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

Architects unveil cost estimates for community center

The five community center site options and costs from ICON Architects (click to enlarge).

At a June 13 public forum, architects presented five basic site designs for a community center that satisfy the three cost parameters approved by residents in November 2022 — but some residents were disappointed in some features of the lower-cost options.

All five concepts call for 60 parking spaces behind the “solar-ready” community center (a solar PV canopy would be installed as part of a separate project). Site work is expected to cost $3.5 million regardless of how the buildings and parking are configured. The figures include site work, construction and “soft costs” (professional fees, owner’s contingency, furniture and equipment, etc.) as explained in the presentation that will be posted soon on the Community Center Building Committee website.

Option 1 (the “100% option”) come to $22.6 million and includes a new two-story building to replace pods A and C, a new maintenance building, and a renovated pod B. Options 1A, 1B and 2 are $16.7 to $18 million, while Option 2A would cost $11.3 million. The four options at 50% and 75% would require some combination of less new construction, not renovating one of the pods, and/or fewer total square feet for programming for Parks and Recreation and the Council on Aging and Human Services. 

The price points were set as percentages of a $25 million estimate for two concepts developed by Mary Ann Thomson Architects in 2018. Those concepts were estimated to cost $15.2 million to $16.2 million in 2018 dollars. In 2021, that figure was revised upward by cost estimators to $25.4 million in 2025 dollars. However, Ned Collier of ICON Architects reported that his firm’s cost estimators looked again at the 2018 concepts and determined that they would cost about $30 million today, partly because construction costs have risen by around 8% annually rather than the projected 5%.

“Materials and labor and labor have greatly increased over the intervening years,” he said.

Only Option 1 includes a new maintenance building on the Hartwell campus, which would add about $1 million to the price tags for options 1a, 1B, 2, and 2A. “We ask the town to consider whether this is the highest and best use [as a] large percentage of the project cost,” Collier said. But he got immediate pushback.

“A maintenance building is a must — you can’t not include that in the cost,” said Susan Taylor, the School Committee’s representative on the CCBC.”You can’t just lop off part of this project and say we’ll think about maintenance another day.”

“I’m discouraged that you dispensed with a function that’s currently being provided” in part of pod B, said Buck Creel, former Administrator for Business and Finance for the Lincoln Public Schools. Collier responded that the structure could be added to any of the other options, which (except for option 1A) are “below [cost] targets by a sufficient amount.”

Other residents at the forum were worried about losing the possibility of not renovating the LEAP pods (Options 1A, 1B and 2A)  or losing program space. Option 2 would deduct 1,000 square feet, while option 2A would remove 3,000 square feet. 

“This doesn’t have enough space for the programs we already have,” said Parks & Recreation Commission member Rob Stringer. “I’m concerned that Lincoln is selling itself short.”

He also noted that if some of the programs of the COA&HS and Park & Rec (which is headquartered in pod C) were to remain in Bemis Hall and an unrenovated pod C respectively, the cost to renovate those buildings would have to be figured in. Collier estimated that a standalone renovation of any of the pods (which would include bringing it up to current building code) would cost $3 million.

If square footage is removed for the COA&HS as per Options 2 and 2A , “what are Abby [Butt, COA&HS director] and her team expected to do?” Select Board member Km Bodnar said. “If you’re building a building that’s shrinking but adding services [over time], how does that make sense if we’re using this building for the next 30 years? I understand the price points but I don’t think we are going in a realistic direction by decreasing the size.”

“More people will be coming,” said resident Wendy Kusik, noting that as the town’s population ages, the need for COA&HS will only increase over time.

Taylor said she had thought before the forum that the three price opinions would deliver the same programming. “What programs or services are we eliminating?” she asked.

“I shared your hope that we would be able to fit the [full] program in each of the scenarios, but changes in the market are really preventing that,” Collier said, adding that “this exercise is cost-driven” and the architects are not taking a position.

There was still some sentiment to scale back the community center size and/or locate some services in other buildings in town. “Do we really need 13,000 square feet? I don’t think so. The rooms we designed are way too big,” said resident David Cuetos.

Over the summer, ICON will flesh out the options with some design detail in preparation for a presentation and charrette at the State of the Town meeting on September 30. Residents will choose a preferred option at a Special Town Meeting on December 2 and then vote to authorize a spending measure at Annual Meeting and at the ballot box in March 2024.

News acorns

Chili cookout and campout this weekend

Codman Community Farms will hold a Chili Cookout and Campout on Saturday, June 17 from 6–9:30 p.m. Vegetarian and pasture-raised beef chili as well as chili dogs made from Codman-grown ingredients will be on offer. Sides include CCF-made potato salad, cornbread, and cookies. Bring a favorite drink, gather around the campfire, stuff yourself with s’mores, and sing with friends. Optionally, pitch your tent, stay overnight, wake up to the sounds of the farm, and enjoy a simple breakfast on Sunday morning. Space is limited; click here to buy tickets in advance.

Learn about climate effects of Hanscom expansion proposal

Join climate change activist Bill McKibben of Third Act, Neil Rasmussen of Save Our Heritage, and others who are fighting to prevent a major private jet expansion at Hanscom Field (or anywhere) for an informational virtual webinar on the climate impacts of the proposed expansion on Wednesday, June 21 at 5 p.m. Rasmussen will present recent research on the impacts of the proposed development on state and municipal climate goals. McKibben will address why he calls the Hanscom proposal a “zombie project from the fossil fuel era.”

Click here to register. Sponsored by the Coalition to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere. For more information, email Sabine von Mering at vonmering@brandeis.edu or info@StopPrivateJetExpansion.org. 

Lincoln250 logo contest

The Lincoln250 Planning Committee, along with community partners and other town committees, is planning multiple historical, educational, and cultural activities and events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 2025. Residents are invited to submit designs for a logo that will act as the official emblem of the “Lincoln250” celebration.

Logo designs should be in color measuring about 8”x10” and feature a simple and a clearly identifiable image (feel free to include a brief description of the idea behind it). Send submissions to Select Board member Kim Bodnar at kbodnarselect@lincolntown.org by Tuesday, July 4. Submission constitutes the individual’s agreement to allow the use of the logo and also acknowledges that graphic renderings of the logo may be used for publicity purposes. It is also understood that no additional payment, monetary or otherwise, will be given.

Sign up for July 4 Firecracker Run

Register now for Lincoln’s annual Firecracker Run (2.5 miles or 4 miles) on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each group. Click here to register for the Firecracker Run, and click here for more information about all the Fourth of July events in Lincoln.

Food for the soul (Lincoln through the Lens)

After its biennial plant sale, the Lincoln Garden Club had plants left over, so they donated them to the SVdP food pantry for clients to take home. Belinda Goodrich and other club members put together about 20 planters with succulents and mini-hostas, and SVdP’s Ursula Nowak chipped in with some large colorful plants from her house.

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Police log for May 29–June 4, 2023

May 29

North Great Road (8:48 a.m.) — Police received a report of a motor vehicle crash on Route 2A by the Concord line. The area was checked but there were no signs of a crash.

Wells Road (5:57 p.m.) — A resident spoke to an officer regarding an ongoing incident involving a possible threat.

May 30

Todd Pond Road (11:51 a.m.) — An individual reported possible vandalism to their motor vehicle.

Baker Bridge Road (4:43 p.m.) — A resident reported trapping an animal. They were given the number for Animal Control.

Sandy Pond Road (6:40 p.m.) — A caller reported a dog walking alone on Sandy Pond Road. They were advised to contact Animal Control.

May 31

Concord Road (1:48 a.m.) — Police received a call about a possible motorcycle crash on Concord Road by Old Concord Road. Upon arrival, an officer discovered a motorcycle on its side in the area of 102 Concord Road. The operator, a 33-year-old male from Waltham, was transported to Lahey Hospital for injuries sustained as a result of the crash. The operator was cited for operating under the influence of alcohol and a marked lanes violation. The motorcycle was towed from the scene.

Lincoln Road (1:30 p.m.) — A parking citation was issued at the commuter lot on Lincoln Road.

Virginia Road (12:23 p.m.) — An individual requested to speak to an officer at the police station regarding a possible bank fraud incident.

Bypass Road (1:10 p.m.) — An individual wanted to speak to an officer regarding a contractor who may have damaged their driveway.

South Great Road (2:57 p.m.) — A motorist called the police to report a possible motor vehicle crash on South Great Road. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate any vehicles involved in a crash.

Mary’s Way (3:15 p.m.) — An individual spoke to an officer regarding a fraudulent unemployment claim.

Trapelo Road (4:08 p.m.) — Police received a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer. The deer did not survive; the vehicle suffered minor damage.

Wells Road (5:12 p.m.) — Police assisted an individual.

Lincoln Road (6:51 p.m.) — An officer came upon a dog wandering in traffic on Lincoln Road near Ballfield Road. The officer was able to reunite the dog with its owner.

Tower Road (7:17 p.m.) — Police received a report of a residence that was broken into and several items were missing. Police secured the scene. Additional units responded to process and canvas the area. An investigation is ongoing.

Trapelo Road (9:00 p.m.) — A resident reported that the contents of a delivered package had been removed. An investigation is ongoing.

June 1

The Commons of Lincoln (5:36 a.m.) — An employee reported an electronic item appeared to have been stolen. An investigation is ongoing.

South Commons (10:50 a.m.) — An individual wished to speak to an officer due to a possible incident of identity theft.

South Great Road (1:32 p.m.) — A motorist reported a turtle attempting to cross South Great Road. An officer checked the area but was unable to locate the reptile.

Scott Circle, Hanscom AFB (2:48 p.m.) — An individual spoke to an officer regarding a fraudulent unemployment claim.

Lincoln Road (7:01 p.m.) — A single-car motor vehicle crash was reported on Lincoln Road. The operator stated to the responding officer that a bee had entered their vehicle. In an effort to avoid the bee, the operator struck a utility pole. The operator was not injured and was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. Verizon was notified to inspect the pole for damage.

June 2

Walden Pond boat ramp, Concord Road (11:46 a.m.) — A caller reported having an encounter with a nude male running by Walden Pond. It was determined the encounter occurred in Concord. So the investigation was transferred to Concord police.

South Great Road (7:18 p.m.) — A caller reported an injured owl near the side of the road on South Great Road. Animal Control was notified.

Wells Road (7:59 p.m.) — Police served court paperwork to an individual.

Stafford Drive, Plattsburg, N.Y. (5:42 p.m.) — Lincoln Police were called to assist in locating an overdue motorist travelling from Plattsburg, N.Y. It was later determined that the overdue motorist was involved in a motor vehicle crash on Route 128.

June 3

Silver Hill Road (3:44 a.m.) — A resident reported smelling smoke in the area around their residence. The area was checked by the Fire Department but no sign of fire was discovered.

Old Lexington Road (3:59 a.m.) — A resident reported an odor of smoke in the area. The area was checked but most likely the result of a six-alarm fire in the town of Spencer.

Hanscom Drive (12:06 p.m.) — Police were notified of an individual with an active arrest warrant. Elaine Gomez of Lawrence was taken into custody by the Lincoln Police. She was booked and transported to Concord District Court.

June 4

Old Sudbury Road (12:32 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing approximately ten to fifteen supposed gunshots in rapid succession. The area was checked but no signs of gunshots or fireworks were found.

North Great Road (1:36 a.m.) — An officer performed a well-being check on a vehicle stopped on the side of Route 2. The operator had pulled over to eat.

Juniper Road, Weston (9:37 p.m.) — The Weston Fire Department called for a mutual-aid fire engine to check a residence for a natural gas alarm. The Lincoln engine was cancelled prior to arrival.

Rezoning ideas to comply with HCA and redevelop mall are aired

The five parcels proposed for multifamily rezoning (click to enlarge). Some combinations of four of them would satisfy HCA requirements.

Five parcels of land in Lincoln have been identified for possible multifamily rezoning to satisfy the state Housing Choice Act, according to a consultant hired to help the town comply with the law. In a separate effort, the Rural Land Foundation is also proposing to rezone the area occupied by the Mall at Lincoln Station to allow redevelopment of the mall along with multifamily housing.

The HCA and mall initiatives were both presented at a multiboard meeting led by the Housing Choice Act Working Group on June 6. There will be two public forums later this month where residents can get information and ask questions, and more detailed proposals will be presented at the State of the Town meeting in September in preparation for a vote at Town Meeting in March 2024.

The state law aims to encourage more transit-oriented zoning areas on land surrounding MBTA stops by mandating “by right” zoning of at least 15 units per acre across the district. Lincoln, which has two MBTA stops (the train station and bus stop), must allow a total of 635 units.

The timeline is tight because the HCA requires commuter-rail towns such as Lincoln to have a rezoning plan in place by 18 months from now. Plans must be presented prior to a townwide vote ahead of time to the state Department of Housing and Community Development, which (along with the Attorney General’s Office) must also sign off after voter approval at Town Meeting — all by December 2024.

Early proposals for rezoning parts of Lincoln have identified five candidate parcels, four of which together would allow enough multifamily units to satisfy the HCA. Three of the parcels are in South Lincoln near the train station; the others are in north Lincoln around Oriole Landing and the Lincoln North office complex. Four of the five possible subdistrict combinations would meet all the conditions.

“You have options as a town. This is a good place to be,” said Will Cohen of consulting firm Utile Design.

Towns aren’t required to create a single multifamily district; they may split it up into several nonadjacent subdistricts. However, the work to determine which areas would together meet state requirements is constrained by a complicated set of rules and formulas. For example, one of the subdistricts must account for at least half of the district’s total land area; all the land targeted must be developable (i.e., not conservation land or wetlands); and existing properties may not be divided into more than one new zone.

In Lincoln, the district must total at least 42 acres, and 20% of that land must be within half a mile of the commuter rail station. Some of it may also be around the bus stop at the corner of Hanscom Drive and Old Bedford Road. The working group focused on those areas as well as others that already have multifamily housing.

Additional wrinkles:

  • Since the HCA is aimed at residential zoning, commercial use cannot be required in a compliant district (though it may be allowed). This limits the ability to require mixed-use development in places like South Lincoln.
  • Lincoln now requires 15% of the units in multifamily developments to be income-restricted, but the HCA doesn’t have any requirements around affordability. In fact, if a town wants to have a zone mandate that more than 10% of the units are affordable, it must pay for an independent feasibility study that will demonstrate that that local requirement will not hurt the economic viability of a proposed project. Lincoln has already taken steps to have such a study done.

Lincoln and other towns can require developers to submit a site plan review and comply with reasonable design guidelines relating to traffic circulation, screening, lighting, etc., but “they can’t put out guidelines that make it impossible to do something,” Planning Board member Margaret Olson noted.

Finance Board member Andy asked if the state would pre-approve several rezoning proposals and allow voters to choose which one they preferred. “Lincoln has a history of getting state approval, [then] turning things down at Town Meeting and getting in a bind,” he said, referring to the school project that was pre-approved and partially funded by the state but was subsequently shot down at Town Meeting in 2012.

“That’s a great question that I don’t know the answer to,” Cohen said.

The HCAWG public forums will be on:

  • Friday, June 16 at 8 a.m. in person at the Town Hall
  • Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. via Zoom — click here to register.

Redeveloping the mall

Along a parallel path in recent years, the Rural Land Foundation has been thinking about how to redevelop and revitalize the Mall at Lincoln Station to make it more attractive to commercial tenants and encourage multifamily housing. They propose to create a mall subdistrict that could accommodate 42 housing units above the building now housing the Bank of America and other stores (the portion with the post office and restaurant would not be affected).

“We though that looked pretty nice and in keeping with a town village center feel,” said Michelle Barnes, chair of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust/RLF Board of Trustees, as she showed a rendering of one idea. “Greater density doesn’t have to look as scary as we might think.”

An artist’s rendering of one concept for how the mall might look after rezoning and redevelopment. Donelan’s is the white building at left rear.

As a commercial use, the mall area can’t be in the HCA district, as noted earlier. Instead, the town could rezone the mall to allow mixed use by right while also ensuring that commercial space is preserved.

A better quality of commercial space is crucial for the economic viability of the mall, which the trustees see as “an increasingly risky and hard-to-justify fiduciary obligation of the RLF,” Barnes said. However, without the opportunity for a developer to create a viable mixed-use project, the value of the mall will decline and the RLF will probably need to sell it (which it may have to do in any case).

RLF doesn’t have the capital to redevelop the mall by itself, so the group is working with CIVICO, which won approval for and built Oriole Landing before selling it in 2022. The RLF and CIVICO are conceptualizing a project with the idea that the mall would eventually be sold to the company, but contingent on an agreed-upon design “in keeping with the town’s ethos and values” that’s developed with input from residents and town leadership, Barnes said. To guarantee long-term financial viability for the project, a minimum of 25 housing units per acre built above the commercial spaces would be needed, she added.

Along with the HCA proposal, a mall rezoning measure will be presented at the State of the Town meeting on September 30 and at Town Meeting in March 2024.

Correction

In the June 6 edition of “News acorns,” an incorrect link was given for the website showing what parts of the Battle Road Trail are closed for repair. Click here to see the map (scroll down). The original post has been updated.

News acorns

Evenings at Gropius 2023

The Gropius House on Baker Bridge Road.

During an evening slide show and house tour on Friday, June 9 (as well as July 7, August 11, and September 15) from 7–9 p.m., see how Walter Gropius’s innovative lighting scheme comes to life at night. Gropius, founder of the German design school the Bauhaus, was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. His 1938 home at 68 Baker Bridge Road highlights the clean lines of Modernist design. Light refreshments are individual “nibbles” picnic bags. $65 for Historic New England members, $75 for nonmembers. Advance tickets required; call 781-259-8098 or buy online.

Class for kids on making summer recipes

Lincoln dietician and Happy Jars owner Jodi Gorman will offer a cooking class featuring summer parties and picnics for kids age 10+ on Friday, June 9 at 3:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library. Jodi will go over basic kitchen skills as well as how to create a versatile, tasty salad for all seasons. All materials will be provided. Email sfeather@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Talk on Middle East policy

The GRALTA Foundation presents “What Can Progressives Do to Change America’s Middle East Policy?” with Philip Weiss, founder and senior editor of Mondoweiss, on Saturday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Weiss is co-editor of “The Goldstone Report: The Legacy of the Landmark Investigation of the Gaza Conflict,” a 2011 retrospective on the official report prepared for the U.N. on Israel’s 2009 incursion into Gaza.  Mondoweiss is a source of news and analysis for progressives interested in the struggle for human rights equality for all people— Jews and non-Jews—living in Israel and the territories it has annexed and/or occupies. For more information, contact Steve Low at 781-259-1300 or steve.low@gordianconcepts.com.

Summer concert series at St. Anne’s

The Society for Historically Informed Performance (SoHIP) presents concerts at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on most Thursdays from June 20 to August 8 from 7:30–9 p.m. The June 20 event, “The Road Less Traveled,” features 18th-century sonatas and dances performed by Titti Bassi — baroque cello duo Sarah Freiberg and Colleen McGary-Smith of the Handel and Haydn Society. Click here to see the full schedule of performers and to buy tickets ($26 regular admission, $21 for students and seniors, or $150/$117 for a season pass).

Battle Road Trail getting improvements

One of the recently repaired boardwalks in the national park.

As part of a park-wide $27 million refurbishment project, several sections of the Battle Road Trail in the Minute Man National Historical Park are scheduled for trail rehabilitation and multiple boardwalks are scheduled for replacement this summer and fall. These projects will require temporary trail closures to the public at different locations along Battle Road Trail for safety and protections of the park’s natural and cultural resources. Click here for locations of the temporary closures and estimated closure dates.

Apply to teen Youth in Philanthropy program

The Foundation for MetroWest is now accepting student applications to its 2023-2024 Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) programs. YIP offers high school students who live or learn in MetroWest the opportunity to develop leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills while giving back to their community. Participating students work together to identify community needs, learn about local nonprofits, and make funding decisions that have a direct impact on youth in the MetroWest region.

To learn more or apply, visit yipmetrowest.org. Students interested in the fall programs are encouraged to apply before the fall priority deadline on Friday, June 30. Rolling admission then continues throughout the summer based on availability. The priority application deadline for spring 2024 programs is October 31, 2023.

SSEF receives $90,000 grant

The Lincoln-based South Sudanese Enrichment for Families has awarded a three-year, $90,000 grant by the Cummings Foundation. SSEF is one of 150 local nonprofits Selected from a pool of 630 applicants that will share $30 million through the foundation’s annual grants program.

SSEF is committed to building self-sufficiency and promoting community for all South Sudanese Americans in Massachusetts. “We are so grateful for this investment in our community that will be transformative for SSEF’s Educational Empowerment Initiative,” said Susan Winship, SSEF’s executive director. “Connecting the families we serve to existing educational resources and making sure the children of immigrants are receiving quality enrichment is our goal.

SSEF created a position to focus specifically on the Covid-related educational crisis impacting the South Sudanese community. The new Educational Liaisons assist families in connecting and communicating with schools, and advocating for their children. With the grant from Cummings, SSEF will increase the scope and efforts of this initiative.

The Cummings Foundation owns commercial property that is managed at no cost to the foundation by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. The Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the foundation.

My Turn: SVdP gives thanks, but more donations are always needed

Dear Lincoln community,

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lincoln and Weston just enjoyed our beautiful spring fundraiser concert (more on that below), but there’s no time to rest, as the need in our community is ongoing. The food pantry will be open next Wednesday and Thursday, June 7 and 8, and we need your help to restock our shelves! Now at the beginning of the summer, the most needed items are ketchup, olive oil, salad dressings, mayonnaise, relish, cereal, pasta sauce and crackers.

Small and regular sizes are best so that some people do not get the giant ones and others get the tiny ones. We have limited space and want to be able to give the items to as many people as possible. No need to sign up, but we have put together a SignUp Genius page so we can make sure we get a good number of each of the items needed. 

Food donations can be dropped off at any time on the back porch of the white house behind St. Joseph Church at 142 Lincoln Rd. Enter the driveway to the left of the church, drive past the white house behind the church, and leave your donations on the back porch. If you buy food at Donelan’s, you can drop it off in the collection barrel behind the registers. No perishable or expired food please. 

SVdP’s “Grazing in the Grass” concert was a successful and enjoyable event where many people came together to enjoy the beautiful music with each other. With gratitude, SVdP acknowledges the local businesses of Lincoln and Weston for their sponsorship: Donelan’s, Twisted Tree, Something Special, Tack Room, Gretchen Covino’s Pilates, Lana’s Fitness, Weston Provisions, Roche Brothers, and Florentine Framers.

To all the SVdP volunteers: thank you for your selfless time and dedication! And to our supporters: SVdP could not continue our service without you!

Karen Salvucci, SVdP of Lincoln and Weston President
Chris Stirling, Vice President — and SVdP Board of Directors

“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: CCBC authorizes a 75% program option for ICON cost estimation

By Lynne Smith

Community Center Building Committee Sarah Chester opened the CCBC’s May 31 meeting by reiterating the group’s commitment to two cost options for a community center: 50% and 75% of the 2018 project cost of $25 million, as required at the Special Town Meeting in November 2022.The committee is focused on a consolidated program in a single new building with Parks & Recreation (PRD) and Council on Aging & Human Services (COA & HS) grouped into shared and non-shared space.

After much discussion of the program spaces, the committee ended the meeting with a vote to accept an area of 9,320 net square feet for cost estimation by ICON Architects. The committee said this will become the 75% option for program space and reflects a reduction of 10,000 square feet from the 2018 proposal by eliminating such things as a teaching kitchen and lobby café. The reduction in space is impressive, but the architects and the committee must reduce it even further to achieve a 50% option with a price tag of $12.5 million.

At the upcoming June 13 public forum, the committee expects ICON to present both options, including cost estimates for site preparation, a new building, and parking lots. ICON’s Ned Collier promised at the first public meeting with CCBC that each option would be a “complete, viable alternative,”* and we are waiting to see how that assurance will be met.

At the May 31 meeting, several residents asked pointed questions and initiated discussions:

Magic Garden and Lincoln Preschool — Sara Mattes questioned why the private Magic Garden preschool housed in the 7,000-square-foot Hartwell Building couldn’t be moved elsewhere in town, perhaps to a space at St. Anne’s-in-the-Fields church recently vacated by another preschool, so the town-owned building could be used for public community center purposes. Lori Leo, the director of Magic Garden, explained that the St. Anne’s space was too small for the full school and would require significant modification to house the infant/toddler group, which has since moved to the Stone Church of First Parish. School staff and Magic Garden representatives highlighted the importance, for parents and school staff, of having the Magic Garden preschool on the Hartwell campus.

Mattes also asked about having the preschool housed at the K-8 school. Becky McFall, retiring School Superintendent, explained that the public preschool was for children aged 2-5 needing special education for developmental issues. While this discussion seemed to put to rest the idea of moving Magic Garden, the discussion illustrated the potential use of available church space for town-sponsored activities.

Attendance and benchmark data — David Cuetos reiterated his request for actual program attendance data, not just room capacity. Collier explained that the committee had this data and it would be made available on the CCBC website. Cuetos also asked for a benchmark analysis comparing spaces and costs with similar projects in other towns. Collier and Chester declined to do this, noting that no other town had a comparable project combining Parks and Recreation with a Council on Aging and Human Services in a single building. Information on both of these topics would help the community understand actual, not just possible, usage and how Lincoln compares to other towns. Such data has been promised at many meetings and its lack has made informed questions and comments for both the committee and the public difficult. I hope to see both attendance and benchmark data soon on the community center website.

Reduction in shared and non-shared spaces — Dennis Picker came prepared with a detailed table and rationale for significant reductions in room sizes from the prior programming matrix. The committee responded that some of these reductions had been made in the updated program shown at the meeting, but Picker pointed out that many other reductions were still possible and would be necessary if the town is to see a viable 50% cost option. Picker reflects the desire of many in town to see a modest proposal that they would be willing to accept.

Public concerns — Susan Taylor, School Committee liaison to CCBC, suggested that the above concerns raised by the public be addressed in writing, distributed to the town, and put on the CCBC website so that Lincoln residents could understand the rationale. Krystal Wood and the communications committee agreed to do so.

*    *    *

As an amender of the Special Town Meeting motion to authorize the architectural study of a community center, I am still interested in seeing if a 50% cost option is viable and attractive — and if not, that the vision of a single, new, consolidated space be revisited, and that the use of available spaces in town (some of which would require modification) be considered.

ICON promised to identify needs vs. aspirations. Some of the programs currently put forth appear to be aspirational, such as having three congregate senior luncheons per week with 50 people at each. This is not a required activity and the projected participation numbers seem high, given anecdotal reports of the current once-a-week attendance of 15-30 seniors. The suggested five hours in the kitchen every day for Meals on Wheels still has not been explained. Finally, many of the non-shared spaces such as offices for part-time and summer staff, which were not discussed at the meeting, seem larger than needed and could easily be located in available spaces in town or at our K-8 school.

This complex project is gathering steam and requires everyone’s attention. But as summer approaches, I fear that we will all find better things to do than look at charts, tables and program spaces on the LincolnCommunityCenter.com website. I urge everyone to come to the June 13 public forum, which will likely give ICON the direction and authorization to proceed with plans for a September presentation. At that point, the train will really be pulling out of the station with or without all passengers on board!

* At the March 8 meeting, ICON architects “said they would identify ‘needs’ vs. ‘aspirations’ with each option [offering] a complete, viable alternative. They also emphasized their experience designing sustainable buildings with very low energy use and excellent air quality and said these qualities would be ‘baked into’ to all options” (from the Lincoln Squirrel, March 13, “My Turn: CCBC introduces architects and shares concerns”).

“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.

Police log for May 22–29, 2023

May 22

Lincoln Road (2:42 p.m.) — Two vehicles were issued parking citations at the commuter lot.

North Road, Sudbury (2:48 p.m.) — The Sudbury Fire Department requested a Lincoln fire response for mutual aid coverage. A Hanscom Air Force Base fire engine covered the town of Lincoln for the duration.

Ryan Estate, Lincoln Road (6:35 p.m.) — The owner of a vehicle parked at the Ryan Estate was advised it was illegally parked and had to be removed.

Wells Road (7:25 p.m.) — A shopping cart adorned with caution tape was used as a marker indicating a substantial pothole located in a travel lane in the parking lot of Donelan’s.

Tower Road (8:04 p.m.) — A vehicle possibly missing a passenger-side door pulled into a driveway and then left the area. An officer searched for the vehicle but was unable to locate any matching the description provided.

May 23

Bedford Lane (10:57 p.m.) — Police responded to a residence to speak with an individual about an encounter at Minute Man National Park.

Lincoln Road (12:47 p.m.) — The Department of Public Works requested assistance from an officer while the graduation banner was hung on Lincoln Road.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (5:51 p.m.) — Minor two-vehicle crash on Route 2 West. Lincoln police assisted with a paper exchange prior to both vehicles being driven from the scene.

Hill Top Road, Weston (8:35 p.m.) — A Lincoln ambulance responded to Weston for a mutual aid medical call.

Granville Road (10:49 p.m.) — A vehicle with a loud motor was reported in the area. An officer responded and reported that the vehicle was a water truck filling a swimming pool.

May 24

Bedford Road (1:03 p.m.) — Lincoln Police were advised by the Massachusetts State Police of an ongoing investigation.

Acorn Lane (2:47 p.m.) — Minor two-vehicle crash. The officer assisted both parties with exchanging paperwork.

Greenridge Lane (3:41 p.m.) — A caller reported having an animal stuck in their chimney. They were advised to contact a pest control company.

Tracey’s Corner (6:03 p.m.) — Police attempted to make contact with a person at a family member’s request.

May 25

Lincoln Road (11:34 p.m.) — An officer responded to the mall area regarding a parking complaint.

Indian Camp Lane (4:57 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual requesting information.

Mayflower Road (5:58 p.m.) — An individual came to the police station asking to speak with an officer, who took a report.

May 26

Main Street, Concord (8:14 a.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded to the town of Concord for a mutual aid request. The Hanscom Air Force Base Fire Department responded to Lincoln for coverage.

Old Cambridge Turnpike (1:38 p.m.) —The Fire Department assisted a motorist who was locked out of their vehicle.

Trapelo Road (4:21 p.m.) — Police responded to Trapelo Road by the causeway for a report of several youths fishing. The individuals were advised and moved from the area.

Wells Road (7:54 p.m.) — An individual asked to speak with an officer regarding an ongoing issue.

May 27

North Great Road (4:18 a.m.) — Concord Police requested assistance in checking the north side of town for two vehicles that were possibly involved in an incident in the Concord. A check of the area was conducted by Lincoln officers but they were unable to locate the vehicles.

Lexington Road (9:03 a.m.) — A small boat with several people fishing was reported at the Cambridge Reservoir. The occupants were located and advised that fishing and boating were prohibited.

Stratford Way (6:56 p.m.) —Police and fire units responded for a bicycle crash in which the cyclist had struck a curb and fell from their bicycle. The individual was transported to Lahey Clinic by the Lincoln ambulance.

Old Town Hall Exchange (7:08 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded for a report of smoke in the area. They conducted a check but were unable to determine the origin of the smoke.

Lincoln Road (8:17 p.m.) — An officer spoke with an individual about an ongoing civil matter.

May 28

Pierce House (1:22 a.m.) — An officer checked on a parked and unoccupied vehicle.

Drumlin Farm (9:22 a.m.) — Police were notified of a deer strike in the area of Drumlin Farm.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (9:38 a.m.) — Police were notified of another deer strike in the area of Route 2 and I 95. Massachusetts State Police and MassDOT were notified.

Lexington Road (2:22 p.m.) — A caller reported a vehicle parked and occupied with the engine running in close proximity to their residence. An officer responded and checked on the operator, who left the area shortly thereafter.

Baker Bridge Road (4:08 p.m.) — Approximately 13 vehicles were cited for illegally parking on Baker Bridge Road to access Walden Pond.

Concord Road (4:47 p.m.) — An additional vehicle was cited for illegally parking on Concord Road.

Lincoln Woods (5:22 p.m.) — Police responded to Wells Road to help mediate a verbal altercation.

May 29

North Great Road (8:48 a.m.) — Police were notified of a motor vehicle crash. Officers checked the length of Route 2 in both directions but were unable to locate a crash.

Wells Road (5:57 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual regarding possible threatening text messages.