[LincolnTalk] chicks' story, predator attack

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I need help to understand.,  This morning, the nest was seen toppled
and there were three small red stains on the floor, one foot apart.
The animal that toppled the nest has collected the whole chicks,
nothing is left except the stains. Somebody had mentioned of raccoon,
I have not seen a raccoon here in years.  My wife suspects rat.
It is a sad day here.  Last time chicks just flew away gleefully.
I found a second nest on the top of the wreath, it was too casual.
I had seen a bird sitting there, but didn't think of the nest.
So it goes.
With my respects to nature,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] bird nest, chicks

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I had written about the bird nest on our front door wreath.  The nest is
not at
the lowest point, but is in an elevated point with straw cushioning.  The
eggs
hatched Saturday and there are three chicks.  It is possible the chicks have
a softer bed because of the nest design.  I peep occasionally, the chicks
have
beaks and eyes now, fur is coming.  The mother keeps guard twenty feet
away.
She occasionally comes and shouts, possibly to teach the chicks how to
make sound.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Background and Thoughts: Town Meeting History

[Bijoy Misra]

I can add to Allen's historical survey with anecdotes from India.
Community meetings for decisions
have been the practice in India for thousands of years.  The Moghuls tried
to block it and
the British tried to abolish it.  But the Moghuls were advised by their
religious leaders to allow
religious gatherings to function.  The British continued the process but
shortened the allowable
time.  People got creative in throwing in indirect protest lyrics with
devotional music.
Gandhi used prayer meetings to mobilize people.
Merry Christmas.
Bijoy Misra

On Sat, Dec 23, 2023 at 8:05 AM Allen Vander Meulen 
wrote:

> This is from the Town of Sutton, MA website…
>
> Town Meeting Origin
> *"Town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to science; they
> bring it within the people's reach, they teach men how to use and how to
> enjoy it."*
> --Alex de Tocqueville
>
> The history of Town Meetings is the history of liberty in Massachusetts.
> Massachusetts’s residents began holding Town Meetings over 350 years ago,
> shortly after the Puritans arrived from England, seeking liberty.
>
> One reason that Massachusetts’s colonists revolted against Great Britain
> was the British attempt to ban most Town Meetings except by permission. In
> 1774, British Soldiers tried to stop a Salem Town Meeting in progress, but
> the citizens barred the door of their town house and continued to meet.
>
> On the American Revolution's first day of fighting, members of the
> Lexington militia gathered on the town common at around 2:00 in the morning
> on April 19,1775. There they held an impromptu open-air Town Meeting to
> "consult what might be done" about the British soldiers marching from
> Boston, as the local minister later wrote.
>
> Attending Town Meetings was once mandatory for freemen who owned land.
>
> ==
>
> I might also add that a long series of debates preceding the “Boston Tea
> Party” were held from November 29th, 1773 until December 16, 1773: first at
> Faneuil Hall and then (due to lack of space) moved to the Old South
> Meetinghouse in Boston, were officially a Town Meeting.  The meeting was
> continued from day to day until the night of the Tea Party itself.  It is
> said that around 5,000 people attended those meetings.
>
> ==
>
> As is widely known, many towns in Massachusetts used their meetinghouses
> both for Town Meetings as well as religious services.  Massachusetts at
> that time was a Theocracy: church and state were one.  This practice
> persisted, gradually evolving and ultimately fading away, finally ending
> entirely with the Disestablishment Act of 1833.  This act was adopted in
> response to the numerous church splits occurring at the time due to the
> Unitarian controversy: the State finally gave up trying to arbitrate which
> church merited the state’s financial support following each split.
>  —Numerous lawsuits were filed as each congregation tried to claim those
> funds for their own use.
>
> ===
>
> Thoughts...
>
> The free and open debate of issues in a public forum is a dangerous thing
> - by its very nature it is a challenge to centralized authority.  If done
> well, they generate widespread consensus, which in turn form the basis for
> communal action.  This is why the British authorities tried to suppress the
> practice in Massachusetts in the years leading up to the Revolution, and
> why dictators (and would-be dictators) to this day continue to try and shut
> down public debate in any form.
>
> I think it healthy to question if (and how) we should continue the
> tradition of Town Meetings here in Lincoln, and throughout Massachusetts.
>
> It was never a perfect system.  Many towns - including Lincoln - were
> established because local families found it very difficult to get to the
> local parish that they were required to attend on Sunday mornings,
> especially in inclement weather, this included attendance at Town Meetings,
> too.  Also, as noted above, early Town Meetings were hardly representative
> of the population since women and non-landowners were excluded.
>
> On the other hand, Town Meetings have long been crucial in promoting a
> healthy, active, frequently entertaining, and often deeply thoughtful
> public debate on the issues of the day.  It has always been critical in
> generating strong consensus and support within the community on how to
> confront and address such issues.
>
> I also think we can separate the issue of debate - which is where the Town
> Meeting has long been central and effective - from the act of voting.
>
> As political life has evolved in Massachusetts, the two have separated,
> but remain complementary:  we need both the debate, which may be prolonged,
> striden

[LincolnTalk] gratitude to the Town, Christmas gift

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
I took residence in Lincoln in 2004 with an express purpose of
contemplating my immigration. India is a large living culture, much
distorted through time, much rich in her literature and much rooted
in her traditions.  My mother was keen that our children should be
exposed to the roots.  It took me many years of wanderings to
undertake the project that I started in 2014.  Bemis Hall and the
officers in Council of Aging helped in hosting our seminars that ran
from 2017 to 2019.  We compiled the material and have produced
a book.  The book called "Evolution of India's Culture - Prehistory to
1947AD" can be downloaded from our website
https://www.indiadiscoverycenter.org
I offer this with my gratitude.
Merry Christmas.
Bijoy Misra
Bedford Road
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Retail/Mall-Viability/Profitablity

[Bijoy Misra]

A gentleman from RLF was very defensive when I wrote about this a month
back.
He said that RLF runs because of its staff and the salary should not be
questioned.
He didn't acknowledge that RLF had created the blueprint for the Mall
demolition
that was presented in a public meeting in Donaldson Room (City Hall) four
years
ago.  Zoning by-laws were blocking them at that time. The Planning Board is
trying
to smooth the process..  Eventually we all would foot the bill for the
needed service
enhancement.for two thousand extra people and a thousand extra cars in a
confined
area.   Sorry I am talking like a bug on the wall.   I was observing the
scene with
utter amazement.  Various statements to hide the motive continue to be
interesting!
Nobody from RLF or the Plannng Board has said that they have made new plans.
I did not save the drawings from 2019 assuming that the project died.
Is this how the town decisions have been made in the past?  Somebody not
informed wants to understand!
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Wed, Dec 20, 2023 at 9:48 AM Rich Rosenbaum  wrote:

> I’m not sure how my name got at the end of this post, but this is not my
> statement.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 19, 2023 at 11:48 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>
>> Here is another statement about revenues.
>> It appears that except for the COVID year, the revenues exceeded expenses
>> for the RLF.
>> How could that be if the tenants, who have been there for some time
>> (Something Special has been there 47 years!) were paying enough rent to
>> make the total operation profitable.
>> Do we know what the profit margins are at other malls?
>> At least ours is in the black, so that must not be a main driver for
>> their desire to rezone and sell.
>>
>> Rich Rosenbaum 
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Dec 16, 2023, at 11:19 PM, Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> Has anybody asks them how they are doing and what changes in the
>> environment would hurt/help them?
>> How are they doing now?
>> Lots of new foot traffic a plus?
>> RIse in rents a dela killer?
>>
>> I have not seen them asked and/or invited to meetings, so how do we know?
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sara Mattes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Speaking time at town meeting

[Bijoy Misra]

I agree that the town meeting format needs change.  Individual expression
in the meeting
was necessary when the meeting was the only forum.  I would think that
information
tables can be set up by individuals or groups to disseminate a point of
view.  It should be
open and all voices should be heard.  The tables can be open for two hours.
The ballots should be electronic.  We must conserve time
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Dec 20, 2023 at 9:07 AM Adam M Hogue  wrote:

> Paul 100% agreed.  Also, especially in Lincoln things do not just appear
> at town meeting we have dozens of meetings and forums before hand so if you
> have a major opinion or want something changed those are the times to do
> it.  This is why I support we vote as soon as possible or do ballot votes
> we should come to town meeting having already flushed out the issues.
>
> *Adam M Hogue*
> *Cell: **(978) 828-6184 <(978)%20828-6184>*
>
> On Dec 20, 2023, at 8:53 AM, Paul Rice via Lincoln <
> lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:
>
> The 2 minute limit for speakers at town meeting has raised some
> questions.
> I’m not part of the group that governs town meetings but have run meetings
> many times in the past so let me try to explain the reason for limiting
> speakers time at meetings.
>
> In the 80s I attended all town meetings, early morning until early
> evening, coming back on a weeknight because we didn’t finish. People would
> stand and speak for 10 minutes or more often totally off subject so most
> people would give up and just call the vote so they could go home or leave
> before the vote.
>
> At this meeting I counted 20+ people at the mikes in the auditorium, also
> some more were in the gym. At 2 minutes giving some time between speakers
> this would take close to an hour. At 3 minutes it could be 1 1/2 hours. If
> we are to accomplish the town’s business it important that the meeting
> proceeds at a reasonable rate so people stay and vote.
>
> If you are familiar with the warrant article prior to attending the
> meeting it should be possible to prepare a statement that is short, clear
> and takes only 2 minutes.
> If you have major points to make you should consider asking for a place on
> the agenda to present a rebuttal.
>
> Sorry this ran so long, I usually try to keep things short and to the
> point.
>
> Paul Rice
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Re: [LincolnTalk] FW: My Turn

[Bijoy Misra]

Precise point! Well conveyed.

On Tue, Dec 12, 2023 at 6:18 PM Maureen Malin  wrote:

> Totally agree
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Dec 12, 2023, at 8:35 AM, June L Matthews  wrote:
>
> 
>
>
>
> Friends and neighbors:  Following the Dec. 2 Town Meeting I wrote a piece
> which I hoped would appear in the “My Turn” section of the Lincoln
> Squirrel.  Due to an oversight it did not, although an excerpt just
> appeared in an Addendum to the collection of comments from other residents
> (Thank you, Alice).  FYI, I include my complete submission below.
>
> June Matthews
>
>
>
> My Turn:  Please think further about HCA Options C and E
>
> While I was patiently waiting in line at Town Meeting to speak on the HCA
> question in support of Option E I looked through my notes to decide what I
> might try to fit into my two minutes.  I never got a chance to speak, but
> the item that I was going to mention first was CARS!  If the allowed number
> of housing units were built in the Mall area, we could have 1,000 more
> cars!  That number boggles my mind.  It is disingenuous to think that
> people would move there in order to live without a car.  Sure, you wouldn’t
> need one to go to the Post Office or buy groceries, or to commute by rail
> to Waltham/Cambridge/Boston if that is where your job is, but what about
> other destinations, e.g. the Library, the Schools (to pick up children)?
> Or … the new Community Center, which our town in its infinite wisdom has
> decided to build at a location accessible only by car?  No, singles will
> have one car, most couples will have two.  In addition to congestion and
> traffic, which have not been adequately studied, there will be more impact
> on town infrastructure, noise and light pollution, more pavement (driveways
> and parking), fewer trees, and possible impact on wildlife movement.
> Lincoln Station is already the most densely populated area of Town:  is it
> fair to ask those residents to assume the entire burden of additional
> housing?  Also, it is the most diverse:  if one stands on Lincoln Road at
> the entrance to the Mall, one can see the Lincoln Woods apartments, Ryan
> Estate (62+), the Ridge Court (“Flying Nun”) apartments, and at a slightly
> farther distance, the Greenridge (where I live) and Todd Pond condominiums.
> Each of these properties has its own architectural style, but somehow they
> all fit together into the character and ethos of Lincoln.  (And none of the
> buildings are taller than the trees!)  They serve a diverse range of ages
> and income levels, a diversity which I believe that the town embraces.
> Although I realize that only a small fraction of Lincoln’s land area is
> being considered for rezoning, this is an important area – not only to
> those of us who live nearby but to everyone who passes through *en route*
> to or from their residences.
>
> When I moved to Lincoln 30+ years ago I did so on account of its
> semi-rural, small-town nature, its open space, farmland, conservation land,
> and trails.  Let’s not compromise these aspects by granting *carte
> blanche* to a developer to build by right whatever he chooses.  Any
> fraction of Lincoln’s unique character that we cede will be lost; we
> cannot, nor can future generations, get it back.
>
>
>
> June Matthews
>
> 35 Greenridge Lane
>
>
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[LincolnTalk] town participation in Planning

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I had written about the politicization in town.
Through this note, I would make a public appeal
to the Planning Board to facilitate maximum participation
in drafting the bylaws.  I would encourage all environmentally
conscious townspeople to get their voice heard. I would
appeal to the Planning Board members to respect views.
It is not "we win, they lose". There are no "they".
There are a lot of talents in town, let us use them all.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] politicization in town, path forward

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
One of the early discoveries of Neil Armstrong in 1969 was how beautiful
blue the earth looked as he stepped on the Moon.  The color now may look
slightly different but it will still look blue to our eyes.  The earth
tries to refurbish itself in order to preserve, but it can get tired.  We
have begun to feel the earth's exhaustion.
Through the foresight of the early settlers, the town of Lincoln has
maintained itself as a green town.  Distributed housing, land maintenance,
environmental awareness and respect to natural life have been helpful to
accomplish the look and feel of the town.  Some of us have been attracted
to make the town our home.
It appears that Saturday's discussion has deeply divided the town.  I wish
to appeal to all to discuss further on the pros and cons of the proposed
paths.There should be reasoned discussion by the townspeople on the
following questions.
1. Do we try our best to maintain the town's look and feel or do we resign
to let it decay?
2. Can development be achieved in a distributed manner and still be
affordable?
3. If distributed housing is chosen, how must we modify the bylaws to
accomplish new housing?
4. Is town center development a public concern or a private concern?
If it is public, what process do we institute to let the public
participate?.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] Rural Land Foundation and negative cash flow

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
The IRS filings as I posted before records that the RLF has been
in negative cash flow for years.  I am reproducing below -
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/46132391
Apparently it has not been successful in mobilizing the necessary
funding to run its overhead.  The overhead has become unsustainable.
RLF Board may think that it has a right to sell its assets to determine
its future, but to impose new arbitrary structures without town approval
defeats the basic RLF mission.  I am an environmentalist, I love green.
I am surprised that RLF is unable to secure public and private
funds in the present strong green economy.  Something really has
gone wrong.  I appeal all to examine and make some wise decisions
than selling land
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Zoning restrictions maintain Town control

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
It has come to my attention that the land selling by Rural Land Foundation
has become necessary to
keep it solvent.  The publicly available IRS tax filing for multiple years
is given at the following link..
  https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/46132391
There is stunning 40% overhead on executive compensation which is totally
unacceptable for a
nonprofit corporation.  I am connected to many nonprofits in the area and
lead one myself. I have
written to the President of RLF to find alternate paths of reducing
overhead than thinking of selling land.
RLF is an old and valuable organization.  It should actively engage itself
in soliciting grants and public
support and reduce overhead.  It is a town institution.  We should all
pitch in to help RLF to rescue it
from the dire unfortunate situation.  The overhead executive compensation
should be truncated
immediately for solvency.  I request the RLF Board to comment and take
action.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Fri, Dec 1, 2023 at 2:27 AM RAandBOB  wrote:

> Most house lots in town are zoned for by-right single-family housing. You
> can’t build just any house on these lots, however. The building is governed
> by side lot and front lot setbacks and by height, wetland and septic
> restrictions, among others.
>
> Similarly, the new zoning for by right multi family housing/retail will
> restrict the possibilities for buildings. The planning board is in the
> process of developing new bylaws. Right now they disagree among themselves.
> Their continuing discussions will be held in public, and also be guided by
> input from the public through public hearings. Eventually, they will
> propose new bylaws that will be voted up or down by the Town Meeting. This
> is the process that will eventually limit what developers can build on
> these new by-right zoned properties for multi-family/retail developments.
> In this way, the Town will continue to have control over what is developed.
>
> Ruth Ann Hendrickson
> (She, her, hers)
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Re: [LincolnTalk] District contiguity question

[Bijoy Misra]

In some sense people may have a tendency to think that Option E is a
challenge
to the town management.  Personally my reaction was that the new proposal C
was similar to one proposed in 2019 that was seriously objected by all
present
in that public meeting.  That proposal was a precursor to a vote in the town
meeting and the proposal was abandoned.  This new Option C wishes to
bypass the town meeting under the cover of HCA  No solid justification has
not been put forward as to why we think of piling up structures without
thinking of traffic and environment.  Traffic was commented heavily in that
2019 meeting.  The traffic report posted at the town talks about egress and
not of delay and congestion.  A parallel infrastructure project is
necessary
before we squeeze habitation structures in a confined area.
The Select Board's idea to put a proper planning for development
in TownCenter is to be complimented.  It would need a fair amount of
infrastructure planning and expenditure.  All must think constructively
to achieve it.  HCA is a minor affair, we should not sell land at the Town
Center under the excuse of complying to a mistake-ridden state proposal.
The MBTA enhancement is another big-ticket item for the State. .Our town
would benefit with good train service but that is well into the future.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 8:00 PM David Cuetos  wrote:

> I am going to attach the email I sent to the Director of Planning,
> Jennifer Glass and Utile a few days ago at the bottom. I don't think there
> is any ambiguity in the wording of the guidelines and believe option E as
> sent would be compliant. However, we do not want to get bogged down on this
> issue. There is one simple fix to ensure contiguity, which we have offered
> repeatedly to the HCAWG, both in public meetings and via email. As per the
> email Sarah Postlethwait sent to LincolnTalk and Jennifer Glass last night
> in response to Jennifer's email, we are adding 2 Lewis St to Option E. It
> would have been more reasonable for Jennifer and Paula to contact us before
> posting that public notice and it would have been in keeping with Jim
> Hutchinson's public request that technical non-compliance issues for
> resident's proposals would be parsimoniously fixed.
>
> I disagree with the characterization that option E is minimally compliant.
> Option E would allow for 113 units built (this excludes Battle Road Farm)
> an amount that is equivalent as a % of our existing units to Brookline's
> approved HCA proposal. Brookline's proposal was widely celebrated as a
> successful compromise between opposing groups. This doesn't even take into
> consideration the fact that the Village Center District rezoning would be
> presented separately at Town Meeting if Option E is chosen. There are
> options we could have presented which would have led to zero units
> developed as of right, but we decided not to do that because we want to put
> forward a compromise option that can satisfy as many residents as possible.
>
> I want to make clear that excluding N Lewis was not part of our original
> mission. It was actually a request from the Historical Society. A lot of us
> would have been comfortable including it, but we also realized that there
> is a good deal of fungibility in designing options. There are clearly folks
> in town who care deeply about our history, so we saw no particular harm in
> rezoning other properties instead. We could have dropped all of Lewis St,
> but that would have meant that Option E would have tilted perhaps too far
> for some in the no development by right direction.
>
> As to your point regarding development encroaching Codman Farm. I think
> there is a big difference between what we propose and options C-D. The
> biggest difference is that no re-development would occur at Doherty's,
> which is obviously the closest parcel to Codman Farm. Under the by-laws
> discussed for options C-D, a 48' 4-story building could be placed on that
> site. The same could occur at the Mall. The other difference is that for
> the Lincoln Rd/ Lewis St district  we are a) limiting the height at 36'
> rather than 42' as per the by-laws discussed, and b) increasing the setback
> to 25' from 15'.
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 8:12 AM Carl Angiolillo 
> wrote:
>
>> I appreciate Karla's clarifications, and her interpretation of the act
>> seems reasonable, however the wording is indeed ambiguous so I think there
>> is a possibility that the EOHLC could choose to interpret it differently.
>> (As evidenced by the recent email from Jennifer Glass)
>>
>> However, this part of the explanation particularly stuck out to me:
>>
>> > The only impact of having a discontiguous piece of Lincoln Rd that is
>> less than 5 acres is that those 2.7 acres do not cou

Re: [LincolnTalk] Changes to Options C and D made as recently as yesterday

[Bijoy Misra]

I don't understand the rush and the errors.  Errors happen when we are not
careful or do not fully understand.
Let us be conservative and vote E for HCA compliance. Then do the Mall
development with more thoughtful
(error-free!) public discussion.  Let us not rush.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 2:24 PM Karla Gravis  wrote:

> With the flurry of emails on the topic, I thought I would summarize the
> evolution of Options C and Ds, and all the changes that have been made to
> them in recent days.
>
>
>- The town submitted Option C, as developed by Utile, to the State on
>October 12th
>- There was an error found in Utile's model submission: it included an
>extra 18 acres of land that had not been approved. The HCAWG confirmed and
>corrected this mistake.
>- On November 8th, Ms. Glass confirmed that the Lincoln Woods density
>would be adjusted down to 8 units/acre from the 20 units per acre in the
>original submission for all options. Lincoln Rd density was also dropped to
>14 units per acre in the Lincoln Rd district.  150 Lincoln Rd was dropped
>from the parcel list. It is unclear whether either of these corrections has
>been sent to the State.
>- *On November 29th, Ms. Glass confirmed that the density for the
>Codman Rd and Lincoln Rd districts was reduced because of
>over-zoning concerns, across all options C-Ds.*  It is also unclear
>whether the corrections to Option C have been sent to the State.
>
> I have taken the liberty of mapping out the changes in the table below.
>
> I will leave it up to readers to interpret whether Option C as presented
> at SOTT and submitted to the State on Oct. 12th is the same as what is
> being voted on Saturday.
>
> [image: image.png]
> --
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> .
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Rural Land Foundation Seeks Your Support

[Bijoy Misra]

It has been said that RLF has come to financial troubles and so advocates
the "by right" intent avoiding the town meeting.
I believe that a "by right" arrangement of arbitrary development in Town
center contradicts the nature and character of town.
Kindly publish the RLF financial document if it is open for public view.
Transparency should be the part of the appeal.
Thank you.
Regards
Bijoy Misra

On Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 2:43 PM Michelle Barnes via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> November 30, 2023
>
>
>
> Dear Lincoln Residents,
>
>
>
> As the December 2nd Town Meeting approaches, we thought it would be
> helpful to briefly remind you of who we are, why we think our preliminary
> proposal to redevelop the Mall with by-right mixed-use zoning is in the
> best interest of Lincoln, and our current thinking of the HCA Options.
>
>
>
> *The RLF and its mission*
>
> The Rural Land Foundation (RLF) is a non-profit land conservation
> organization whose central mission, along with our sister organization the
> Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT), is to help protect the rural
> character of Lincoln.  The RLF Board, made up of 17 Lincoln residents and
> its 3 Lincoln resident staff members all care deeply about this town.
>
>
>
> While our primary goal is to help the town conserve land through
> acquisition, creative planning, and limited development, we also own and
> operate the Mall for the benefit of Lincoln residents. Proceeds from
> operating the Mall fund our land conservation activities in Lincoln.  Through
> the years, RLF’s creative model has helped us work with the Town to
> conserve more than 2500 acres of land and create over 80 miles of
> interconnected trails.  Whether it is protecting most of the 100+acre
> Wheeler Farm back in the early 1960s with a limited development model, or
> more recently conserving much of the Wang property and providing an
> opportunity for the town to create a much-needed athletic field, our goals
> and commitment are to help the town meet its needs and preserve its rural
> character.
>
>
>
> *RLF’s preferred option*
>
> At the December 2nd Special Town Meeting, the Town is asking Lincoln
> residents to vote on a preferred zoning warrant article that meets the
> requirements of the Housing Choice Act (HCA).   Four of the zoning
> options (C, D-1, D-2 and D-3) allow the Town to take credit for the Mall
> rezoning towards the total number of units the state requires for Lincoln
> to comply with the HCA.  We think all four of these particular options
> make sense for the town to take credit for housing units zoned at the Mall.
> It is our belief that Option C creates the best opportunity to
>
> - Create new multi-family housing near public transportation
>
> - Provide economically diverse housing options and create affordable housing
> that may actually be built
>
>  - Help the Mall’s valued tenants in an otherwise struggling retail
> environment
>
> - Minimize climate change impacts
>
>
>
> We see this as an exciting opportunity to work with town residents and
> officials to revitalize our small commercial area and create a sustainable
> and vibrant town center. For any potential redevelopment that is considered
> at the Mall, we are committed to help the Town ensure a commercial-based
> town center for the long term.
>
>
>
> *Why by-right zoning is best for redeveloping the Mall*
>
> We are asking for the by-right mixed-use zoning for the Mall versus the
> Town Meeting process because we believe it:
>
>
>
> -  Provides the most financial flexibility
>
> -  Creates site planning clarity for RLF and a future developer
>
> -  Allows the Mall to be on the same competitive playing field
> for developers as other HCA by-right zoned areas within Lincoln and
> surrounding towns
>
> -  More likely to attract essential outside capital for much
> needed reinvestment in the Mall
>
> -  Still preserves our commercial center and is more likely to
> create a vibrant and sustainable town center
>
>
>
> *Public process*
>
> RLF is fully committed to a public process that, in addition to Planning
> Board site plan review, includes numerous feedback sessions with town
> residents and many other opportunities to let us know what you like and
> what you don’t like.  Our last redevelopment project at the Mall in the
> early 2000s, where we saved the Post Office and Donelan’s from leaving,
> involved a process that included Town Meeting and nearly 7 years of
> listening and public feedback, much of which we tried to incorporate.  The
> uncertainty, cost and length of that process almost resulted in the

Re: [LincolnTalk] The real reason we cannot require more affordable units under HCA zoning

[Bijoy Misra]

I attended the Option E open forum today.  I admire the effort of the
volunteers.
I heard that Planning Board is in the process of modifying the Zoning
by-laws.
This would mean the options are projected to be under the proposed by-law
of the future.  Can someone clarify?  Shouldn't there be more public
engagement
in changing the by-laws?
Regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 9:09 PM Robert Ahlert  wrote:

> So how can we be expected to vote on Saturday when key information is
> contained in ONLY the Zoning Bylaw?
>
> For example, the section on the Village Center states that only 30-40% of
> the ground floor of buildings will have to remain commercial.  Is that
> still the latest language? Perhaps you can provide the revised language to
> the residents because I know it only applies to interior portions of the
> parcel and not frontage on Lincoln Rd.  This is a critical point.  No one
> knows what the "mandatory" in mandatory mixed use actually means.  It's
> only "mandatory" that 30-40% is commercial, the rest can be parking or
> units at ground level.
>
> If Donelan's decides not to renew, wouldn't a "by right'' property owner
> (e.g. CIVICO) likely demolish that building and only leave 30-40% of the
> ground floor as commercial?  Could the developer push out the grocery store
> b/c housing is more profitable?  I worry we would end up with more of a
> mini-mart than a real grocery store
>
> *Vote Option E, this process needs more time.*
>
> Rob
> 185 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773
>
> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 8:43 PM Margaret Olson 
> wrote:
>
>> On the draft the planning board was discussing last week at our working
>> meeting:
>>
>> As is common with working drafts, the text of the HCA zoning by-law
>> discussed by the planning board at our working meeting included all the
>> options the board might consider. The draft has text from planning board
>> members, town staff, and town counsel. It is both incomplete and at the
>> same time contains multiple approaches to the same problem, only one of
>> which will be chosen. The board has not voted on it. It is not possible at
>> this point to make any statements about what the zoning does and does not
>> include or permit.
>>
>> I’ll also point out that the errors in the HCA submission to the state
>> were inconsequential. They were corrected for completeness but the updates
>> did not change anything material.
>>
>> Margaret
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 6:56 PM David Cuetos 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> The State allows towns rezoning land that can be used towards HCA
>>> compliance to require developers to set aside 10% affordable units. In
>>> order to request a higher than 10% affordable quota, towns have to submit a
>>> feasibility study to the State. As per the guidelines
>>> <https://www.mass.gov/info-details/section-3a-guidelines>, the analysis
>>> must demonstrate that a reasonable variety of multi-family housing types
>>> can be feasibly developed at the proposed affordability levels, taking into
>>> account the densities allowed as of right in the district, the dimensional
>>> requirements applicable within the district, and the minimum number of
>>> parking spaces required. Lincoln hired a third-party to conduct such a
>>> study
>>> <https://www.lincolntown.org/DocumentCenter/View/85137/Final-Draft-Lincoln-Econ-Feasility-October-6-2023>,
>>> requesting 15% affordable units, but the State denied our request.
>>>
>>> Could the denial have been a surprise to the authors of the study?
>>>
>>> The answer is a resounding no. The feasibility analysis included a
>>> series of scenarios with deeply negative rates of return (as low as -37%).
>>> Anyone who had taken a look at the report ahead of its submission would
>>> have known that the State would not grant Lincoln the requested 15%.
>>>
>>> Was denial the only possible outcome?
>>>
>>> The answer I believe is also a resounding no. The analysis conception
>>> was deeply flawed. A more reasonable set of scenarios would have probably
>>> yielded at least 15% affordable units, perhaps even 20%.
>>>
>>> Why did Lincoln submit a report that would certainly be denied?
>>>
>>> We enter into the realm of speculation here, but there are only two
>>> reasonable explanations: lack of oversight, or satisfaction with the
>>> results.
>>>
>>> Supporting the lack of oversight explanation, there are several
>>> instances in which the HCAWG and the Director 

Re: [LincolnTalk] Ruth Ann Hendrickson Supports Option C

[Bijoy Misra]

*as long as the current Town Meeting approval process is in place, we will
rarely, if ever, be approached by developers - whether we actively try to
recruit them or not. and even if we are approached, there is little chance
they will stick with us through the entire approval process. *

This is exactly I have been saying.  The goal is to let the town die and
let the developers come.
It assumes that Townspeople would be unable to find a developer who is
sensitive to the environment
and the town's needs.  It is possible that the current people in the lead
are unable to find the developers
who can work with the town ethos.  Let the new young people lead and
protect the town.
Let the town be more active and be a model in development efforts.  Let it
keep its green..
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra



On Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 7:57 AM Pastor Allen  wrote:

> Ruth Ann is absolutely correct, and I 100% agree with her logic and
> endorsement of option C.
>
> I also think it important to emphasize and expand upon the concerns she
> raises about "Option E," and the town meeting process in general.
>
> Those who invest in large projects are not looking to run a substantial
> risk of losing the major upfront investments and commitments they must make
> in any project before it gets to the point of final approval.  That's
> reasonable: we would not ask our friends or neighbors to throw a pile of
> their money and years of effort on the table and risk it all on a roll of
> the dice, and we would be resentful if they asked it of us.
>
> In general, the need for a Town Meeting approval - no matter what town -
> is seen as a roll of the dice with a high risk of failure at the last
> minute. Further, Lincoln's history in that regard does not inspire
> confidence.
>
> And so, with plenty of other nearby towns competing for those same
> investments, investors and developers have no need to ever put Lincoln on
> their shortlist of possible project opportunities. This will become even
> more true as more and more communities conform to the HCA.
>
> Developers look for an approval process that they see as fair and
> predictable. (And it's that perception that counts, not our convictions to
> the contrary.)  They look for assurance that if they play by the rules,
> they will have a reasonably good chance of success.  What the rules are is
> not as important as that they are predictable and stable.
>
> So, the onus is upon us to craft a set of rules and processes to guide
> their efforts, so that their project meets the town's expectations and
> needs. It is in everyone's best interest to put those guard rails in at the
> front end of the approval process, rather than having them burst upon the
> scene at the last minute.
>
> Many will point to Oriole Landing as an example of how town meeting can
> work. I was involved in that entire process from our first meeting with
> them through to the groundbreaking of the completed project. It needs to be
> pointed out that it was Civico's first exposure to the town meeting
> process, and they have already said they would never willingly do so again.
>
> So, as long as the current Town Meeting approval process is in place, we
> will rarely, if ever, be approached by developers - whether we actively try
> to recruit them or not. and even if we are approached, there is little
> chance they will stick with us through the entire approval process.
>
> Lincoln will not only never have a seat at the table when such projects
> are in their formative stages, we likely won't even know the table exists.
>
> Allen Vander Meulen
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 28, 2023, at 21:02, Ruth Ann Hendrickson 
> wrote:
>
> 
>
> I support new and more affordable housing in Lincoln, and I’d like to see
> most of it in the area of the train station and the Lincoln Mall. I will
> therefore be supporting option C at the Special Town Meeting on December 2.
>
> 1) *Options C is the best hope for retaining the retail businesses at the
> Mall*. I remember when the roof caved in, and Donelan’s was out of
> business for over a year. We missed them terribly. If we even needed a pint
> of cream, we had to go out of town. Retail is struggling all over the
> country, but I notice that West Concord, (population 7,003 per Census
> data: ACS 2021) which developed a large apartment complex near the Nashoba
> Brook a few years ago, has managed to retain real retail, not just banks
> and restaurants. I am hoping that with enough new housing in the mall area,
> we also could have a thriving retail center.
>
> 2) *History shows that adding new housing enriches the Town.* Change is
> always worrisome. When Farrah pond village near where I live was proposed,
> the neighbors were violently against it beca

Re: [LincolnTalk] Ruth Ann Hendrickson Supports Option C

[Bijoy Misra]

If we want to destroy the town as we see it, we go with Option C.
If we protect the town and still do development, we do Option E.
Bijoy Misra
(an independent observer)

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 9:02 PM Ruth Ann Hendrickson 
wrote:

> I support new and more affordable housing in Lincoln, and I’d like to see
> most of it in the area of the train station and the Lincoln Mall. I will
> therefore be supporting option C at the Special Town Meeting on December 2.
>
> 1) *Options C is the best hope for retaining the retail businesses at the
> Mall*. I remember when the roof caved in, and Donelan’s was out of
> business for over a year. We missed them terribly. If we even needed a pint
> of cream, we had to go out of town. Retail is struggling all over the
> country, but I notice that West Concord, (population 7,003 per Census
> data: ACS 2021) which developed a large apartment complex near the Nashoba
> Brook a few years ago, has managed to retain real retail, not just banks
> and restaurants. I am hoping that with enough new housing in the mall area,
> we also could have a thriving retail center.
>
> 2) *History shows that adding new housing enriches the Town.* Change is
> always worrisome. When Farrah pond village near where I live was proposed,
> the neighbors were violently against it because of traffic. The traffic has
> not materialized, and Farrar Pond Village has turned out to be a wonderful
> place for Lincoln people to retire. Recently, because of the cost of
> housing, it has also attracted families with children to the extent that
> they have built a playground. When the town developed Lincoln Woods, people
> were aghast; much denser than Farrar Pond Village and right there in the
> middle of town. And yet I know someone who works at Donelan’s who is able
> to live there, and a friend of mine, who has MS, is also able to live there
> to be near her mother. This complex has definitely given living options to
> Lincoln people who needed it. The proposed new housing would again add
> housing for our children and those who work here.
>
> 3) *Our Agricultural Heritage is safe.* Remember, 40% of the Lincoln is
> permanently in conservation. 40%! Those fields will continue to be farmed
> by local farmers. Codman farm belongs to the town and will also remain in
> perpetuity. The trails we love to walk will always be there. Adding some
> higher density housing near the train station will not affect that.
>
> 4) *Do not be fooled by Option E. *Some think that, if we chose Option E,
> we can slow down and develop housing at our own pace under the town meeting
> process. Most of the towns around us, however, will have designated large
> areas as multifamily “by right”. What developer in his right mind would
> risk thousands of dollars to take a proposal to town meeting, only to see
> it voted down, when he could easily go to the next town, and develop
> something by right?  The RLF will be unable to replenish their endowment
> and revitalize the mall in this new housing development environment. Please
> vote to allow the RLF to develop the mall/housing complex by right. The RLF
> is a non-profit whose mission is to assist the town of Lincoln in shaping
> its land-use destiny. History has show that they can be trusted to work to
> the Town’s benefit.
>
> --
> Ruth Ann Hendrickson
> (She, her)
>
> --
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> .
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>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] A recommended Sunday drive

[Bijoy Misra]

*What does it mean to 'maintain the character' of a town that is beyond the
reach of so many people? *
Do distributed housing.  Allow people to come, don't pack up.
Option E is created. further creativity can emerge,
We just have to think on behalf of the land.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 10:36 AM Bob Kupperstein  wrote:

> IMO, the recent Boston Globe Spotlight series did an excellent job of
> explaining how use of zoning laws and local governance have created our
> current state of economic/racial inequities, as well as the current housing
> shortage.
>
> The example towns they used did not include Lincoln, but if the arguments
> against housing/transportation development mirror those brought up here.
>
> What does it mean to 'maintain the character' of a town that is beyond the
> reach of so many people?
>
> -Bob
>
> On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 6:26 PM Terri via Lincoln 
> wrote:
>
>> Neighbor to neighbor... This is  sad to read.
>> Respectfully, I am not aware of  any laws passed "to control the movement
>> of people who look like you or with more Melanin"  especially by residents
>> of Lincoln.  I always  welcome educating myself  on State laws as I will be
>> the first to admit... I did NOT attend law school.
>>  With regards to the 2 acre zoning perhaps you should invite the
>> planning board to give us all a historical perspective of the  zoning of
>> Lincoln.  Hopefully, they can enlighten us all so we can remind each other
>> that we are ALL  on the same side.
>>
>> Warmly,
>> Terri Kafina
>> Giles
>>
>> On Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:15:54 AM EST, DJCP 
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> It is ridiculous to keep relying on past laurels as if Lincoln is some
>> sort of beacon of affordable housing.  Look around.  It is not.  It is not
>> diverse, and certainly not as diverse as it could be if 2-acre zoning was
>> not instituted.  I am frequently in all-white spaces.  When residents say
>> they want to "control" development - well, that smacks to me as
>> exclusionary.  Many laws have been passed to control the rights and
>> movement of people who look like me - not to mention those with much more
>> melanin.  Regardless of the wholesome intent of those who instituted the
>> zoning in the first place, the effect it has had is to keep generational
>> wealth (i.e., home ownership) mostly with white people.  At the very least
>> acknowledge the disparate effect of this type of zoning, even if you insist
>> on keeping the founders on a pedestal.
>>
>> Diana
>> Giles Rd
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 11:32 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>> It is interesting and disappointing to read this.
>> Lincoln stood out for creating affordable housing/ mixed income housing
>> long before others.
>> Lincoln Woods, a cooperative mixed income development led the way in the
>> 1970s.
>>
>> Development of new types of multi- family housing, rental and
>> home-ownership, have continued.
>> Today, 40% of our housing units are multi-family, and 13% of all housing
>> is state- certified “affordable.”
>> So, I am not sure what data this report relies on.
>>
>> Certainly, most of our single family homes prices have made us
>> discriminatory… by income.
>> It would be great to come up with a program to address that.
>> But the HCA is not such a program.
>> In fact, HCA rezoning creates further economic discrimination by capping
>> affordability and promoting 90% of all units as “ market rate” and often
>> luxury.
>> This would undercut Lincoln’s history of inclusionary zoning, requiring
>> all developments offer a minimum of 15% affordable units.
>>
>> To me, that makes HCA zoning discriminatory, by Lincoln standards.
>>
>> So much for AI!
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Nov 26, 2023, at 10:09 PM, Ray Shepard 
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> *From the perspective of ChatGPT...*.
>>
>> *What towns in Massachusetts are known for exclusionary zoning?*
>>
>> *ChatGPT*
>> Several towns in Massachusetts have been identified for their practices
>> of exclusionary zoning. These towns often use zoning laws to limit the
>> development of affordable housing, resulting in a lack of diversity in
>> housing types and prices. Some notable examples include:
>> Weston: Known for its large lot zoning, which requires a significant
>> amount of land per housing unit, making it difficult for smaller, more
>> affordable homes to be built.
>> Dover: Similar to Weston, Dover also employs lar

Re: [LincolnTalk] Lincoln and the Housing Choice Act: What Lies Ahead

[Bijoy Misra]

Very clear.  Very well done!
Bijoy Misra

On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 10:03 PM Barbara Peskin  wrote:

> Dear Lincoln,
>
> Please review this screencast about Option C, Option E and What Lies
> Ahead.
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZqfU8l81x9-zkboI7Gmargq62nxri5X6/view?usp=sharing
>
> The video is 8 minutes 25 seconds.
>
> Attached is a PDF of the slides; the screencast provides more informative
> explanation.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Barbara
>
> ~
> Barbara Peskin
>
> *My Moments in Nature Photo Gallery: barbarapeskin.com
> <http://barbarapeskin.com>*
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
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> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Reminder: Town HCA information

[Bijoy Misra]

What I said is that the report has little relevance to the
current HCA discussion.  It possibly was done in the
light of Oriole landing where egress was an issue.
Current issues are congestion and delays.
I have not heard from anyone in Planning why the
report is posted as a document.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Mon, Nov 27, 2023 at 10:08 AM John F. Carr 
wrote:

> Table 5 of the traffic report shows intersection delays.
> For example, in 2020 about one car a minute made it
> through the southbound stop sign on Codman Road
> during rush hour.  The volume and delay at this intersection
> may already exceed the threshold for a traffic signal.
>
> Lincoln Road capacity is limited by intersections.
> You can move a lot more cars along a lane of
> road than you can get through a stop sign.
> For ballpark estimating, the capacity of an intersection
> does not exceed 1,000 vehicles per lane per hour
> while the capacity of an unobstructed road is twice that.
>
> John Carr
>
> On Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 8:18 PM Bijoy Misra  wrote:
> >
> > I just saw a traffic study report posted at the town site. The report
> date is Dec 20, 2020
> > I don't know how the charge was stated, but it goes on counting cars at
> various locations
> > and projects the expected cars as those locations under some development
> criterion.
> > It fails to cite the critical quantity like traffic delays. One would
> like to know the objective
> > estimate of transport time between Lincoln Station to Library crossing
> (Five Corner) or
> > Rt2 lights if we put fifty extra vehicles in rush hour. What happens if
> we put a hundred
> > extra vehicles?  Software should exist to parametrize the road (speed,
> bumps, curves,
> > children)  and estimate the delays.
> > Then the recommendation could be how to release the bottleneck.  The
> report has many
> > left right numbers at intersections which I thought were useless.  Will
> the Planning Manager
> > or the Planning Board help unravel the purpose and the findings in this
> document?
> > Best regards,
> > Bijoy Misra
>
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[LincolnTalk] leaf mulch

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
There have been suggestions for leaf mulch in LIncoln-talk.  We tried
yesterday.  The following works.
1. Gather the leaves to a longitudinal pile. Six inch high works right..
2. Run the lawn mower to grind the leaves
3. Use a leaf blower to lift the dust to the flower bed.
We completed the road-side patch yesterday.  You can notice while
driving by or walking.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra
180 Bedford Road
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[LincolnTalk] non-turkey Thanksgiving

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,,
In this town of Lincoln, I am a minority Hindu of Indian descent.
Hindu is not a prescriptive religion, it is an empirical belief system
of acknowledgement.  That our existence is a blessing of myriads
of other objects and cosmos is the acknowledgement.  I will
complete twenty years of my residence in Lincoln next April.
I thank you all for being good friends, wise neighbors, loving
elders and analytic young professionals. Above all, I thank you
all for the deep respect to the ground, to the earth.  The ground
is the core teacher of Hinduism. We dig it, we tear it and it still
blesses us with food and shelter.  It's the Mother.  Let us continue
to respect the ground in our own way.  Let the ground continue to
bless us with her trees, herbs, flowers, animals, birds and insects.  .
Happy Thanksgiving.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
Bedford Road
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Mass. Investment in Communities that Build Around Commuter Rail Stations

[Bijoy Misra]

What people are saying that The town would have to spend money
on the infrastructure first before creating a density for an eventual
help to the transit system.  People must be able to go to work.
The statistics said 7% work from home, 72% commute by car,
8% take the train.
Thank you for bringing it up.
Bijoy Misra

On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 7:14 PM Lis Herbert  wrote:

> I grew up riding Metro-North, and I understand that by comparison the
> Fitchburg line is not great. The frequency is a problem, and that in large
> part dictates the degree to which people depend on it, and their attitude
> towards it.
>
> But it’s not getting any better if we don’t comply. I think we can be sure
> of that, both because the demand won’t be sufficient, and we’ll have
> thumbed our noses at the idea of being a mass transit-oriented community.
>
> It’s not clear to me how somebody can wish for improvements to the
> commuter rail in Lincoln and not see that concentrating density around the
> train is the answer. (I’m not saying you’re a somebody, by the way, just
> pointing out that I’ve heard plenty of people trying to play both sides of
> the coin.)
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 21, 2023, at 6:25 PM, V Saleme  wrote:
>
> 
> Those of us who commuted into the city for work from here, have been
> waiting for decades for improvements, frequency of service and reliability
> to occur.
>
> The waiting continues.
>
> Vic
>
> On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 6:09 PM Lis Herbert  wrote:
>
>> Nowhere does it say that the train has to stop in Lincoln. We might not
>> have a sense for how the state plans to approach the MBTA shortfalls, but I
>> think it's a certainty that unless Lincoln demonstrates a commitment to
>> meaningful density around the station, we can bet against improvements in
>> service and frequency for Lincoln commuters. I hope we can all at least
>> agree that improvements aren't happening if we vote to avoid rezoning much
>> of that area in favor of car-centric development (that will, let's be
>> honest, not happen) located (according to Google maps) an 8 mile, 15 minute
>> drive away.
>>
>> On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 5:33 PM Peter Buchthal 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> While I am happy to see some recognition that our MBTA needs
>>> investment,  I would like to point out the magnitude  and likelihood of the
>>> dollars we are talking about.  Regrettably, we are many, many years away
>>> from a properly functioning and reliable MBTA and commuter rail in Lincoln.
>>>
>>>
>>> According to the Boston Globe:
>>>
>>> "The MBTA needs a gobsmacking $24.5 billion to repair and replace its
>>> decrepit track, stations, trains, signals, and other assets, an agency
>>> analysis released Thursday shows, providing the long-awaited tally of how
>>> broken the transit system is."
>>>
>>> "The next most expensive is the commuter rail system, at about $8
>>> billion, with the bulk of investment needed for stations, followed by the
>>> Green and Mattapan lines — which need $4.7 billion."
>>>
>>> [image: image.png]
>>>
>>> List to the article:
>>> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/11/16/metro/cost-to-fix-mbta/
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 10:55 AM DJCP  wrote:
>>>
>>>> After she was appointed permanent Transportation Secretary last week,
>>>> Monica Tibbits-Nutt directly stated on Radio Boston that the Commonwealth
>>>> would invest in communities that build around Commuter Rail stations.
>>>>
>>>> At about 7:10 in the segment linked here, Tiziana specifically asks
>>>> about HCA, and at 8:50 the Secretary says Mass. will put the money where
>>>> "the cities and towns do what needs to be done":
>>>> https://www.wbur.org/radioboston/2023/11/13/monica-tibbits-nutt-massdot-sagamore-bourne-tobin-mbta-sumner
>>>>
>>>> At 5:20, the Secretary also talks about how the "inner core" needs to
>>>> invest in housing so we can invest more in connecting places like
>>>> Worcester.
>>>>
>>>> I think the whole segment is worth listening to, as she directly links
>>>> housing to transportation.
>>>>
>>>> Diana
>>>> Giles Rd
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>>&

Re: [LincolnTalk] HCAWG meeting November 21, 8:00 am.

[Bijoy Misra]

I thought the person (Frank?) presented very well.  The spirit of the law
could be station contiguity..
People have spoken about train irregularity and the projected traffic.
Hence the Lincoln Center
development is an infrastructure problem where heavy future tax is a
necessity.  I understand
the Lincoln station development would be considered as an independent vote
with all the
accessory information registered properly.  I understand that the E option
is designed to comply
with the requirements of HCA and avoids Lincoln station.  I thought the
engineers have done
brilliant work in distributing housing, maintaining the character of the
town and adding housing
to the system without causing a traffic bottleneck.

I had commented last night on the meaningless traffic study posted at the
town.  Nobody
has explained.  It appears to me that the traffic study was designed in
line of Oriole's Landing
where egress was a problem because of the highway..  Lincoln station
traffic study would
need a projection of congestion and time delay.  ,

Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 11:32 AM  wrote:

> I attended the HCA working group meeting on Zoom this morning.  A major
> item on the agenda was the presentation and discussion of Option E prepared
> by the Lincoln Residents for Housing Alternatives.
>
> The individual who presented E declared that of all the options prepared
> thus far, it would have the “minimal impact on the town of Lincoln. “  I
> would add that it also would have the minimal impact on the housing
> problem.
>
> When a member of the working group questioned whether Option E was in the
> spirit of the  Housing Choice Act, a proponent responded, “The spirit of
> the law has no meaning if you think about it profoundly.”  I disagree. In
> this case, the spirit of the law can be found in the problem we are being
> asked to help solve and the empathy and sense of  community we find to do
> so.  As we all know, just because you can’t count something does not mean
> it does not exist or have meaning.
>
> Barbara Slayter
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Reminder: Town HCA information

[Bijoy Misra]

I just saw a traffic study report posted at the town site. The report date
is Dec 20, 2020
I don't know how the charge was stated, but it goes on counting cars at
various locations
and projects the expected cars as those locations under some development
criterion.
It fails to cite the critical quantity like traffic delays. One would like
to know the objective
estimate of transport time between Lincoln Station to Library crossing
(Five Corner) or
Rt2 lights if we put fifty extra vehicles in rush hour. What happens if we
put a hundred
extra vehicles?  Software should exist to parametrize the road (speed,
bumps, curves,
children)  and estimate the delays.
Then the recommendation could be how to release the bottleneck.  The report
has many
left right numbers at intersections which I thought were useless.  Will the
Planning Manager
or the Planning Board help unravel the purpose and the findings in this
document?
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 6:26 PM Margaret Olson 
wrote:

> The town HCA information is available here:
> https://www.lincolntown.org/1327/Housing-Choice-Act-Working-Group.
>
> That page has an FAQ section, links to presentations explaining the
> options, and a history of the public outreach.
>
> The Special Town Meeting vote on the various options is December 2nd.
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA fiscal impact - back to overrides

[Bijoy Misra]

There seems to be a tendency to separate the town's elected representatives
from the town's base residents. The town living is not through political
persuasion
or emotional exertion.  The town residents must be allowed to have a say
on the future of the town.  I admire the efforts of many residents to
educate
us showing how inconsistent the current representatives have been.
Hopefully some of these analytic individuals would be included in the
Planning
Board and the Working groups such that they keep educating us with graphs,
statistics and videos.  I admire the work.  The town planning would benefit
from their diligent efforts.  I invite others to pitch in.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Sat, Nov 18, 2023 at 11:12 PM Karla Gravis  wrote:

> There were actually six overrides in the five year period between
> 2000-2005, mostly driven by high enrollment at the school. According to the
> Boston Globe (articles attached), there were acrimonious debates about
> funding for different school programs.
>
> The reason we haven’t had those overrides in recent years is because our
> student enrollment has declined by 29% since 2003, while our school budget
> has consistently increased at the maximum 2.5%.
>
> I was responding to the comment that: "*1123 max units that would be
> pretty sweet to have an additional, minimum 112 non age restricted
> affordable rate units"*. Adding that many units with children would
> definitely have a fiscal impact, and we might end up in the same situation
> of constant overrides. Using HCA at 10% affordability to get to 100
> affordable units will actually have the opposite effect because it would
> make the town unaffordable to current residents. If our goal is to increase
> affordable units, there are better ways to do so than give free reign to
> developers with only a 10% requirement.
>
> The largest development we have added is the Commons (at 308 units) but we
> cannot compare the impact of the Commons to this situation. The vast
> majority of incremental expenses come from educating children. Given the
> Commons is a 55+ community, it is not a good example.
>
> Despite our recent school project override, we are now being asked to vote
> on another override for the community center, with up to a ~4.4% potential
> increase to our already high taxes.
>
> Good news is that we apparently have been mistakenly subsidizing Hanscom
> to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, for years. If we
> correct that mistake, maybe we can finally get some money back for the town.
>
> [image: image.png]
>
> https://www.lincnet.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=13054=29074=6.001.2EnrollmentHistory.pdf
>
> On Sat, Nov 18, 2023 at 4:52 PM Louis Zipes  wrote:
>
>> Just a reminder that Prop 2 1/2 would limit any tax increase to a maximum
>> 2.5 percent per year unless there is a 2/3rd override.
>>
>> The last time we had to do a formal Prop 2 1/2 override was after we
>> turned down state funding for the school and decided to pay for it all out
>> of our own pocket.* Chef's kiss for that one.* I believe even then we
>> set up some privately funded mechanisms to supplement our established
>> circuit breakers. To my knowledge, I don't believe they were ever utilized.
>>
>> Before that, I believe 2007 (FY2008) was the last formal override. Even
>> dating back to the 1990s, when overrides seemed to be more common in that
>> decade and the first half of the aughts, they seemed to be very limited in
>> scope. This is as we added Battle Road Farm, the Commons, Oriole Landing,
>> and other individual housing (I'm sure I'm missing some) to the town's
>> housing rolls and their attendant expenses that come with supporting these
>> new residents and providing them town services.
>>
>> Basically, we managed it with yes, some overrides but they seemed to be
>> in the lower end range when they did occur. *Residents that were around
>> back then might be able to add more context to those overrides and if they
>> were the result of structural issues or not.*
>>
>> So right there we have real data about how we managed to* add hundreds
>> of housing units*, to our rolls without busting our budget wide open. If
>> we had a structural issue with too many residentials units, and an
>> overtaxing of our town services with the revenue they generate, then they
>> would have already appeared. I assume we can do it again with our able and
>> trusted partners among our Town staff and government using the same revenue
>> that we would get from the taxes on these additional properties as we scale
>> up. They would make it work!
>>
>> Remember also, these new units will not s

Re: [LincolnTalk] November 21st meeting - question

[Bijoy Misra]

I am grateful that people like Benjamin Shiller and David Cuetos are
creating public
service videos and atbulations for our general understanding.  The Planning
Board
and the Select Board should utilize these useful charts and take theiir
assistance
to sort out issues. .  It emerges from the discussion that threre would be
potential
tax hike on the existing residents because of the need of transportation,
school and
facilities.  Can the percentage hike be estimated in each of the potential
HCA scenarios?
I still think our small town is not ready to take in a massive rise in its
housing stock
in an impulse. .  We need time to breathe and determine.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Sat, Nov 18, 2023 at 9:42 AM Benjamin Shiller 
wrote:

> I hope recent comments lead to a discussion as to what is the right amount
> of development for Lincoln right now.  So far, I feel the argument has been
> binary, assuming that someone either supports housing (to the max) or wants
> absolutely zero development and is accused of being a NIMBY.  Yet, at least
> in my opinion, we all would benefit by having a well-substantiated, middle
> ground option that balances the needs to expand housing in Massachusetts (a
> problem Lincoln cannot solve on its own) with the impacts of
> overdevelopment (limited infrastructure like roads, which in Lincoln cannot
> be widened) and the impacts on the cherished central area.  I have had
> concerns that the options initially put forth by the presenters were too
> aspirational and lacked substance (e.g., # units that can actually be
> built, impact on traffic, taxes, etc.).  But I do not want to vote against
> more development either.  So, I am hoping that we can come together at town
> meeting, iron out the issues, and find a great solution that nearly all in
> town can be happy with.
>
> I have been trying to understand the issues better myself and created a
> video focusing on just one aspect: how much higher is the actual number of
> units that can be built.  I tried to be completely unbiased and just
> focusing on facts when creating this video, and hope many will consider
> watching it: https://youtu.be/mqXo4TPw3MI
>
>
>
> In response to the Selects’ post about the December 2nd Special Town
>> Meeting, I’d like to pose a follow up question. To quote Andy Wang, “all
>> the ‘E’ alternatives provided by the Lincoln Residents for Housing
>> Alternatives are set up so that the majority of the land that is re-zoned
>> are on existing multi-family areas and unlikely to be developed…So in that
>> case, whatever 10% 15%, 25% of 0 is still 0.”
>> My understanding is the HCAWG was tasked with putting forth options in
>> both the letter and spirit of the law. While I believe the voices of those
>> who are opposed to the spirit of HCA should indeed be represented, that
>> opportunity will come at the March Town Meeting. I am concerned that adding
>> an E option to the December 2nd ballot puts us at risk of rendering the
>> March vote moot. In essence, there could be a potential “no housing” vs.
>> “no housing” vote on the March ballot, suppressing the voices of those who
>> believe in the spirit of the law.
>> My question is this: what will the decision process be at the November
>> 21st meeting? Will the HCAWG exclusively decide whether to include a
>> potential option E, or was this working group created with an advisory
>> capacity only? If not, will it be a majority of the Selects who make this
>> decision?
>> Thank you to the Selects, Planning Board, and HCAWG for all your patience
>> and hard work!
>> Rebecca Blanchfield
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA and follow up

[Bijoy Misra]

The important point to remember is that "transit" in Lincoln is not an
operational word.
So we should negotiate with the State to rectify the system for timely
operation and
then think of the idea of bringing people to station.  I don't see any
planning in our work
and that bothers me.  The WG has spent time and created some maps, but
those
are unfortunately misdirected. Given the current situation, Lincoln is not
a MBTA "transit"
station.  It can be said that lack of passengers make the commuter train
inefficient.
But that has to be addressed in the infrastructure development by the State.
Flooding people at the station will cause misery to life elsewhere.  So we
should reject
HCA now and write to State why.  We should create housing in town and leave
the
station open.  The state should address the commuter issue and we add
housing at
the Station.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra



On Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 6:48 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> All,
> What is instructive is to remember, we are struggling with how best to
> comply-to add housing near transit, to bring more traffic to the retail at
> the Mall, and to balance that with maintaining small town character.
> It is a give and take discussion-there is no simple answer, except that
> (from my perspective) no new housing and no new development and “no
> compliance” is not an option.
>
> What is all very instructions is to see how our neighbors are managing
> these challenges.
> It can be done by going to the websites of each town-lexington, Concord,
> Weston etc.
>
> And, it is import to note the important outcome of the Brookline vote- the
> compromises and consensus made by all parties.
>
> It is necessary to really dig in and not fall prey to broad and sweeping
> statements and/or labeling of any party weighing in on this debate.
>
> We are a community and we need to find a path that will allow us to come
> out of these great debates as one.
>
> Best,
> Sara
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Sara Mattes
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 15, 2023, at 12:00 PM, Eben Holderness via Lincoln <
> lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:
>
> Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s worth clarifying that
> despite what some have indicated in recent discussions, there are not “many
> neighboring towns” rejecting the HCA. In fact, of the 177 towns/cities that
> fall under the law, I can only identify one town, Holden, that continues to
> reject the law (several other communities that missed the initial 1/2023
> deadline to submit a zoning plan have since submitted theirs and are now in
> compliance). Holden’s situation is — one could argue — a bit unique in that
> they have no MBTA service within the town boundary (and indeed, the town
> manager did initially claim that they “didn’t realize” they were considered
> an MBTA community). It’s also worth noting that Holden is now being sued by
> the Central MA Housing Alliance for non-compliance, and the MA attorney
> general’s office has indicated they intend to as well.
>
> While I begrudgingly support adding a “None of the Above” option to the
> December ballot, I think it’s foolhardy to even consider an outright
> rejection of the HCA. Do we really want to lose access to millions in
> grants while also becoming “that town” that is resisting any and all change?
>
> Best,
> Eben
>
> On Nov 14, 2023, at 11:39 PM, Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
> Dear friends,
> It seems that there are some vocal members in HCAWG who are
> deeply concerned about the housing crisis in the State and would
> like to let the town volunteer itself to help alleviate the problem.
> This is a noble thought and I for one would strongly endorse
> such a view.  Many other friends are not averse to it either.
> What we have been saying, as i said four years ago, that the
> housing develop at Lincoln Center should be determined by
> the town public and not through passion or emotion.  Real estate
> once developed becomes a fixture.  The town center should be
> owned by the townspeople rather than a third party developer.
> I beg the Select Board to encourage development but exclude
> town center.  Let any center development be properly planned
> with an eye to traffic, transport, schools, playground and
> affordability.  There are options created by the young analysts
> that would fit in 20% station (Codman Road) and 80% off station
> (North Cambridge).
> The town center planning through the previous SLIPAC
> was rejected by the neighbors and the public.  I suggest to give
> an open invitation to townspeople to join in planning.
> An elderly gentleman did report about the rejection of HCA by
> many neighboring towns.  I hear the loss to the town is minimal
> compared to huge potential gain in affordab

Re: [LincolnTalk] Brookline passes HCA rezoning

[Bijoy Misra]

This is what exactly our Select Board should do.
Allow a vote for the town to accept the policy of rezoning the Center
as a principle. Let various groups and neighbors express themselves.
Let it be democratic.  Once we decide rezoning, we go to the next
step of what's doable and how we can do it.
It is easy to check that Lincoln Road at the train station is not
Harvard Street in Brrokline.  We have to do a massive traffic
study than romantically think that people will take a bag and
walk to the grocery (and the store would be removed!).
We have to first create four lane road in the area and
configure space for two thousand new people (sanitation, school,
parking and outdoor space).
At the moment, we should stall of the apartment creation
and let the town vote on rezoning the Center.  We can continue to
create houses in other spaces where traffic impact will be less.
Later on we may envision that Lincoln Road has a 500 ft commercial
corridor as a business district.  It has to be planned and designed
and not rushed.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 7:39 AM Bob Mason  wrote:

>
> https://brookline.news/town-meeting-passes-major-rezoning-likely-to-reshape-harvard-street/
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[LincolnTalk] HCA and follow up

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
It seems that there are some vocal members in HCAWG who are
deeply concerned about the housing crisis in the State and would
like to let the town volunteer itself to help alleviate the problem.
This is a noble thought and I for one would strongly endorse
such a view.  Many other friends are not averse to it either.
What we have been saying, as i said four years ago, that the
housing develop at Lincoln Center should be determined by
the town public and not through passion or emotion.  Real estate
once developed becomes a fixture.  The town center should be
owned by the townspeople rather than a third party developer.
I beg the Select Board to encourage development but exclude
town center.  Let any center development be properly planned
with an eye to traffic, transport, schools, playground and
affordability.  There are options created by the young analysts
that would fit in 20% station (Codman Road) and 80% off station
(North Cambridge).
The town center planning through the previous SLIPAC
was rejected by the neighbors and the public.  I suggest to give
an open invitation to townspeople to join in planning.
An elderly gentleman did report about the rejection of HCA by
many neighboring towns.  I hear the loss to the town is minimal
compared to huge potential gain in affordable housing and the
control of land.
My request is to create an option of Reject HCA, which should
have been in the ballot anyway.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] Today's Select Board and HCA meeting

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
A number of important observations came up in the meeting today.
1.  It was said that a number of neighboring town are rejecting
 HCA compliance.
2.  It came out that the town will have more productive affordable
 choices if we go outside HCA such that the town has control.
3.  I wanted to ask how much money we lose by not complying
 to HCA.  The meeting protocol didn't permit me to be asked.
 Somebody who knows might give a response.
4.  Given everything, I felt we are totally unprepared for a major
 reconfiguration of town.  Several people however appeared
 determined to ignore people's. voice.  The Select Board
 appeared sympathetic to the popular dilemma.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] Town new housing

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
Since Dec 2 is a selection process, I appeal to the Select board
to have two alternatives:
1. Comply HCA and rezone as suggested in proposal C.
2. Postpone decisions till further analysis is done.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Housing Choice Act and Exclusionary Zoning Report-the HAC will make us even more exclusive.

[Bijoy Misra]

Can you please cite what is substantiated and by what means?

On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 10:12 AM Bob Kupperstein  wrote:

>
>
> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 3:59 PM Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
>> ... *The overwhelming voice is to exclude the Lincoln*
>> *station area until a full analysis is done.*
>>
> ...
>
>> Best regards,
>> Bijoy Misra
>>
>>
> I believe this to be completely unsubstantiated.
>
> It may be the view of the loudest/most persistent voices on LT, but AFAIK
> there isn't any poll that shows a *majority* view to exclude Lincoln
> Station (or anything else to do with the HCA).
>
> -Bob
>
>
>
>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 10:19 AM DJCP  wrote:
>>
>>> First, I did not say I wanted people from other towns flocking here.  I
>>> said the opposite.
>>>
>>> Second, I would love to maintain the rural character of Lincoln, too,
>>> but the fact is we have a severe housing shortage not just in Massachusetts
>>> but across the country. Families who work full time, multiple jobs cannot
>>> afford apartments, much less condos or homes.  There are people looking to
>>> step into home ownership who can't because they are priced out.  The
>>> Massachusetts shelter system is full, not just from refugees and
>>> immigrants, but from people who cannot find housing, no matter how much
>>> assistance they have.  So, yes, even luxury condos would help.  (Though I
>>> see the town's commendable track record of negotiating a higher level of
>>> affordable housing and trust them to continue to do the same.)  But it is
>>> also true that Lincoln's exclusionary zoning - which has maintained the
>>> rural character we love - has contributed to the housing crisis.   Lastly,
>>> I would love more taxpayers to come to town because in the end I am also a
>>> capitalist and would like to see my taxes go down.  So I can buy berries
>>> for my kids with abandon.
>>>
>>> Diana
>>> Giles Rd
>>>
>>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 9:45 AM gail o'keefe 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Why on earth would we want people from other towns flocking to Lincoln
>>>> for their groceries?? The beauty of Lincoln's current commercial area is it
>>>> provides just what the town needs, and not more. This is an environmentally
>>>> sound model, if not one for thriving capitalism. Lincoln's affordable
>>>> housing can be expanded without giving up control to developers.
>>>>
>>>> Many people move to Lincoln specifically to avoid the traffic and
>>>> commercial pressures that are evident in neighboring towns, once
>>>> beautifully semi-rural, now overbuilt with strip malls. Lincoln has been
>>>> preserved over the decades by careful planning and zoning.
>>>>
>>>>  As an example of developer-friendly zoning, Lexington has long had
>>>> commercial zoning in the center, yet there are empty storefronts and over a
>>>> dozen random banks. There are only two restaurants that have lasted over
>>>> the years, dozens have shuttered. Zoning for the benefit of developers
>>>> doesn't guarantee businesses will come, or stay. Belmont is also struggling
>>>> with empty storefronts, it is happening across the region. Developers come
>>>> and go, but residents are left with the developers' decisions, rarely based
>>>> on the long term goals of the town. This is not a good model for Lincoln.
>>>> If Lincoln cedes control to developers, it is in perpetuity, it can't be
>>>> reversed.
>>>>
>>>> Many in town hope that the working group of the HCA ruling will slow
>>>> the process, take the necessary time to address the concerns of the
>>>> townspeople, and allow alternative choices on the ballot.
>>>>
>>>> Gail O'Keefe
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 8:14 AM DJCP  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> The best way to make sure commercial stays commercial is to make the
>>>>> businesses viable and the best way to do that is to make sure there are
>>>>> people shopping there. Sorry but people from other towns are not flocking
>>>>> to Lincoln to buy $10 pints of strawberries from Donelans. And I've only
>>>>> been here 5 years and have noticed the string of restaurants that have
>>>>> tried to fill the ONE space. Whether we make any changes there's no
>>>>> guarantee these businesses will stick around. Th

Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA Myths

[Bijoy Misra]

Now there is a new play that RLF is in negative cash flow and should be
allowed to sell.
I think they should be given the opportunity to make the case for selling
land.
To cover under the guise of HCA is inappropriate. It appears dubious and
distrustful.
Let HCA happen, if we must comply but outside the RLF operations.
RLF should present the case of residential development in Lincoln station
separately for approval in town.
I appeal for transparency in all fiscal operations.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 4:01 PM David Cuetos  wrote:

> I would like to address some of the HCA myths that have been flying around:
>
>-
>
>The HCAWG never conducted a survey to support the claim that there was
>overwhelming support to concentrate all the rezoning at Lincoln Station.
>There are more than 50 public supporters of the HCA Alternatives Group and
>many more private ones.
>-
>
>The HCAWG held its first open door meeting less than a year ago. It
>only started presenting proposals five months ago.There were only ten days
>between the time when their preferred proposal (Option C) was presented at
>SOTT and the HCAWG’s vote to submit it to the State.
>-
>
>Market forces dictate that left to their own devices developers would
>not build housing in Lincoln that is remotely affordable. It would most
>likely resemble Sudbury's Cold Brook
>
> <https://www.pulte.com/homes/massachusetts/greater-boston-area/sudbury/preston-at-cold-brook-crossing-210742?cmp=BPS-_-GO-_-NEN-_-GRB-_-PUL-_-NA-_-ASM-_-NA-_-_rl=1264651_source=1=Cj0KCQiAjMKqBhCgARIsAPDgWlwbJDtwns9v2QmlyC_dQ324T04u4FwYTdZP17qDZLp5Ti82G0cGvloaAh3xEALw_wcB=aw.ds#>,
>where a two-bedroom starts at almost $800,000. Analysts
>
> <https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2023-07-24/does-building-more-luxury-housing-drive-other-rents-up-or-down>
>remain divided about whether building luxury housing will alleviate or
>exacerbate the low-income housing shortage in the Greater Boston area.
>-
>
>There is no evidence to suggest that taxes would go down if more
>multi-family units are added in Lincoln. In fact, common sense would
>dictate that taxes would go up to provide for the incremental services
>(particularly education) if the town adds more units at a fraction of the
>assessed cost of the median house in town. Below are two analyses that
>would support this:
>-
>
>The town actually asked a consultant (Sasaki Associates) to conduct a
>similar study back when a Hanscom Field closure was in the cards around
>2005. In that scenario, Lincoln would have had to absorb 850 new housing
>units at Hanscom. By happenstance this would be roughly equivalent to the
>impact of Option C. Option C could lead to 950 incremental units as it
>would rezone for up to 1,135 units versus the existing 185.
>-
>
>The Sasaki study concluded that expenses would go up by 63% and
>revenues would only go up by a corresponding 28%. The implication is that
>taxes for existing residents would need to increase by 27%.The study is
>attached for everyone’s reference.
>-
>
>My own analysis
>
> <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1L4j2Hr0CF0cSSW5ay12Ja-14Gcva0YY1Hx_oHWHT6sA/edit>
>of the fiscal impact of HCA rezoning leads to similar proforma tax
>increases (29%)  in a full-buildout scenario.
>
> David Cuetos
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 11:04 AM DJCP  wrote:
>
>> The town has been working on this for 18 months. Diffuse options were
>> considered, but the overwhelming voices back when the options were being
>> first formulated said to concentrate everything in town center.  And I am
>> willing to bet that is still true.  To me, it seems that a small but vocal
>> group of people are speaking up now.  But we need to vote to comply with
>> the HCA in short order.  That is why this process started over a year ago!
>> As it is, this is just a zoning change, and there are no guarantees
>> anything will be built.  But it's still more than thoughts and prayers to
>> fix the housing (and climate) crisis.
>>
>> Diana
>> Giles Rd
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 10:41 AM Bijoy Misra 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Everyone is sympathetic to housing and new people.  The issue is
>>> where to build.  The overwhelming voice is to exclude the Lincoln
>>> station area until a full analysis is done.  Congestion, transport
>>> and environment are the issues.  Hence the appeal is for distributed
>>> housing.  To sell the Lincoln station area for residential development
>>> without analysis would be suicidal for t

Re: [LincolnTalk] Housing Choice Act and Exclusionary Zoning Report-the HAC will make us even more exclusive.

[Bijoy Misra]

Everyone is sympathetic to housing and new people.  The issue is
where to build.  The overwhelming voice is to exclude the Lincoln
station area until a full analysis is done.  Congestion, transport
and environment are the issues.  Hence the appeal is for distributed
housing.  To sell the Lincoln station area for residential development
without analysis would be suicidal for the town.  I am speaking on behalf
of many who wish to live here and develop the town wholesome
retaining its character.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 10:19 AM DJCP  wrote:

> First, I did not say I wanted people from other towns flocking here.  I
> said the opposite.
>
> Second, I would love to maintain the rural character of Lincoln, too, but
> the fact is we have a severe housing shortage not just in Massachusetts but
> across the country. Families who work full time, multiple jobs cannot
> afford apartments, much less condos or homes.  There are people looking to
> step into home ownership who can't because they are priced out.  The
> Massachusetts shelter system is full, not just from refugees and
> immigrants, but from people who cannot find housing, no matter how much
> assistance they have.  So, yes, even luxury condos would help.  (Though I
> see the town's commendable track record of negotiating a higher level of
> affordable housing and trust them to continue to do the same.)  But it is
> also true that Lincoln's exclusionary zoning - which has maintained the
> rural character we love - has contributed to the housing crisis.   Lastly,
> I would love more taxpayers to come to town because in the end I am also a
> capitalist and would like to see my taxes go down.  So I can buy berries
> for my kids with abandon.
>
> Diana
> Giles Rd
>
> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 9:45 AM gail o'keefe  wrote:
>
>> Why on earth would we want people from other towns flocking to Lincoln
>> for their groceries?? The beauty of Lincoln's current commercial area is it
>> provides just what the town needs, and not more. This is an environmentally
>> sound model, if not one for thriving capitalism. Lincoln's affordable
>> housing can be expanded without giving up control to developers.
>>
>> Many people move to Lincoln specifically to avoid the traffic and
>> commercial pressures that are evident in neighboring towns, once
>> beautifully semi-rural, now overbuilt with strip malls. Lincoln has been
>> preserved over the decades by careful planning and zoning.
>>
>>  As an example of developer-friendly zoning, Lexington has long had
>> commercial zoning in the center, yet there are empty storefronts and over a
>> dozen random banks. There are only two restaurants that have lasted over
>> the years, dozens have shuttered. Zoning for the benefit of developers
>> doesn't guarantee businesses will come, or stay. Belmont is also struggling
>> with empty storefronts, it is happening across the region. Developers come
>> and go, but residents are left with the developers' decisions, rarely based
>> on the long term goals of the town. This is not a good model for Lincoln.
>> If Lincoln cedes control to developers, it is in perpetuity, it can't be
>> reversed.
>>
>> Many in town hope that the working group of the HCA ruling will slow the
>> process, take the necessary time to address the concerns of the
>> townspeople, and allow alternative choices on the ballot.
>>
>> Gail O'Keefe
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 8:14 AM DJCP  wrote:
>>
>>> The best way to make sure commercial stays commercial is to make the
>>> businesses viable and the best way to do that is to make sure there are
>>> people shopping there. Sorry but people from other towns are not flocking
>>> to Lincoln to buy $10 pints of strawberries from Donelans. And I've only
>>> been here 5 years and have noticed the string of restaurants that have
>>> tried to fill the ONE space. Whether we make any changes there's no
>>> guarantee these businesses will stick around. That's capitalism folks. But
>>> we can help by AT LEAST zoning for more housing in the area.
>>>
>>> Diana
>>> Giles Rd
>>>
>>> On Sun, Nov 12, 2023, 8:08 AM Peter Buchthal 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Along similar lines, how can the town ensure commercial space stays
>>>> commercial as the new owners could easily decide to raise very high or not
>>>> renew any commercial lease in order to build more luxury residential units
>>>> by right as long as the project has unused housing units within the zoning
>>>> allotment.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>

Re: [LincolnTalk] Response to HCAWG's answers to residents questions

[Bijoy Misra]

As Jennifer said, development is not the issue, but rezoning is..
What the meeting recommended is that the rezoning should exclude
the Lincoln Station area.  Some of the E alternatives do accomplish
this.  Those should be considered. The E designers should suggest
three alternatives that can be vetted by Paula and her team.
20% of 42 acres near the station (half mile) can be easily done
without crowding the station that would create traffic and environmental
issues. RLF should lead a separate effort by including the neighbors
and volunteers to develop a wholesome transparent plan for the
Station Mall..  The town residents should have a say on the public
space. A big Thank You to all who spoke up last night.
Bijoy Misra



On Thu, Nov 9, 2023 at 7:14 AM David Cuetos  wrote:

> I would like to share with the public some responses to the HCAWG's
> answers to resident questions. While I applaud the WG for taking our
> feedback and making some of the necessary corrections to the proposals,
> there is still much that needs to be rectified.
>
> I find it very unfortunate that the WG is resisting presenting residents
> with more options towards compliance at the December 2nd meeting. I hope
> the WG will reconsider the value of the democratic process.
>
> David Cuetos
> Weston Rd
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>
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[LincolnTalk] Town meeting observations, kudos to Jennifer Glass

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
I participated in the Town virtual meeting on HCA today.
Jennifer Glass conducted the meeting with equity. She
gave all a chance and answered all questions to the best
of her knowledge. .It appeared that the concepts on HCA
or rezoning were not fully developed and there was loud
feedback not to rush.  Jennifer herself said that the D
proposals were unworkable. A Town Assistant ended the
meeting saying that the unit numbers were vague and
random.  It was the general consensus that Lincoln station
should be considered separately for development and not
bundled with the HCA requirements. I personally felt that
RLF should be given an opportunity to make a presentation
on their vision of the on the Lincoln Station development
since they seem to be preparing drawings of the potential
housing.  A lot more information and analysis have to be
compiled for an informed vote in town..
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Why Lincoln should overlay HCA zoning over existing multi-family districts

[Bijoy Misra]

You appear to be a long-time resident of the town, I am a relative newcomer
(2004).
Respectfully I wish to state that I was in a scene in 2019 while some of
the current
individuals were pushing to rezone Lincoln station to create some box like
units under
the instigation of a developer.  The developer's man was running the slides
in a public
meeting of which I was a host.  There were massive complaints and the
movers did
retreat.  Now it has again been proposed under a new garb while the
rezoning of the
station area is not mandatory.  There is reason to doubt people's
intentions since
it appears that rezoning Lincoln station is the only game in town.  I hope
you would
agree that a distributed development will have a better reward to the town
than
creating massive housing for profit.   Various other options have been
mapped
and they do look elegant from the town point of view.  .
Bijoy Misra

On Mon, Nov 6, 2023 at 8:48 PM Tricia Thornton-Wells <
triciathorntonwe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> It’s been very hard to read message after message of people accusing
> others of trying to ruin this town.  I’m really very sad and tired of
> hearing it all.
>
> 1. At the last town meeting, people told the RLF their renderings were too
> generic and asked them to put together renderings that were more specific
> to what they envisioned being developed.  So, trying to be responsive to
> these requests, they are putting together renderings of what is currently
> conceived. Of course these are going to be hypothetical!  That doesn’t mean
> they are acting in bad faith, putting forth a lie. I personally do not
> believe they are operating in bad faith. Do they have a vested interest in
> making sure *something* moves forward?  Yes, of course. That doesn’t mean
> they are willing to go along with something they think will be bad for the
> town? No. Fundamentally, I believe people who volunteer their time and
> money to an organization like RLF love this town and want good things for
> it.
>
> 2-3. The upcoming vote will determine whether a majority of the town (most
> of whom are not on this increasingly toxic echo chamber) believes the
> Lincoln Station area, owned by RLF, should be allowed to pursue development
> with more freedom to negotiate than they have now—something that would be
> profitable, because of increased density, and that could also be a great
> benefit to the town. I personally believe the RLF has good intent and will
> work with a developer to build such a space. I also believe that keeping
> the Mall space as-is is a recipe for commercial/economic failure. I also
> believe we can be a (small) part of the solution to increasing housing
> stock in the Boston metro area.
>
> Why is everyone so afraid and so convinced that *any* and all change will
> be bad? We all do the best we can under the circumstances, which are *not*
> the same circumstances as 20 or 40 years ago.  Please, let’s stop resisting
> every single thing and have a reasonable conversation about how to move
> forward based on today, here, in Lincoln in 2023. We all love Lincoln, or
> we wouldn’t be here.
>
> Sincerely,
> Tricia Thornton-Wells
> 112 Trapelo Rd
>
>
>
> On Nov 6, 2023, at 6:29 PM, Peter Buchthal  wrote:
>
> 
> At the previous planning/hcawg meeting of October 24th, we learned that
> RLF is planning to hire a consultant to draw potential renderings of a new
> Lincoln Mall and present them to the town at some point.   It is really
> hard for town residents to evaluate the potential impact of the proposed
> changes to  the Lincoln Mall zoning without a detailed discussion.  I
> understand the planning board is considering further zoning amendments for
> the new overlay districts to better protect the town's interests.I
> foresee several problems with this strategy.
>
> 1)  Any drawings or renderings will be purely hypothetical and not binding
> on the RLF or any future owner of the Mall as there is no requirement that
> they be actually submitted to the town for a building permit.
> 2)  Assuming a HCA Overlay district is passed at the March Town meeting, I
> see very few obstacles to building whatever the developer chooses to build
> as the town will have NO ability to influence a future developer to do
> anything unless they need a variance for something.
> 3)  Hypothetically, one day after the HCA Overlay district passes the
> March Town Meeting, CIVICO could submit drawings to the Town of Lincoln
> Building Department and the current zoning rules would apply to their
> project without the ability of the town to influence the project.  As long
> as CIVICO starts construction within  12 months of submitting building
> plans, the rules at the time of plan submission would govern the project.
> period, full stop.  Any futu

Re: [LincolnTalk] New Options for HCA Compliance

[Bijoy Misra]

Thank you.  It is not clear how the stuffing units at the train station
idea came about in Lincoln.
It an old colonial model to give the city workers a place to live near a
train station to get to work
in time.  Lincoln has a farming base and an independence character.  People
live in town and
pursue professions.  The train stop does not bring any visitors to create
revenue for the town.
Our compliance should be proportional to the benefit.
The town Committee being tied up to a single developer is a serious mistake
and could be
unlawful.  Let there be several small developments and various bids should
be secured by
the Committee.  As I expressed in 2019, the town character must be the
first priority against
any imposed stipulation.  The current WG should be reconstituted to
properly deliberate the
options and the priorities.  We elect people on trust, but the election
should not disconnect
the elected representative from understanding the views of the residents.
It would be grossly
unfair if the Select Committee and the WG ignore the considered opinions
expressed through
this public medium.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
.  .

On Mon, Nov 6, 2023 at 7:54 AM Lynne Smith  wrote:

> My article from the *Lincoln Squirrel*
>
>
> My Turn: New website offers appealing options for compliance with the
> Housing Choice Act
>
> November 5, 2023
>
> By Lynne Smith
>
> The Housing Choice Act (HCA) asks Massachusetts communities with public
> transit in the greater Boston area to rezone parts of their town to allow
> “by right” development of multifamily housing if they want to remain
> eligible for three state grant programs. “By right” means that the
> developer of the property would not have to go to Town Meeting to permit
> the development. The HCA Working Group (HCAWG) is currently developing
> rezoning options for Lincoln.
>
> Using the models provided by the state for HCA compliance and building on
> the work of the HCAWG, a group calling themselves Lincoln Residents for
> Housing Alternatives has developed a range of new options that have real
> merit. They have included these options in an informative website
> <https://sites.google.com/lincolnresidentsforhousingalternatives.org/info/home>
>  that
> describes Lincoln’s particular parcels and suggests how rezoning might be
> accomplished without disturbing the character of the town.
>
> The website offers a clear explanation of the compliance rules and the
> complex models used to develop the options. These simplified explanations
> in laymen’s terms helped me understand how we might rezone for maximum
> benefit to the town. The maps make clear how we can maintain our local and
> rural character by dispersing development as we have always done. In fact,
> 40% of Lincoln’s housing is already in multifamily developments scattered
> throughout the town. Over the last 60 years, this approach, requiring Town
> Meeting approval, has provided many units of housing requiring 15-25%
> affordability without increasing traffic or sacrificing conservation land.
>
> The charts and spreadsheets in the website also make clear how we can:
>
>- Avoid allocating a greater number of developable units than required
>for compliance. We must rezone for a minimum but care must be taken not to
>accidentally permit a maximum.
>- Develop a greater percentage of affordable units by not making the
>RLF/Lincoln Station proposal “by right,” as HCA only allows us to require
>10% affordable.
>- Preserve wildlife corridors and minimize traffic by carefully
>situating the rezoned areas in parcels that are already developed.
>
> The website also explains the HCA compliance issues in easy-to-understand
> language and provides links to the relevant Massachusetts law. It describes
> the process Lincoln has followed to get to this point and spells out the
> future timelines. It also raises questions that the HCA Working Group may
> need further study to answer.
>
> At the State of the Town meeting on September 30, the Working Group gave a
> polished and convincing description of Option C that concentrated all
> development near Lincoln Station. Since then, I have thought more about the
> impact of hundreds of new units at this small, busy area. Many others have
> raised critical questions about this option and the HCAWG has responded by
> adding three new options (D1, D2, and D3).
>
> This new effort by the Lincoln Residents for Alternative Housing further
> expands the options available to meet compliance. Discussion and debate are
> at the heart of the “Lincoln Way” and we benefit by the skills and
> dedication of volunteers.
>
> I urge everyone in Lincoln to study this new website
> <https://sites.google.com/lincolnresidentsforhousingalternatives.org/info/h

Re: [LincolnTalk] the Rural Land Foundation and the Housing Choice Act

[Bijoy Misra]

Allen,
I would say it was all hush-hush, you might have known through the bushes.
People are demanding transparency.  I retained my patience till the fiasco
meeting happened.  I don't see any minutes of that meeting.  Do you know
if they were recorded?  Should we have trust when there is little
accountability?
"Russians are coming" again!
Regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 5:54 PM Pastor Allen  wrote:

> Bijoy,
>
> First, there was a Housing Trust vote to approve that Loan.  I was there
> for it.  I do not remember if you were on the Housing Trust at that time, but
> you were certainly made aware of those discussions and that vote, as all
> Housing Commission and HOWG members were.  The record of that vote can
> also be found in the minutes from one of the Housing Trust meetings from
> that time.
>
> Second, a wide variety of mechanisms were considered before structuring
> that $1 Million payment to Civico as a loan - a process that, as I recall,
> entailed several HOWG and Housing Trust meetings, and close coordination
> with Town Counsel to ensure that this disbursement would achieve the goal
> of permanently ensuring the town got those 60 units on the SHI, as well as
> making sure they could never come off unless the town explicitly approved
> it - even if ownership changed or there was a bankruptcy.
>
> An interest free "loan", immediately due and payable only if the units
> came off the SHI, was deemed the best method of accomplishing that goal.
>
> -Allen Vander Meulen
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 2, 2023, at 15:47, Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
> 
> Friends,
> I was part of the Housing Commission and the Housing Choice Committee
> (like one we have now).
> We were given an impression that CIVICO was doing a favor by allowing
> themselves to work in
> Lincoln.  They were a small company and needed capital.  One million was
> granted without vote,
> possibly RLF had a link to CIVICO. It was said that the money was a loan.
> School, parking, access,
> landscaping and preservation issues were raised later.  I was stunned when
> Hong Kong style
> development was proposed on behalf of South Lincoln Improvement Committee
> the following
> year. .Nobody has taken responsibility for the maneuver so far.
> Accountability is required in
> communication and for the town meetings..Why do we give volunteer time to
> be loose and casual?
> I urge all the new activists to populate the Committee.  Do insist even if
> there would be efforts
> to ignore you.
> Best regards,
> Bijoy Misra
>
>
> On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 12:10 PM Karla Gravis 
> wrote:
>
>> Civico's analysis for Oriole Landing included 25% affordable units so
>> their IRR calculation already includes the reduced rent for those
>> apartments.
>>
>> From the document I linked to, Civico expected a 16.6% return on their
>> Oriole Landing investment in year 10, above what was expected at the time.
>> Instead, they got a much higher IRR (potentially $12M profit on a $20M
>> investment) in only 4 years. Did they know they were going to get this
>> much? Probably not. BUT having realized such a profit increase, this same
>> developer is telling us that they refuse to go through town meeting again.
>> The HCAWG is accommodating by including the mall rezoning through HCA,
>> which would allow Civico to skip the town meeting process and build "by
>> right".
>>
>> In more recent times, we are seeing other towns like Winchester negotiate
>> with developers through town meeting. Winchester was able to get Civico to
>> add more parking, even more affordable units, and at an even more
>> affordable rate (60% of AMI as opposed to 80% of AMI that Oriole Landing
>> has). They were able to include sustainability and climate change
>> requirements. Civico is paying the town $1.5M. They were only able to get
>> to this new proposal because the first one failed at town meeting.
>>
>> Yet Lincoln would be choosing to forgo our town meeting process so that
>> Civico can push ahead with the project? We severely curtail our ability to
>> influence and ask for concessions by doing so.
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> -- Forwarded message -
>>> From: Rich Rosenbaum 
>>> Date: Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 11:05
>>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] the Rural Land Foundation and the Housing
>>> Choice Act
>>> To:
>>> CC: Lincoln Talk 
>>>
>>>
>>> When calculating the cost to the developer for affordable units,
>>> shouldn't it also include the present value of the reduction of rental
>>> income below market rates?
>

Re: [LincolnTalk] Update from Housing Choice Act Working Group

[Bijoy Misra]

Jennifer,
Why don't you trust Robert Ahlert and David Cuetos who have done excellent
work?
Let it build from the community.  Let the third party join in in case
people can't
deliver.  The consultant can always put together the document.  Let the
analysis and
evaluation be done by competent community members.  They can be invited to
serve in the Committee.  Is there a problem?
Regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 3:32 PM Jennifer Glass via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> *2023 11 03  HCAWG Update:*
>
>
> In response to community feedback after State of the Town, the Housing
> Choice Act Working Group asked Utile to develop additional options that
> respond to resident comments, while staying true to the principles and
> benefits to the community that the HCAWG has used throughout option
> development.  Those principles are:
>
>- Rezone near public transportation and town amenities.
>- Lay the groundwork for housing options to meet the needs of young adults,
>families, our local workforce, and those ready to downsize.
>- Support and maintain our small commercial center.
>- Promote decarbonization and climate change adaptation by rezoning
>near transportation and amenities.
>- Proactively tailor zoning to fit Lincoln’s unique character.
>- Keep Lincoln eligible for numerous housing, infrastructure,
>transportation, and sustainability related grants that will help us achieve
>town goals while mitigating the impact on property taxes.
>
>
> *To learn about the options, please join us at one or both of our forums
> on Wednesday, November 8th! *
>
> *- HCAWG Outreach *
>
>  _
>
>
> *Reminder:  Two Housing Choice community forums on Wednesday!*
>
> *Wednesday, November 8th @ 8:00 AM in Town Offices *(in person only -
> with coffee)
>
> *Wednesday, November 8th @ 7:00 PM via Zoom *(virtual only)
>
> Register in advance for this meeting:
>
> https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcuuqqj8uGtFZbgFL3Ghr2zR5oH5ZdaVF
>
>
> After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
> information about joining the meeting.
> --
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> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Open letter to HCA Working Group

[Bijoy Misra]

Sorry that I am a cynic to this HCA activity.
The WG members may have little say on David's
questions.  They didn't write the document, nor
they know what's submitted.  Things won't resolve
without full transparency. While it is good that many
are looking, I would suspect that the lobbying group
is deeply entrenched and hardly cares to listen to this
discussion.  A total fresh look is required.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra

‪On Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 8:32 AM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
wrote:‬

> For anyone having trouble seeing the images- please see the PDF version
> attached.
>
> Sarah Postlethwait
>
>
>
> On Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 7:56 AM David Cuetos  wrote:
>
>> *I would like to share this letter a group of approximately 20 residents
>> and I have sent to the HCA Working Group.*
>>
>> Thank you again for reaching out and providing us the opportunity to ask
>> questions about the process and your proposals.
>>
>>
>>
>> Before I dive into my list of questions, I would like to share some
>> thoughts from our group of residents. While we were happy to see that more
>> proposals were added last week, we worry that the proposals that have been
>> presented do not fully represent the breadth of town perspectives.
>>
>>
>>
>> We humbly request that the WG add compliance proposals that go further in
>> the direction of distributing more units away from Lincoln Station. To this
>> end, we propose two examples below that we would like to share with you. In
>> doing so, we have consciously constrained ourselves to your current choice
>> of districts. These examples address some of the technical deficiencies and
>> difficult-to-understand choices in options C and D. We think it would be a
>> service to town residents if you considered adding these two to your list
>> of options for resident consideration on November 8th.
>>
>>
>>
>> Please note, however, that we are not necessarily tied to these two
>> proposals. If the constraints we have imposed upon ourselves were removed,
>> other felicitous compliant possibilities could be constructed. We would
>> consider many other permutations that include a similar number of maximum
>> number of units built across Lincoln Station, and spread the remainder on
>> existing multi-family developments across town.  The main message we want
>> to pass to you is that we would like to see the WG give residents as many
>> degrees of flexibility to choose from as feasible. An instant-runoff voting
>> mechanism could be implemented for the December 2nd vote to build consensus.
>>
>>
>>
>> Separately, we would heartily support the RLF in presenting a
>> redevelopment proposal to town residents at Town Meeting. We think that
>> bundling a mixed-usage redevelopment of the Mall with HCA
>> compliance, however, would be a disservice to town residents. We have
>> concerns about the building density proposed, the use of public grants, and
>> the survival of commercial space. We believe these concerns would be best
>> addressed through a special permit process.
>>
>>
>>
>> Lincoln has a proud history of providing diverse housing options for
>> residents and we think residents ought to be trusted to continue to do so
>> while preserving what makes Lincoln so unique and attracted most of us
>> here. We would prefer town residents continue to watch over our shared
>> goals of affordability, environmental impact, and general quality of life
>> than giving free rein to developers.
>>
>>
>>
>> We would be most pleased if you or any other member of the WG offered to
>> meet with us in person to discuss.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>>
>> David Cuetos
>>
>> Weston Rd
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Proposal examples
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: image.png]
>>
>>
>>
>> This is a map and the list of parcels included in the Lincoln Rd
>> (reduced) district. While the district acreage is smaller, the developable
>> acreage is approximately the same as the existing Lincoln Rd district.
>>
>>
>> [image: image.png]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *PARCELS*
>>
>> 10  LEWIS ST
>>
>> 14 &16 LEWIS ST
>>
>> 15  LEWIS ST
>>
>> 9  LEWIS ST
>>
>> 1 &3 LEWIS ST
>>
>> 5 &7 LEWIS ST
>>
>> 2  LEWIS ST
>>
>> 144  LINCOLN RD
>>
>> 148  LINCOLN RD
>>
>> 154  LINCOLN RD
>>
>> 152  LINCOLN RD
>>
>> 8 -1 RIDGE RD
>>
>> 

Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA General Information Video

[Bijoy Misra]

Well explained.  I love the grassroot town involvement in planning.
The town is a shelter to a diverse wildlife.  I love the advocacy.
It is their land we have encroached, let us be gentle.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 10:42 PM Barbara Peskin  wrote:

> Dear Lincoln,
>
> I have lived in Lincoln since 1995. I cherish it. It is unique and
> special. It takes care of people and wildlife.
>
> I have had the privilege of working with some very smart people in
> trying to understand HCA.  I hope this video helps us all approach the HCA
> Mandate thoughtfully.
>
> In the end, I hope we continue our commitment to the land and wildlife,
> the people who live here now, and that new residents have affordable and
> diverse living options, and can live in nature as is our legacy.
>
> Thank you for watching the 15 minute video.
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L2rRPHPBlelQBx9Jkjco_j95P6kRAzX6/view?usp=drive_link
>
>
>
>
> ~
> Barbara Peskin
>
> *My Moments in Nature Photo Gallery: barbarapeskin.com
> <http://barbarapeskin.com>*
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted to the State

[Bijoy Misra]

Excerpted from the Planning Board site:

*The broad mission of the Planning Board is to further the welfare of the
citizens of Lincoln by helping to create and preserve a healthful,
convenient, efficient and attractive community environment. The physical as
well as the social and economic community is a single organism, all
features and activities of which are related and interdependent. There is a
need for the application of intelligent foresight and planned
administrative and legal coordination, if balance, harmony, and order are
to be insured. It is the task of planning to supply this foresight and this
overall coordination. *

Planning Board members may reflect on the charge.  As I recall Margaret
Olson chaired the 2019 meeting
I am referring to. There was a total disconnect from what was presented to
what was expected.  The meeting
ended in a melee. I tried to look for the minutes of that meeting, but
couldn't find.  Let us start with a fresh slate.
The task is not complicated.  No Commonwealth would want to destroy a
town.  We want new people to come.
We want to preserve the character of the town as much as possible.  Let the
development be distributed.
Let the documents not be produced or written over by third party
individuals who have little interest in the town.
Please reconstitute the Working Group taking many able volunteers from this
group.  The sky won't fall!
Let us all be objective and focused  with *application of intelligent
foresight* .

Bijoy Misra

On Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 5:23 PM Michael Dembowski 
wrote:

> Rich-
> I appreciate the apology made in advance, not the narrow literal
> interpretation of a well-intentioned post.
> Michael
>
> On Oct 29, 2023, at 11:22 AM, Rich Rosenbaum  wrote:
>
> 
> *I very much appreciate your response, having cherry picked my email as
> (perhaps) offering a good primer on civic process here in Lincoln. I find
> it helpful to have this be on LT to help inform and remind all. *
>
> from Wikipedia:
>
>> *Cherry picking*, *suppressing evidence*, or the *fallacy of incomplete
>> evidence* is the act of pointing to individual cases or data that seem
>> to confirm a particular position while ignoring a significant portion of
>> related and similar cases or data that may contradict that position. Cherry
>> picking may be committed intentionally or unintentionally.[2]
>> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_picking#cite_note-2>
>>
> I see no 'cherry picking' either intentional or otherwise. I, for one,
> appreciate the inclusion of relevant references so that I have the context
> for a response especially within a long thread of multiple messages.
>
> If you meant another definition of 'cherry picking', my apologies.
>
> Rich
>
> On Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 10:52 AM Michael Dembowski 
> wrote:
>
>> Margaret -
>> I very much appreciate your response, having cherry picked my email as
>> (perhaps) offering a good primer on civic process here in Lincoln. I find
>> it helpful to have this be on LT to help inform and remind all.
>> Sincerely
>> Michael Dembowski
>> Conant Road
>>
>> On Oct 29, 2023, at 9:16 AM, Margaret Olson 
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> *"At what point does any town official respond to David's critique? - a
>> response is needed whether by special meeting or thru LT.*
>>
>> *At risk is any community faith in the process that already seems
>> fractured. "*
>>
>> Michael,
>>
>> The open meeting laws require that any deliberations be held in a posted
>> public meeting. When I respond to posts it is to cite facts and to the
>> extent possible point people to existing information. The open meeting law
>> requirements are cumbersome and do make the pace of response slow, and
>> particularly slow for issues that cross multiple boards as does the HCA.
>>
>> All of the HCA materials, including the town's state submission (to date)
>> and all public presentations, can be found here:
>> https://www.lincolntown.org/1327/Housing-Choice-Act-Working-Group. This
>> site is updated regularly with new information. Keep in mind that the
>> boards and committees receive multiple variations on the same questions and
>> in general address them through the public forums and the town's HCA page.
>>
>> I encourage you and others with questions to come to one of the forums on
>> November 8th: at 8am in the town offices or at 7pm on Zoom (registration:
>> https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcuuqqj8uGtFZbgFL3Ghr2zR5oH5ZdaVF).
>>
>>
>> Margaret
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 8:52 AM Michael Dembowski 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> At what point does any town official respond to David's 

Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted to the State

[Bijoy Misra]

While I get complimentary private mails, I also get mail that
I see events with a jaundiced eye because I was born in a
foreign country.  I have difficulty in appreciating since the
same people ran the clown show in 2019.  Nobody took
responsibility, the developer's man was running the slides
in the open town meeting.  I was next to him helping with
the projector.  At least somebody should be candid to say
"sorry" to have wasted two hours of one hundred people for
a developer's lobby.   We are small town and we believe
what is sent to us.  There is some presumed conflict
of interest that bothers me!  It is us, not the developer!
Bijoy Misra

On Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 1:18 PM Karla Gravis  wrote:

> One of the questions we submitted was answered as part of the FAQs that
> were sent out by the HCAWG on Friday, but the rest were not. See below for
> quote from that email. This question was posed to the HCAWG via email after
> any meeting happened, so I don’t believe there is a constraint to wait for
> a meeting to send out FAQs.
>
> The email posted on LT says this in reference to the question we
> submitted:
> “Finally, there have been questions about whether Option C had excess
> land. The answer to that is below and with other FAQs on the website.
> As always, if you have specific questions, reach out individually.”.
>
> The FAQs states that there was indeed a mistake made by Utile in the excel
> model submitted to the State, which was corrected after residents brought
> it up.
>
> The CCBC and HCAWG regularly post FAQs on their website and LT. They are
> also able to answer questions via email to residents, like Ms. Jennifer
> Glass is kindly offering in that quote above. Ms. Olson regularly posts in
> regards to technical questions. All these questions are technical.
>
> It is crucial we have the answers before the forum so we can have an
> informed discussion.
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 12:57 PM Rich Rosenbaum  wrote:
>
>> *I understand there may be open meeting law constrains on *back-and-forth
>> debate* on a platform like this. However, why are the questions submitted
>> any different from those that are regularly answered in FAQSs from many of
>> the town boards? Why do we now have to wait for the forum?*
>>
>> From
>> https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/09/25/2017%20Guide%20only.pdf:
>>
>> The Open Meeting Law defines deliberation as “an oral or written
>>>
>> communication through any medium, including electronic mail, between or
>>> among a
>>> quorum of a public body on any public business within its jurisdiction.”
>>
>>
>> Note that the expression of an opinion on matters within the body’s
>>> jurisdiction
>>> to a quorum of a public body is a deliberation, even if no other public
>>> body member
>>> responds.
>>>
>>
>>> Except in cases of emergency, a public body must provide the public with
>>> notice
>>> of its meeting 48 hours in advance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and
>>> legal holidays.
>>>
>>
>> I think most (all?) of the FAQs are distributed after meetings (that
>> conformed to the Open Meeting Law).
>>
>> Rich
>> (still not a lawyer, but at this point considering applying to law school)
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 12:40 PM Karla Gravis 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> The questions that we have been posted on Lincoln Talk, and directly to
>>> the WG, are technical in nature. Both the HCAWG and the CCBC regularly post
>>> FAQs on the town website and on LT. In the case of the HCAWG, on Friday
>>> they posted the response to only one of the questions on this same forum,
>>> but did not address any of the other questions that had been submitted.
>>>
>>> I understand there may be open meeting law constrains on *back-and-forth
>>> debate* on a platform like this. However, why are the questions
>>> submitted any different from those that are regularly answered in FAQSs
>>> from many of the town boards? Why do we now have to wait for the forum?
>>>
>>> I thought the intent of the forum was to weigh in on the different
>>> options D1-D3. It will be hard to have an informed conversation at the
>>> forum if the technical aspects of those options are not correct and/or
>>> clarified.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
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> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted to the State

[Bijoy Misra]

Open meeting violation is one thing, but more troublesome is the statement
that we know because we are in the business of managing the town.  I did
object and then the "powerbase" started calling me names to oust me.
Sarah P and David C and others are trying  this time.  The same vague
response will continue.  It is a competition between the lobbyists and the
tax-payers. It is the state of the town of Lincoln in the 2000's.
I took residence here in 2004 appreciating the green in the town. The
Planning
Board has no planners, they don't produce any original documents.  We
do need housing and we should also respond to the general population.
But we must deliberate and take public concerns into account.  The
town should release itself from the developers' control.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra


‪On Sat, Oct 28, 2023 at 8:24 AM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
wrote:‬

> Many of us still recall the SLIPIC committee and their numerous open
> meeting law violations.
> Then it was renamed SLIPAC.
> Now HCAWG.
>
> All groups had the same mission.
> And the open meeting law violations continue…
> Only difference is that this one has the (unnecessary) urgency of the HCA
> to push its agenda (and civico’s wish list).
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Oct 28, 2023 at 8:17 AM Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
>> I am amazed that no one is speaking a word about the fiasco in the
>> previous incarnation of this construction project.  The outfit was called
>> SLIP South Lincoln Improvement Project.  The public meeting might
>> have been 2019 Spring.  I don't know how they folded.  I had to quit.
>> Do people recall?
>> Bijoy Misra
>>
>> ‪On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 5:59 PM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
>> wrote:‬
>>
>>> Peter-
>>> 100% agree with all of your points, and I support your nomination of
>>> David to the HCAWG.
>>>
>>> In fact- on Monday when I spoke to Jennifer Glass *The Select board
>>> representative on the HCAWG*, she thought the modeled density was the
>>> Maximum units allowed.
>>>
>>> Paula corrected this on Tuesday’s meeting and confirmed that developers
>>> are NOT limited by the modeled density. The gross density (entire number of
>>> acres multiplied by the maximum number of units permitted in that
>>> Subdistrict) plus setbacks and height restrictions is what a developer is
>>> limited to.
>>>
>>> Also, the mall/village center actually has 42’ height restrictions
>>> instead of 36’ in other subdistricts.
>>>
>>> Sarah Postlethwait
>>>
>>> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 3:58 PM Peter Buchthal 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I believe I speak for many residents that we are all concerned with not
>>>> just the problems of our state submission, but with the process, and
>>>> messaging of the HCAWG.
>>>>
>>>> 1) How 18 extra acres of lots were included in our submission to the
>>>> State without anyone on the HCAWG, Town Administration or Util Consultants
>>>> checking the work.
>>>>
>>>> 2)* I believe few people in the town understand (I know I didn't until
>>>> David's email), that unless we are careful, builders will be able build by
>>>> right (without Town approval) up to the maximum number of units which is
>>>> total acres including wetlands multiplied by the density factor. * So,
>>>> even though Lincoln Woods has just 7 buildable acres, a developer would be
>>>> able to build 400+ units (20 acres multiplied by 20 Units per Acre (density
>>>> in Option C)).  Granted, it may be difficult to build that many, but any
>>>> new buildings could be built up to 36 feet tall, which would allow three
>>>> floors and parking could be below ground or on the ground floor with two or
>>>> three floors above.   So, I have learned the modelled number of units is
>>>> NOT a maximum but a calculated number that should be used for HCA
>>>> compliance purposes only.
>>>>
>>>> *3) I would like the HCAWG to invite David Cuetos to be a member of the
>>>> group to make sure the public is well informed and the submissions are
>>>> correct.  A healthy debate will only lead to better outcomes for everyone
>>>> in the town.  *
>>>>
>>>> Best,
>>>>
>>>> Peter Buchthal
>>>> Weston Rd
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 8:11 AM Susanna Szeto 
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Good questions Karla!  We need someone to ask these questions at the
>>>>> board mee

Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted to the State

[Bijoy Misra]

I am amazed that no one is speaking a word about the fiasco in the
previous incarnation of this construction project.  The outfit was called
SLIP South Lincoln Improvement Project.  The public meeting might
have been 2019 Spring.  I don't know how they folded.  I had to quit.
Do people recall?
Bijoy Misra

‪On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 5:59 PM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
wrote:‬

> Peter-
> 100% agree with all of your points, and I support your nomination of David
> to the HCAWG.
>
> In fact- on Monday when I spoke to Jennifer Glass *The Select board
> representative on the HCAWG*, she thought the modeled density was the
> Maximum units allowed.
>
> Paula corrected this on Tuesday’s meeting and confirmed that developers
> are NOT limited by the modeled density. The gross density (entire number of
> acres multiplied by the maximum number of units permitted in that
> Subdistrict) plus setbacks and height restrictions is what a developer is
> limited to.
>
> Also, the mall/village center actually has 42’ height restrictions instead
> of 36’ in other subdistricts.
>
> Sarah Postlethwait
>
> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 3:58 PM Peter Buchthal 
> wrote:
>
>> I believe I speak for many residents that we are all concerned with not
>> just the problems of our state submission, but with the process, and
>> messaging of the HCAWG.
>>
>> 1) How 18 extra acres of lots were included in our submission to the
>> State without anyone on the HCAWG, Town Administration or Util Consultants
>> checking the work.
>>
>> 2)* I believe few people in the town understand (I know I didn't until
>> David's email), that unless we are careful, builders will be able build by
>> right (without Town approval) up to the maximum number of units which is
>> total acres including wetlands multiplied by the density factor. * So,
>> even though Lincoln Woods has just 7 buildable acres, a developer would be
>> able to build 400+ units (20 acres multiplied by 20 Units per Acre (density
>> in Option C)).  Granted, it may be difficult to build that many, but any
>> new buildings could be built up to 36 feet tall, which would allow three
>> floors and parking could be below ground or on the ground floor with two or
>> three floors above.   So, I have learned the modelled number of units is
>> NOT a maximum but a calculated number that should be used for HCA
>> compliance purposes only.
>>
>> *3) I would like the HCAWG to invite David Cuetos to be a member of the
>> group to make sure the public is well informed and the submissions are
>> correct.  A healthy debate will only lead to better outcomes for everyone
>> in the town.  *
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Peter Buchthal
>> Weston Rd
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 8:11 AM Susanna Szeto  wrote:
>>
>>> Good questions Karla!  We need someone to ask these questions at the
>>> board meeting!  WHO will do it?
>>>
>>> Susanna
>>>
>>> On Oct 27, 2023, at 6:02 AM, Karla Gravis  wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> There are a lot of details here (which I encourage everyone to read) but
>>> 3 very important questions require answers:
>>>
>>>
>>>- Why did we submit 18 more acres in parcels to the State than what
>>>was approved by town boards for Option C?
>>>- Why are we unnecessarily zoning Lincoln Woods to a much higher
>>>number of units than we have currently, thus creating an incentive for 
>>> TCB
>>>or another developer to come in and rebuild? The current affordability
>>>requirement ends in 2032.
>>>- Why are we including so many parcels that give us no compliance
>>>credit with the State but enable developers to build many more units than
>>>is required for compliance?
>>>
>>> Karla
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> -- Forwarded message -
>>>> From: ٍSarah Postlethwait 
>>>> Date: Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 13:16
>>>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted
>>>> to the State
>>>> To: David Cuetos 
>>>> CC: Lincoln Talk 
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> It’s concerning that we are paying Utile at least $20k to come up with
>>>> these proposals on the town’s behalf and they have submitted it with this
>>>> many inaccuracies.
>>>> What is also is concerning is that, according to the minutes page, the
>>>> HCAWG has not had a working meeting since the end of August- right after
>>>> t

Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA & Codman Road

[Bijoy Misra]

Let me repeat what I expressed five years ago.
The redesign of Lincoln Station to a populated Town Center
would need substantial infrastructure development like
two lane roads, open areas, parking spaces and playgrounds.
I visited Newton Center yesterday.  This place was a sleepy
corner when we were covering it through our Walk for Hunger
May walk.  It is an urban island now, but no tall housing nearby.
So the planning needs to be in two phases. Phase I acquires land,
develops a town center, creates space, attracts(allows) business.
Phase II acquires more land, develops housing in a manner keeping
the character of the town and looking into the projected demography.
Phase I has to be voted to lead to Phase II.  Phase I is town money,
state funding can be sought.  Phase II is developer's money and will
be in developer's control. Phase II does not automatically produce
Phase I.   It is not acces road development as in Oriole Landing.
I am not brighter than people in the planning board, but I saw then
and see now that the people are not "planning" using the models
but are talking in slogans and misleading vocabulary..
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 5:32 PM Benjamin Shiller 
wrote:

> I doubt that the additional housing supply would materially impact housing
> values in Lincoln (unless they make it a less desirable place to live).
> Lincoln is not an island, but rather part of the Boston metro.  The 600
> housing units we are talking about won't substantially change supply around
> Boston.  The overall housing choice act might, but whether other towns
> develop is out of our control.  Thus, I hope that we can stop focusing on
> home values in relation to the HCA (no matter which side one is on) vote,
> and focus on the other issues at hand.
>
> Ben
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted to the State

[Bijoy Misra]

Conspiracy stems from a previous episode five years ago
when the Planning B with almost similar constituents were
"presenting" how nice a development may look while people
spoke about congestion and traffic.  The person who was
presenting the slides was nor an elected official or a town
employee.  Paula may know and may share.  .
Bijoy Misra

On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 9:32 AM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> I do not see accusations or conspiracy theories advanced here.
>
> Rather there is an effort to get answers and have a better understanding
> of what we are being asked to endorse.
>
> As there have been limited opportunities to fully engage, those with
> questions must resort to the platform available-LT.
>
> Serious questions have been raised.
> Those who have been elected and appointed to serve us need to respond in
> new and even more inclusive ways to ensure voters have the most complete
> and accurate information and understanding to make critical decisions that
> will shape our landscape for generations to come.
>
> We each might have different visions of what that landscape should reflect.
> We must come together and find a better way to resolve our differences.
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Oct 27, 2023, at 9:02 AM, John Mendelson 
> wrote:
>
> 
> Easy to lob accusations and perhaps even some conspiracy theories on LT
> where the members of the HCAWG cannot respond.
>
> Perhaps there was an error on the submission but a more appropriate forum
> to query this would be in either of the two open forums on November 8 that
> have been widely publicized.
>
> Questions and answers on the record.
>
> John
>
>
> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023, 8:53 AM Michael Dembowski 
> wrote:
>
>> At what point does any town official respond to David's critique? - a
>> response is needed whether by special meeting or thru LT.
>> At risk is *any* community faith in the process that already seems
>> fractured.
>> Dialogue is welcome - whether it be acknowledgement of errors, a response
>> to each point made, or even an extended invite to David to formally join
>> HCAWG.
>> Michael Dembowski
>> Conant Road
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 8:09 AM Susanna Szeto  wrote:
>>
>>> Good questions Karla!  We need someone to ask these questions at the
>>> board meeting!  WHO will do it?
>>>
>>> Susanna
>>>
>>> On Oct 27, 2023, at 6:02 AM, Karla Gravis  wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> There are a lot of details here (which I encourage everyone to read) but
>>> 3 very important questions require answers:
>>>
>>>
>>>- Why did we submit 18 more acres in parcels to the State than what
>>>was approved by town boards for Option C?
>>>- Why are we unnecessarily zoning Lincoln Woods to a much higher
>>>number of units than we have currently, thus creating an incentive for 
>>> TCB
>>>or another developer to come in and rebuild? The current affordability
>>>requirement ends in 2032.
>>>- Why are we including so many parcels that give us no compliance
>>>credit with the State but enable developers to build many more units than
>>>is required for compliance?
>>>
>>> Karla
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> -- Forwarded message -
>>>> From: ٍSarah Postlethwait 
>>>> Date: Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 13:16
>>>> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted
>>>> to the State
>>>> To: David Cuetos 
>>>> CC: Lincoln Talk 
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> It’s concerning that we are paying Utile at least $20k to come up with
>>>> these proposals on the town’s behalf and they have submitted it with this
>>>> many inaccuracies.
>>>> What is also is concerning is that, according to the minutes page, the
>>>> HCAWG has not had a working meeting since the end of August- right after
>>>> the guideline changes were announced and before option C was formed. No
>>>> meetings were held in September and the two October meetings were multi
>>>> board meeting presentations.
>>>>
>>>> *Is the full HCAWG reviewing the current proposals and what is being
>>>> submitted to the state?*
>>>>
>>>> Including an additional 18 acres of land in the state proposal that has
>>>> not been presented to the town and the Select board and planning board is
>>>> unacceptable.
>>>>
>&g

Re: [LincolnTalk] Inaccuracies in rezoning proposals submitted to the State

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear neighbors,
With so many analytical people in our resident pool willing to give time
and service, I have never understood why there is a perpetual affinity
to external consultants.  Through my brief observations, I found the
"consultant' was a cover for some fabricated thinking.
I suspect there is a lot of unhealthy practice in fiscal handling in
pretension of creating security and compliance.  A total abolition of the
self-appointed guardianship should be called for.  A full audit could
reveal the moles.
Sorry to sound unfriendly.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra


‪On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 1:16 PM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
wrote:‬

> It’s concerning that we are paying Utile at least $20k to come up with
> these proposals on the town’s behalf and they have submitted it with this
> many inaccuracies.
> What is also is concerning is that, according to the minutes page, the
> HCAWG has not had a working meeting since the end of August- right after
> the guideline changes were announced and before option C was formed. No
> meetings were held in September and the two October meetings were multi
> board meeting presentations.
>
> *Is the full HCAWG reviewing the current proposals and what is being
> submitted to the state?*
>
> Including an additional 18 acres of land in the state proposal that has
> not been presented to the town and the Select board and planning board is
> unacceptable.
>
> *The HCAWG needs disbanded for the following reasons:*
>  •2 members are representing the best interest of the RLF LLC (aka trying
> to get the highest density possible allowed by right so they can sell the
> property to Civico for more money).
> •The proposals presented to the town all include unnecessary land that
> does not count towards the HCA compliance target.
> •Option C has been submitted to the state with this many inconsistencies
> that has been pointed out by David, and 18 acres of land being added that
> were not approved by the Select board or Planning board or the town.
> •The Open meeting law has been violated numerous times by the HCAWG; and a
> meeting mentioned in the select board minutes is missing from the HCAWG
> minutes page entirely.
>
>
> Better ways to comply with the HCA have been proposed. Stop rushing to get
> a RLF centric rezoning passed and get a better Working group in place.
>
> *This rezoning is going to shape the future decades of Lincoln- let’s do
> it thoughtfully and purposefully. *
>
>
> Sarah Postlethwait
>
>
>
> On Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 10:37 AM David Cuetos 
> wrote:
>
>> *Executive Summary:*
>>
>>
>>- I identified a series of mistakes in the Option C proposal
>>submitted to the State for compliance check. Option C as presented in the
>>SOTT and approved by the Boards for submission rezoned 70 acres of land.
>>The model that was sent to the State rezoned 88 acres, 18 acres more. 
>> After
>>reviewing with our consultant Utile, the mistakes were confirmed by our
>>Director of Planning. For reference, the State is asking us to rezone 42
>>acres.
>>- The model sent to the State states the maximum number of units that
>>can be built in Lincoln as a result of the rezoning is 1,679. The State is
>>asking for 635 units.
>>- The HCAWG’s decision to include so many parcels near wetlands is
>>the main reason for this very high number of units.
>>- Public land, for example the DPW, is unnecessarily included in our
>>option C proposal. This has the impact of lowering our gross density, 
>> which
>>is one of the State's requirements.
>>- Options C and D1-D3 create an incentive for massive redevelopment
>>of Lincoln Woods. This could be avoided with no impact to compliance. It
>>seems that the density denominator used for Lincoln Woods is wrong as 
>> well.
>>- Options D1-D3 presented last night rezone 60-75 acres and could
>>also lead to >1,000 units built.
>>- More foresight has been applied to the proposals our resident group
>>has prepared: the maximum number of units built is exactly the same as the
>>compliance requirement (~635). 7 of these proposals have more than 20%
>>units near Lincoln Station.
>>
>> *Findings*
>>
>> Following multiple requests by residents over the past week, the HCAWG
>> finally released the Option C submission to the public yesterday. The
>> details of the model were surprising: *about 18 more acres of land were
>> included in what was sent to the State than what was presented to the
>> public and approved by the Boards. A number of parcels along Lincoln Rd
>> that were never part of any district presented to 

Re: [LincolnTalk] Planning Board meeting link 10/24

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
I just saw the Planning Board members list.
It appears as a recycle list from 2018.  There
is a tendency in the board to copy documents
than deliberating on behalf of the town.
The activist citizens should help elect a new Board
who may respect people in the town.  The present
Board is with the developers and is deaf to people.
Sorry about my negative remarks.
A concerned resident,
Bijoy Misra

On Tue, Oct 24, 2023 at 10:31 AM Deborah Howe via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> Here is the link to tonight's Planning Board meeting agenda, with Zoom
> link attached to it:
>
> https://www.lincolntown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10242023-5285
>
> Sent from iCloud
>
>
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>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA, High rent and related issues of roadblocks to homeownership

[Bijoy Misra]

Well articulated and to the point!  Thank you for the post.
10% is locally manufactured (possibly pushed by the developer like many
other points).
It is said that septic is a constraint.  So we reduce the total number
but keep 25% affordable such that we may accommodate young people.
A new citizens' committee can accomplish this.
Bijoy Misra

On Sat, Oct 21, 2023 at 11:57 AM cmontie montie.net 
wrote:

> While I’m chiming in regarding the HCA, I feel the need to separately
> address the issue of affordability:
>
> I understand the Act as written limits affordable units to 10% of the
> housing built.  This really gets me steamed.  The housing challenge in the
> greater Boston area isn’t simply a lack of housing units, it's also the *lack
> of affordable housing units*.  I just looked on Zillow and saw that in
> Boston, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and Brookline combined right now,
> there are almost 7000 rental listings (some of which have multiple units
> per building open)—empty and wanting residents.  Another search in Wayland
> finds 21 vacant market rate units in the big development on Boston Post Rd.
>If these were affordable, they would be occupied.
>
> I attended an event at the Stone House in Roxbury this week and spoke with
> their housing coordinators about the challenges they face in trying to
> rehouse the people they serve: survivors of domestic abuse who need safe
> shelter away from their abusers.  Their story is the same:  it’s not a lack
> of housing—it’s a lack of affordable housing.  The housing coordinators are
> veterans and experts in networking and navigating Massachusetts‘ affordable
> and transitional housing resources and private landlords—but the reality is
> that there aren’t enough options that are affordable and stable to meet the
> need.  (And here, I’ll also put in a plug about the amazing wraparound
> services being provided by The Stone House for survivors of trauma—both
> adults and children. October is Domestic Violence  Awareness and Prevention
> Month: please consider a donation to the *Stone House* to support their
> critical work! https://www.stonehouseinc.org/ ).
>
> Adding potentially 635 units of high density housing here--of which 90% is
> at market rate--will not solve the greater Boston area’s housing problem.
> Anyone spinning it this way is being disingenuous. 571 units at around
> $4000/month? This act will line the pockets of developers.  If we’re
> concerned about social issues related to housing, we would demand that the
> 10% limit be raised.  Not only that, but we would be in active
> conversations with the HCAWG’s of surrounding towns to push back en masse
> on this poorly written act.
>
> Another way I look at it is this:  if I were willing to pay $4000/month on
> my housing, I could conceivably purchase a home for roughly around
> $500,000.00 (with no downpayment) and still cover my taxes and insurance.
> This is based on a quick calculation using an online mortgage
> calculator—it’s an imprecise sketch and I realize that a minimum of 20%
> down is more realistic, but it’s something to base a conversation on. My
> main point is:  Instead of kissing goodbye to $4000 in rent every month,
> I’d be building capital. Homeownership is a catalyst for building wealth.
> Average people caught in a cycle of paying exorbitant rent have less
> ability to build wealth and savings over time. How can one save for that
> 20% down when rents are so high?  Google “homeownership and social justice“
> and you’ll see plenty of articles that address the connection between
> property ownership, systemic racism, and the growing wealth gap.  This Act
> does nothing to address these issues—and it could be said that it
> perpetuates them by mandating 90% of the units be available at market rate.
>
>
> It’s all well and good to talk about supply and demand, but the fact
> remains that there are plenty (thousands) of vacant rentals in the Boston
> area right now, and they appear to be immune to market pressures. I’m not
> against increasing housing in Lincoln, but this blanket mandate seems
> really poorly conceived by limiting affordable units to 10%.
>
> I hope that just as this act was changed in August to include commercial
> areas within the building zone (and I commend those who saw that
> refinements were necessary!), there is still time to refine the act further
> with regard to an increase in the percentage of allowable affordable
> housing.  In fact it should incentivize more affordable housing.  I hope a
> coalition of towns with similar concerns can collaborate and push for
>  improvements in this act.  It may have been conceived with good
> intentions, but—well, we all know where that road can go ;)
>
> Best
>
> Carolyn
> --
> The LincolnTalk 

Re: [LincolnTalk] HCA: Zoom link for Planning Board meeting on Tuesday October 24th

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I am delighted that people are asking questions on the methods.
It was very difficult to appreciate the casualness that I was viewing.
This is being repeated after five years.  It appears that there is
more awareness.  The statement that "trust us" is purely bogus.
Let the Committees be people's representatives and not pretend to lead
with unseen documents.  I would encourage all activists to populate
the Committees and I request the Town guardians to allow
residents' representation in their committees.  There should be
term limits for the Committees to have fresh ideas.  Let the young
join in.  Let us be fully represented.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

‪On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 8:14 PM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
wrote:‬

> Im aware that there are 6 total meetings posted since December 2022, and 5
> are missing meeting minutes that must be posted within 30 days of the
> meeting per the open meeting law in MA.
>
> Since their last posted working meeting was almost 2 months ago on August
> 22- I’m also finding it hard to believe that the HCAWG hasn’t met to go
> over what additional proposals they would like Utile to work on; and they
> haven't met to review any additional proposals Utile created that the HCAWG
> will be presenting to the planning board on Tuesday, as no upcoming meeting
> has been posted.
>
> At the Oct 10 meeting and the Oct 16 meeting there was not a clear
> consensus on what the additional proposals should include. It was also
> stated that they would like to hear proposals and input from the public.
> How is that possible without a HCAWG meeting?
>
> Since the HCAWG is a subsidiary of the Planning board, I’m asking the
> chair of the planning board to confirm that there are no upcoming meetings
> other than the presentation to the planning board on Tuesday. I have asked
> the HCAWG directly for this information and for missing minutes and have
> not gotten a response.
>
> We would like to know before a meeting happens- not after. I’m just
> requesting that you find out if they are meeting or not, and if they are
> can you please have someone add the agenda to the town website.
>
> Thank you!
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 7:42 PM Margaret Olson 
> wrote:
>
>> The HCWG meetings are posted. You can see them all on the town website,
>> in the agenda section. Note that the joint meeting was a meeting for HCWG,
>> Planning Board, and the Selects. All three were called to order and all
>> three voted.
>>
>>
>> ‪On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 7:13 PM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
>> wrote:‬
>>
>>> Margaret can you please confirm if the HCAWG is meeting on their own or
>>> not. I tried to request it privately and have emailed both Paula and
>>> Jennifer Curtain and not received a response.
>>>
>>> It’s very odd that no meeting in between the last presentation and the
>>> upcoming presentation has happened.
>>>
>>> Utile should be giving the proposals to them and they should meet to
>>> review them before presenting to the planning board. Otherwise wouldn’t it
>>> be a Utile presentation to the planning board?
>>>
>>> How can they present two additional options to the planning board if
>>> they haven’t met to create or discuss these options- they didn’t even have
>>> (a public) meeting after the Oct 16 presentation to come up with guidance
>>> to give Utile for what is being requested.
>>>
>>> Furthermore, in a direct violation of MA’s open meeting law, one
>>> meeting’s minutes have been made available online since the entire HCAWG’s
>>> conception. Minutes are missing from the December 5, 2022, February 7,
>>> 2023, March 16, 2023, August 22, 2023, and October 16, 2023 meetings. Other
>>> than the October 16 meeting- every one of these should have been made
>>> available by now.
>>>
>>> Why the secrecy?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 6:54 PM Margaret Olson 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Utile crafts the proposals based on direction from the town. I think,
>>>> but am not 100% sure, that that was authorized at the multi board meeting.
>>>> There have been many HCA meetings and public forums recently and they are
>>>> starting to merge together in my memory.
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 6:08 PM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Margaret,
>>>>> What meeting crafted the D1 & D2?
>>>>> Is it recorded?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Sara Mattes
>>>&g

Re: [LincolnTalk] Lincoln does it's part - RLF can propose something modest - Option C is not modest

[Bijoy Misra]

That's the point!  We rezone as we like and we put our own zoning rules.

On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 10:51 AM Sara Mattes  wrote:

> That is why if we rezone OUTSIDE of the HCA, going through our normal
> channels, we can have 15%… or more.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Oct 19, 2023, at 4:47 PM, Margaret Olson  wrote:
>
> 
> The proposed HCA zoning includes a 10% affordable units requirement. Our
> existing zoning has a 15% affordable requirement; the town was  not able to
> prove that this is economically feasible. The HCA does permit us to have
> 10% without an economic feasibility study and we will have a 10% affordable
> requirement in the zoning.
>
> On Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 10:38 AM Barbara Peskin 
> wrote:
>
>> Dear Lincoln,
>>
>> I'm sorry I don't know how to reply to a thread on Lincoln Talk directly - 
>> but I wanted to reply to the one that started as you see below.
>>
>> It is misleading to say being against Option C is being against new 
>> development. None of the people I have talked to dislike Option C because 
>> they don't want any new development. In fact they all support reasonable 
>> development. The Option C rezoning proposal is not reasonable for Lincoln.
>>
>> I hope all of us considering Option C first explore the Lincoln Station area 
>> to see the variety of multi-family zoning that exists there now. Go check 
>> out the Flying Nun apartments, Lincoln Woods, Ryan Estates and more. This 
>> housing came through 2/3 votes at Town Meeting over many years. You won't 
>> see the same level of housing in Carlisle, Weston or other similar towns 
>> that also provide home to wildlife and let people live in and around nature.
>>
>> Solution: Eighty five -100 units could be added at Lincoln Mall with a 
>> separate proposal from RLF at Town Meeting. In this climate, a modest 
>> proposal of 85-100 units would most certainly pass by 2/3 vote. More than 
>> likely RLF would have 15% of the units be affordable.
>>
>> Option C is not that modest proposal. With Option C we would be rezoning the 
>> small section of Codman Rd between 117 and Lincoln Rd to allow 180 units of 
>> housing instead of 11. With Option C HCAWG proposed rezoning to allow an 
>> estimated 454 additional housing units and estimated 900 cars. Under HCA 
>> rezoning guidelines there can be no affordability requirements. Add to the 
>> picture multiple new traffic lights, cars going down Tower Rd via Waze, and 
>> buildings and nightlights impacting the wildlife corridor. Rezoning to meet 
>> HCA state level guidelines needs to be very thoughtful, and Lincoln can do 
>> better than Option C, if it chooses.
>>
>> Housing advocates, who also care about Lincoln's wildlife corridors, 
>> affordable housing and aren't blind to all the housing we already have in 
>> the Lincoln Station area, can vote against Option C and still have pride in 
>> themselves and Lincoln. Lincoln's leaders can propose an HCA rezoning option 
>> focused on the Commons that wants to expand anyway. RLF can propose 85-100 
>> units at the Mall. We do not need to completely change Lincoln for us, the 
>> new residents and our wildlife if we rezone and add housing thoughtfully.
>>
>>
>> *I am replying to the post that started this way*
>>
>> *Hello LincolnTalkers,*
>>
>> *I do not wish to rub salt in anybody’s wounds, and I certainly understand 
>> the anxiety around the possibility of change, but I’d like to remind 
>> everyone why the Housing Choice Act was enacted, not in the first place, but 
>> as a last resort.  *
>>
>> *In many of Boston’s surrounding suburbs, there have been decades of 
>> resistance to providing more housing using techniques such as local zoning 
>> restrictions, concerns about traffic counts, burgeoning school populations, 
>> declining property values, and increased taxes to support additional 
>> services, etc.  And now, I hear the argument that we won’t have enough 
>> affordable housing if we allow any new development.*
>>
>>
>> --
>> ~
>> Barbara Peskin
>>
>> *My Moments in Nature Photo Gallery: barbarapeskin.com
>> *
>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>> --
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Re: [LincolnTalk] speculation about HCA

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
What i noticed during my brief tour in leadership that some in the town
echelon have
deep sympathy for the developers.  We even allocated a million dollars to
CIVICO
such that they may bid for the project.  It is presented that the developer
would
have a little interest in creating a prescription development unless their
pockets
are made deeply warm.  The latter is subjective.  I had to complain when
the
Planning Board started making presentations made by a hidden contractor.
Now
I understand that the same CIVICO was playing the ball.  The leaders do
give us a picture of utter catastrophe if we don't buy into the plan.  Hope
this
is not the way other towns are doing their construction projects.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra.  .

On Sun, Oct 15, 2023 at 4:40 PM Susanna Szeto  wrote:

> I also am concerned about selling land off to the developer!  Once we
> don’t own the land, there is not much we can say or do.  I hope our town
> will tread very carefully about this kind of move!  Lincoln has worked so
> hard to save our land from developer and that was how the Rural Land
> Foundation was created in the first place!
>
> Susanna
>
> > On Oct 15, 2023, at 1:32 PM, Maureen Malin  wrote:
> >
> > I totally agree with Colleen
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On Oct 15, 2023, at 12:28 PM, Colleen Katsuki 
> wrote:
> >>
> >> 
> >> I think there is a lot of speculation about HCA . It is important to
> know what is clear and not speculative. Once Lincoln rezones any land it is
> by rights changed forever ( "in perpetuity" ) and can be developed to a
> great density. Once we have given that away, we can no longer get it back.
> Once it is given away, any building permits for those areas can not be
> brought before town meeting to decide or not to decide. We need to proceed
> with great care and caution with lot of discussion and respect for all.
> >>
> >> --
> >> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> >> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> >> Browse the archives at
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Shaina's media

[Bijoy Misra]

Admirable!  Loved it!
Bijoy

On Fri, Oct 13, 2023 at 8:18 AM Stephen R. Low <
steve@gordianconcepts.com> wrote:

> Here is a link to Shaina’s BBC interview on Oct. 12:
> https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9pztesbqk0z9aszigyvsv/BBC_News_Channel-2023-10-12_15-12-40-1.mp4?rlkey=xl5jaijcsahyqphfuxx8x7yfz=0
>
>
>
> I’ve not yet watched it, since I’m on Al Jazeera English where she’s
> scheduled to appear in the 8 to 9 am hour (https://www.aljazeera.com/)
>
>
>
> Regards,
> Steve Low
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Thoughts on the Housing Choice Act and the October 10th Multi-Board Meeting

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear Margaret,
Can you please give a pointer to this document that we can review the
nuances?
Thank you.
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 9:56 AM Margaret Olson 
wrote:

> If we require 25% affordable housing we will not comply with the state's
> 3A requirements. To require any amount over 10% we need an economic
> feasibility study showing that our affordable housing requirement is
> economically feasible. The town commissioned a study and unfortunately we
> can not even require 15% let alone 25%. We can negotiate with a developer
> to increase the affordable housing, but this does of course involve giving
> them something (money, additional units, etc) that they would not get by
> right.
>
> Any affordable housing agreement, at 10% or any other number, would be
> attached to the deed or otherwise in a permanently legally binding
> agreement. This is the town's existing practice. Our existing affordable
> housing agreements will stay in place even if their underlying zoning is
> changed.
>
> The state's rules are complex, restrictive, and difficult to understand.
> Keep the questions coming, I will do my best.
>
> Margaret
>
> ‪On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 8:45 AM ‫ٍSarah Postlethwait‬‎ 
> wrote:‬
>
>> With oriole landing the town gave Covico a million dollar loan to secure
>> 25% affordable housing- and there is no way it would have passed town
>> meeting without that amount of affordable housing, so they really had no
>> choice if they wanted to get it approved. Thats why they don’t want to go
>> to town meeting again.
>>
>> The planning board can negotiate all they want- the reality is a *developer
>> doesn’t have any obligation to listen to the town or even hold up their end
>> of the agreement once they own the property since 10% is all that is
>> allowed by right.* We lose ALL the power when we make it part of the
>> zoning and skip over the traditional special permit process that has always
>> been how large developments get passed in Lincoln. This development is
>> going to be significantly more profitable for them than Oriole landing, and
>> they sold that for 32.375 million dollars last year. They go through the
>> town meeting process with other towns all the time, why is our planning
>> board giving them a free pass?
>>
>>  Furthermore, the only way that civico is going to agree to more
>> affordable housing than it is required to is if another loan is given in
>> exchange for additional units. I highly doubt residents want to extend a
>> developer another million+ dollar loan (would likely need to be at least
>> 2-5 million after inflation is taken into account and the significant
>> difference in apartments between the 155 units they are planning for
>> Lincoln station and the 60 at oriole landing.)
>>
>> I will support rezoning Lincoln station… but only if they can make it 25%
>> affordable housing by right. Otherwise we are just creating overpriced
>> inventory that will not benefit the people it’s intended to benefit.
>>
>> Sarah Postlethwait
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 7:34 AM John Mendelson 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Thank you, Carl.  Wise words.
>>>
>>> Regarding the percentage of affordable housing, this question was raised
>>> at the meeting last night and the answer was that the town can (and very
>>> likely) will work with the developer on the Lincoln Station plan to
>>> negotiate and support a percentage higher than 10% much like it did with
>>> Oriole Landing where the percentage is 25%.
>>>
>>> John
>>>
>>> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, 12:00 AM Carl Angiolillo 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I share similar questions about the percentage of affordable housing,
>>>> overall volume, and timeline that others have already raised so I won't
>>>> belabor those. However, I just wanted to chime in on the question of
>>>> *location.*
>>>>
>>>> > What drew you here? I suspect it was the investment of previous
>>>> generations in the preservation of  fields and forest, and the trails and
>>>> open space.
>>>>
>>>> Absolutely. (That and being able to live within walking distance of a
>>>> train station, supermarket, and farm.) I hope we can all agree that any
>>>> housing solution should preserve the fields, forests, trails, and open
>>>> space that make Lincoln unique.
>>>>
>>>> From a conservation standpoint, focusing on density in areas that are
>>>> already the most disrupted by human activity (such as Lincoln Station but
>>&

Re: [LincolnTalk] question

[Bijoy Misra]

 Dear friends,
As I understood in 2018, the state mandate for affordable housing in
multi-housing development is 25%.  A town or municipality can tailor
(reduce) it to fit its own needs.  I don't understand where this 10%
is being promoted.  Has the state law changed?  I didn't find any
document from the State suggesting that the new development
should have less than 25% in Affordable Housing.
I hope somebody knowledgeable in the group would look and clarify.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 12:08 PM Chris McCarthy  wrote:

> It is interesting to recently see a number of people on here so supportive
> of affordable housing. It is my understanding that the town has had
> committees attempting to do so in S. Lincoln for a decade plus.
> Unfortunately if we had acted sooner as a town our hands wouldn't be nearly
> as tied as they are now.
>
> I'm not a policy maker but the HCA was written exactly as intended to
> prevent things like arguing that traffic studies are flawed, lawyers aren't
> representing our interest, schools will collapse, etc from blocking
> compliance. And of course demanding impossible levels of affordable housing
> is another way to easily stop a proposal in its tracks. Arriving at an
> option D will likely produce a similar degree of "concern". Noncompliance
> is a risk and some folks are surprisingly ready to take it.
>
> It is a lot easier to gum up the works than it is to volunteer, put in the
> work or participate in the democratic process. There have been numerous
> online and in person meetings, surveys, drop in sessions, SOTT to gather
> the prevailing public sentiment. There has been outreach on here, in the
> mail and on town pages along with open lines to the various committees.
>
>
> - Chris
>
> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, 11:27 ٍSarah Postlethwait  wrote:
>
>> It’s also worth noting that the town of Holden isn’t being sued by the
>> state. It’s a third party- the central Massachusetts housing alliance, a
>> Holden property owner and a low income homeless mother who claims their
>> noncompliance is reducing her chance of finding a home (I don’t think she
>> read the 10% rule, either…)
>>
>> The lawsuit itself and the response from Holden are worth reading, and
>> IMO it’s likely to be dismissed as soon as a judge reads it (they just had
>> a change of counsel due to a conflict of interest). In the very least we
>> should see how it plays out before being scared about an impending lawsuit…
>>
>> Sarah Postlethwait
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 11:18 AM Sara Mattes  wrote:
>>
>>> Yes, we are only allowed to require UP TO 10%.
>>> The exception would be a prospective developer approving an economic
>>> analysis that proved the 15% usually required by Lincoln be profitable.
>>> And what do we think the chance of that is?
>>>
>>> I agree with your analysis-this act is a wolf in sheep’s
>>> clothing…couched as eco- friendly “transit oriented development” while it
>>> includes towns with NO public transit (adjacent communities), and a
>>> addressing a housing crisis while limiting the amount of affordable housing.
>>> All this, brought to you by the former Governors and a legislature
>>> unwilling to address a real crisis - a failed public transit system.
>>>
>>> I am interested to see the law suit in Holden plays out.
>>> The firm of our own Town Counsel is defending Holden.
>>>
>>> The AG has NOT issued a legal ruling, but rather issued a statement,
>>> threatening towns.
>>> So far, there has been no follow-up following her press conference over
>>> 6 months ago.
>>>
>>> This is an ever-evolving story and why I keep asking- “Why rush?”
>>>
>>> Slow, thoughtful, deliberate has made us leaders and models  in both
>>> land conservation and affordable housing.
>>> Let’s keep on keeping on.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Sara Mattes
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Oct 11, 2023, at 10:40 AM, Colleen Katsuki 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Do I understand correctly that the new sate law requires new buildings
>>> under this new law to have only 10% or less affordable housing? Why is
>>> that?  Why can we not have 25% as in Oriole landing? The cynic in me
>>> suggests that this is a sop to the developers, not any real intent to have
>>> more affordable housing.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Colleen Katsuki
>>>
>>> Concord Road
>>>
>>> --
>

Re: [LincolnTalk] Thoughts on the Housing Choice Act and the October 10th Multi-Board Meeting

[Bijoy Misra]

May I intimate people that some of the developers could be the members
in this group?  They are carving their way monitoring this discussion.
A developer would like a concentrated landing and that is where we could
be headed through the navigation of our captains.  The resistance voice of
distribution of projects in town through a single developer or by finding
several developers may eventually quell naturally or artificially.
Thought to alert!  Have a good meeting.
Bijoy Misra

On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 12:46 PM William Broughton 
wrote:

> "Developers are evil" is an oversimplification that is a convenient way to
> make it seem like a silly concern. What we need to be eyes wide open about
> is the reality that developers are not here to be our friends and keep
> Lincoln's best interests in mind. They are running a business, and their
> objective is to make a profit by building. There is nothing wrong with that
> at all, but we need to remember that we, the citizens and government of the
> town, are their checks and balances. The proposals shared, which overshoot
> the minimums required by the HCA, give developers a green light with a
> substantial amount of running room. Once that is approved, the town and
> residents are more restricted in ability to rein them back in.
>
> Will
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 10:13 AM John Mendelson 
> wrote:
>
>> I just don't buy the "developers are evil" argument.  How else do we
>> build without a healthy public/private development partnership?
>>
>> What do you propose to do other than nothing?
>>
>> We continue to hear arguments that our school is overbuilt and under
>> enrolled, our taxes are too high, etc.  We've already preserved 40% of our
>> land in perpetuity.
>>
>> What is really at stake here?
>>
>> John
>>
>> On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 10:01 AM Robert Ahlert 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Developers John!  Save it from Developers!  I'm trying to illustrate the
>>> scale of what this approval could enable.  I understand fully that Zoning
>>> does not equal Building 1:1 but why risk it?  Why not propose a true
>>> compromise solution?
>>>
>>> You seem to think you are on high moral ground here.  All you are doing
>>> is helping future wealthy residents - no one else!
>>>
>>> Rob
>>>
>>> On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 9:55 AM John Mendelson 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Save it from what?  Progress?  Working to help solve the regional
>>>> challenges of housing, traffic, environment?  Providing housing
>>>> alternatives?
>>>>
>>>> Or should we just continue to approve 20,000 sq/ft single family houses
>>>> on big lots and put our heads in the sand?
>>>>
>>>> Lincoln is not an island despite what many seem to wish it could be.
>>>>
>>>> John
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 9:47 AM Robert Ahlert 
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> 1000% agree with Susanna. Well said.  I have young children and want
>>>>> them to enjoy Lincoln as it is now, not as another Concord or Bedford or
>>>>> Lexington.
>>>>>
>>>>> Lincoln is precious, save it!
>>>>>
>>>>> Rob
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 9:41 AM Susanna Szeto 
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> A developer’s only objective is to make money!  It is not a
>>>>>> charitable organization who cares about providing more affordable housing
>>>>>> for people!  Please find one example that proves the contrary!  Regarding
>>>>>>  ng the train to work because they live walking distance to the train
>>>>>> station!  When we moved to Lincoln in 1977, my husband was working at 
>>>>>> Mass
>>>>>> General Hospital, an ideal situation for him to take the train to work.  
>>>>>> He
>>>>>> did it at the beginning and gave up the idea because for one thing, it 
>>>>>> ends
>>>>>> up more costly and the train does not run often enough to give the
>>>>>> flexibility he needs!
>>>>>> Yes, we have enjoyed decades of living in Lincoln, and we want the
>>>>>> future generation of Lincolnites to enjoy what we have loved about 
>>>>>> Lincoln,
>>>>>> the open space, the ‘low key’ nature of our town center even though
>>>>>> occasionally we complained we are far from everything! 

Re: [LincolnTalk] "Lincoln native living near Gaza describes unfolding crisis in region"

[Bijoy Misra]

Admirable indeed.  Lincoln's pride!
Bijoy

On Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 1:11 PM Stephen Dirrane 
wrote:

> Steve
>
> What an amazing young woman your wife and you have raised. I am moved
> beyond words at her compassion and sacrifice. I am so appreciative of the
> perspective she brings from both inside Gaza and historically. Many sources
> are representing this latest episode as without provocation. It’s very
> different hearing a voice from the inside and viewing these actions as
> reactionary rather than purely aggressive.
>
> May she live under protection from danger and return to your home unharmed.
>
> Stephen Dirrane
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Oct 10, 2023, at 11:34 AM, Stephen R. Low <
> steve@gordianconcepts.com> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Since 2008, our daughter Shaina, a human rights attorney, has focused her
> academic studies and career on addressing Israel’s oppression of the
> Palestinian people.
>
>
>
> In 2010/11, Shaina lived in the occupied West Bank while working for the
> Jenin Freedom Theatre based in the Jenin Refugee Camp. Since then, she’s
> worked for four NGOs—most recently living and working in Jerusalem as the
> Communication Advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council’s office there.
> Much of NRC’s work is in Gaza.
>
>
>
> Shaina was featured yesterday in a brief segment aired by Channel 25 news.
> Here’s a link to that segment:
>
> *Lincoln native living near Gaza describes unfolding crisis in region*
> 
>
>
>
> Regards,
> Steve Low
>
>
> --
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Lincoln's Choice -Your Voice - Oct 10th critical

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear Barbara and friends,
Five years ago such proposals of dense construction at the Lincoln station
did come up
in some Housing Commission meetings.  I saw the unsuitability of the
proposal. Many
residents complained in the open meeting.  Some of our colleagues called me
names
forcing me to leave the Commission.  it is possible that the same proposal
or the same
builders have resurrected it in a new cover.  Let the housing be
distributed, let us create
public transportation in town as a service.  While I am writing this, I
have no interest in
participating because of the ugly experience last time.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Mon, Oct 9, 2023 at 7:27 AM Barbara Peskin  wrote:

> Dear Lincoln,
> *What will our choice for Lincoln's future be at Town meeting?* It may
> depend on our collective voices October 10th. My thoughts for HCAWG and a
> more thorough explanation from a fellow citizen are below:
>
>
> Dear Housing Choice Act Working Group,
>
> 1) I agree with the viewpoint Bob Domnitz voiced on LIncoln Talk and below.
>
> In addition:
> 2) Lincoln has long supported a variety of housing options and we have a
> lot of housing already - it is important that everyone on the working group
> visits all the sections of town mentioned to see all the existing housing
> we have.
>
> 3) The MBTA is not currently a popular choice of transportation nor the
> only choice of transportation for those units - it is highly likely that
> 400-500 additional units of housing at Lincoln Station will bring two cars
> per unit - that is another 800-1000 cars of daily traffic for the town.
>
> 4) Lincoln is Lincoln - putting a proposal forward for dense housing in
> one location is not in keeping with and would be a stresser on Lincoln's
> important history of being a town where people can live in and with nature.
>
> If this is a choice - why would we put the strain on the people currently
> living near Lincoln Station, people visiting and driving through Lincoln
> Station, and the schools and other services. If you go forward with a plan
> to propose 1000 additional cars at Lincoln Station and 500 additional
> housing units in one location, is it not the end of the Lincoln we know?
>
> Sincerely,
> Barbara Peskin
> 299 South Great Rd
>
>
> *From:* Robert Domnitz 
> *Sent:* Friday, October 6, 2023 1:30 PM
> *To:* lincoln@lincolntalk.org
> *Subject:* [LincolnTalk] Thoughts on the Housing Choice Act and the
> October 10th Multi-Board Meeting
>
> As a recently-retired member of the Planning Board and Housing Choice Act
> Working Group, I am concerned that the three options presented last
> Saturday at the SOTT - and the plan to choose just one of those options at
> a multi-board meeting on October 10th - will restrict Town Meeting to
> merely rubber-stamping the HCAWG's decision. And the HCAWG's decision will
> reflect its embedded priorities that may differ from what town meeting
> would choose if we are given more options. I therefore think it is crucial
> for the HCAWG to submit several options to the state for advisory opinions
> prior to Town Meeting. All options should be presented to Town Meeting for
> debate and vote.
>
>
> I'd like to expand on some of the points made - and some of the points
> omitted - by the presenters at last Saturday's SOTT meeting.
>
>
> 1. *About 35% of the town's residences are currently multi-family* (not
> including Hanscom Field, see list below). Most folks are surprised when
> they hear this. Lincoln has done an outstanding job allowing multi-family
> living while maintaining our rural character. With full build-out under the
> HCA, multi-family housing will approach 50% of the town's inventory.
>
>
> 2. *State guidelines for the HCA provide a mechanism for towns to get
> credit for existing multifamily housing.* Towns are free to locate
> HCA-compliant subdistricts in areas that currently have high residential
> density. These subdistricts will help us meet our "quota," even though it
> is very unlikely these areas will be redeveloped.
>
>
> 3. *An evaluation of the various options requires consideration of the
> likelihood that redevelopment will actually occur.* Existing condo
> developments would require consent of the owners to redevelop, with the
> particular procedures laid out in the condominiums' organizational
> documents. If condo owners don't want redevelopment to happen, it won't
> happen. Existing apartment buildings (e.g., Oriole Landing) owned by a
> single entity would only require a decision by that entity and would depend
> on their analysis of whether an increase in density would justify the cost
> of redevelopment. On the other hand, rezoning single family homes on Codman
> Road as shown in options A,B, and C

Re: [LincolnTalk] Inkjet or laser printer recommendations

[Bijoy Misra]

Laser toner are more expensive, but give better finish than the inkjet.
You may check into Brother machines, I heard they are made in the US.
I bought one. https://www.brother-usa.com/products/mfcl8900cdw#specification
High weight papers (28 lb or higher) gives good colors.


On Fri, Sep 29, 2023 at 12:38 PM Karen Seo  wrote:

> One data point -- I'm using an HP 9015e (color inkjet).  Purchased
> earlier this year.  I print 10-20 sheets per week, about half in color.
> Quick, good quality printing. No problems so far. As you've probably
> heard, the cost of ink outweighs the cost of a printer.  I have no info
> as to how this printer compares to other comparable printers or to laser
> printers.  If possible, could you forward to me/the list whatever info
> you gather? Thank you.
> --
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> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
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>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Last Night's Community Center Forum

[Bijoy Misra]

As I noticed during the School project, there is a strong
over-building lobby in town.  People think that large projects
will add value to property etc (possibly does) .  Some sell and leave.
Let us be conservative, let us not urbanize the town.
I appeal to the leaders to contain the costs.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Sep 13, 2023 at 2:15 PM Karla Gravis  wrote:

> The 2015 study looked at building a new, all-in community center at each
> site. What we need now is to look at supplementing activities in other
> sites around town. The charge from the November 2022 town meeting
> specifically mentions this as an option for the committee. Voters assumed
> the committee would demonstrate a good faith effort to do so, but this
> hasn't happened. We need to remember that even if we build a new community
> center, we will still need to maintain Bemis Hall and Pierce House. These
> costs are not included in the current ICON estimates.
>
> I have attended quite a few of the CCBC meetings, so I am not new to the
> process. To me, the main difficulty is that we are on the path to
> overbuilding, again. According to the CCBC's own benchmarking, Wayland
> (with double our population and double our number of seniors per the CCBC)
> has managed to approve a project with a price tag that is less than the
> cheapest option being evaluated for Lincoln. They managed this by hosting a
> portion of their activities in locations around town. We should follow
> their example.
>
>>
>> *Cc:* Listserv Listserv 
>>
>> *Subject:* *Re: [LincolnTalk] Last Night's Community Center Forum*
>>
>> Lynn,
>> Thanks for your interest in the Community Center.  It is clear you are very
>> new to the program.  Please visit the CCBC website where you will find the
>> final reports for the
>>  2015 Study Committee.  Five sites in Town were studied, design options
>> identified and costed ( in 2015 construction cost dollars):
>> Bemis Hall, Pierce House, Hartwell, Lincoln Station and DPW site.
>> 2016 Campus Master Planning Committee - Evaluated the impact of siting the
>> CC on the school campus.
>> 2018 CCPPDC with actual designs for buildings at the Hartwell site.
>> The charge of the current committee doesn't include revisiting these other
>> sites.
>> Please read the reports.
>> We have been challenged by very real needs on that site posed by the LEAP
>> program, but our PRIMARY DIFFICULTY relates to the astronomical escalation
>> of construction costs  ( totally out of our control), and the severe
>> restraints imposed by the Town to look for lower cost options.  Even our
>> "100%" option provides way less than what was presented in 2018.
>> Dilla Tingley
>> COA Board, CCBC Committee Member
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From:* Forest Brown 
>>> *Date:* September 13, 2023 at 10:42:11 AM EDT
>>> *To:* "Lynn DeLisi, M.D." 
>>> *Cc:* Listserv Listserv 
>>> *Subject:* *Re: [LincolnTalk] Last Night's Community Center Forum*
>>>
>>> 
>>> Dear Lynn,
>>>
>>> Thank you so much for thoughtfully describing your perspective. I was
>>> also wondering about improving upon preexisting buildings as an
>>> alternative. I am in complete agreement with what you’ve shared here. I
>>> appreciate you willing to serve on behalf of other residents who feel the
>>> same way.
>>>
>>> Becca
>>>
>>> On Sep 13, 2023, at 10:29 AM, Lynn DeLisi, M.D. via Lincoln <
>>> lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> Wednesday September 13, 2023
>>>
>>> Dear LT,
>>>
>>> I am posting my personal views, not as a member of the Town Planning
>>> Board, but as one resident of this unique town. I want to thank the
>>> Community Center Building Committee and the Architects for their hard work
>>> for our Town over the last several months. However, after listening to the
>>> Community Center Building Committee’s Forum last evening, it has become
>>> very clear to me that the Town’s vision to improve facilities for the COA
>>> cannot be accomplished on the school site as “selected” by residents of the
>>> Town a few years ago. We hired excellent architects who have listened to
>>> the committee and the public now for several months and have come up with
>>> 3+ major plans, recommending the middle priced one that is at 75% the
>>> original very expensive estimate given to us last year. The lowest price
>>> option was shown to be inadequate for COA activities and would be only as
>>

Re: [LincolnTalk] To the cyclist who was almost hit on Lincoln Road by a School Van

[Bijoy Misra]

In order to be killed, the automobile must be in speed to cause the
impact.  i was once hit by a garbage truck in Cambridge a long
time ago.  It was due to the speed delay between bike and truck when the
traffic light went green.  There was no bike path those days.

On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 6:51 PM Jennifer Goodman 
wrote:

> It was a tufts medical professor who died in Newton. My friend saw the
> accident. A UPS truck hit him.
>
> It’s awful, and no one feels okay about it. I don’t think the drivers are
> horrible drivers; it’s just very hard to manage narrow roads with no
> shoulder and severe curves, with cyclists. No one wants to hit a cyclist.
> It’s not a perfectly safe thing to do, riding a bike on the roads around
> here, sadly, and as a conscientious driver, I hate a day when all the
> cyclists are out - I pray my way through Lincoln and Concord. I wish they
> had dedicated bike lanes. How awful for the drivers also; that UPS driver
> who killed the Tufts professor must be incredibly distraught right now. I
> have compassion for the whole situation.
>
> On Aug 31, 2023, at 9:04 AM, Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
> There was news that a Brandeis professor died in a bike collision in
> Newton two days ago.
> Bijoy Misra
>
> On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 8:59 AM jsug--- via Lincoln <
> lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi There,
>>
>> If you are the cyclist who was nearly hit by the school van on Lincoln
>> Road this morning just before 8 am, and you were hoping to report this, I
>> wanted to let you know I would be happy to provide witness statement if
>> needed.
>>
>> Best,
>> Julianne
>> j...@aol.com
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Re: [LincolnTalk] To the cyclist who was almost hit on Lincoln Road by a School Van

[Bijoy Misra]

There was news that a Brandeis professor died in a bike collision in Newton
two days ago.
Bijoy Misra

On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 8:59 AM jsug--- via Lincoln 
wrote:

> Hi There,
>
> If you are the cyclist who was nearly hit by the school van on Lincoln
> Road this morning just before 8 am, and you were hoping to report this, I
> wanted to let you know I would be happy to provide witness statement if
> needed.
>
> Best,
> Julianne
> j...@aol.com
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> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Recommendation for Instrument Rental

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear Kim,
Let me add Johnson String instrument https://www.johnsonstring.com/
has been a reliable resource when my kids were small.
They are on Rte 9 in Newton.  They also sell instruments.
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Aug 30, 2023 at 5:34 PM Jessica Packineau <
jessica.packin...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Kim, we’ve rented many instruments from Spencer Brook Strings in
> Maynard over the years. I definitely recommend them! They service
> instruments, swap them as needed, and are very helpful. My only tip is to
> call first to plan a visit if you need a new instrument because their hours
> aren’t 100% reliable/as listed.
> All the best,
> -Jess
>
> Jessica Packineau
>
> Sent from my mobile,
>
> (781) 382-8686
>
> please excuse typos
>
>
> Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/lincolnrealestateteam> | Twitter
> <http://www.twitter.com/greater_boston> | Instagram
> <http://instagram.com/lincolnrealestateteam> | Website
> <http://www.LincolnRealEstateTeam.com>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Aug 30, 2023, at 10:51 AM, Kim Jalet  wrote:
>
> 
> My fifth grader will need to rent an instrument this year (specifically a
> violin).  The school sent along a short vendor list, but I'd be interested
> to know which companies have the best service and value for the price.
>
> Thank you for your suggestions!
>
> Best, Kim (Brooks Rd.)
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Site visit for Community Center

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
I don't express after I saw the blindness during the school vote.
I think there is a group that thinks of real estate value than the town
livability value.
A Senior Center is needed since the population is ageing.  But the group
that
drives the project may not be interested in using the Center.
A poll exclusively among the seniors might yield a pragmatic result.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 9:25 AM Seth Rosen  wrote:

> Hi June,
>
> While I agree that a pause in this work would be prudent, it's not going
> to happen I'm afraid.
>
> A few controversial, but I think accurate, points...
>
> 1) There is a sub-group of residents who believe that the construction of
> a community center is a long time in the making.  They believe that the
> volume of planning work and discussions already done over the years
> justifies its construction (i.e. we've been working on it for a long time,
> so it must be a good idea).
>
> 2) This same group generally believes that the renovation of the school
> came with an implied promise to build a community center.
>
> 3) This group was massively emboldened by the town's willingness to
> authorize $325,000 to develop alternatives and create plans at various
> levels of cost.  These levels were largely arbitrarily determined in the
> meeting, in real time, in an effort to reflect the town's concern about
> costs vs. actual needs.  And (mostly) allow everyone to go home since the
> meeting itself took ten times as long as it needed to.  Most younger folks,
> especially those with kids, had to leave long before the vote was actually
> taken.
>
> 4) Now the construction project has an architect, and is a solution
> looking for a problem.  Exercise classes with 4 attendees now need
> dedicated spaces, staff members need large and new dedicated offices, etc.
> The list goes on.
>
> The CCBC is a community center *building* committee.  They want to build
> a community center, that's why they didn't ask in the survey if people
> thought we needed one.  They don't want the answer to that question.  And
> candidly, I'm inclined to agree with them that it doesn't matter.  The will
> of the town and the opinions of survey respondents are irrelevant to both
> sides.  *This will be put to a vote and the only thing that matters is
> the will of the people who actually show up and vote.*
>
> Seth
>
> Seth I Rosen
> Cell: 617-771-5602
> Email: rosen...@gmail.com
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 8:13 AM June L Matthews  wrote:
>
>> I agree that this (a “pause”) would be a good idea.  Back when the CCBC
>> survey came out a resident wrote to say that it didn’t contain the
>> important question as to whether the responder was in favor of building a
>> community center at Hartwell (or at all).  The CCBC was requested to send
>> out a second survey but this never happened.  Moreover, the meeting (in
>> 2018?) at which there was a “unanimous” vote for the Harwell site was not
>> attended by anything like a majority of town voters.  Someone estimated
>> that there were perhaps 150 people there.  And, as you point out, this was
>> a long time ago and many things have changed since then.
>>
>>
>>
>> June Matthews
>>
>> Greenridge Lane
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Lincoln  *On Behalf Of *judyta
>> frodyma
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 27, 2023 12:28 PM
>> *To:* Sara Mattes 
>> *Cc:* Peter von Mertens ; Lincoln Talk <
>> lincoln@lincolntalk.org>
>> *Subject:* Re: [LincolnTalk] Site visit for Community Center
>>
>>
>>
>> These are great and I'm happy to see the transparency.
>>
>>
>>
>> However, is there an option to pause all this work forward on the
>> Community Centre and actually check in with the whole community whether
>> they want this project to go ahead? (Method to be determined, perhaps some
>> kind of mandatory vote? Don't tear me apart on this specific, I'm just
>> thinking out loud.)
>>
>>
>>
>> Seems to me that there's been a lot of turnover in people living in
>> Lincoln, many of whom, like ourselves, are young pandemic or post-pandemic
>> transplants. We did not have a say in whether this is a project that we
>> wanted (or can afford) since the vote happened so long ago, and many of us
>> are new or first time home owners.
>>
>>
>>
>> Given the incredible amount of division on the issue, especially on
>> Lincoln Talk and at town meetings, maybe we can pause and check in before
>> plowing ahead?
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Jude Frodyma
>>
>> Conant Rd
>>
&g

[LincolnTalk] garden tour

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
With the rains, our plants have assumed their blossomed looks.
I invite people to take a tour if anyone likes.  Please text me at
6178645121 if you come.  I work from home.  But you don't need
me to escort you.  Just don't pluck anything except apples and berries.
A walk-through may take twenty minutes.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
180 Bedford Road
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[LincolnTalk] Fwd: Water Billing

[Bijoy Misra]

-- Forwarded message -
From: LaFalam, Darin 
Date: Tue, May 23, 2023 at 7:20 AM
Subject: Water Billing
To: misra.bi...@gmail.com 


Misra,



Sorry for any inconvenience with the water billing envelopes and bills. We
subcontract billing to BillTrust. I guess their name is an oxymoron. It is
supposed to be a turnkey process where they handle the printing and mailing
of bills. Thank you for letting me know there are quality control issues on
their end. I will contact them and let them know this is unacceptable.



Appreciatively,



Darin



*Darin LaFalam  *

Water Superintendent

Town of Lincoln

16 Lincoln Road

Lincoln, MA  01773

781-259-2669
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[LincolnTalk] Town accounting screw up

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I have been reading messages on property bills screw up.
We have not received one.  Just tried to pay the water bill.
The electronic methods has a new agency to handle
bank account.  The payment envelope and the payment
stub would not let the address show up.
Possibly the error of the billing company.
Not a good show of the management!
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] Ruth Hill

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear neighbors,
The story teller poet Brother Blue and his wife were good friends and
visited me here often.  Brother passed away in 2009.  This morning
I received the message of Ruth's passing away.  Many of you might
have come across her in events of civil rights and storytelling.   She
served as the oral historian in Radcliffe College.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/ruth-hill-obituary?id=51659124
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Lincoln made the list!

[Bijoy Misra]

Where in town?

On Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 10:01 AM Ken Hablow  wrote:

> I get an email every morning from Only In Your State with topics on MA.
> Included in today’s email is a topic about interesting and weird facts in
> MA. Scroll down to #11.
>
>
> https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/11-interesting-weird-facts-ma/
>
> Ken Hablow
>
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Enjoy video of Lincoln School building

[Bijoy Misra]

Lovely school.  I remember my one room primary school in a thousand year ld
coastal village in India
I love the concept of merging with the landscape, it's a characteristic of
old Indian architecture.
A massive temple becomes a community center through its expanse and through
its resources.
Let the school generate creativity in children and cooperative life in
population.

On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 12:29 PM Leslie Turek  wrote:

> I tried again and it's working for me now.
> Leslie
>
> On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 12:21 PM Belinda Gingrich <
> belinda.gingr...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I did as well but refreshed the page and it was fine.
>>
>> On Apr 1, 2023, at 12:17 PM, Leslie Turek  wrote:
>>
>> When I clicked on the link, I got a page that displayed the following
>> text:
>>
>> { "errors": [ { "message": "permission denied", "code": "1100" } ] }
>>
>> Tried it twice and got the same thing both times.
>>
>> Leslie Turek
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 12:14 PM Anne Sobol  wrote:
>>
>>> When I click on your link, I get asked to sign in to Vimeo with google,
>>> and when I do that I end up on vimeo site with no sign of Lincoln school
>>> video.
>>>
>>> On Sat, Apr 1, 2023 at 12:10 PM Susan Taylor 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Works great for me! Please try again!

 On Apr 1, 2023, at 11:56 AM, Dan Paul  wrote:

 Is anyone else having trouble loading this video?  It says “permission
 not granted.”

 On Apr 1, 2023, at 11:49 AM, Susan Taylor 
 wrote:

 
 Hundreds of us enjoyed exciting new spaces in Lincoln School last week
 at the fabulous student musical *Newsies *and at Town Meeting.

 Now Lincoln School Committee would like to share *this brief video*
 
  (prepared
 by building architects SMMA) celebrating the renovation of the Lincoln
 School, and the architectural and historical significance of the site.
 While the building punch lists are not fully complete, we would like to
 thank the School Building Committee, and all of the administrators, staff,
 faculty, and community members who have spent an enormous amount of time
 navigating this major transition.
 (The video was originally aired during the Friends of Modern
 Architecture Annual Modernism Award Reception on March 16, and we thank
 FoMA and SMMA for allowing us to share this with the broader community.


 

 Susan Hands Taylor
 svhtay...@comcast.net
 781-259-9569




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 Susan Hands Taylor
 svhtay...@comcast.net
 781-259-9569




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Re: [LincolnTalk] Solar confusion

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
Belinda Gingrich in town has been working with the solar companies for
years.
There is also a reviewed list in our town suppliers catalog.
I myself am trying, some won't call back, some send garbage sales messages.
Belinda may educate.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 6:33 PM Bruce Mount via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> Ehren:
>
> I do not have an answer to your questions, but I have been exploring solar
> as well. A resource I have found very helpful are the YouTube videos of
> Matt Ferrell at:
>
> https://www.youtube.com/@UndecidedMF
>
> and his (just starting) solar newsletter, where you can sign up at:
>
> https://undecidedmf.com/solar-waitlist
>
> He seems to be a Massachusetts resident as well. Best of luck with your
> search,
>
> Bruce Mount
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: EHREN MILLER NOGUEIRA via Lincoln 
> To: lincoln@lincolntalk.org
> Sent: Thu, Feb 23, 2023 8:55 am
> Subject: [LincolnTalk] Solar confusion
>
> We are in the process of getting estimates for solar panels. We’d like to
> do the “free” system ( or lease) but are finding the payments too high. Do
> you have low monthly payments and a good sized solar system? Who installed
> it? They seem to have made a simple process incredibly confusing with many
> middlemen, how do we do this, get the benefits and not pay a fortune? Who
> did your awesome system and who got the tax credits you or the company ?
> Mass Save doesn’t seem to save! Thanks for some insight
> Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Responding to this morning’s dialogue about the MS principal search committee

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
It is a standard practice in LT that I can't write "this morning's thread".
My note appears 24 hours later or may die in transit.  Here is a test!
Thank you for letting me write!
Bijoy Misra

On Fri, Feb 3, 2023 at 5:00 PM Abigail Adams via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> Articulated perfectly, Kristen! Thank you!
>
>
>
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/?.src=iOS>
>
> On Friday, February 3, 2023, 4:41 PM, Cynthia E. Bencal <
> ceben...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Well-stated. Kristen.  Thank you.
> Cindy B.
>
> On Fri, Feb 3, 2023 at 12:19 PM Kristen Ferris 
> wrote:
>
> I am not a regular LT user and so apologies, I can’t figure out how to
> respond directly to this morning’s thread, but wanted to add to the
> discussion.
>
> I value the discussion and debate in the LT community, and appreciate the
> sentiments expressed around that. At the same time, I think virtual forums
> can allow us to be more hurtful and lacking in empathy than we would be in
> other in-person discussions, and I think we have to guard against that.
> Statements that are personally hurtful should not be allowed here.
>
> In that vein, I think calling out any Boston resident parent of our school
> community as "not a Lincoln parent" is hurtful, especially in the context
> of this person making such a generous commitment to our shared school
> community. We know our Boston resident students and families experience
> less belonging in our school and town communities, and this impacts their
> daily experiences and outcomes. These sorts of statements move us in the
> wrong direction.
>
> Yes, every parent brings their own perspective. And, I think we should all
> recognize that for many, many years in our decision-making, the Boston
> resident community has been under-represented. And, that this is a
> community that it is particularly important to design for, in the context
> of the data we have on belonging in our district.
>
> I know many of us are grappling with how to reckon with the ongoing
> structural racism and other forms of institutionalized privilege around us.
> Beginning to over-represent those that have been historically
> underrepresented seems like a great way to start.
>
> Kristen Ferris
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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>
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[LincolnTalk] My Father's bio, Thank you

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
Some of you may recall that I was requested by the Government of India
to put together a bio of my father for their event of the 75th anniversary
of India's independence.  It took me two years to complete the project. I
sent the manuscript last June. It was reviewed by their literary panel and
was formally moved for publication early this month.  The book is in my
native
language Odia and it will be translated to major Indian languages including
English. The publication date is likely 2023 summer.
Ther book is the story of a brilliant young man who left college to join
the
India's freedom struggle and eventually made himself into a progressive
poet of the masses.  His political troubles in the '70s with the Government
were among the causes prompting me to leave India for the US.
Through this note, I thank my neighbors and the townspeople for their
sympathy and support in this project.  Writing about my father, I did come
across episodes of freedom of expression here in Lincoln Talk and did
learn facets of human sentiment from many debates in this Forum.
I wish to thank Lincoln Talk and many readers who communicate with me
on topics of interest.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] Talk on Bhagavadgita

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I understand that there is a spiritual community in town that deliberates
on cosmology and human living.  I thought to bring to attention that I
would give a public lecture on the Bhagavadgita via Zoom scheduled for
today 12/11 at 9 AM.  The zoom link is
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87351034202?pwd=SCtWc3NMTDNSUk13OHVJL1JWTlZDdz09
<http://tracking.dwarkamai.com/tracking/click?d=S7rHeaJrEvn6GUOhgJqiOk-XIk1iLoOAEhy3aDjxysBujALCYh05lbi722Kq1anuRfBCZPJOXptdzKNxdxcD4b610yNk58p5RpYQ_jubew-BjhkBykrgppKNPQ1xfQQMGZc_NoWQX9SFwcxiD8BwcEJa-dSt27nClZKzf3iWnsl1fF5OgCkjr-IJdOsBYi09SFFooOggpLuT8DwCeFGo6v72FwG_znPrx93IWfR8Ytz9zrxce3Dbl3qSxwH8Bk_pBg2>

Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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[LincolnTalk] Thanks to COA

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I fell at home last month and caused a leg fracture.on my left tibia.
I spent two days in the hospital and a week in Lincoln Rehab in the
Commons.  I spent six weeks on a wheelchair loaned to us by CoA.
CoA also helped in various other handicap arrangements at home.
New to this experience, I admired the eagerness and the alert support
that were received through my wife who volunteers there. I am fit
to walk now.  I wish to express my public acknowledgement to COA
for their support. This was my first hospitalization after more than thirty
years.  The local hospital medical care system can be rated at best a
B minus while the care at the Rehab a struggling C.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Community Center Building Committee: Introduction

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends
I love the new Community Center concept, but the line below caughts my
attention.
The CCBC is aiming for maximum transparency, welcomes all input and
questions, and will make every effort to solicit, hear, and address the
priorities, values and concerns of Lincoln residents.
How much does "maximum" digress from "full"?
Any explanation would be useful to a poor tax-payer.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Thu, Nov 10, 2022 at 8:37 AM Krystal Wood <
ccbccommunicationscommit...@gmail.com> wrote:

> The Community Center Building Committee: Introduction- November, 2022
>
> On Wednesday, November 30, the residents of Lincoln will assemble at a
> Special Town Meeting to decide whether to spend up to $325,000 for the
> development of preliminary schematic design options for a new Community
> Center, which would be built on the Hartwell campus at the Lincoln Schools.
> Prior to the Special Town Meeting, residents will have the opportunity to
> get a high-level overview of Community Center planning at the State of the
> Town Meeting – the Community Center will be on the agenda for the first
> session, on Monday, November 14. (Register for both sessions here:
> https://www.lincolntown.org/1372/2022-State-of-the-Town.)
>
> Additionally, interested residents are encouraged to attend the next
> meeting of the Community Center Building Committee (CCBC), at 7:00 p.m. on
> Wednesday, November 16. Ongoing information about the Community Center and
> about opportunities to learn and participate will be on the CCBC website:
> https://lincolncommunitycenter.com/.
>
> Before the State of the Town Meeting, the CCBC will share a series of
> posts that outline some facts, history and values that can help foster
> informed debate and clarify important decisions. The specific posts will
> address a series of basic questions:
>  The vision: what is a Community Center, and why would Lincoln want to
> build
> one?
>  What is the CCBC – which stakeholders are represented, what are its
> tasks, and
> how can others participate?
>  Why would Lincoln build a new Community Center rather than use existing
> buildings?
>  Why would the Community Center be on the Hartwell campus?
>  What is the recent history of official discussion of a Community Center
> in Lincoln
> – what questions have previous committees asked and what answers has
> Lincoln given to those questions?
>
> The CCBC recognizes that Lincoln residents will also have many important
> questions
> about the expected costs of the project – for the initial phase and for
> the entire project, for the town as a whole and for each household, for
> construction and for operation. The CCBC will attempt to provide all the
> relevant information on costs and financing, with input and guidance from
> the Finance Committee, following an open CCBC meeting on Monday, November
> 14.
>
> The CCBC is aiming for maximum transparency, welcomes all input and
> questions, and will make every effort to solicit, hear, and address the
> priorities, values and concerns of Lincoln residents.
> --
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Love Letter to Lincoln

[Bijoy Misra]

Beautiful.  Admirable poetry.  Love in each word!
I do see many more gentle souls, don't know the names.
Noble spirits, loving friends, let all shine as Mother Nichols..

Bijoy Misra

On Sun, Sep 11, 2022 at 1:41 PM Abigail Adams via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> What a beautiful tribute. I cry again reading it after an earlier cry at
> First Parish. My daughters Charlotte, Caroline and Catherine and I always
> stopped to chat on our walks with your inspiration of a mom - she will be
> missed.
>
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
> <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/?.src=iOS>
>
> On Sunday, September 11, 2022, 1:30 PM, sarah cannon holden <
> sarahcannonhol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Thank you Kathleen.  A beautiful tribute.  It truly captures the reminder
> your mother provided me each time I saw her walking north or south along
> Lincoln Road - just keep moving, have a goal each day and don't let my age
> tell me what I can and cannot do.  She was an inspiration to all who saw
> her.
>
> Best wishes to all her family,
>
> Sarah
>
> On Sun, Sep 11, 2022 at 10:15 AM K.P. Nichols  wrote:
>
> In the beginning she walked easily.  Four miles a day, seven days a week,
> no matter the weather.  Eager to meet you, wanting to hear your story,
> ready to tell a story, hoping your dog be friendly.
>
>
>
> Thanks, nice dogs large and small, for warm fur and wet kisses.
>
>
>
> Thanks, Lincoln Garden Club for the water fountain and the beauty of Peace
> Park.  She needed both.
>
>
>
> Thanks to Lincoln’s school children who, racing past on Wednesday
> afternoons without knocking her down, gave of their exuberance.
>
>
>
> Thanks, Lincoln, for offering her rides on wet and cold days. And for
> accepting when she cheerfully and unequivocally declined. Declining made
> her feel stronger.
>
>
>
> *She needs a cane now, hearing aids, glasses.  She forgets your names and
> faces, is amazed you know hers. *
>
>
>
> Thanks, Lincoln Police Department, for protecting her cross-walk and
> listening to her stories.
>
>
>
> Thanks, Lincoln Library, for supplying a steady stream of good books.
>
>
>
> *She wears out several canes.  Now switches to a rollator – red -- so she
> can paint the town.  Miles per day decreases to three.  Pace, slow but
> resolute.*
>
>
>
> Thanks, Lincoln, for calling her an inspiration; it made her try harder.
>
>
>
> Thanks, bus drivers of Doherty’s Garage for every honk, wave, smile.
>
>
>
> Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Thanks,
> young biker who shouted, “Hello, Invincible!”
>
>
>
> Pierce Hill Road gets steeper.  She stops to rest in the middle of the
> road. Thanks for stopping to ask if she’s ok. And for telling her to move
> over.
>
>
>
> Onwards and upwards she walked.
>
> It took three heart attacks to stop her.
>
>
>
> Thank you, Lincoln, for seeing, accepting, protecting, and cherishing her.
>
>
>
> When last seen, Mama was heading east towards Harvard Medical School,
> eager to tell a new story to medical students studying anatomy.
>
>
>
> For Elinor P Nichols
> (March 11,1927 - September 7, 2022)
>
>
> By her daughter, Kathleen
> --
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Jim Cunningham's Passing

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I had the pleasure of working with Jim for a few years.
A bright man with utter sincerity, Jim Cunnigham was an icon
of diligence.  Brilliant, friendly and humble, Jim was noble
at heart, an angel on earth.  I loved his personality and
admired his workmanship.  Jim brought heaven to earth
and is back where he came from.
Peace!
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Sep 7, 2022 at 9:24 AM Elder, Peggy  wrote:

> *In Remembrance of Jim Cunningham*
>
>
>
> It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of our
> colleague and friend Jim Cunningham.  Born, raised and educated in Lincoln,
> Jim was a devoted community volunteer.  Jim single-handedly organized,
> implemented and managed the Town’s local cable television program, helping
> to increase access to the activities of town government and other community
> events.  Jim possessed a keen engineering mind and a small-town sensibility
> about managing budgets.  Jim served for decades completely without
> compensation.  We may not see his like again.  The Select Board used the
> occasion of the March, 2022 Annual Town Meeting to honor Jim by presenting
> him with the Annual Bright Light award.  The Board’s remarks follow:
>
>
>
> *”Each year we present the bright light award to a resident or town staff
> member whose contributions to our town deserve to be celebrated.   Now if
> you have ever come across Comcast channel 8 or Verizon channel 33 on your
> television, you will quickly realize that Lincoln has its own vibrant cable
> tv channel.  We owe this great viewing alternative to CNN, Fox News or ESPN
> to our own Jim Cunningham.*
>
>
>
> *Jim was appointed to Lincoln’s cable committee way back in 2002 and has
> served as its chair for most of this time.  As chair, Jim has been our
> point person for license negotiations with our cable providers.  More
> importantly, Jim has built our local cable channel from the ground up.  An
> electrical engineer by education and training, Jim designed and helped
> install our cable programming infrastructure.  He not only manages the
> technology and equipment, but also does most of the filming and production
> that allows the town to broadcast many key meeting (such as select board
> and school committee meetings), special events, and lectures, providing a
> truly valuable service to the town.  Jim spends many hours each week
> recording and broadcasting this town content for our enjoyment.  *
>
>
>
> *We on the Select Board are especially appreciative of how Jim always
> manages to film us from our good sides!  Jim’s technical know-how and
> passion for what he does, which he has provided free of charge for many
> years, has saved the town thousands upon thousands of dollars, as other
> communities have needed to create full time employee positions for this
> work.*
>
>
>
> *Born, raised, and educated here, Jim is immensely proud of his Lincoln
> roots.  And we could not be more proud and grateful to you, Jim, for all
> that you have contributed to Lincoln.  Please join me in giving Jim
> Cunningham a round of applause as this year’s bright light award
> recipient.”*
>
>
>
> In recognition of Jim’s service, the Board has asked that the flags on our
> Town buildings be lowered next week to half-staff.
>
>
>
> On behalf of Jim’s many friends and colleagues,
>
>
>
>
>
> Tim Higgins
>
> Town Administrator
>
>
>
> ==
>
>
>
> *Peggy Elder*
>
>
> *Administrative Assistant to the Select Board*
>
> *And Town Administrator*
>
> *Town of Lincoln*
>
> *(*
> *Direct 781-259-2601  *Email **eld...@lincolntown.org*
> 
>
>
>
>
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[LincolnTalk] India Discovery Center essay

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
This article published today may be of value to some.
http://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/article.php?article_id=18904
Regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Why hasn’t a call from the town or the water department been made town wide to talk about the drought restrictions?

[Bijoy Misra]

Good point.  Is there an official version of the story?
I did water my new plantings through a can yesterday.
I request some explicit official instructions from the Town Office.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra

On Sun, Jul 31, 2022 at 10:06 PM Jennifer Goodman 
wrote:

> Yes! I live at Oriole Landing, and they don’t know about it. I was
> thinking the same thing. How would you know if you’re not on Lincoln Talk?
> All of the people taking 5 minute showers while others are watering their
> lawns still. Thanks for bringing it up.
>
> > On Jul 31, 2022, at 8:28 PM, sally kindleberger 
> wrote:
> >
> > I have been following Lincoln Talk about the newest ban on watering due
> to our severe drought.  So I know what the rules are.  However there are
> people living in town who don’t subscribe to either the Squirrel or Lincoln
> Talk.
> > Today I spoke to a neighbor who knew nothing about the watering ban.
> > Shouldn’t a town wide email or telephone call be sent, so that everyone
> is alerted?
> > --
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>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] garden walk

[Bijoy Misra]

I started working on the grounds fifteen years ago.
Lost considerably through my improper knowledge (Cambridge habitat!)
My wife retired and she took over.  .
I like it this year, so I wrote.
I find it a good stroll, except I don't get much time.
So I thought others may walk to talk to the plants.
Best regards,
Bijoy

On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 7:31 PM Sonja Johansson 
wrote:

> Bijoy,
> What a lovely invitation!
> Sonja Johansson
>
> On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 5:49 PM Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
>> Dear friends,
>> I saw our flowers are coming out nice this year.
>> Do feel free to visit the yard if you like strolls.
>> Just send me an email and visit any time.  I work
>> from home.  My wife is occasionally outside.
>> Just don't touch any plants.
>> Happy Summer.
>> Best regards,
>> Bijoy Misra
>> 180 Bedford Road
>> --
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>>
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[LincolnTalk] garden walk

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
I saw our flowers are coming out nice this year.
Do feel free to visit the yard if you like strolls.
Just send me an email and visit any time.  I work
from home.  My wife is occasionally outside.
Just don't touch any plants.
Happy Summer.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
180 Bedford Road
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[LincolnTalk] pond repair

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
Do people have any recommendation for anyone to
help repair a pond?  I appreciate.
Best regards,
Bijoy Misra
Bedford Road
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Re: [LincolnTalk] big black dog

[Bijoy Misra]

Emily Lovering wrote if it was a grizzly bear.  The color was more black
than brown.
There was a while streak on the nose and mouth.   It did not look
approachable,
it was hungry.  Hope it returned to its home if it was a local dog.  I will
look
later in the day. Possibly I will call the Police to reach Animal Rescue.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra
180 Bedford Rd

On Fri, May 6, 2022 at 3:34 PM Bijoy Misra  wrote:

> Friends,
> A big black dog is wandering in our yard 180 Bedford Rd
> He seems hungry, but is too large to be approached.
> Please recover if you have any signal.
> I shut the doors tight and and I am inside.
> He is in no mood to go anywhere!
> Regards,
> Bijoy Misra
>
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[LincolnTalk] big black dog

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
A big black dog is wandering in our yard 180 Bedford Rd
He seems hungry, but is too large to be approached.
Please recover if you have any signal.
I shut the doors tight and and I am inside.
He is in no mood to go anywhere!
Regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Please reconsider

[Bijoy Misra]

I may be on moderation, this may be blocked.
I am told that Lincoln Talk is a private list and we participate as a
courtesy.
So as a forum, it carries its own selective bias.
In a sense, we don't participate in the overhead and have limited freedom
to express.  It is gratifying that Dennis story has leaked.


On Thu, Mar 31, 2022 at 8:50 PM Sasha Golden  wrote:

> I was put on moderation. I have no idea why. It doesn't seem like there's
> any way to be let out of purgatory.
>
> On Thu, Mar 31, 2022 at 6:20 PM Barbara Low 
> wrote:
>
>> I, too, did not see anything objectionable about what Dennis wrote. When
>> I got tired of the discussion, the delete button works just fine. There are
>> lots of posts that don't interest me, and I delete them. But the discussion
>> back and forth on the housing and climate issues are of interest to much of
>> the population. I could understand perhaps asking the participants to take
>> it off line since it did go on for quite a while, but don't understand why
>> Dennis, alone, should be punished.
>>
>> Just my 2 cents.
>>
>>
>> --
>> *From:* Lincoln  on behalf of Richard
>> Panetta 
>> *Sent:* Thursday, March 31, 2022 5:52 PM
>> *To:* bigheadden...@gmail.com 
>> *Cc:* lincoln@lincolntalk.org 
>> *Subject:* [LincolnTalk] Please reconsider
>>
>> Dennis,
>>
>> When I saw this email I was miffed as to why you would have been put on
>> moderation as your posted are always well thought out,  thorough (sometimes
>> too thorough), always given links to your sources. I and many others have
>> found you comments informative. There was maybe one instance when you and
>> another former Selectman went back and forth similar to this yet neither of
>> you were put on moderation
>>
>> There were many responses stating they enjoyed the back and forth.
>> Neither one of you were rude or disrespectful of each other so who knows.
>>
>> It would be a shame to lose your posts on subjects and the time and care
>> you put into topics you comment on. I hope you take some time and decide to
>> comeback and offer your thoughts to important topics.
>>
>>
>> I too have noticed that an opposing view gets treated differently so I
>> can not blame you for feeling frustrated. Perhaps some management here have
>> gone “nose deaf” to their friends and opinions they agree with. But as you
>> said it is their sandbox and they may do as they wish. Hopefully you won’t
>> mind jumping back in said sandbox and getting a little dirty again
>>
>> Best wishes
>>
>> Rich
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 1:20 PM Dennis Liu 
>> wrote:
>>
>> Howdy, folks – this email is going out to Lincolntalk, but also to some
>> local friends (and the Lincolntalk moderators: Margit, Jena and Jonathan)
>> directly, since I have been put into the moderation queue so I am unsure if
>> anyone will see this.
>>
>>
>>
>> With the back-and-forth with Paul Shorb regarding the proposed new laws
>> affecting construction in Lincoln and climate change, I seem to have
>> violated one or more tenets of the Lincoln Talk rules and policies (
>> https://www.lincolntalk.org/rules-and-policies).
>>
>>
>>
>> I made my last post on the topic last night, only to discover that I had
>> been put into moderation without warning.  (N.b., since I replied to Paul
>> directly, and he replied to the List this morning, you may have seen
>> indirectly my last post, since the moderators apparently only put me on
>> moderation and not him; if any of you is curious about how I left it, you
>> can read Paul’s message, or feel free to reach out to me and I will forward
>> it privately; Paul’s message in the archive is here:
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/2022-March/043133.html
>> )
>>
>>
>>
>> For the avoidance of doubt:  since, of course, Lincoln Talk is a private
>> (and free/not-for-profit) operation kindly maintained and paid for by the
>> moderators, they are entirely free to decide what and who gets circulated.
>> That’s their call, and I respect that.  I suspect that my postings have
>> triggered a reaction among one or more folks (or directly among one or more
>> of the moderators), and I have been found in breach of those rules and
>> policies.
>>
>>
>>
>> Fair enough!  I know that I am in the minority (or very small) minority
>> on a lot of these topics in Lincoln – that’s fine, I’ve been in the
>> minority pretty much my entire life living in New England, so I’m used to
>> it, lol.  I do hope, however, that my writings have not been construed as
>> personal attacks, and instead considered an attempt to shed light and bring
>> a non-conforming, contrarian view to this town.
>>
>>
>>
>> But since this is not the first time, I shall be refraining from making
>> any more posts to Lincoln Talk.  I don’t wish to waste my time writing
>> stuff up, and I certainly do not wish to cause offense among my neighbors.
>> I’m writing this note just so you all will know why you wouldn’t have heard
>> from me in the future.

Re: [LincolnTalk] Requesting your vote at the Annual Town Election, Monday, March 28th.

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
Three years ago I resigned from my Housing Commission tasks protesting the
arrogance and the whimsical planning considerations.  Valerie was a patient
sounding board and I admired her cool demeanor.  I vote for her.
Regards,
Bijoy Misra


On Sun, Mar 27, 2022 at 1:01 PM kliattaudi--- via Lincoln <
lincoln@lincolntalk.org> wrote:

> Thank you for reminding me Rachel.
>  Yes Valerie is a treasure and I already voted for her on Monday at
> TownHall.
> Thank you Valerie for being there.
> Jean Palmer
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Rachel Mason 
> To: Fox, Valerie 
> Cc: Lincoln@lincolntalk.org
> Sent: Sun, Mar 27, 2022 10:05 am
> Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Requesting your vote at the Annual Town
> Election, Monday, March 28th.
>
>
> Valerie, we are so lucky to have you as our Town Clerk.
> Many thanks for all that you do for the town.
> Rachel
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 26, 2022, at 6:51 PM, Fox, Valerie  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hello,
>
> My name is Valerie Fox, and I am running for the position of Town Clerk.
>
> I would like to begin by giving you a little background on me. I was born
> in Dublin, Ireland and I have lived in Lincoln since 1994, along with my
> husband and two children. I became a US citizen in 2012. I started working
> in the Town Clerk’s office in 2011 as the Deputy Town Clerk, learning the
> ropes from a wonderful mentor, Susan Brooks.
>
> Since 2018, I have been your elected Town Clerk. I will outline some of
> the duties of the Town Clerk in a moment but first I would like to say that
> I love this job and I love serving the people of Lincoln. It has been an
> honor and a privilege to be your Town Clerk and I hope to be able to
> continue to serve the town in this capacity.
>
> In terms of what the Town Clerk does day-to-day, it is an exciting variety
> of duties whose common purpose is to serve the citizens of Lincoln. Some of
> these duties include Elections, Vital Records, Chief Records Access
> Officer, the Town Archives and the Lincoln Cemetery.
>
> The Town Clerk is Lincoln’s Chief Election Official. This entails
> everything to do with elections; from registering voters, sending out
> Absentee Ballots and overseeing Early Voting in person to managing the
> polling place on Election Day. The goal of the Chief Election Official is
> to run a smooth and transparent election, an election that voters believe
> was conducted fairly, with the highest degree of integrity and an election
> where all voters feel their vote counted.
>
> The Town Clerk also manages Vital Records, including all birth, death and
> marriage certificates.
>
> As the Town’s Chief Records Access Officer, I manage all Public Records
> Requests.
>
> The Town Clerk is also the Co-Director of the Lincoln Town Archives. This
> essential function serves to preserve Lincoln’s rich history and, as a
> local history buff, this is one of my favorite aspects of the job.
>
> Finally, the Town Clerk also serves as Lincoln’s Cemetery Agent, managing
> the day-to-day operations of the cemetery and assisting families with the
> burial of their loved ones.
>
> In addition to a love for the job and a desire to serve Lincoln’s
> citizens, I am also qualified to be your Town Clerk.  I am a Certified
> Massachusetts Municipal Clerk, a Master Municipal Clerk accredited by the
> International Institute of Municipal Clerks,’ and I serve on the Executive
> Board of the Mass Town Clerks’ Association.
>
> As I have already mentioned a couple of times now, I love this job and I
> love serving the citizens of Lincoln. The Town Clerk’s Office often serves
> as an information hub and I am always only a phone call away, if I can
> assist in any way. I am asking for your vote at the Town Election on
> Monday, March 28. Thank You!
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>
> Valerie Fox
>
>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/.
> Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/
> .
> Change your subscription settings at
> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>
> --
> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
> Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/.
> Browse the archives a

Re: [LincolnTalk] Massachusetts will punish suburbs that don't allow apartments near transit.

[Bijoy Misra]

Chris,
Please read "human values".
Thank you.
Bijoy

On Tue, Jan 25, 2022 at 5:22 PM Chris McCarthy  wrote:

> Why would anyone be concerned with christian values when determining
> housing policy? There is however an otherworldly housing affordability
> problem in the Greater Boston area, with Lincoln being a prime example of
> entrenched nimbyism. Imagine suggesting the possibility that we forego
> funding or close a T stop to keep out the poors.
>
> "At least with our liberal views in the own, we can make ourselves a
> model community"
>
> The housing bill is a priority, so to truly be a model community it is
> time to step it up. Either that or pull down those feel good signs you put
> up at the end of your driveway. Phil Ochs had a lot to say about that topic.
>
> On Tue, Jan 25, 2022, 16:58 Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
>> Dear Allen,
>> You might recall my objection to similar comments of yours in the meeting
>> of the Housing Commission.
>> We should keep away from any thoughts of creating a "serving class"
>> through the town housing stock.
>> Some of us are lucky to have better incomes or being born to wealth.  A
>> serving person should not
>> get into a lower quality of life because of his/her affordability of
>> housing.  A serving person could indeed
>> be brighter and the children could be smarter.  In the present day and
>> age of globalization, we should
>> strive for a more integrated society by respecting labor and the lack of
>> privilege.  At least with our liberal
>> views in the own, we can make ourselves a model community by considering
>> all aspects in developing
>> the quality of life like health, food, education and social
>> relationships.  Oppressive shanty towns for
>> labor is a colonial idea whose days are long past. Currently we should
>> help create excellence and nurture
>> productivity.
>> You labeled me as a "troublemaker" those days. I thought you would
>> understand the Christian values better
>> since you have served as a pastor for some time.  I was troubled to see
>> your thoughts once again and I thought
>> to comment.  People who serve us are our policemen, firefighters, health
>> workers, town workers, teachers
>> along with gardeners, janitors and cooks.  We must think of them
>> collectively as a part of our community.
>> Hope you may reflect and appreciate.
>> Best regards,
>> Bijoy
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 25, 2022 at 11:24 AM Allen Vander Meulen <
>> pastorall...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> It should also be noted that the “density” metric is measured on a per
>>> lot basis.
>>>
>>> Lincoln Woods has been cited in this thread as a “high density”
>>> development, but property contains a lot of wetland and conservation land,
>>> as well as a septic treatment plant set well back from the rest of the
>>> property - around 21 acres all told.  So, with 125 units, its actual
>>> density is only about 6 units / acre - well under the state’s proposed “By
>>> Right” minimum for the Lincoln Station area.
>>>
>>> "The Commons" property is about 31 acres with around 209 living units,
>>> according to its online “property card”.  So its density is under 7
>>> units/acre.
>>>
>>> Oriole Landing (next door to The Commons) is about 6 acres - with 60
>>> units, or 10 units / acre, and is therefore the town’s highest-density
>>> property - and both The Commons and Oriole Landing are quite far from any
>>> public transit.
>>>
>>> In other words, none of the major multi-unit developments in town are
>>> even close to the proposed requirement of 15 units/acre.  However, as
>>> Margaret Olson said, this proposed “by Right” zoning can be modified by
>>> restrictions due to wetlands, conservation, and other considerations and
>>> controls imposed by the town.  And, it will be some time before the
>>> proposed regulations are finalized - with a lot of negotiating and refining
>>> likely to happen between now and then.
>>>
>>> It is abundantly clear we need far more housing in this town for those
>>> with low to moderate incomes.  Many employers in town (far more than most
>>> of us realize) need people willing to fill their low to moderate income
>>> positions.  But with a very limited supply of affordable housing, most of
>>> these people have to commute huge distances to work here.  Given a choice,
>>> they will choose to work closer to home and/or at businesses with less
&

Re: [LincolnTalk] Massachusetts will punish suburbs that don't allow apartments near transit.

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear Allen,
You might recall my objection to similar comments of yours in the meeting
of the Housing Commission.
We should keep away from any thoughts of creating a "serving class" through
the town housing stock.
Some of us are lucky to have better incomes or being born to wealth.  A
serving person should not
get into a lower quality of life because of his/her affordability of
housing.  A serving person could indeed
be brighter and the children could be smarter.  In the present day and age
of globalization, we should
strive for a more integrated society by respecting labor and the lack of
privilege.  At least with our liberal
views in the own, we can make ourselves a model community by considering
all aspects in developing
the quality of life like health, food, education and social relationships.
Oppressive shanty towns for
labor is a colonial idea whose days are long past. Currently we should help
create excellence and nurture
productivity.
You labeled me as a "troublemaker" those days. I thought you would
understand the Christian values better
since you have served as a pastor for some time.  I was troubled to see
your thoughts once again and I thought
to comment.  People who serve us are our policemen, firefighters, health
workers, town workers, teachers
along with gardeners, janitors and cooks.  We must think of them
collectively as a part of our community.
Hope you may reflect and appreciate.
Best regards,
Bijoy



On Tue, Jan 25, 2022 at 11:24 AM Allen Vander Meulen 
wrote:

> It should also be noted that the “density” metric is measured on a per lot
> basis.
>
> Lincoln Woods has been cited in this thread as a “high density”
> development, but property contains a lot of wetland and conservation land,
> as well as a septic treatment plant set well back from the rest of the
> property - around 21 acres all told.  So, with 125 units, its actual
> density is only about 6 units / acre - well under the state’s proposed “By
> Right” minimum for the Lincoln Station area.
>
> "The Commons" property is about 31 acres with around 209 living units,
> according to its online “property card”.  So its density is under 7
> units/acre.
>
> Oriole Landing (next door to The Commons) is about 6 acres - with 60
> units, or 10 units / acre, and is therefore the town’s highest-density
> property - and both The Commons and Oriole Landing are quite far from any
> public transit.
>
> In other words, none of the major multi-unit developments in town are even
> close to the proposed requirement of 15 units/acre.  However, as Margaret
> Olson said, this proposed “by Right” zoning can be modified by restrictions
> due to wetlands, conservation, and other considerations and controls
> imposed by the town.  And, it will be some time before the proposed
> regulations are finalized - with a lot of negotiating and refining likely
> to happen between now and then.
>
> It is abundantly clear we need far more housing in this town for those
> with low to moderate incomes.  Many employers in town (far more than most
> of us realize) need people willing to fill their low to moderate income
> positions.  But with a very limited supply of affordable housing, most of
> these people have to commute huge distances to work here.  Given a choice,
> they will choose to work closer to home and/or at businesses with less
> expensive transportation options.  So, our local businesses, nonprofits,
> and service providers are struggling to find and retain adequate help: the
> issue isn’t the quality of work the environment, but whether their
> employees can afford to work here in town at all.
>
> From an Affordable Housing point of view, Lincoln is (in theory) in a good
> “place” right now, thanks to the addition of 60 units to our “Subsidized
> Housing Inventory” courtesy of the Oriole Landing project.  Under current
> law, we should be safe for quite some time from high-density developments
> built without concern for harmonizing with the community.  But, as the
> Housing Choice Act shows, the law is changing - and needs to.
>
> Personally, I welcome the Housing Choice Act as an important first effort
> to address those needs.  However, it is far from perfect: the proposed
> regulations and guidelines that derive from it will need considerable
> refinement before they can work as the state intends for towns like
> Lincoln.  I also expect that this is merely the first step in a series of
> moves the Commonwealth will make over the next several years to encourage,
> and eventually require, more low to moderate income housing as well as
> improved access to public transportation.
>
> I believe we must be thoughtfully proactive on these issues.  Lincoln is
> already doing so through the work of SLPAC and the Planning Board - among
> other efforts.  Ignoring or downplaying these issues will eventually lead
> to the town being forced into making difficult, painful, and expensive
> adjustments with no recourse - as has happened in several nearby
> 

Re: [LincolnTalk] Hogue for Select Board

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear Adam,
Thank you for writing.  I had read Michelle's comments with interest.  I
did want to take some interest in
town affairs but did not make much progress.  There was a systemic problem
of hearing independent
views.  It got ugly and I resigned.
To be patient with the views of another human being is a trait not easily
developed.  It is not a fault with
any individual, but it seeps into the social fabric.  The US is still an
experiment of accommodation.  It has
made tremendous progress, but a lot more remains to be done.
We are viewed by our actions not by what we say.  Michelle did report her
concerns in some of your
actions that appeared as aberration to her.  To the unpracticed, it could
appear as perfectly rational
as we see in national politics. I am happy to read your reaction.
Thank you.
Bijoy (Misra)

On Sat, Jan 22, 2022 at 7:09 AM Adam M Hogue  wrote:

> Hi Michelle,
>
>
>
> Thank you for your note. I'm happy to engage with you as well as the
> entire town. I believe in transparency and I look forward to a great
> campaign.  Thank you also for your kind words about my service, I am lucky
> to currently serve this great town and have had the privilege to serve in
> the United States Army for the last 17 years, some as active duty and some
> in the reserve. I enjoy all the work I do for this community and will
> always be willing to give back and help out.
>
>
>
> One of the reasons I am running for Select Board is that while I think
> Lincoln is amazing, I think we can do more.  We need more diverse housing
> options.  I also want to work to make our town more friendly to businesses
> and to help our town grow, which benefits everyone in town.  I would like
> to work with state leaders to help get grants and funding to bring a more
> diverse work force to town, along with more housing options.  I also want
> to work to reduce our taxes to help keep our town affordable so it doesn’t
> price people out of our great town.
>
>
>
> My time on the School Committee has, for me, been one of my greatest
> public services.  I support all the work that the schools are doing to make
> our schools a more welcoming, inclusive and better place for all of our
> students.  This is why I have advocated for expanded preschool, the
> addition of an HR director to focus on diverse hiring, and an increased
> focus on the huge achievement gap we have.  I agree with the district's
> ultimate goals but sometimes I do disagree with the path. I endeavor to be
> professional in my debates on these tough issues.
>
>
>
> Lastly, if I am lucky enough to win this election I have spoken to the
> chair of the School Committee and I will step down.  My seat on CAPCOM is
> tied to my School Committee seat so I will no longer serve in that capacity
> if I step down from School Committee.
>
>
>
> Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me and I appreciate all
> that you do for our town!
>
>
>
> Adam M Hogue
>
> Candidate for Select Board
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jan 21, 2022 at 5:18 AM Michelle Barnes  wrote:
>
>> Dear Adam,
>>
>> Thank you for your service to our town, for your service to our country
>> as (I believe) a reservist, and for your willingness to continue to serve
>> the Lincoln community.  I appreciate your commitment to public service and
>> your willingness to run for public office.
>>
>> Since issues of equity, inclusion and diversity are central and integral
>> to some of the existential policy decisions we will need to make as a town
>> over time including about housing, open space, education and the provision
>> of public services to all in our community to name a few, it is important
>> to me to understand where your heart and mind stand on these issues.
>>
>> As I understand it from the first roughly half hour of the December 2nd
>> School Committee meeting recording (Dec 2 School Committee
>> <https://lincolntv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=1wMW22v5jNvS>), although
>> it was not required that the School Committee vote on the District's AIDE
>> stance, since, as eventually explained by Superintendent Dr. McFall and
>> Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rose, the District is following both MA state
>> and Department of Defense curriculum guidelines in this work, it was asked
>> to vote to accept or support the District's AIDE stance at the December 2nd
>> meeting.  This was an unscheduled vote evidently and it seemed from my
>> perspective to be essentially a vote of confidence in the District's AIDE
>> stance.  You voted to abstain.
>>
>> Dec 2 School Committee
>>
>> <https://lincolntv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=1wMW22v5jNvS>
>>
>>
>>
>>

[LincolnTalk] Water

[Bijoy Misra]

Dear friends,
Does anyone know about reduced water pressure?
Any knowledge on restoration?
Regards,
Bijoy Misra
Bedford Road North
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[LincolnTalk] Interfaith service on Climate at Old South Church

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
I was invited to participate in an Interfaith Climate service
last Sunday in Old South Church at Copley Sq in Boston.
I have been there in occasional services since 1995.
They posted the video today. I am sharing.
Bijoy the Hindu appears about 30 minutes down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULyi4BT5-Fo=35s

Regards,
Bijoy
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[LincolnTalk] Tomorrow' Climate service at Old South Church

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
Every ten years they do an inter-faith service on Earth and Climate in
Old South Church at Copley Square.  I get invited to recite Hindu
scriptures at the event. It is tomorrow (10/3) at 3 PM.
You can join if you like.  Attaching the program
Best regards,
Bijoy

*Love. Earth. Justice.*

*A Multifaith Service of Prayer, Celebration, and Light*

*Old South Church in Boston*

*Sunday, October 3, 2021*

*3 p.m.*





*Prelude*   “Wake,
Now, My Senses” (Traditional Irish)



*Processional   “*Here I
Am, Lord” by Daniel Laurent Schutte

*“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who
will go for us?’ *

*And I said, ‘Here am I; send me.’”*—Isaiah 6:8



*Invoking the Spirit*Rev. Dr. Nancy
S. Taylor



*Welcome and Land Acknowledgment*Rev. Fred Small



*Call to Prayer*Imam
Ibrahim Sayar



*Hymn  *For the
Beauty of the Earth (See insert.)

*Please rise in body or in spirit.*



*A Litany of Sorrow   *Rev. Vernon K.
Walker

United Nations Environmental Sabbath

The people respond: “We have forgotten who we are.”



*Wampanoag Prayer and Song *Hartman Deetz



*Lament for Creation *Rev. Dr. Margaret
Bullitt-Jonas



*Song of Lament *Robert A. Jonas

“Kojo No Tsuki,” performed on the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute)



*Meditation  *Yenkuei
Chuang



*Singing Together*   Rabbi Shoshana
Meira Friedman

“More Waters Rising” by Saro Lynch

*  Please rise in body or in spirit.*





*Prayers   *Dr. Bijoy
Misra



*Sermon   *Rev.
Traci Blackmon



*Prayer*Sister
Tess Browne



*Offertory*Old
South Church Jazz Ensemble

*The offering will be shared equally between GreenRoots*

*and the Faith in Action Campaign of Massachusetts Interfaith Power &
Light.*



*A Litany of Healing   *Rev. Vernon K.
Walker

United Nations Environmental Sabbath

The people respond: “We join with the earth and with each other.”



*Singing Together*   Rabbi Shoshana
Meira Friedman

“The Tide Is Rising” by Shoshana Meira Friedman & Yotam Schachter

*Please rise in body or in spirit.*



*Benediction*Rev. Dr.
Margaret Bullitt-Jonas



*Postlude *Mitchell
Crawford





*We respectfully ask that no photographs be taken during times of prayer*.





*Worship Leaders and Musicians*



*Marie-Thérèse “Tess” Browne*

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth



*Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas*

Missioner for Creation Care for the Episcopal Diocese of
Western Massachusetts and the Southern New England Conference of the United
Church of Christ; Advisor for Creation Care for the Episcopal Diocese of
Massachusetts



*Dr. Yenkuei Chuang*

Everyday Mindfulness Everywhere



*Mitchell Crawford*

Minister of Music, Old South Church in Boston



*Hartman Deetz*

Enrolled Member, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe



*Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman*

Director of Professional Development, Hebrew College, and Rabbinic
Ambassador, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action



*Dr. Robert A. Jonas*

Director, The Empty Bell, Northampton



*Dr. Bijoy Misra*

President, India Discovery Center



*Old South Church Jazz Ensemble*

Kelly Lopez, *vocals *

Doug Rich, *bass*

Willie Sordillo, *saxophone*

Carolyn Wilkins, *piano*



*Imam Ibrahim Sayar*

Staff Chaplain, Boston Children’s Hospital



*Rev. Fred Small*

Policy Director, Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light



*Rev. Dr. Nancy S. Taylor*

Senior Minister, Old South Church in Boston



*Rev. Vernon K. Walker*

Senior Program Manager, Communities Responding to Extreme Weather





*Verger*

*Ted Wade*



*Greeter*

*???*



*Ushers*


*Shayna Gleason MaryAnn Lape*


*??? ???*





*Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light (massipl.org <http://massipl.org>)
is grateful to our cosponsors:*



*Boston Catholic Climate Movement (*
catholicclimatemovement.global/chapters/boston)

* Climate Crisis Task Force of Old South Church
(oldsouth.org/climate-crisis <http://oldsouth.org/climate-crisis>)
Environmental Ministries Team of the Southern New England Conference, *

*   United Church of Christ (sneucc.org/environmental-ministries
<http://sneu

Re: [LincolnTalk] Mass Money

[Bijoy Misra]

No, they didn't.  I have $10 refund from Lahey Clinic,
It is said that my family (last name) thousands of years ago
were scholars. They lived on alms and charity.  $10 must go a long way.
They need all kinds of identification.  I won't leave until
I get my refund! The system should be tested. The result
in 180 days (as noted.)  Happy Fall...

On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 1:16 PM Sasha Golden  wrote:

> You don't need to pay the Commonwealth a penny. Just follow the
> instructions that you're given to get your funds.
>
> Anyone offering to "help" you for payment is ripping you off.
>
> On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 1:01 PM Bijoy Misra  wrote:
>
>> Dr. Nicholas,
>> Thank you for the alert.  I saw my name.
>> I filled out a form. It said they would contact me.
>> I don't know what claim is there.  Hope I don't have to pay!
>> Bijoy Misra
>>
>> On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 12:41 PM Nicholas Ribush 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I just checked https://www.findmassmoney.com/app/claim-search
>>>
>>> Nothing for me, but lots of Lincoln addresses. Check it out and see if
>>> there's anything for you!
>>>
>>> nx
>>>
>>>
>>> Dr. Nicholas Ribush
>>> 6 Goose Pond Rd.
>>> Lincoln MA 01773
>>> USA
>>> (617) 877-1610
>>> --
>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>>> Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/.
>>> Browse the archives at
>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>>> Change your subscription settings at
>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>>
>>> --
>> The LincolnTalk mailing list.
>> To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
>> Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/.
>> Browse the archives at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
>
> --
> Sasha Golden
>
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Mass Money

[Bijoy Misra]

Dr. Nicholas,
Thank you for the alert.  I saw my name.
I filled out a form. It said they would contact me.
I don't know what claim is there.  Hope I don't have to pay!
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 12:41 PM Nicholas Ribush 
wrote:

> I just checked https://www.findmassmoney.com/app/claim-search
>
> Nothing for me, but lots of Lincoln addresses. Check it out and see if
> there's anything for you!
>
> nx
>
>
> Dr. Nicholas Ribush
> 6 Goose Pond Rd.
> Lincoln MA 01773
> USA
> (617) 877-1610
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[LincolnTalk] tomorrow's folk literature tour

[Bijoy Misra]

Friends,
Tomorrow is our New England Folk Literature and Oral Poetry Festival.
Lynn Noel from Folk Culture Society will take us on a tour from Boston
Harbor.
It will be live telecast at
www.facebook.com/sapneboston
Regards,
Bijoy Misra
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Re: [LincolnTalk] Nextdoor.com

[Bijoy Misra]

I might have received a mail a couple of years ago, I ignored.
Bijoy Misra

On Wed, Sep 1, 2021 at 9:10 AM Anne Warner  wrote:

> This is a pretty creepy organization, clearly committing mail fraud, which
> is a federal offense.  I'm wondering if we should report them to the police
> or elsewhere?
>
> On Wed, Sep 1, 2021 at 8:53 AM Toby Frost  wrote:
>
>> Thank you, Steve!!! I've been avoiding Nextdoor for a long time, but
>> had not figured out how to alert Lincoln people about it.  I'm very
>> grateful to you for getting the word out so well !!
>>
>> Toby Frost
>>
>> On 8/31/21 6:03 PM, Stephen R. Low wrote:
>>
>> Today, we received a mailed solicitation to join nextdoor.com signed by
>> “Martin Werminghausen, S Great Rd. Perhaps we all received this
>>
>>
>>
>> Nextdoor.com is a for profit enterprise. It’s privacy policy (
>> https://legal.nextdoor.com/us-privacy-policy-2021/) is 26 pages long.
>> The policy ends with this ominous statement: “By continuing to use
>> Nextdoor, you understand that we may transfer and store your data outside
>> your home country, including to and in the U.S., as described in this
>> Privacy Policy.”
>>
>>
>>
>> Preceding that warning, that document discloses the long list of data is
>> collects from its users and the long list of entities it shares that data
>> with. It also to “government identification.” Is that phrase a euphemism
>> for driver’s license or social security card numbers? If not, what is does
>> that mean exactly?
>>
>>
>>
>> LincolnTalk has well served the community—especially now that the
>> rancorous discussions have abated. *It would be a shame if Nextdoor.com
>> seized enough market share from LincolnTalk to kill it.* It’s a real
>> risk.
>>
>>
>>
>> I hope that others will consider rejecting nextdoor.com and will
>> continue to use and strengthen the value of LincolnTalk.
>>
>>
>>
>> Like garlic mustard, an invasive species, we’ve got to nip this one in
>> the bud to preserve our native species.
>>
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>> Steve Low
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
>> Change your subscription settings at
>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
>>
>>
>
> --
> Anne Taubes Warner
> warneran...@gmail.com
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>
>
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