2011-10-03-WALKS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Sidewalk Committee Meeting Minutes Monday October 3, 2011 at gam Present: Jerry Van Hook (Chair), Judy Crocker, John Davies, Lucy Fletcher- Jones, Hank Manz, Bettina Mcgimsey, Francine Stieglitz Liaisons: Elaine Celi (LPS Transportation), Marc Valenti (DPW) Guests: Jill Hai 1. The September meeting minutes were approved. 2. Proposals for New Town Sidewalks a) Jill Hai from Winthrop Rd presented an updated community petition with over 70 signatures for the installation of new sidewalks along Winthrop Rd and a missing sidewalk gap at Winthrop /Highland Ave. A crosswalk will also be necessary for Waltham /Winthrop St intersection. Originally presented nearly one year ago, this petition has additional signatures and all abutters have now been contacted from this community group. According to Ms. Hai, only two abutters voiced opposition to the plan. A copy of this amended petition was given to the Committee. The Committee reiterated that it does not choose a side of a road for sidewalk installation. Engineering determines this recommendation based on the location of the right -of -way, safety issues, and the location of Vine Brook along with Conservation. Engineering did conduct a walk - through of the area with Ms. Hai but now needs funding to perform an Engineering Report. Other pertinent connectivity points that would benefit from this new sidewalk include the Farmer's Market (Mass Ave /Winthrop), LHS and its playing fields (Waltham /Winthrop ST), and the Percy Rd resident facility (Highland /Mass Ave). The Committee advised Ms. Hai to ask to make a presentation to the Selectmen, after which Engineering can meet with the Sidewalk Committee. b) Ms. Stieglitz received an email expressing concern of the sidewalk at the intersection of John Benson Rd and Winter St. Mr. Valenti will investigate. 3. The Safe Routes To School(SRTS) update included: a) SRTS will be working with Dave Pinsoneault from DPW on securing a MAPU grant for bike racks. b) October 11 at 9:30am will be the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the completion of the Bowman SRTS- MassDOT infrastructure grant. All are welcome! c) The Estabrook Tsk Force heard a report from Beta Consultants regarding the length of proposed parent vehicle queue space necessary based on Estabrook School car counts. This was compared to schools in the surrounding area. d) SRTS has new or re- established PTA Committees at Fiske, Estabrook, and possibly Harrington and Clarke, in addition to Bowman, Bridge, and Hastings. The theme will be the Year of the School Bus, where in January the program will hold a