Hello friends, I will not be voting in favor of the community center project now… for several reasons explained below. If these considerations and others you have give you pause, I hope you will join those of us who are interested in further discussion.
First, Lincoln’s once in a generation Comprehensive Plan, approved at Town Meeting ~ten years ago prioritized revitalizing our South Lincoln commercial center. Without a vibrant place to gather, we risk becoming an inert, mono-culture suburb, of increasingly high priced single family homes and residents who can afford them. A vital Mall at our center would be a place to gather, meet with friends, and exchange ideas with others who have diverse backgrounds and views. Before locating a COA or Community Center building at the school property we should evaluate its potential to jump-start and support commercial and civic growth at the mall and help Lincoln slowly and steadily transition into the dynamic community we can be. It’s time.
We haven’t had a thorough review of town goals or prioritized them since the Comprehensive Plan. If we choose to ignore the last Comprehensive Plan, let’s plan again. Let’s agree on priorities.
There seems to be an ongoing, important, and complex discussion re the distinctions and requirements of a community center vs. a facility for our Council on Aging program….prudence dictates these be thoroughly studied and resolved before being considered for funding by town meeting.
And this project will cause real estate taxes to increase above the rate of inflation, again. It will be particularly troubling now for seniors living on a fixed income
Let’s consider/reconsider these matters fully before we vote for a community center or a COA facility at school property. Let’s get this right. Please consider voting No.
Best, Joe
Joe Robbat
