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

My Turn: Expansion of The Commons is a financial must

By David Levington

I’m 94 years old, and I’ve lived at The Commons for eight years. I certainly don’t look forward to two or three years of noise and disruption of life here, but I am voting in favor of the proposed expansion, and so are all eighteen residents on the two committees that have been most involved in developing the plan. Why? It’s the finances. We have one asset (The Commons) worth maybe $100 million, and liabilities of $180 million (see this financial statement). We owe $90 million in municipal bonds that pay 6-7% and another $90 million to our residents in refundable deposits.

We’re in this position because, when the prior owners decided to sell, as part of the change of ownership all the cash available was withdrawn and, using The Commons as collateral, $100 million in municipal bonds were sold (as an aside, municipal bonds that pay 6-7% are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.”

Those of us with long memories remember that we’ve been through bankruptcy; we don’t want to go through that again. The projections prepared for us show that if financial conditions continue as they are, the Commons can get through the next few years, but only on a level basis. No major improvements. But we have no financial cushion to get us through a disruption, like a pandemic. The Commons survived the pandemic, when we could admit no new residents, because we were financially healthy. That hadn’t been the case in 2013, when The Groves couldn’t survive a dip in the housing market. And that wouldn’t be the case here if we experienced a recession, a drop in the housing market, another pandemic, or any event which stopped us from admitting new residents. Not only does income go down, but we are obligated to refund the deposits of residents who die or leave for any reason.

The expansion plan will affect us all, some much more than others. There will be noise, construction traffic, heavy equipment. We will lose attractive green spaces. Despite all this, the members of the Resident Council, who are our liaison to management, all vote in favor of the proposed plan. They have been involved in every step of the plan’s development and have kept the residents aware of each step taken. A Steering Committee was formed, with six residents and staff to advise and consider each iteration. (I am a member of the Steering Committee.) We are also unanimous in support. We urge you to vote in favor of the expansion plan; I believe it is in the best interests of the residents of The Commons and the town of Lincoln.

“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.

My Turn: Majority of Commons residents support expansion

By Joanne and George Carlisle

At the recent meeting of Lincoln’s Planning Board, we thought the presentations by The Commons, where we’ve lived for five years, were excellent. But we were surprised and horrified by the negativity, even mean-spiritedness, of many residents’ comments. We are great supporters of the emerging proposal for expansion, and we want to be sure that readers of the Lincoln Squirrel know that a recent survey showed that a significant majority of our residents understand and support the current proposal.

After the January 2023 initial proposal by our new nonprofit ownership, we have been given continuing surveys and individual, small, and large group meetings to learn of the need, advantages, and many considerations discussed by our Resident Council and Steering Committee and ownership/management. And we have given many of our own suggestions.

During our professional years before retirement, we learned the benefits of communal living in the many boarding schools we served. Kindness and trust and truth-telling — exactly the things we value most here at The Commons. We are especially pleased that The Commons offers such a rich mix of residents and staff — professionally, geographically, spiritually and in personal gifts and experiences.

Going forward, we are confident the expansion proposal which emerges will of course meet all of Lincoln’s town requirements while continuing, through the PILOT [payment in lieu of taxes] program, our significant contribution to the tax base and providing some additional affordable living apartments. It will also benefit considerably our financial strength, and our ability to stay competitive in the world of growing demand for continuing care retirement communities.

Thank you for this chance to share our support and enthusiasm for plans for expansion at The Commons!

“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.

Lincoln starts gearing up for the nation’s 250th birthday

The Lincoln250 logo designed by Lis Herbert.

Here’s your SAT word for the day: “semiquincentennial.” That means 250th anniversary, which is coming up for the United States — and Lincoln and neighboring towns will be deeply involved in the celebration.

The Select Board has established the Lincoln250 Planning Committee to “identify thoughtful, creative, and inclusive opportunities to celebrate Lincoln’s contributions to the American Revolution” starting with the historic battles of Concord and Lexington in April 1775.

“Lincoln250 is committed to engaging our community in a variety of events that will bring together residents of all ages and backgrounds to learn and enjoy our place in history,” said committee chair and Select Board member Kim Bodnar. The group, which held its first meeting on September 25, held a logo contest, which was won by Lincolnite Lis Herbert.

The group envisions events beginning in 2024 and extending through July 2026 and is pursuing grant opportunities to fund some of the events and services for the expected influx of visitors. One of those possibilities is a shuttle service between Concord, Lexington and Lincoln, which was the focus of a 2021 feasibility study.

Although the semiquincentennial is a statewide effort, “there’s no question communities like Lincoln, Lexington and Concord will eventually be at the top of the line to get some serious funding,” State Sen. Michael Barrett said in July, when the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism received a $1 million grant to hire staff and coordinate with cities and towns.

“The objective here in general is to celebrate groups that were marginalized in past celebrations — we’re talking about enslaved people, members of minority groups, women, and Native Americans. We certainly want to include the folks who carried the muskets and who were the demographics majority of the time the American Revolution, too, but the idea is to broaden the lens and widen the celebration,” Barrett said.

Lincoln250 is also collaborating with the Battle Road communities of Arlington, Concord, and Lexington as well as the Minuteman National Historical Park and Hanscom Air Force Base.

To learn more or volunteer at Lincoln250 events or activities, email Bodnar at bodnark@lincolntown.org. Activity and event information will be posted on the town website and will soon have its own web page.

Other members of the Lincoln250 Planning Committee are:

  • Chris Bibbo, DPW Superintendent
  • Brianna Doo, Parks and Recreation Department
  • Amanda Fargo, committee liaison to Lincoln’s businesses
  • Donald Hafner, Historical Society and member of Lincoln Minute Men
  • Tim Higgins, Town Administrator
  • Chief Kevin Kennedy and Lieutenant Sean Kennedy of the Lincoln Police
  • Sara Mattes, committee liaison to Lincoln’s nonprofit organizations, Historical Society, and Bemis Trustee
  • Kim Rajdev, School Committee
  • Rachel Marie Schachter, Bemis Trustee
  • Ray Shepard, Lincoln’s representative on Massachusetts Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and Lincoln Library Trustee
  • Rick Wiggin, member of Lincoln Minute Men

My Turn: A Commons resident in favor of expansion proposal

By Marion Meenan

As a seven-year resident of The Commons in Lincoln who has been most fortunate to live in Lincoln for almost 50 years prior to making that move, I am writing to express my support of the recently proposed revised expansion plan for The Commons.

I believe that this proposal addresses the need to strengthen our financial stability and reduce our exposure to risk while also preserving to the maximum extent our open campus. The proposal also aligns perfectly with the town’s similar objective of strengthening its infrastructure — particularly that at the mall — by proposing additional units, both residential and commercial, while also maintaining and optimizing the town’s maximum open space.

With the PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) agreements in place as part of the change of the ownership to nonprofit status, The Commons remains by far the largest taxpayer in town. Yes, we do utilize our fair share of resources — and we greatly appreciate the unfailingly prompt and proficient responses of our most dedicated fire and police — but we do in fact make substantial contributions to help support these critical resources town-wide.

The town of Lincoln also advocates strongly for a diverse community. The Commons has always met and will continue to meet the town goals for moderate income housing units. We are also proud at The Commons — and benefit greatly from — our astonishingly diverse and vibrant community. Among our 215 residents, we are fortunate to enjoy seniors from England, Wales, Ireland, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, India, China, and more — even Lexington and Bedford and Acton, and California and Texas! And we also encompasses a rich tapestry of active religious affiliates — with adherents of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism coming together and frequently sharing in one another’s sacred celebrations.

I would like to conclude by pointing out that in the recent telephone survey, a 69% majority of respondents agreed that they do understand and support the need for the expansion.

Under the capable leadership of Executive Director Reynaldo LeBlanc, significant time and effort have gone toward helping us to more fully understand the financial risks of our current position and the benefits that will accrue to all from a carefully thought out expansion.

I feel that implementation of the current proposal will enable our community to continue to thrive, both for ourselves and for forthcoming generations of Lincolnites.

“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.

My Turn: Taking issue with “negative tone” of Commons expansion opponents

By Caroline Jacobs

I was horrified and saddened by the negative tone of the questions and comments at the Planning/Select Board meeting on Tuesday, starting with the lengthy letter which was read by a family member of one or more residents.

I have lived at The Commons since 2010 and have been on the Resident Council for a total of ten years since then. During that time I have experienced firsthand the cooperative relationship between residents and management, and never more so than during the last nine months. Our Executive Director has held countless meetings with groups and individuals to explain the rationale behind the expansion proposal and all the financial implications. The Resident Council and Steering Committee have been very involved giving input, and various interest groups have also been consulted. The suggestion that “many others (residents) against the proposal were afraid to speak up due to fear of retribution from staff” is completely alien to the way The Commons functions.

I understand the need for the expansion, particularly as I have already lived through one bankruptcy and have no desire to face the risk of another.

“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.

What’s your opinion about the community center?

This is the first in a periodic series of informal, nonscientific “Lincoln Thinking” polls of Lincoln residents on important issues. Note: you do not have to be a Lincoln Squirrel subscriber to participate; the poll will live in the right sidebar of the Squirrel website, which is available to all.

Our first poll is about the proposed community center, which has been the subject of much discussion on LincolnTalk and at various public meetings. Here’s the latest:

You can find all the articles and opinion pieces published by the Squirrel on this topic here.

Once you’re clear on the options that will be presented at the Special Town Meeting on December 2, take the poll, which is below and ALSO on the top right-hand side of this website where it says “Lincoln Thinking: A Poll” in red, under the search box. You can see results right away. Note: the poll will also ask if you were able to attend the State of the Town meeting. You can give general feedback on the meeting here, whether or not you attended. This iteration of the poll will stay open until Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 5 p.m., though we may run the poll again before December 2.

[yop_poll id=”1″]

My Turn: Rally highlights opposition to Hanscom proposal

By Trish O’Hagan and Alex Chatfield

Lincolnites were out in force at a State House rally that one of us (Alex) MC’d on Monday, Oct. 2 and took part in presenting Gov. Maura Healey with a petition opposing private jet expansion at Hanscom Field or any airport.

Over 10,000 Massachusetts residents from around the state signed the petition expressing their opposition to the Massport plan to build 26 new private luxury hangars at Hanscom covering 500,000 square feet.

We reminded the crowd of 240 people that “we are here today supporting our governor, who has promised to be our climate protection champion. We are in here in solidarity with her administration, because we need her to show us that protecting the climate was not just a promise for her campaign, but an essential principal that will guide every decision she makes while she is in office.”

From the steps of the State House, speakers including State Sen. Mike Barrett (click here to read his remarks), Chuck Collins from the Institute for Policy Studies, Diane Proctor of the Concord League of Women Voters, and Chris Marchi of East Boston’s nonprofit advocacy group AIR, Inc., explained how Massport’s plans are a direct and immediate threat to Massachusetts’ efforts to combat climate change.

Perhaps the most compelling speaker was Lexington fifth-grader Kalea Foo, who also presented the printed petition to Gov. Healey’s staff. Speaking on behalf of the next generation, she reminded the adults that they need to do everything possible to preserve a safe climate and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

For people wondering “what’s next” in the process, there is a draft environmental impact report expected from the developers this fall, possibly in October. It will be reviewed by the administration, and there will be a public comment period. In the meantime, citizens can help by contacting the governor and urging her to use her all her power and authority to get Massport to cancel the plan.

For more news coverage on the rally, see this WGBH article. Background can be found in the Lincoln Squirrel (February 12 and February 5), the Bedford Citizen (numerous articles and opinion pieces), and this September 29 editorial in the Boston Globe, as well as the Stop Private Jet Expansion web site.

Want to help? Join the coalition, donate money, and show up to our Tuesday afternoon “stand-outs” at the Paul Revere Capture Site in the Minute Man Historic Park on Route 2A. We are there every Tuesday from 4–5 p.m. We have signs and banners, so just bring yourself!

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rally-chatfield

“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.

The Commons returns with another expansion proposal

A sketch showing where new units (in yellow) and surface parking (purple) are proposed at The Commons. Additional parking not shown will be located under new units. Click image to enlarge.

The Commons in Lincoln is proposing to add 28 independent living units to its campus, down from 47 it sought in 2022. The earlier proposal was withdrawn in February 2023 after vehement protest from current Commons residents, who said they were blindsided by the plan and wanted significant input on how (or even if) to expand.

The Commons is owned by New England Life Plan Communities, which bought it in January 2022 from Benchmark Senior Living, though Benchmark was retained for day-to-day management of the facility. 

NELPC wants to build 14 two-bedroom units in the Flint building, six one-bedroom units in the Russell building, and eight new cottages. Plans also call for adding 77 surface and garage parking spots for a net gain of 52 after 25 are removed. A 1962 house near the Cider Lane entrance would be demolished to make room for one of the new structures. The community garden will also be reduced in size, though smaller plots will be created in other parts of the campus to compensate, and walking paths will be added in various places.

The work would start with the parking additions (in particular, spots cut into the hillside facing the main entrance) to alleviate congestion as much as possible during construction. Eight of the 30 units in Flint house are affordable, and the project would add four more of that type. The new cottages will be built to follow the latest opt-in building code.

The project is necessary to “increase long-term financial stability” and make previously planned capital improvements in other parts of the campus; the project “expedites that work,” said Ryan Herchenroether, senior project manager with owner’s representative OnePoint Partners. Independent living units are the bread and butter of continuing care communities like The Commons, he noted. The project would increase the proportion of those units from 65% to 69%, which is still less than Brookhaven at Lexington (82%) or Waterstone of Lexington (74%).

Because The Commons is in a zoning overlay district with specific conditions, a two-thirds majority approval is required at Town Meeting for the plan to go forward. NELPC will also need a special permit from the Planning Board and signoff from the Historical Commission and Conservation Commission. “If we’re under construction a year from now, that would be a success,” Herchenroether said.

Proposed new walking paths are shown in bright green. Click image to enlarge.

Officials from The Commons said at a well-attended October 3 multiboard meeting that they had listened to residents and would make every effort to minimize disruption during construction. However, “I don’t want to portray that every single resident is on board with this plan,” Herchenroether acknowledged.

Dozens of those residents and their family members attended the meeting via Zoom to express their displeasure. Some whose units adjoin the proposed additions protested the loss of windows or unobstructed views (“It looks as if my sunset years will be minus the sunsets,” quipped Mark Byers), while others questioned the financial necessity for the project.

“Without accurate financial reporting, it’s impossible to evaluate the true state of the community,” said Michael Kaminer, son of a Commons resident. He read from a letter signed by many family members of Commons residents that was sent to the Planning Board and asserted that there were many others against the proposal who were afraid to speak up due to fear of “retribution” from staff. He also said that the dining and cleaning services “are already understaffed and the quality of service has decreased” and wondered how the organization would fix those problems while also adding space and capacity.

Joyce Phillips, whose Russell Building unit would be directly affected by the project, said that staff had offered to move her temporarily to another unit while work was under way and then returning her to the original one afterwards. “I have no interest in moving. I moved to The Commons so I wouldn’t have to move again in my lifetime,” she said, adding that she and others are “too old to live through the noise, dust, and construction.”

Earlier in the meeting, Select Board member Jim Hutchinson asked if NELPC might offer inconvenienced residents the right of first refusal to buy one of the new units — something Herchenroether said they would look into.

“There’s a minimum unit count that would make it feasible to help pay for refurbishments and updates to the Flint Building,” said Ryan Larkin, a financial analyst with OnePoint Partners. The added revenue generated from the new Russell units and cottages “can be reinvested across campus… Independent units boost our operating margin and give us more cash [for operations] and make us less reliant on entrance fees.”

Judy Foster, president of the Resident Council at The Commons, agreed that the 2022 proposal “was like a bomb hit the community. Everyone was up in arms… they couldn’t have done a worse job if they’d tried.” Since then, there have been numerous meetings with the council as well as the Steering Committee and more than two dozen other resident groups and clubs  to explain ideas and solicit feedback.

“The expansion will impact many of our residents, some more than others,” she said. “I’m so sorry that everybody couldn’t come out of this unscathed,” but the benefits from deferred-maintenance projects and other improvements will make it worthwhile.

“You say there’s a lot of cash flow but residents see deferred maintenance and services. And you say there’s lots of demand. I’m confused — there’s plenty of money, there’s not enough money…” said Becky Regan, who has a parent at The Commons. “I want much clearer financials before the hearing.”

As of Wednesday night, OnePoint had not replied to questions sent by the Lincoln Squirrel after Tuesday’s meeting. 

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal on November 21. There will also be a public session at the Lincoln Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 10 am.–2 p.m.

Lincoln firefighters help extinguish Wayland blaze

Firefighters (out of frame on the right) spray water on the fire in Wayland. Photo courtesy Lincoln Fire Department

Firefighters from multiple towns converged on Main Street in Wayland at the intersection of West Plain Street on the afternoon of October 3 to extinguish a blaze that destroyed the auto body shop where it started.

The brick front wall of the shop collapsed during the four-alarm fire, and there were several explosions inside. Two other stores on either side of International Auto Body, Liberty Pizza of Cochituate and Wayland Town Cleaners, did not catch fire, but their condition is uncertain as of Wednesday. Five employees and a dog who were inside got outside safely.

The Lincoln Fire Department posted a short video on its Facebook page of one of its engines, sirens blaring, pulling up to the scene. WBZ-TV aired footage of flames shooting our of the building and engulfing a car parked in front.

“We initially responded when they struck a second alarm, to cover their Station 2” as specified in the mutual aid agreement, said Lincoln firefighter Caleb Hagarty. “However, as soon as we signed on, we were moved up to the fire due to multiple incidents in the district, so we were one of the early companies on scene. We took the four members of the duty crew in Engine 3 and went to work multiple times with hand lines and fire tools, working to assist Wayland defensively in keeping damage as low as possible.”

The Lincoln fire station was covered by off-duty lincoln firefighters during the incident.

News acorns

Pick pumpkins at Matlock Farm

Matlock Farm is gearing up for its annual pumpkin-picking event. Come by the farm near 28 Lexington Rd. over the next two weekends (October 7, 8, 14, and 15, weather permitting) from noon–4 p.m. to pick your own pumpkins and get some stunning photos of the fall foliage with your family and friends.

Members Day at deCordova

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will celebrate Members Day, where visitors can welcome newly installed artworks to the park, say farewell to the beloved sculpture Lincoln, and introduce an outdoor craft market in partnership with the Brown and Black Voices of Merrimack Valley. The day also includes a conversation with Lincoln artist Dewitt Godfrey, curator-led tours of the sculpture park, and art-making activities. All are welcome. Trustees members and Lincoln residents always enjoy free admission to deCordova. Click here for more information. Rain date: October 22.

On Sunday, Oct. 29, deCordova will also host “Halloween in the Morning Mists” for toddlers and pre-K children and their grownups, and a Full Moon Tour in the evening.

Two events at Farrington Nature Linc

Learn about seasonal plants in “Foraging 101” on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at Farrington Nature Linc. Topics will include safety, sustainability, identification and harvesting tips, preservation techniques, and a hands-on demonstration of how to make a plant-infused salve that you can take home. Click here to register.

At “Eyes on Owls” (co-hosted by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust) on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 1–2 p.m., discover the world of owls through captivating up-close encounters and learn about their unique adaptations, behavior, and habitats from expert naturalists. Click here to register.

Register for L-S adult ed classes

The fall/winter 2023 slate of courses offered at the high school by Lincoln-Sudbury Adult & Community Education is now open for registration. Click here to browse and register for classes in areas including text prep, creative and culinary arts, home and garden, languages, professional skills, and more.

Volunteer sought for Conservation Commission

There is a vacancy on the Lincoln Conservation Commission and the Select Board will appoint someone to fill the unexpired term. For information about the commission’s roles and responsibilities, visit the commission’s website and attend a meeting. Residents may also contact the Conservation Department staff at 781-259-2612 or conservation@lincolntown.org.To apply, complete the town’s volunteer Signup form and email it to elderp@lincolntown.org or mail it to the Office of the Select Board (16 Lincoln Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773) by November 3.  

Lincoln’s Huxley Jade in Concord theater production

Concord Youth Theater’s upcoming mainstage company production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” features Lincoln resident Huxley Jade among its cast. The show will be performed November 3–12. Other shows in the 2023-2024 season are “Little Women,” “Frozen Jr.,” “Matilda Jr.,” “Once Upon a Mattress, “Broadway Revue.”