:31 p.m.) — A resident called to report an individual vandalizing street signs. Police responded and identified the individual. An investigation is ongoing.

October 13

Page Farm Road (6:16 a.m.) — A suspicious vehicle was observed in the driveway of a residence. Police confirmed that the vehicle belonged to a cleaning service.

North Great Road (7:56 a.m.) — A one-vehicle crash occurred on Route 2A near Brooks Road when a vehicle struck a utility pole. The operator was uninjured. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Lexington Road (5:11 p.m.) — A caller reported a two-vehicle crash on Route 2A, but the crash occurred in Concord. Concord Police were notified to handle.

October 14

Old County Road (5:31 p.m.) — Police received a call regarding an unoccupied vehicle parked on the side of the road. Operator was identified illegally fishing at the Cambridge Reservoir.

Old County Road (6:07 p.m.) — Police checked on a disabled vehicle. AAA removed the vehicle a short time later.

Trapelo Road (8:46 p.m.) — Police responded for a report of a one-vehicle crash and discovered that a vehicle had struck a tree. The operator of the vehicle, Michael DeSalvo, 30, of Quincy, was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor.

Concord Road (9:19 p.m.) — A resident called to complain about music reportedly coming from The Food Project. The caller was advised that the music was coming from the DeCordova Museum.

October 15

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (2:15 a.m.) — An officer stopped a vehicle that had failed to move over for another police vehicle in the breakdown lane that was conducting a motor vehicle stop. The operator, Yashira Blake, 31, of Fitchburg, was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor and cited for failing to move over for an emergency vehicle.

Lincoln Police Department (5:28 p.m.) — An Uber driver returned a wallet that was left in their vehicle by a Lincoln resident.

Corrections

The October 12 article headlined “CCBC drops one community center option and asks for another” mischaracterized the nature of one of the community center options as well as the December 2 Special Town Meeting vote. The third option now being formulated is not based on the 50% option but rather on the 75% one-story option which would be trimmed in size and cost. Also, a two-thirds majority is not required at the vote on a preferred option at the STM in December. However, that margin will be required to approve a funding request for the project in March 2024. The original article has been updated.

New Housing Choice Act options to be presented on Oct. 24

Town officials will review two new Housing Choice Act rezoning options at a Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

The town has already forwarded Option C — which clusters all the rezoned subdistricts in South Lincoln — to the state for a pre-adoption compliance check. But at a well-attended multiboard meeting on October 10, residents expressed a desire to see new options that would allow less multifamily housing in South Lincoln while also allowing some in the areas of Battle Road Farm and/or the Lincoln North office building.

Two earlier options (A and B) included those North Lincoln areas, but they were drawn up before the state changed its guidelines to allow towns to “count” multifamily housing permitted in areas with some commercial use as well, such as the mall property.

On November 13, another three-board meeting will select one of the two new options created by consultant Utile (D1 and D2) to continue exploring. Before that, there will be two public forums on November 8: one in person at Town Hall from 8–10 a.m. and one on Zoom from 7–9 p.m. At those forums, officials will review option C as well as D1 and D2, take questions and ask for feedback on which of the new options people prefer.

Two final options — Option C plus either option D1 or D2 — will go before residents at the Special Town Meeting on December 2 for an informal “sense of the town” vote by paper ballot. On December 4, another multiboard meeting will confirm one final option to put before voters at the Annual Town Meeting in March. 

Several attendees at an October 16 meeting of the Select Board, Planning Board, and Housing Choice Act Working Group were worried about excessive development in South Lincoln resulting in a village center resembling the reconfigured mixed-use Wayland Center, which “most of us consider to be ill-conceived and not very attractive,” Select Board member Jennifer Glass said. She assured everyone that the town is not thinking of expanding business use in the mall but “just supporting the bit of commercial that we have.” 

Part of what will make the mall more financially sustainable is having the “cross-subsidy” from housing on the same parcel, in effect “de-risking the property” for a developer, said Michelle Barnes, chair of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust/RLF Board of Trustees, which owns the mall.

Additionally, any development proposed for either of the two commuter parking lots adjacent to the railroad tracks would have to go before Town Meeting because they are owned by the town, not the RLF, Town Administrator Tim Higgins noted.

If people want to offer opinions and feedback on Options D1 and D2 between the October 24 presentation and the November 8 public forums, they can email Glass at jlrglass@mac.com or, if the comment is specific to the mall, to Barnes at la_vise@yahoo.com. A number of comments and questions on the HCA have been posted by residents to LincolnTalk, but Glass warned that “we can’t engage in dialogue on LincolnTalk without running afoul of the Open Meeting Law.”

The December 2 Special Town Meeting will feature official votes on a preferred community center option, and on whether to amend the overlay district zoning at The Commons in Lincoln to pave the way for a proposal to add 28 independent living units.

Celebration of life for Roger Bergen on Oct. 22

Roger Bergen

Lincoln native Roger Van Dyke Bergen, 78, of Stonington, Maine, passed away on September 19th, 2023 after a battle with advanced lung disease.  

He was born on July 6, 1945 to Kenneth and Emily Bergen in Cambridge and grew up with his two sisters and a brother in “fertile valley” Lincoln. After graduating from Boston University in 1967 with a B.A. in philosophy, he went on to earn his master’s degree in 1970 in fine woodworking, studying under the Danish designer Tage Frid at the Rhode Island School of Design, and fine woodworking remained his lifelong passion.

From 1974-1977 Roger taught woodworking at Sandwich High School on Cape Cod, later claiming that it was, bar none, the most rewarding job of his career. It was at this time that he met Susan, whom he married; they had two children, Cortney and Andrew. In 1977 he opened a wood gallery, the Eastham Woodery, featuring fine woodworkers throughout the country. In 1981 he was discovered by CML, which recruited him to take over Mason and Sullivan Clock Co. before heading up two nationally renowned organizations: The Nature Company/Smith & Hawken (CEO) for 15 years and then moving back to Lincoln to run Earthwatch (CEO & president) for 10 years. Back in Lincoln he connected to land conservation with The Rural Land Foundation. This was his springboard to preserving areas from overdevelopment.      

Roger retired in 2000 and moved with Susan to Maine. He and his family had grown up spending summers on Isle Au Haut, a small island off the coast of Stonington, and always had fond memories of the coastal town. He was determined to stay busy and contribute to the community so he joined the town planning board and became chairman of the Board of Trustees for Island Heritage Trust, a Conservation Land Trust for Deer Isle and the surrounding islands. It was from his time running The Nature Company and Earthwatch that he developed a passion for the preservation of unspoiled land.  In his downtime he enjoyed the casual round of golf, island-hopping with his family, and lobster dinners.

Roger thoroughly embraced life, remaining inquisitive and connected to the very end. He was “so grateful for the life that he lived with his family, friends and organizations” (saying this as he passed away). Roger was predeceased by Kenneth Bergen (father), Emily Bergen (mother) and Cabby Bergen (sister). He is survived by Susan Bergen (wife), Andrew Bergen (son), Cortney Murray (daughter), Nancy Bergen of Lincoln (sister), and Bruce Bergen (brother).

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Sunday, Oct. 22 from noon-2 p.m. at Roger’s son’s house at 1 Sayles Rd., Hingham, MA 02043. Donations in his name can be made to Island Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 42, 420 Sunset Rd., Deer Isle, Maine  04627 (207-348-2455).

News acorns

“Stove Wars: Gas vs. Induction Cooking”

Induction stoves, long popular in Europe and Asia, are more efficient than gas or standard electric stoves. Some chefs and home cooks are making the transition to induction cooking, whether motivated by a desire for cleaner air or a lower carbon footprint. Join MetroWest Climate Solutions (of which the First Parish in Lincoln is a part) for a webinar on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. to learn more. Speakers are Jonathan I. Levy, chair of the Department of Environmental Health at Boston University, and Steve Sheinkopf, CEO of Yale Appliance. To register, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.

Coming up at the library

Haunted Experiences
Sunday, Oct. 29 from noon–1 p.m. (online)
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group produces haunted attractions all over the U.S., including the Old Joliet Haunted Prison in Chicago. Join CEO Chris Stafford and Jeff DePaoli, host of “That Halloween Podcast,” on Zoom as they talk all about the history and creation of this mega-haunt. Click here to register.

Halloween Dance Party
Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m.–noon (Tarbell Room)
Come in costume and groove to children’s songs, oldies, and Halloween favorites. For children ages 5 and under. No registration required.

Diwali Celebration
Thursday, Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. (Tarbell Room)
Celebrate the festival of lights and learn henna body art with Manisha Trivedi. This fun, informal class is open to people of all artistic abilities (best for ages 12+). Thanks to the Friends of the Lincoln Library for their generous funding of this event. Space is limited; email sfeather@minlib.net to register.

Pop-Up Art Class: Watercolor Leaves
Friday, Nov. 3 from 3-4 p.m. (Tarbell Room)
Learn the basics of watercolor painting in this autumn-inspired program, drawing our own leaves or using traceable templates. We will watch the colors mingle and blend together using a wet on wet watercolor technique. Registration is limited to 15 adults (age 18+) for this class; click here to register.

Donate to diaper drive

The annual Metro-Boston Diaper Drive co-coordinated by Lincoln’s Kim Jalet runs through October 28. If you’re able, please donate via our Amazon or Target registries, or visit www.mbdiapers.org to help the one in three Massachusetts families struggling to afford enough diapers for their children. SNAP and WIC benefits do not cover diapers leaving many families to make difficult decisions between food, diapers, and other needs. Do you have opened packages of diapers? Contact Kim at jaletkl@gmail.com to learn where you can drop them. All diapers go directly to the Somerville WIC office, which serves Lincoln, Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown, Belmont, Lexington, and Bedford.

An evening of classical piano

A unique fall concert featuring classical pieces performed by pianist Sebastian Castillo to support Lincoln-Sudbury Friends of Music will take place on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the high school’s Kirschner Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door ($5 for students, $10 for adults). LSFoM provides funding to supplement the music department budget and offering programs and opportunities to complement and extend the music curriculum.

“A Night on Broadway” in Lincoln

The First Parish in Lincoln’s next Live in Lincoln Center concert, “A Night on Broadway,” on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall (14 Bedford Rd.) features emcee David Eliot, three singers, and pianist Timothy Steele performing favorite songs from musicals from 1940 to the present. Tickets are $30 and available in advance (recommended) or at the door, with refreshments and mingling at the intermission. Click here to purchase.

Looks for animal signs at FNL

Go into the woods with Farrington Nature Linc Educator and Program Manager Meg Ito to look for “Signs of Animals” on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 2–3:30 p.m. Expect to see some real animal bones, skins, and other signs as part of this workshop (including an introduction to local wildlife and a 45-minute walk around the site) featuring animal track cards and a small piece of snake skin home. Click here to purchase tickets ($25–$45).

Teng joins Care Dimensions

Dr. Alexander Teng

Dr. Alexander Teng of Boston, formerly of Lexington, recently joined Care Dimensions as a full-time hospice and palliative care physician managing the care of hospice patients at home in greater Boston and at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. He completed a hospice and palliative medicine fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and was a hospitalist at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington for five years. He also holds an MBA from the Heller School of Public Policy and Management at Brandeis University in Waltham.