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

Downsize for Diversity evolves to raise funds for Boston initiative

The Lincoln MCC’s Joanna Schmergel interviewed for a piece on WBZ-TV that was broadcast on April 10.

After pulling in $170,000 in its earlier incarnation, Downsize for Diversity ART (Anti-Racists Together) is continuing to raise money for METCO in Lincoln in partnership with Boston Bridges Initiative — and the effort made the evening news recently.

From 2017-2022, Downsize for Diversity collected donated items including paintings, furniture, carpets, fine china, linens, dolls, estate jewelry, antiques, and other curiosities and sold them, with the proceeds going to Lincoln’s METCO Coordinating Committee. “I thought it was time to take Downsize for Diversity to another platform to see if it can spread and pollinate in other towns,” said METCO Coordinating Committee (MCC) fundraising chair Joanna Schmergel, who spearheaded DforD. Schmergel now heads up DforD ART, which is a scaled-down version of  DforD that accepts and sells only donated artwork and sculpture. She welcomes anyone who would like to help with or take over that effort, or who’d like help establish a similar fundraising effort in another town.

The Boston Bridges Initiative is a nonprofit that offers grants to programs that foster cross-racial social interaction and understanding between urban and suburban students. Its reach extends beyond the 29 towns that currently participate in METCO. DforD ART has raised $17,000 for the initiative thus far.

Interest from the fund established by the DforD sales covers about 30% of the annual need for financial aid to help METCO-enrolled students attend Lincoln Summer Day Camp, supplemented by other monetary donations. “Last year, applications [for financial aid] were so high that even though we were able to increase our giving amount, we still didn’t fully fund applications for financial aid from METCO-enrolled students,” said MCC President Kristen Ferris.

News acorns

Climate Action Plan forum for renters/condo owners

The Climate Action Planning team will host a community coffee hour on Tuesday, April 25 from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the Rural Land Foundation office above the Lincoln Post Office at the mall. The focus of this discussion will be to hear from residents who are renters and condo owners about their concerns and priorities related to climate impacts and strategies for the Climate Action Plan. However, all members of the community are welcome. Please RSVP to curtinj@lincolntown.org if you plan on attending so we know to bring enough refreshments, but feel free to walk in as well. 

Nature journaling event for kids

The Lincoln Public Library invites children in grades 4-6 to a natural treasure hunt with author and educator Clare Walker Leslie on Thursday, April 27 at 4 p.m. Learn how to observe and preserve your thoughts about the natural world by creating a beautiful journal that integrates science, art, math, and writing. Clare’s nature journaling method inspires students to draw conclusions and make observations that instill a respect for the natural world around us and promote conservation into the future. This program will include classroom instruction and a low intensity outdoor walk, weather permitting. Leslie’s books will be available to purchase at the event. Space is limited; please email sfeather@minlib.net to register. The program is funded thanks to a partnership between the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Friends of the Lincoln Library.

Sen. Mike Barrett comes to Lincoln on April 30

The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee invites all Lincoln residents regardless of political affiliation to join State Sen. Mike Barrett in conversation on Sunday, April 30 at 4 p.m. in Bemis Hall (sign-in will begin at 3:45 p.m.). Barrett, who has represented Lincoln since 2012, is coauthor of the legislature’s groundbreaking 2022 climate change law and is knowledgeable on issues that concern Lincoln residents. He’ll discuss his priorities and interests and answer questions.

Donate items for domestic violence victims

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites you to help families transitioning from a shelter or transitional housing establish a new home by donating new household items or gift cards during its annual Shower for Shelters campaign. All gifts collected will be donated to clients of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Spirits of Maynard (4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard) or at Sudbury Wine and Spirits (410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) through Friday, May 5. Requested items include diapers, twin-size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, and other household items. Gift cards ($20-$50) for Target, Walmart, CVS, Market Basket, Hannaford’s, Stop and Shop are also welcome.

Celtic music concert at First Parish

The First Parish in Lincoln will host a Celtic celebration concert with Celtic musicians Katie McNally, Caitlin Finely, Neil Perlman, and Will Woodson playing fiddle, keyboard, flute, and pipes at the Parish Hall (14 Bedford Rd.) Sunday, May 7 from 4-5:30 p.m. Great fiddle, keyboard, flute and pipes! FPL music/concert director Miranda Loud has organized this first concert in our Live in Lincoln Center series for 2023. Tickets must be purchased in advance online ($20 for adults, $12 for children 2 and under). Questions? Email Joan Mansfield, chair of the FPL Music Committee, at joanfmansfield@gmail.com.    

“Why Do Birds Matter?” on May 9

Birds have long been recognized as indicators of environmental change and the malign effects of pollution and habitat degradation, or used to assess the beneficial effectiveness of conservation and habitat restoration. Watch the “Why do Birds Matter? webinar with the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Trevor Lloyd-Evans on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Lloyd-Evans is the retired vice president of the Manomet Bird Observatory and continues today as a senior fellow. Over the years he has worked at conservation research and education in avian biology, ecology, evolution, and habitat analysis. Click here for more information and registration.

Gardening workshops focus on biodiversity

Lincoln Common Ground is hosting two gardening workshops this spring: “Biodiversity in Bloom” with eco-gardener Diana Rice-Sheahan on Sunday, May 7 from 2–4 p.m. at 219 Concord Rd., and “Insect-Friendly Gardens” with eco-gardener Robin Wilkerson on Sunday, June 4 from 2–4 p.m. at 31 Old Winter St.

On May 7, learn how to promote biodiversity in your yard by using materials you have on hand. When you remove an invasive shrub, replace it with a native shrub that will thrive. Cardboard and mulch one small patch of invasives and encourage rowdy, less loved native plant “party crashers” into your designed native plant gardens to knit together a layered team of plants that keep invasives at bay. Click here for information and registration. On June 4, come to organic gardener Wilkerson’s garden sanctuary where has been gardening for years to create a diverse habitat for birds, bees and butterflies to learn her methods for gardening to support the ecosystem. Click here for information and registration.

Play softball this summer in Lincoln

Registration is now open for the Lincoln Co-Ed Summer Softball League for players 18 and older. Games will be on Sundays starting Sunday, May 14 and will expand to Sunday/Monday/Thursday starting June 25 at Codman Field. Check out our website, peruse our team pages, and register for one of our teams (or bring your own!). We currently have four teams, each with their own personality: Chiefs, Mighty Knights, Trailblazers, and Ottoman Umpires. Registration is $40 (10% discount for registering before May 31).

Meet “Portraits of Dementia” photographer

Joe Wallace and his mother Barbara.

An exhibit featuring local photographer Joe Wallace presented by the Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership will kick off with a reception in Bemis Hall on Thursday, May 18 from 2-3:30 p.m. Joe will share the story of his book and traveling exhibit, “Portraits of Dementia,” created to destigmatize those living with dementia. Trained as a journalist, Wallace has been a portrait photographer and storyteller for 20 years, and like many, he has a deeply personal connection with dementia: both his material grandparents had dementia, and in recent years, his mother Barbara has begun her journey with the disease. Space is limited; please RSVP by calling the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

Police log for April 10–18, 2023

April 10

Beaver Pond Road (6:28 p.m.) — A resident called regarding National Grid working nearby. The resident was advised to contact National Grid.

Battle Road Farm, Old Bedford Road (6:47 p.m.) — A resident called reporting a possible suspicious item in their yard. An officer responded and determined that the item was trash that had blown into the yard.

South Great Road (7:01 p.m.) — A motor vehicle collided with a dog on South Great Road by the Mt. Misery parking lot.

Beaver Pond Road (7:41 p.m.) — A resident requested an officer due to National Grid vehicles parked on the roadway. An officer responded and spoke to the National Grid employees, who were able to move their vehicles further down the roadway.

Wells Road (8:20 p.m.) — A caller reported the odor of natural gas in the area. The Fire Department responded and vented the building.

April 11

Brooks Hill Road (11:19 a.m.) — A caller reported observing two females walking topless on a conservation trail in close proximity to their residence. An officer was able to identify the females a short distance away and advised them that they could not walk the trails topless.

Summer Street, Maynard (12:55 p.m.) — The Lincoln Fire Department responded for mutual aid for ongoing brush fires.

Old Concord Road (1:19 p.m.) — A caller reported an item had been stolen from their mailbox.

Weston Road (2:28 p.m.) — The DPW asked Verizon to inspect a cracked utility pole.

Old Bedford Road (6:50 p.m.) — Report of a female walking in the middle of the roadway yelling at vehicles. Police checked the area and were unable to locate her.

South Great Road (7:14 p.m.) — A passing motorist called to report a small unattended child walking along side the road. An officer checked the area and located a family with several children in close proximity to adults.

April 12

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (1:24 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle that had pulled over. The operator was resting and was soon on their way.

South Great Road (4:18 a.m.) — A motorist reported that the railroad gates were stuck in the down position. Officer checked the other railroad crossings; there were no other issues. Keolis was on scene a short time later performing tests on the gates.

South Great Road (7:56 a.m.) — A deceased deer was reported along the roadside of South Great Road. An officer located the deceased animal and notified the DPW for removal.

Old Winter Street (8:02 a.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident seeking to file a police report.

Lincoln Road (3:57 p.m.) — The Fire Department assisted a resident with a residential lockout.

Meadowdam Road (4:02 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident regarding a false unemployment claim made in their name.

Tack Room restaurant (5:06 p.m.) — The Fire Department assisted employees with flooding in the basement.

April 13

Walden St., Concord (3:09 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded for mutual aid related to a motor vehicle crash.

South Great Road (4:32 p.m.) — A caller requested assistance with removal of a deceased raccoon from their yard. The contact information for Animal Control was provided.

Trapelo Road (6:50 p.m.) — Two individuals were advised not to fish at the Cambridge Reservoir.

South Great Road (9:59 p.m.) — A vehicle struck a tree and the operator was subsequently transported to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The operator was issued a citation for unlicensed operation and a marked lanes violation.

April 14

North Great Road (6:32 a.m.) — A motor vehicle-vs.-bicycle crash was reported. The cyclist was transported to the hospital. The operator of the vehicle was issued a citation for failing to slow when approaching a cyclist.

Canoe parking lot, 24 South Great Road (12:43 p.m.) — An officer spoke to an individual who was urinating in the overflow lot.

Lincoln Road (12:57 p.m.) — Police and fire units responded for a residential lockout.

Smith Road, Northborough (2:07 p.m.) — A Lincoln Fire Department brush truck responded for mutual aid to assist with ongoing brush fires.

Codman Road (2:50 p.m.) — A caller reported they had become separated from their spouse on the conservation trails. Police units were dispatched to the area. A short time later, it was reported that the two had been reunited.

Trapelo Road (3:33 p.m.) — A motorist reported seeing several individuals fishing in the Cambridge Reservoir. An officer responded, spoke to the individuals, and advised them that fishing was not allowed.

Old Sudbury Road (4:01 p.m.) — An officer spoke to a resident about a possible fraud incident.

South Great Road (4:48 p.m.) — A motorist spoke to an officer about a minor motor vehicle crash that had happened in the past. The motorist was advised to fill out a report.

South Great Road (9:07 p.m.) — Several callers reported the railroad gates at South Great Road were stuck in the down position for approximately 30 minutes. Keolis was notified.

Lexington Road (9:22 p.m.) — A resident reported seeing flames in the back yard of a neighboring residence. They reported the flames appeared to have been extinguished prior to the Fire Department’s arrival.

April 15

Transfer station (8:31 a.m.) — A minor motor vehicle crash occurred when a vehicle struck a dumpster.

Lyman Street, Berlin (12:18 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded for mutual aid for a residential explosion.

Bedford Road (12:29 p.m.) — A family member called for a well-being check. Contact was made with both parties.

Donelan’s Supermarket (2:09 p.m.) — A caller notified the police of a dog in a parked car in the Donelan’s lot. An officer arrived and spoke to the operator, advising them not to leave an unattended animal in their vehicle.

Sandy Pond Road (7:52 p.m.) — A caller reported an individual fishing at Flint’s Pond. An officer checked but was unable to locate anyone in the area.

April 16

Trapelo Road (3:49 p.m.) — A group of youths were advised not to fish at the Cambridge Reservoir.

Old County Road (4:05 p.m.) — A group that was fishing at the Cambridge Reservoir were advised to move from the area.

Bedford Road (6:01 p.m.) — Officers were dispatched to stop traffic for an annual reenactment.

Bedford Road (8:22 p.m.) — A resident reported that a neighbor’s dog attacked one of their chickens. An officer responded and spoke with the parties.

Town moves forward with firm to build solar installation at landfill

After years of stops and starts, solar panels may finally start appearing on the capped town landfill in late 2024. 

The town recently selected HESP Solar of Montvale, N.J., to build a solar voltaic facility that will provide 1 MW of electricity, which is about what’s needed to power town-owned buildings excluding the schools. The electricity will go directly to the electrical grid and the town will receive income from a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Although the firm is not based in Massachusetts, during the bid process they brought in a Massachusetts attorney to better understand the Commonwealth’s regulatory and incentive processes, an electrical engineering firm that has built solar projects atop landfills in the past, and a geotechnical firm to learn more about the landfill, said consultant Beth Greenblatt at the March 20 Select Board meeting. Greenblatt works for Beacon Integrated Solutions, which was also involved in creating the PPA for the Lincoln School’s solar installation.

“They will work to accommodate the town in all ways possible. I think they’ll be a very good partner for the town,” she said.

Lincoln won’t have to pay anything and will actually see three revenue streams from the deal. In addition to income from the PPA in the form of electricity savings — estimated at $170,000 to $200,000 per year — HESP Solar will make lease payments for use of the land and PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) for their personal property on the site.

“Financially it’s an attractive proposition for the town,” observed Town Administrator Tim Higgins.The project was slowed by several factors including the pandemic and lengthy negotiations with Minute Man National Historical Park. The park owns the right of way on either side of Route 2A, so the town needed their approval to install power lines from the landfill out to the road. Before the facility can go on line, the interconnection process will need multiple approvals including Eversource and MassDEP, which will permit reuse of the landfill. Construction contracts could be signed in about a year.

News acorns

LLCT plant sale

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust sale of plants and plant kits is going on through April. Perennials are sourced from Bagley Pond Perennials, and shrubs and trees from Bigelow’s Nursery and New England Wetland Plants. All species are native, straight species and are pesticide-free. A small fee has been incorporated into our prices to help us defray delivery costs and cover some of the plantings we will add to conservation land. All sales are pre-order and pick up is on Friday, May 19 in Lincoln. You can also donate a plant to support planting efforts at LLCT’s pollinator gardens throughout town. Click here to learn more. 

Get ready to pull invasive garlic mustard

It’s neighborhood garlic mustard pull season through June 9, and the Conservation Department and the LLCT are offering paper bags and volunteer group workdays on conservation land. Pick up bags (courtesy of the Lincoln Garden Club) on Wednesday, April 26 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m.–noon at the transfer station, or at the Conservation Department and LLCT offices when they’re open. Bring filled bags to the DPW yard on Lewis Street and dispose of them in the designated area. Volunteer work days will be Wednesday, May 10 and Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m.–noon (the second date is also a pollinator planting day. Click here for more information and registration.

Don’t forget to complete the community center survey

Your responses on the Values Survey for the Community Center Building Committee will help the committee to understand the priorities of Lincoln residents as it develops plans for a community center. The deadline is Friday, April 21.

Sculpture Park events on April 22

The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will host an Earth Day Environmental Sculptures Tour on Saturday, April 22 from 1–2 p.m. focusing on the intersection between art and nature in the park. Each tour is a lively conversation about artists, art-making processes, materials, and deCordova’s rich history. Ask about your favorite sculpture, new acquisition, or the history of campus. Capacity is limited; click here to purchase tickets in advance.

Also on April 22, there will be two sessions on “Spring Floral Sculptures: Workshop with Derby Farms” from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 1–2:30 pm. Learn how to arrange flowers in three-dimensional, sculptural ways using early spring garden flowers. Click here to register.

Heat Pumps 201

Do you need a new air conditioner? Do you no longer want fossil fuels in the house? Come to “Heat Pumps 201,” the fifth in Lincoln Green Energy’s Getting to Zero series, on Thursday, April 27 at noon. Rob Basnett from Basnett Plumbing will discuss on myths, design issues, and operating recommendations. Register here for the Zoom meeting, which will be recorded. In “Heat Pumps 101” from February 2022, Michael gave an introduction to heat pumps and Brian Pelton from Net Zero HVAC answersed questions. Bob Zogg from the Heat Smart Alliance also gave this presentation last May.

Register for spring T-ball

Parents of PreK and kindergarteners are invited to register their child for T-ball organized by Lincoln’s Travis Roland and Chris Andrysiak. The goal is to teach kids the basic fundamentals of baseball, teamwork, and having fun. Parents are welcome to assist during practice. Opening Day is Saturday, April 29 and the season will run until June 17. They play at Codman Field next to the town pool on Saturdays from 10:15–11:45 a.m. Players will need their own glove but should not bring a bat (they’ll receive a team shirt and hat. For more information, email Roland at travisroland89@yahoo.com.

“Under Milk Wood” performances

WordsMove Theater will present staged readings of “Under Milk Wood: A Play for Voices” by Dylan Thomas directed by Mary Crowe on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Public Library
  • Friday, May 5 at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall
  • Wednesday, May 10 at the Concord Public Library (129 Main St., Concord).

The 1943 play (originally written for radio) is a celebration of life in a small Welsh fishing village, at once moving, hilariously funny, sometimes bawdy and always wildly poetic. Special thanks to Friends of the Lincoln Library for supporting this production. The cast includes Lincolnites Ben Dubrovsky and Sally Kindleberger as well as Crowe. WordsMove Theater was founded in 1993 dedicated to performing poetry and plays by Dylan Thomas in schools, libraries, and arts centers and was recently revived by Crowe, who is also a professional jazz and cabaret singer.

My Turn: CCBC architects tackle forum topics and site analysis

By Lynne Smith

At the CCBC regular meeting on April 12, Mark McKevitz, ICON Architecture project manager, listed the topics raised at the April 4 community forum. The list was daunting and it was good to know that residents’ concerns were heard. I congratulate the CCBC for announcing that more community forums will occur in April, May, and June. This is a brave move in our famously opinionated town! While misunderstandings sometimes arise, the forums create an opportunity for our voices to be heard on this important topic — one that will affect our community and our tax bill for years to come.

Ned Collier, ICON lead architect, said they would release the results of the recent CCBC survey at the April 25 community meeting. CCBC Chair Sarah Chester said they would also provide the programming matrix many of us have been asking for — specifically, I am interested in a list of programs that must be housed in a community center and cannot be housed in existing spaces. (Editor’s note: The CCBC website includes a Draft Programming Matrix listing space wants and needs for various uses, as well as a Decentralized Programming Matrix showing where various programs are currently held.)

Hartwell campus — At the April 12 meeting, Collier spent over an hour describing the Hartwell campus space using mapping overlays to show the perennial stream, gradations of land, impermeable paving, traffic patterns, and the footprint of the existing buildings, (the pods). ICON will refine this preliminary analysis in the next two months in order to generate cost estimates of site preparation for a new or renovated building.

The pods are heavily used for after-school programs and adult fitness classes. These Parks & Recreation Department programs will need to continue at Hartwell. The challenge is how to include the Council on Aging & Human Services into the space. It seems clear that a new or renovated building is needed. What is not clear is how big a structure is required and how the increased traffic flow and complexity will be resolved. A serious traffic analysis is needed to accommodate seniors and children arriving at similar times.

Use of existing spaces — Many residents do not want to duplicate existing spaces with brand-new ones. It is my understanding that ICON has already reviewed the Hartwell Pods and Bemis Hall for their suitability for COA&HS and PRD programs. ICON will soon visit the Pierce House, and resident Dennis Picker suggested that the Lincoln Public Library be visited. I did not hear that there were any plans for visiting space at Lincoln Station.

As ICON reviews existing spaces, I fear they are looking for problems but I hope they will also look for solutions. The architects should be able to provide insight into how difficult or costly solutions might be. For example, if the Pierce House could be used during the winter months to host indoor COA activities, what would it take to make the area suitable for these activities? Similarly, if Bemis Hall were used for art classes on the main floor and dance and music on the second floor, what modifications would be needed?

April 25 community forum — I urge everyone to attend this upcoming meeting and hope CCBC will issue the programming matrix in advance. I believe the committee is trying to address our concerns. Now is the time to ask questions and voice opinions.

  • Click here to see previous Lincoln Squirrel posts about the community center.

“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: How to determine if outside burning is safe

By Lincoln Fire Chief Brian J. Young

Unfortunately, due to lack of precipitation and high temperatures, we did not allow open burning last week. The state does not allow open burning after May 1 so we are nearing the deadline. We are optimistic that we will get some rain early this week and conditions will improve before the end of the burning season.

The district has already had a lot of brush fires recently, but we also want to do our best to allow residents to use the spring window to burn. To clarify the decision-making process, I wanted to share our criteria for good burning conditions.

There are two considerations we look at: fire weather and air quality. Fire weather is a combination of humidity, wind, and temperature. We have two different scales for this, the Haines index (1-6), and the state fire danger scale (1-5 Smokey the Bear sign) put out by DCR. When a high Haines index combines with high wind, we do not allow burning.

The second factor, air quality, is given to us by the Massachusetts DEP. Although the local towns can decide if burning is allowed during marginally poor fire weather, we cannot allow burning when the DEP issues a poor air quality alert.

One of the most dangerous conditions is high wind. Wind will not only increase the size of the fire but also push it to unburnt dry sources. Last week in Weston, windblown embers from a house fire sparked a brush fire that moved almost 200 feet downwind before fire crews could contain it. The wind is not always consistent throughout the day, so a day that predicts gusts of over 20 mph will be dangerous for outside burning.

Red flag warnings may be issued by the state, a red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Any fires that start may spread rapidly and become difficult to extinguish.

I am optimistic we will have good conditions this week, but we often have poor fire weather in April due to dead vegetation and high winds. Please remember in the future that February and March are the safest months to burn.

“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: Concerns at community center forum are deeply flawed

By Bob Apsler

I urge the Community Center Building Committee not to be swayed by the dominant concerns expressed at the April 4 open mic meeting. Those concerns are (1) a desire for a community center within walking distance of a revitalized commercial center, (2) a request for a distributed services model of programs utilizing spaces throughout Lincoln, and (3) a plea for minimizing costs of a community center.

Before dealing with each concern, I must highlight [Assistant Town Administrator] Dan Pereira’s response to the general issue of representativeness of views about the community center. Decisions in Lincoln are made by residents who choose to be informed and vote. There will always be disagreements, and there will always be vocal dissent, such as we heard during the meeting. The decision to build a community center and to locate it on the Ballfield Road campus evolved over many years through participation of hundreds of residents during numerous meetings. Those decisions were not arbitrary but followed extensive data gathering, data analysis, and discussion. Do not be misled by those insisting on disregarding those decisions.

Desire for a community center within walking distance of a revitalized commercial center

Two myths undergird this desire.

First, the Lincoln Mall, like malls across the country, struggles and exists despite dire financial prospects. Vacancies abound at malls as they search for repurposing as housing, warehouses, etc. Fortunately, Donelan’s, Something Special, the Tack Room, and Twisted Tree remain, but even their future is uncertain. What evidence suggests that a revitalized commercial district in Lincoln will buck the national trend? Even if so, how many more years will it take to realize that dream?

Second, how far will Lincoln seniors walk to access a community center? I suggest you attend various Council on Aging functions at Bemis Hall, such as the Lincoln Academy. Observe how many attendees rely on the elevator. Watch them ascend and descend the stairs. Watch them enter and exit spaces. Then estimate how far most will walk to reach a community center. Use that estimate to draw a circle on a map of Lincoln centered in the Lincoln Mall showing the number of residents living within walking distance. What percentage does this number of walking-distance residents constitute of all Lincoln residents? Conclusion: the vast majority of Lincoln residents reside beyond walking distance and will rely on transportation for reaching the community center. This conclusion holds for all other potential locations. In short, “walking distance” should not be considered in locating the community center.

Request for a distributed services model of programs utilizing spaces throughout Lincoln

Even though this option has been discussed extensively and rejected decisively, assume that a financial analysis shows an advantage of distributing COA services around Lincoln versus a centralized community center. Imagine COA&HS programs taking place at many locations, thereby reducing interactions among participants in different programs. Lincoln residents want a center for their community. They have repeatedly voiced their desire for a gathering place where they can meet others. A distributed services model also creates a nightmare for staff with the need to juggle schedules according to availability of space in several locations and requires substantial effort in moving equipment and supplies in and out of shared spaces.

Plea for minimizing costs of a community center

Lincoln attributes that contribute to high real estate taxes include two-acre zoning, large expanses of conservation land, and a minimal commercial presence. Several options exist for lowering our taxes, including eliminating lot size and building height restrictions, and rezoning large tracts of conservation land to allow light industry. These options would change Lincoln’s character and will not be endorsed by residents. Therefore, we are stuck with high taxes in order to retain the desirable Lincoln characteristics.

The issue becomes one of finding ways to assist those who want to remain in Lincoln but cannot afford the tax payments. Downsizing helps only a few due to scarce availability of smaller, less expensive homes. While subsidies have been mentioned often, using one’s housing equity might also be an option. Reverse mortgages and home equity loans would allow cash-poor residents to pay their share of taxes and remain in Lincoln.

Lincoln residents want and are willing to pay for improving their community. Residents recently approved $94,000,000 for renovating the school and even added further allocations. They will support a community center.

“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.