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West Lexington Greenway
Master Plan
PREPARED FOR
Town of Lexington
PREPARED BY
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
August 2011
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Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
West Lexington Greenway
Master Plan
August 2011
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
2 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Table of Contents
Project Significance-Lexington's"String of Pearls..............2 Constraints..............................................................................17
Summaryof Goals and Objectives:......................................................................................2 Slopes..........................................................................................................................................17
Wetlands and Vernal Pools..................................................................................................18
West Lexington Greenway Task Force.....................................2 Road Crossings.........................................................................................................................18
Areas of exposed Bedrock...................................................................................................18
PlanningProcess......................................................................2
TrailAlignment.......................................................................21
Public Meetings and Outreach..............................................................................................3
Minuteman Connector/Central Section.........................................................................21
LandUse and Zoning 6 Southern Section....................................................................................................................21
NorthernSection.....................................................................................................................21
OpenSpace Preservation(Conservation Lands)....................7 Street Crossings......................................................................22
Ownership.................................................................................8 Parking....................................................................................22
LicenseAgreements..................................................................................................................9
DesignGuidelines-Trail Types.............................................22
Circulation.................................................................................9
Major Routes/Street Crossings..............................................................................................9 Transportation Enhancement Funds SAFETEA-LU(TE).......24
PublicTransportation...............................................................................................................9
Trails................................................................................................................................................9
ScenicByway Funding............................................................24
AccessPoints............................................................................................................................11
Parking........................................................................................................................................11
Bridges/Wetland Crossings.................................................................................................11 State Funding Opportunities.................................................25
NaturalResource Inventory...................................................12 Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and
Renovations for Communities(PARC)Program...........................................................25
Wetlands.....................................................................................................................................12 Massachusetts Local Acquisitions for
Plant Communities.................................................................................................................12 Natural Diversity(LAND)Program....................................................................................25
Invasive Plant Species............................................................................................................13 Department of Conservation and Recreation(DCR).................................................25
Areas of Ecological Significance........................................................................................13
Wildlife inventory....................................................................................................................14 Town Funding Opportunities................................................26
Inventory of Significant Historical,
Private Funding Opportunities.............................................26
Geological and Archaeological Features.............................14
MitigationFunds....................................................................................................................26
Trail Roadway Crossings........................................................14 Private Foundations/Donors...............................................................................................26
LocalUtilities............................................................................................................................26
Manmade Structures.............................................................................................................1 S Non Governmental Organization
Protection(NGO Protection)...............................................................................................26
Opportunities.........................................................................16
Viewshed Analysis...................................................................................................................16 Additional Funding Opportunities.......................................26
Adjacent Land Use/Connectivity.......................................................................................16
Historical and Cultural Opportunities..............................................................................17
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
ii West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Figure 1A—Regional Connections
Figure 113—Town Overview
Figure 1C—Site Orientation
FigurelD—Photographic Inventory—Access,Road Crossings And Parking
Figure 1E—Photographic Inventory—Bridges&Water Crossings,And Historic Features
Figure 2—"String of Pearls"
Figure 3—Open Space And Connections
Figure 4—Land Use
Figure 5—Ownership And Utility Easements
Figure 6—Wetlands
Figure 7A and 713—Vegetation
Figure 8—Surficial Geology
Figure 9A—Slope Analysis And Typical Views
Figure 913—Typical Views—Southern Section
Figure 9C—Typical Views—Northern Section
Figure 10—Opportunities And Constraints
Figure 11—Analysis:Challenges
Figure 12A—Alternative Trail Alignments
Figure 12B—Alternative Trail Surface Materials
Figure 13—Design Guidelines
Appendices
Appendix A:Public Meeting Minutes
Appendix B:Nstar License Agreement
Appendix C:Preliminary Cost Estimate
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan iii
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
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Power Easement
iv West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Executive Summary
The West Lexington Greenway represents the largest swath of semi-contig-
uous open space within the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts.The
Greenway is approximately five miles in length, lying west of Route 128/
Interstate 95,and extending from Lincoln Street and the City of Cambridge
Reservoir in the southern part of town northward to Turning Mill Road at
the Burlington Iine.The study area is largely bounded on the west by the
towns of Lincoln and Bedford and on the east by Route 128/Interstate 95•
The NSTAR power line easement provides the central spine of the Green-
way corridor connecting many diverse and beautiful open space and
conservation areas aligned along this five mile segment and resembling a
string of pearls.
The West Lexington Greenway Project was initiated in recognition of the
tremendous existing and potential open space and recreational resources
the Greenway holds.The Greenway site is cultural, historically and ecologi-
cally important to the Town of Lexington and to the region.The Greenway
Project,endorsed and supported by the Town's Recreation Department
and the Conservation Commission,envisions a network of varying types of
trails, including universally accessible sections, linking the town's extensive
open space and conservation lands located within the Greenway study
area.Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) has been tasked with the prepara-
tion of a Greenway Master Plan.The purpose of creating a Master Plan is to
create a detailed picture of the entire area in order to conduct an informed
planning process for trail alignment and improvement.VHB has worked
closely with the West Lexington GreenwayTask Force, a volunteer commit-
tee,throughout the Master Planning process.
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Introduction
Project Significance - Lexington's ► Improve existing network of trails within the Greenway project
"String of Pearls" area
► Use Greenway as a means to preserve the existing historical,
The West Lexington Greenway project area is a five-mile swath of cultural and ecological resources,and as an educational tool
land located west of Interstate g5/Route 128 within the Town of to interpret these resources
Lexington,Massachusetts(see Figures la and b for Site Location).
The primary goal of the Greenway Project,funded by town West Lexington Greenway Task Force
Community Preservation Act(CPA)funds,is to plan for a network
of pedestrian and bicycle trails,including universally accessible The process commenced in 2007 with formation of the West
sections,linking all Lexington Conservation Areas on the west Lexington GreenwayTask Force(WLG Task Force),a combined
side of Route 128.A central component of the Greenway Master committee of Town officials,Planning Board and Conservation
Plan is to strengthen the two mile linkage between the Minute- Commission members,and local citizen open space advocates
man Bikeway,a regional multi-use rail-trail,with both the Battle and design professionals.The Task Force's role is to oversee the
Road Trail located within the Minute Man National Historical Park master planning process,conduct public meetings and outreach
(MMNHP),as well as the Battle Road Scenic Byway through the to interested stakeholders,and guide the ultimate implementa-
construction of universal access trail to link these three tion of proposed trail network improvements to insure
resources(see Figure 1 c—Site Orientation).Furthermore,this compliance with Master Plan recommendations.Task Force
linkage will strengthen plans for a statewide trail network that members included:
would connect Northampton to Boston via a continuous trail
running through Lexington and other communities.Many ► Duke Bitsko,WLG Task Force,Design Professional
sections of this statewide trail network have been completed in ► Richard Canale,Town of Lexington Planning Board
nearby towns and this West Lexington Greenway will comple-
ment this network. ► Stew Kennedy,Town of Lexington,Conservation Commission,
Bicycle Advisory Committee,Conservation Stewards
The Greenway area represents the largest assemblage of open ► Paul Knight,WLG Task Force,Conservation Stewards
spaces in Lexington.Viewed from above,the Greenway resembles
a series of open space"pearls",which are truly gems,connected ► Karen Mullins,Town of Lexington,Director of Community
by the continuous"string"of the NSTAR power line easement(see Development/Conservation Administrator
Figure 2).These green spaces are in essence a series of green ► Keith Ohmart,WLG Task Force,Conservation Stewards,Citizens
islands surrounded on most sides by developed land.A major for Lexington Conservation
goal of the Master Plan is to take advantage of the continuous
open space of the power line easement to strengthen connectiv- ► Karen Simmons,Town of Lexington,Director of Recreation
ity of the entire Greenway trail network,and to make the network ► Mike Tabaczynski,WLG Task Force,NEMBA,Bicycle Advisory
function more as a whole rather than as separate pieces.The Committee,Conservation Stewards
Master Plan also considers improving connections around and
across the project area to connect to open space and community
resources near the Greenway(See Figure 3—Open Space and Planning Process
Connections).
The planning and design effort commenced in October 2007 with
Summary of Goals and Objectives: the appointment of the firm of Vanasse Hangen&Brustlin,Inc.
(VHB)to complete the Greenway Master Plan.Representatives of
► Layout and design the Minuteman Connector to strengthen VHB worked with the WLG Task Force from the fall of 2007
linkage between Minuteman Bikeway and Battle Road Trail through the summer of 2008 compiling an extensive inventory
► Protect largest swath of semi-contiguous open spaces within
database as the first phase of the planning process.The inventory
the Town of Lexington
included natural resources,such as wetlands and habitats,and
cultural resources,such as existing trails and historical features.
► Improve access and connections to all Town Conservation The inventory then informed the site analysis and planning/
Areas located west of Route 128
2 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
a. �_k design recommendations that followed.The recommendations
proposed:new trail locations,connections,and access points;
improvements to existing trails and access points;and,the
proposed hierarchy of trail and boardwalk types.The Greenway
' Master Plan contains the compiled inventor data,site analysis
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findings,and planning and design recommendations pertaining
to the trail network.An additional project component,to closely
follow the Master Plan report,will be Preliminary Design plans
completed to MHD 2S%level for the Minuteman-Battle Road
} " Connector Trail to Wood Street,which will be based upon the trail
alignment recommended in the Master Plan.
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Public Meetings and Outreach
Three public meetings were held during the inventory and
analysis phases of the process(see Appendix A for minutes from
these).In addition,the WLG Task Force conducted a series of
related outreach efforts to NSTAR,City of Cambridge,abutting
landowners and business owners,and others.The outreach
process also included walks of the project area to introduce
interested parties to the project and the area.
The first public meeting was held on January 16,2008,to share a
summary of the inventory information and to solicit feedback on
additional information that would be desirable to include in the
final master plan report.The meeting was well attended by over
3S interested community members as well as representatives
from the Minute Man National Historical Park and the Cambridge
Water Department(CWD).Many practical questions and com-
ments were documented during the course of the meeting,
which were incorporated into the master planning process.
A second public meeting was held on February 28,2008 to
address the analysis phase of the project by drawing upon the
data collected during the inventory phase.Topics such as site
challenges and opportunities,trail types and potential locations
for improving existing trails and creating new trails were
discussed.The goal of the master plan to improve access to and
through the trail network and potential locations for universally
accessible trails was also discussed.In addition,the meeting
covered progress made in ongoing outreach efforts to stakehold-
ers including NSTAR,the City of Cambridge,and abutting
landowners.Again,public comments were incorporated into the
master planning process.
The third public meeting was held on May 13,20o8 to present the
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elements.Recommendations were provided for a hierarchy of
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iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
trails that would run through the West Lexington Greenway
Project area,with the main trail connecting the Minuteman .
Bikeway to the Battle Road Trail,with a series of smaller trails
feeding into this main trial.Suggested trail types,width,pave-
ment materials,boardwalks and bridges were presented.As with �+
other public meetings,public comment was encouraged,and
numerous citizens provided ideas and additional recommenda-
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tions that were taken into consideration when finalizing the plan s.
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for this report.
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4 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Site Orientation
The Greenway Project Area is an approximately five-mile long
area located in the western portion of the Town of Lexington(see
Figures la,lb and 1c).Boundaries of the Project Area are the
Burlington town line to the north,Interstate Route 9S/128 to the
east,the Cambridge Reservoir and Route 2 to the south,and the
Bedford and Lincoln town lines to the west.An NSTAR power line
easement runs the length of the Project Area.
The Project site consists of a linear series of open spaces aligned
in a north-south orientation along the NSTAR power line ease-
ments,as depicted in Figure 1c.Town of Lexington Conservation
Areas within the larger project area include:Cranberry Hill,
Katandin Woods,Tophet Swamp,Simonds Brook and the Paint
Mine Conservation Areas.The site is transected by a number of
major streets,including the following(from south to north):
► Lincoln Street(bisecting the Cambridge Water Department
f`•r. ,` Land)
$ ► Massachusetts Avenue,Old Massachusetts Avenue,Marrett
l Road and Airport Road(all located within the Minute Man
r National Historical Park)
► Wood Street,which connects to Hartwell Avenue
► Bedford Street,which intersects Rt.128 at interchange#31
► Grove Street
► Turning Mill Road
The most significant landmark within the Project Area is the
Minute Man National Historical Park(MMNHP).Other landmarks
within the Project Area include:Cambridge Reservoir,Minuteman
Regional High School,Minuteman Research Park,the Town of
Lexington Composting Facility,Minuteman Bikeway,Lexington
Industrial Park,Westview Cemetery,Boston Sports Club,and the
�7-�✓ Estabrook School.
The Master Plan seeks to strengthen trail connections both in a
north—south orientation,primarily within the NSTAR power line
easement,and in an east—west orientation.Existing trail net-
works and access points are presented in Figure la.
The central focus of the Greenway will be the connection
between the Minuteman Bikeway and the Battle Road.This
approximately 2-mile long multi-use trail will herein be referred to
as the"Minuteman Connector"which is proposed for the area
herein referred to as the"Central Section"This plan also aims to
improve connectivity and trail access in the other areas of the
Project Area,herein to bereferred to as the"Northern Section"and
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 5
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Site Inventory
the"Southern Section"The Northern Section extends from the Forth first phase of the planning process,VHB compiled an
Minuteman Bikeway north to the Burlington town Iine.The extensive inventory database forth e area,working with the Task
Southern Section extends from the Battle Road south to the Force.The inventory covered natural and cultural resources.The
Cambridge Reservoir/Lincoln Street. inventory was used to inform the site analysis and planning/
design recommendations.The following is a summary of findings.
Land Use and Zoning
Land Use in the Greenway Project Area and surrounding proper-
ties is presented in Figure 4.Land Use within the Project Area was
looked at to determine the potential users and potential conflicts
of land use with the Greenway plan.Land use information was
compiled using mapping information from the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs Geographic Information System(MassGIS),through a
review of current aerial photography,and field reconnaissance.
Residential uses are indicated in shades of beige,industrial and
commercial uses are indicated in red and purple,and the green
areas on the map represent the Open Spaces/Conservation lands,
which are discussed in the following section.
The entire eastern boundary of the Project Areas is bound by the
Interstate gS/Route 128.Immediately beyond the highway,
development is primarily residential,with the exception of the
Pine Meadows Golf Course and the Meagherville and Turning Mill
Pond Conservation Areas.
There is minimal development within the Southern Section of the
Project Area.The Minuteman Regional High School,the Cranberry
Hill business development and the Minuteman Research Park are
concentrated in an area located to the south of Marrett Road.
There is low density residential development along Lincoln Street.
The majority of the land in the Southern Section is part of the
Cambridge Water Department(CWD)land and the Cranberry Hill
Conservation Area.Land to the west of the Southern Section of
the Project Area is minimally developed with residential proper-
ties on large lots located almost entirely within the Town of
Lincoln.The CWD land extends to the west of the Project Area
into Lincoln.
Residential development within the Central Section of the Project
Area includes neighborhoods accessed from Wood Street lying
both to the east and west of the power line.Residential develop-
ment also occurs outside of the Central Section of the Project
Area adjacent to the west of the Katandin Woods area,namely
along Wood Street,Bates Road,Springdale Road,and Conestoga
6 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Road.Commercial/Industrial development is concentrated in the
'rl 11
hr Bedford Street and Hartwell Avenue areas.Commercial/Industrial
/ H
development continues into the properties west of the Central
Section of the Project Area and includes major developments
such as MIT's Lincoln Laboratories,Hanscom Air Force Base and
the Hanscom Civilian Airfield in Bedford.
The majority of the Northern Section of the Project Area is
developed with residential properties.According to the Zoning
Map,dated 1999,the residential areas are Zoned RO—One Family
r Residence.Typical lower density residential areas are located
along Turning Mill Road,Mountain Road and Demar Road.Higher
density development is located in the Bedford Street area.
Multi-family residences are located in the Drummer Boy Way,Fifer
Lane and Winter Street areas.Business and Industrial uses are
found along Bedford Street,including the Lexington Industrial
Park and the Boston Sports Club.The Estabrook School,a major
community resource,is to the north of and accessed from Grove
Street.A large undeveloped parcel owned by the Town of
Burlington and conventionally known as the"Burlintgon Land-
locked Forest",forms the northern border of the Northern section.
Open Space Preservation
(Conservation Lands)
There are five large tracts of open space/conservation lands
within the Project Area and owned by the Town of Lexington(see
Figure s):
Cranberry Hill is a 24.6 acre conservation property,the southern-
most conservation area before the Cambridge Water Department
land.It is located at the Lincoln town line.The power line
easement abuts the site to the east,Minuteman Regional High
School to the north,and CWD land to the south.Cranberry Hill
has a series of trails and is accessible via the power line easement
from Massachusetts Avenue(next to the NSTAR Substation),or
from the parking lot of the Cranberry Hill Office Park.The path in
Cranberry Hill connects to an old cart road which connects to Mill
Street in Lincoln.However,this road is part of the CWD land.
Katandin Woods Conservation Area is 37.S acres,located in the
Central Section of the Greenway Project Area,just east of the
intersection of Wood Street and Hartwell Avenue.A series of
connected trails traverse the area,with access points on Bates
Road,Springdale Road,Conestoga Road,Wood Street and a fire
access gate from the 110 Hartwell Avenue office driveway.
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Tophet Swamp Conservation Area is located north of Katandin ► The"Burlington Strip"a narrow,continuous strip of land
Woods,and is bisected by the Minuteman Bikeway.Most of the located in Lexington at the Burlington town line,behind the
Tophet Swamp Area consists of inaccessible wetlands.The area is residential properties on Turning Mill Road and Partridge
only accessible along the Minuteman Bikeway and a trail at the Road,and abutting the"Burlington Landlocked Forest"to the
eastern edge of the Conservation Area which is accessible from north.
the Bikeway,Katandin Woods and 110 Hartwell Avenue office
parking lot.The Lexington Compost Facility borders theTophet Other significant parcels of Open Space(open green spaces
Swamp Area. owned by theTown,but without conservation designation)
include the Westview Cemetery and land associated with the
Simonds Brook Conservation Area is a 78.4 acre property located Estabrook School.In addition,Marvin Park,a recreation area,is
between Bedford Street and Grove Street.The power line located to the west of the Project Area,between Winter Street
easement runs through the Simonds Brook Conservation Area, and the Bedford town line.A large portion of the Southern
with wooded land to the east and west of the easement.Trails Section of the project area contains open space owned by the
accessible from Grove Street provide access to the area. City of Cambridge Water Department to protect the City of
Cambridge's public water supply.
The Paint Mine Conservation Area consists of 3S•S acres of land
located between Turning Mill Road,Grove Street and Mountain Ownership
Road.The Estabrook School property abuts the Paint Mine Area to
the east,and the area is bisected by the power line easement.The
area gets its name from when ochre was mined from the area for The Greenway study area consists of a mosaic of publicly and
use in paint manufacturing in the 1911 century.Other features in privately owned lands,as shown on Figure S.There are also
significant public utility easements within the project area,
this area include woodlands typical of the northern New England,
Hennessey's Field,a late 19th century barn foundation,an historic namely the NS power line easement,depicted as black
apple orchard,and the Muskrat Ponds,a series of man-made dashed lines onn Figures.
s.
ponds.A series of connected trails,accessible from Turning Mill
Road,Grove Street and Robinson Road,provides access through- Parcels depicted in shades of green on Figure s indicate publicly
owned lands,which are primarily open spaces.The lightest green
out the Paint Mine Area.
shade indicates lands owned by theTown of Lincoln Conservation
In addition to these large parcels of Conservation Areas,there are Department.The medium-shade of green indicates lands owned
several smaller Conservation Areas that have been obtained by or by theTown of Lexington,namely the Westview Cemetery,
given to theTown of Lexington for conservation,depicted in light
Estabrook School,and the Compost Facility.The darkest shade of
green on Figures: green(in the southern portion of the Greenway Project Area)
indicates land owned by the City of Cambridge Water Depart-
► Parcels in the Fairview/Hayward Avenues residential area ment.Other publicly owned lands within the corridor include the
south of Wood Street federally-owned Minute Man National Historical Park,indicated in
► Parcel off of Holton Road north of Wood Street,which provides purple on Figure s.The Commonwealth of Massachusetts owns
access to the power line easement from Holton Road
two parcels of land in the southern half of the project area,
including the Minuteman Regional High School and a Massachu-
► Parcels in and immediately adjacent to the power line setts Department of Public Works facility adjacent to Route 128.
easement south of Katandin Woods in the vicinity of Spring- The"Burlington Landlocked Forest"is also publicly owned by the
dale and Conestoga Roads. Town of Burlington.
► A newly acquired parcel on Hartwell Avenue
Areas shown in beige on Figure s are privately owned.
► Parcels adjacent to the Route 128/Interstate 95 between Grove
Street and Bedford Street. The major utility easement running through the project area is
► Parcels abutting Marvin Park,one at the end of Marvin Street,
the NSTAR power line utility easement.Other significant ease-
and one at the Bedford Line.
ments include the Tennessee Gas Line which runs from Burlington
through the northern part of the Project Area.A number of
municipal sewer lines also traverse the project area.
8 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
License Agreements Major Routes/Street Crossings
License agreements are currently in place with two key land The site is transected by a number of major streets,including the
owners within the project area.There is a License Agreement following(from south to north):
dated February 27,1976 between Boston Edison Company(now
N ► Lincoln Street(bisecting the Cambridge Water Department
STAR,herein referred to as so)and the Town of Lexington,
regarding two parcels of land that NSTAR owns north of Wood Land)
Street.A copy of the License Agreement is included in Appendix ► Massachusetts Avenue,Old Massachusetts Avenue,Marrett
B.The license agreement restricts certain activities on these Road and Airport Road(all located within the Minute Man
parcels without first obtaining the consent of the Lexington National Historical Park)
Conservation Commission.In addition,the Agreement"permits
the Town and its inhabitants to enter upon said premises at their ► Wood Street,which connects to Hartwell Avenue
own sole risk and pass and re-pass on foot on and over the same ► Bedford Street,which intersects Rt.128 at interchange#31
for purposes of fishing,hiking,winter sports or nature study and
► Grove Street
also permits the Town through said Conservation Commission to
clear and mark trails for said purposes"The Agreement further ► Turning Mill Road
states that"the Town shall(a)afford[NSTAR]at all times reason-
able access to all its property,equipment and facilities upon the Images of these road crossings can be found on Figure id.
premises,(b)at[NSTARs]request promptly remove or permit Factors to consider in the design of these street crossings are
[NSTAR]to remove from said premises any object,material or sub- discussed in the Trail Roadway Crossings Section below.
stance,which in[NSTAR]'s opinion,is potentially harmful,
dangerous or otherwise detrimental to its operations or property public Transportation
upon the premises and its Right of Way"
Two modes of public transportation provide access to the Project
One of Special Conditions stated in the Site Development and Use Area.LEXPRESS Route#6,Lexington's neighborhood bus system,
Plan for Land at Marrett Road Near Minuteman School,dated April travels a circuitous route throughout the northern portion of the
9,1982,grants public access to the Cranberry Hill Conservation Project Area in the Grove Street and Turning Mill Road Area(See
Area from the One Cranberry Hill Business development.The Figure 3).The MBTA Bus Routes 62 and 76 travel throughout the
developer will"(c)Grant the use of parking spaces in the lower central portion of the Project Area,along Bedford Street,Marrett
(Westerly)parking area for town residents and shall construct a Road,Wood Street,and Hartwell Avenue(see Figure 3).Traveling
gate and/or path for access to the Cranberry Hill town conserva- east,the MBTA buses connect the Project Area to Lexington
tion land"Further,a License Agreement,dated August 17,1984, Center,and to the Alewife MBTA train station in Cambridge.
between the Trustees of Cranberry Hill Realty Trust and the Town Travelling west,the MBTA buses provide connections to Lincoln
of Lexington,grants permission for the Town and its inhabitants Labs,Hanscom Airfield and the VA Hospital in Bedford.
to enter the driveway and park in the westerly portion of the
parking for access to and egress from the Cranberry Hill Conser- Trails
vation Area.The Agreement further permits the Town to clear and
mark trails from the parking area to the Conservation Area.The
Agreement states that the license and permission"may be As described in the Open Space section above,there are a
exercised of trails located throughout the Greenway Project Area.
by the Town and its inhabitants only during hours of
daylight;provided,however,that no access to the Premises shall Additionally,a series of informal trails run through the NSTAR
be permitted between the hours of 7:3o A.M.and 5:30 P.M, power line easement.The Greenway corridor is currently
interconnected by a series of largely rough surfaced,unimproved
Monday through Friday."A copy of the License Agreement in
dirt recreational paths and maintenance access roads serving the
provided in Appendix B.
NSTAR power line as shown in Figure 3.Hiking and mountain
biking are the primary recreational uses for these unimproved
Circulation trails.The larger dirt roads and paths generally run in a north-
south orientation with many additional dirt paths laterally
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 9
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc. WO
connecting to adjacent Town conservation lands such as
Cranberry Hill,Katandin Woods,Simonds Brook and Paint Mine, w
and the Cambridge Water Department Land at the Greenway's
southern end.The widest dirt paths/maintenance roads are
typically found within the power line easement.Near the
Greenwa s southern end adjacent to the Cambridge Water
Y� 1 g
Department lands,the maintenance road is paved due to steep
grades and ongoing erosion problems.At the north end of the
. _
Greenway,dirt trails and maintenance road connect into the
extensive trail network located just over the town line in the
"Burlington Landlocked Forest" _
Two regional trails traverse the Greenway project area in an 4
east-west orientation:Minuteman Bikeway and the Battle Road '
Trail.The Minuteman Bikeway is characterized by a lo'wide
bituminous(asphalt)surface with a Y clear zone on either side
that is universally accessible and meets the Massachusetts
Highway Department's(MHD/MassHighway)"Shared Use
Recreational Trail"standards.The Bikeway runs from Bedford to
Cambridge,via Arlington and Lexington.At the trail terminus in
Bedford,there are connections to the Reformatory Trail to
Concord and the Narrow Gauge Trail to Billerica.At Alewife .,
Station,the Cambridge terminus of the MBTA Red Line,the 4 +>
Bikeway connects to the Linear Park Path/Somerville Community J
Path.The Minuteman Bikeway connects the Greenway project site
to Lexington Center. *'_ O' 4
Where the Greenway corridor intersects the Battle Road,the trail" -
consists of a lo'wide stabilized aggregate surface which appears
natural and historically appropriate to the MMNHP.The Battle
Road Trail surface is universally accessible.The Battle Road Trail is
a multi-use path located within the Minute Man National
Historical Park,which goes through Lexington,Lincoln and
Concord.The Battle Road has recently been named a National �a'
Scenic Byway,a program that is part of the U.S.Department of
Transportation,Federal Highway Administration.The program
�Rw' � 1 �'x F ��S �• � I �Y �
helps recognize,preserve and enhance selected roads through-
out the United States based on one or more archeological,
cultural,historic,natural,recreational and scenic qualities.
The Master Plan will provide recommendations for a hierarchy of
trail improvements from universally accessible paved and •� �CC
o�o,
permeable surface paths through improved natural surface
paths.The Plan will designate a"preferred alignment"for linking
the Minuteman Bikeway with the Battle Road and show"alterna-
tive alignments"for this important linkage.
I
10 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
The Plan will also recommend additional trail improvements and ► Fifer Lane(Drummer Boy Condominiums)
connections for other areas within the Greenway,as well
including resurfacing and erosion control. ► Grove Street(private residences)
► Estabrook School
Access Points
► Robinson Road
The Greenway site is accessed primarily on foot and by bike.The ► Mountain Road
site is accessed from a wide variety of locations including
residential neighborhoods,dead-end or cul-de-sac streets, ► Demar Road(private residences)
parking lots associated with schools and businesses,and from ► Turning Mill Road
trails connecting to the Minuteman Bikeway and Battle Road.
Access points are shown on Figures is and id.In a number of The Master Plan seeks to improve to the extent possible site
locations direct access exists to the power line maintenance road access,and in particular,the safety and feasibility of road
and to the primary trails running along the power line spine. crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
Many side trails accessed from neighboring uses connect to the
power line maintenance roads and to the primary trails along the Parking
spine.
Existing publicly accessible parking appears to be well used.
From south to north,key existing access points for pedestrians Existing publicly accessible parking for the Greenway includes the
and bicyclists into the Greenway include: parking area within the MMNHP(adjacent to Fiske Hill),the
► Minuteman Research Parking lot westerly parking lot of the One Cranberry Hill building,the
Estabrook School,and an informal pull-off under the power line
► Battle Road easement atTurning Mill Road.Parking at One Cranberry Hill is
► Wood Street at NSTAR power line easement only available during daylight hours and not during the time
period of 7:3o a.m.to S:30 p.m.Monday through Friday.Additional
► Katandin Drive(Katandin Condominiums) parking on the north edge of the Greenway can be found at
► 110 Hartwell Avenue Marvin Park located at the end of Marvin Street accessed from Sky
View Road.
► Minuteman Bikeway
► Boston Sports Club Unofficial parking on private land was also observed in a number
of locations including the Minuteman Research Park,llo Hartwell
► Hadley Road(no existing trail connection) Avenue office building,and the Boston Sports Club.In addition,
unofficial roadside parking was observed on Turning Mill Road at
�,.
the Paint Mine Conservation Area;and along Grove Street near
access points to Simonds Brook Conservation Area and near the
Bedford town line to access the Burlington trail network to the
north.Roadside parking was also observed at the Bates Road
cul-de-sac adjacent to Katandin Woods trail access and at the Mill
Street entrance to the Cambridge watershed landsjust over the
� town line in Lincoln.
Bridges/Wetiand Crossings
An important component of the existing trails primarily in the
Paint Mine area is the presence of numerous bridges,boardwalks
"..r ' and the like,which provide access across the many sensitive
wetlands and waterways found throughout the study area.These
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 11
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
water crossings also provide an important sense of place and ► Kiln Brook and associated Marshlands within the NSTAR power
serve as landmarks for users.However,many of these rustic,hand line easement
hewn connecting links have fallen into disrepair. ► Tophet Swamp(the largest wetland complex within the study
Shown on Figure 1 e,Bridges and boardwalks tend to be wooden area)
structures constructed by hand.Most are found within the ► Swamp and marshland associated with Simonds Brook
northern half of the study area,particularly within the Paint Mine including the man-made Muskrat Ponds area
area's Muskrat Ponds adjacent to Estabrook School,some of
which have become hazardous to visitors.Some crossings,such plant Communities
as the ones found at Salt Depot Brook within the Cambridge
Watershed lands,are simply stepping stones. Perhaps more than any other contributing factor,the vegetation
cover of the Greenway's open spaces forms the visual character.
In addition to simple bridges,a number of substantial reinforced Vegetation cover is indicated with key images in Figures 7a and
bridge structures providing water crossings for major roads also 7b.Wetland vegetation,including swamps and marshes,provides
exist within the corridor.The most notable bridge structures are one of the important vegetation cover types,such as the Salt
crossings over Kiln Brook including Hartwell Avenue bridge and Depot Brook swamp within the Cambridge Watershed lands.Of
Minuteman Bikeway bridge,both located near the Town Com- equal importance are the forested uplands of the various Town's
posting Facility off Hartwell Avenue,and Rt.128 crossing over Conservation Areas and the rare open old field habitat provided
unnamed brook adjacent to Katandin Woods.A culvert also within the maintained NSTAR power line easement.Edge zones,
bridges Simonds Brook at the dead-end of Hadley Road. where the forest meets open fields,provide particularly rich and
diverse mixes of vegetation of great value to wildlife.The upland
Natural Resource Inventory woods found in areas such as Cranberry Hill,Katandin Woods and
the Simonds Brook uplands are typically an Oak-Beech-Hickory-
Wetlands Maple system often mixed with evergreens such as White Pine.
The experience of traveling through the Greenway corridor is A wonderfully unique remnant of northern Hemlock forest,
greatly enriched by the presence of diverse wetland resource
typical of much colder regions of New England,is found in the
areas.These regulated areas provide important hydrologic and Paint Mine Conservation Area.Typical vegetation in this area
ecological functions such as water quality control,storm water includes healthy stands of Yellow Birch and moisture loving
management,and habitat for species like the River Otter.
evergreen Leucothoe.With Hemlocks increasingly lost to disease,
Wetlands also contribute greatly to overall open space aesthetics. very few healthy examples of such forests remain within the
region making the importance of preserving this area critical.
As federal,state and municipally-regulated areas,wetlands
Diverse wooded swampland covers the southern half of the Paint
provide both challenges to and opportunities for connectivity of
Mine Conservation Area,located to the west of the Estabrook
trails located within or near them.
School,and includes the unique and historic"Muskrat Ponds"
The corridor includes a diversity of wetland types including open area,a manmade series of hydrologically linked wooded depres-
marshes,densely forested swamps,and scrub-shrub transition sions.Some other noteworthy stands of plant communities
zones,as shown on Figure 6.National Heritage and Endangered observed during field reconnaissance and information from
Species Program(NHESP)Certified Vernal Pools,and potential public input include:
vernal pools-which are sensitive seasonally wet basins with high ► Pink Lady Slipper stand located near"Bloody Bluff"in the
wildlife habitat values-are found in a number of locations MMNHP
throughout the corridor.Significant wetland areas within the
► Gray birch stand in the Cranberry Hill Conservation Area
project area include:
► Swamp and marshland associated with Salt Depot Brook ► Skunk cabbage stands in the wetland behind Minuteman
within Cambridge Water Department lands Regional High School
► Vernal pools near Cranberry Hill ► Pine woods on the north slope of Katandin Woods
12 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
► Hennessy's Field(a maintained low grass meadow)located
A within the Paint Mine Conservation Area,immediately
northeast of Estabrook School
► Old Apple Orchard located immediately northeast of Hen-
nessy's Field
► Mosaic of wetland areas interspersed with mature stands of
pine forest in Tophet Swamp
Invasive Plant Species
Exotic invasive plant species,which usurp the ecological niches of
native plants and reduce native biodiversity,have a significant
presence within the Greenway corridor.Invasive plants are
opportunistic and typically aggressively colonize disturbed lands.
` Invasive plants are primarily found within and along the edges of
wetlands and within wetter sections of the power line easement,
particularly Buckthorn(Rhamnus spp.)and Purple Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria.).The Salt Depot Brook and Simonds Brook
swamplands are examples of systems that have been compro-
mised by Buckthorn,while large sections ofTophet Swamp and
marshland adjacent to the Boston Sports Club have evolved into
near monocultures of Purple Loosestrife.A significant stand of
Common Reed(Phrogmites australis)were also observed within
the power line easement immediately north of the 110 Hartwell
Avenue office building parking lot as well as north of the Boston
Sports Club.Other invasive species observed in scattered patches
throughout the corridor include:Honeysuckle(Lonicera spp.);
Oriental Bittersweet(Celastrus orbiculatus);Ragweed(Ambrosia
spp.);Multiflora Rose(Rosa multiflora);and,Reed Canarygrass
(Pholaris arundinacea).
Areas of Ecological Significance
N, t
AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
No areas of critical environmental concern(ACECs)have been
identified within the Greenway Project Area.
NHESP COMMUNITIES
No National Heritage and Endangered Species Program(NHESP)
Rare or Priority Habitats have been identified within the Green-
' x way Project Area.
The Cambridge Water Department land was identified as a
BioMap Supporting Landscape.This designation is used for
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iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
planning purposes to identify lands that should be protected According to the Lexington Reconnaissance Report:Freedom's
from future development. Way Landscape Inventory,Native American trails have been
identified within the Town of Lexington,but no evidence of a
As mentioned in the Wetlands section,the Greenway corridor settlement has been found.European settlers first settled in the
includes three NHESP Certified Vernal Pools and a number of mid-17"century.Lexington was mainly an agricultural town until
potential vernal pools which have been identified through aerial the mid-20"century.Given the history of the events associated
mapping but not certified.Vernal pools are sensitive seasonally with the Revolutionary War,and the time period that Lexington
wet basins with high wildlife habitat values;particularly for was settled,there are many significant historical and archaeologi-
certain amphibian species that live part of the year in upland cal features within the town.
woods but need seasonally wet pools to produce their young.
A number of different geological formations underlay the study
In the larger sense,the entire corridor consists of a diverse mosaic area including till or bedrock on some of the steeper hills,such as
of wetland and upland ecosystems,including the old field Cranberry Hill and alluvium,historic river deposits,with the
condition of the power line easement,in close proximity to each deeper wetland areas,particularly Tophet Swamp.Surficial
other.In the context of a densely developed suburban area,the geology is shown on Figure 8.Geology is closely associated with
size and ecological diversity of the corridor,and the wildlife it slopes and views.For the most part,geology will not affect
supports,should be considered ecologically significant. improved trail connections.
Wildlife inventory Trail Roadway Crossings
Habitat types within the Greenway corridor include upland Street crossings represent one of the biggest challenges of
woods,meadows/old fields,and wetland swamps and marshes as connectivity within the Greenway.Greenway users are particular-
shown on Figures 6 and 7.Observed wildlife in the area includes ly vulnerable at trail/roadway crossings.The overall guiding
Beaver,Eastern Coyote,White-tailed Deer,Red Squirrel,Gray design principle is that the trail/roadway intersection should be
Squirrel,Muskrat,Chipmunk,Wild Turkey,Red Tailed Hawks,Cana- designed to look and function like regular road intersection.
da Geese,Wood Ducks,Mallards,and a diverse range of Consideration should be given to providing signing,lighting,road
songbirds.Other wildlife likely to frequent the area based upon pavement markings and other design elements in a consistent
existing habitat types include:painted turtles,river otters,frogs in manner at tail/roadway crossings.
the Tophet Swamp Area,and toads in the upland forested areas.
Massachusetts Avenue and Marrett Road(Route 2A)within
Inventory of Significant Historical, MMNHP/Battle Road area carry significant volumes of fast-mov-
ing traffic.Wood Street similarly carries fast-moving traffic and
Geological and Archaeological has short sight distances.Bedford Street,particularly at the
Features Hartwell Avenue intersection,is an intersection that is very
difficult to cross and one of the major challenges to overall
Outside of the Minute Man National Historical Park,no sites listed connectivity.Further north,Grove Street,also has a heavy traffic
on the National or State Historical Register have been identified with less-than-ideal sight distances.At the north end of the
within the project area.However,in keeping with Lexington's Greenway,traffic along Turning Mill Road was observed to have
highly significant and unique historic character,the Greenway lighter volumes moving at slower speeds than most other streets
project area is also enriched by the presence of important further south.
place-making historic features.These features include Town
boundary markers,mile markers,historic markers,stone walls, The Greenway Master Plan seeks to improve to the extent
Paint Mine Rock,Muskrat Ponds,a stone farmhouse foundation possible site access and connectivity,and in particular,the
and a historic water pump on private land adjacent to Mountain conditions at roadway crossings by:
Rd.,Hennessy's Field,and adjacent old apple orchard,and io Designing with the full spectrum of trail users in mind
extensive stone foundations and cart road retaining walls.Images including fast and slow-moving bicyclists and pedestrians.
of these features can be found in Figure le.
14 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
► Providing a clear indication to those approaching from the In addition,other public utility easements,such as the sewer and
roadway and trail who has the right of way and what travel Tennessee gas line,within the project area require periodic
path they should follow. maintenance.However,there is less of an ongoing safety concern
► Layout the trail to cross perpendicular to the roadway and
with these type easements as there is with the NSTAR power line.
assist the trail user in looking in the direction of oncoming
In addition to the major public utilities,theTown's Compost
traffic.
Facility lies directly within the center of the corridor.Heavy
► Optimize sight triangles to provide adequate crossing sight machinery moves around and through the compost facility and
distance for pedestrians and bicyclists and stopping sight poses a safety concern for Greenway users who stray into the
distance on all approaches for all users. facility.At the present time,the facility limits are distinguishable
from surrounding area since there is a significant elevation
A majority of the existing trails within the conservation areas are change with steep side slopes along the facility limits.In addition,
maintained by the Conservation Stewards,a group of volunteers the trail alignment will aim to provide a wide clearance around
from the Town of Lexington.However,in general the existing this area to prevent potential conflicts and safety concerns.
trails are in need of rehabilitation due to erosion and the informal
nature of the trail design.Boardwalks in Paint Mine Conservation
Area/north of Estabrook School are in poor condition.Most of the
existing wooden bridges are located between Bedford St.and
Turning Mill Rd.and these tend to be passable but are in need or
rehabilitation in the near future.
Manmade Structures
The most notable structure within the Greenway corridor is the
NSTAR power line and its series of support towers.Equipment
associated with the power line is also buried in underground
structures.In a number of locations cell phone towers are also
integrated into the power line structures.Other structures are
described specifically or as land uses in other sections of this
Master Plan.
In addition to the primary recreational pedestrian and bike use,
and associated educational uses for nature or history studies,the
other primary human use of the Greenway corridor is by NSTAR
for maintaining power lines.Maintenance of power line hardware
and equipment occurs on a fairly regular basis,with inspections
conducted on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.Vegetation
management within the power line easement and NSTAR lands
surrounding the power line itself occurs on a three to five year
cycle.NSTAR maintains a 30"'border zone"extending outward
from the outer edge of its power lines allowing for 12'maximum
height vegetation.Directly under the power line structures NSTAR
maintains a"wire zone"that allows for low meadow conditions.In
addition to the NSTAR maintenance conflicts with Greenway use,
there is also a safety concern with the overhead power lines and
associated electromagnetic fields(EMF)and how they could
potentially impact users over a prolonged period of use.
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 15
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Site Analysis
Opportunities the Town for trail installation and access are in place for key
parcels,additional encroachment resolutions regarding
Viewshed Analysis maintenance,use,etc.,are desirable
A goal of the Greenway Plan Master Plan is to preserve significant In addition to the power line,other public utility easements
viewsheds and maximize the enjoyment of the view by the
provide important corridors for trail alignments.Most notable
Greenway users. Surficial geology sets the stage for the lay of the among these are Town sewer lines that double as important trail
alignments,particularly along Tophet Swamp's eastern border
land and the topography,enriching the user's experience by with Route 128,and along the Muskrat Ponds downslope of
providing rock outcrops,escarpments,and opportunities for
views.The hilly terrain and open field character of the power line Estabrook School within the Paint Mine Conservation Area.
easement create longer range views.Several viewsheds that are
Another one of the goals of the Greenway project is to enhance
of particular scenic or historic value were identified within the
access to the natural and cultural resources by the public.
Project Area,and are presented in Figures 9a-9c.
Therefore,in addition to the location of open space and historical
resources,proximity and accessibility for residents as well as
Adjacent Land Use/Connectivity employees of area businesses was evaluated.Three areas of major
commercial development are located in or adjacent to the
The Master Planning process seeks to improve trail access and Greenway corridor:Minuteman Research Park,businesses along
connections primarily on public(Town-owned)lands and utility Hartwell Avenue,and the Lexington Industrial Park.By improving
easements but will also consider opportunities for cooperation and expanding the existing trail networks and providing more
with adjacent public and private landowners to enhance overall access points,the Greenway will be more accessible to a larger
connectivity.Two formerly privately owned parcels that connect number of residents and employees within the project area.
the Greenway to Hartwell Ave were recently acquired by the
Town.One of the parcels is shown as Lot 2 on Assessors Map 80 The Greenway can also be used as an educational tool.The
and formerly owned by Pacific Partners Realty Trust was donated Minuteman Regional High School and the Estabrook School,both
and accepted by the Town in Spring 2011.The second parcel is located within the Greenway corridor,currently use the open
shown as Lot 8 on Assessors Map 73 and formerly owned by the space and associated natural resources within the Project Area for
Goodwin Family was purchased by the Town for conservation educational purposes.By enhancing connectivity and providing
purposes in 2009 through the use of Community Preservation Act enhanced interpretive tools,the Greenway corridor will be a
funds. valuable educational resource for these two schools.
Other adjacent parcels desired for easement and/or encroach- In addition to connections within the Greenway corridor,the
ment resolution: Master Plan aims to connect to key open space connections
► Cambridge Water Department—for access to any parcels outside of the project area.Key connections include:
south of Cranberry Hill ► Connections to conservation lands east of Route 128,including
► Minuteman Regional High School,Marrett Road Meagherville and Turning Mill Pond.
► National Park Service—for any work within the boundaries of ► Connections to recreation facilities,including the Pine
the MMNHP Meadows Golf Course and the Lexington Golf Club
► 114 Wood Street-Town Assessors Map S9 Lot 175,Angelo ► Connections to other historical resources within Lexington,
Tortola,owner including the Lexington Battle Green Historic District
► 110 Hartwell Avenue-Town Assessors Map 73 Lot 11,Glenbor- ► Connections to Frost Conservation Area in Bedford(up
ough Hartwood LLC,owner) Bedford Street).
► Boston Sports Club,47S Bedford Street,Town Assessors Map ► Connections into the Town of Bedford via Marvin Park.
84 Lot 8SA ► Connection to the Burlington Landlocked Forest to the north.
► NSTAR—Although license agreements between NSTAR and
16 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
► Connection to the Hartwell Town Forest in Bedford(via
Minuteman Bikeway).
► Connection with the Cambridge Water Department landlg-
r
within Lincoln,and further connecting to Town of Lincoln
Conservation Areas such as Ricci Field and Flint Conservation
Area.,.
► Connection with Hayden Wood Conservation Area via Shade
Street and the Shire(formerly Patriot Partners)easement to
and continuing to the Western Greenway traversing the state
Department of Conservation and Recreation(DCR)properties
known as Lot 1 and Beaver Brook North Reservation.
Given the current zoning for the Project Area,any additional
development within the Project Area would be residential
However,the Town of Lexington continues to purchase several
critical and highly desirable parcels of land for conservation
purposes.
Historical and Cultural Opportunities
In the context of historic Lexington,there are several key areas of
cultural and historical significance within the Greenway project
area.Most notable is the land within the MMNHP.However,there
are many features outside the boundaries of the MMNHP and
within the Greenway corridor,such as stone walls,foundations,
carriage roads,and mile markers.These are features that should
be preserved and interpreted to help Greenway users better
understand the settlement of the town and historic agricultural
use of the project area.The Greenway Master Plan will highlight
to the extent possible the historical features found within the
P
corridor with the intent to preserve and interpret these features
for the users.
Constraints
Constraints considered were the slopes,wetlands and vernal "
pools,geology,ownership,and dangerous road crossings.The s
analysis diagrams are presented in Figures to and 11.
Slopes
Another one of the goals of the Greenway project is to provide `=
universal accessibility on the Minuteman Connector,and where
possible in other areas of the Greenway.Americans with Disabili-
ties Act(ADA)guidelines state that slopes must be less than 8.3% a ,
and anything greater than S%requires handrails.Therefore,where
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 17
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
possible,the goal is to avoid slopes with grades over S%for the Road Crossings
purposes of ease of construction and meeting ADA guidelines.In
addition,the cutoff for slopes in those areas where universal Road crossings can present one of the major challenges for
accessibility is not possible,the guideline of lo%slope maximum connectivity within the project area.Due to the large volume of
for trails was used based on the International Mountain Bicycling traffic associated with the businesses on Hartwell Avenue,travel
Association(IMBA)guidelines for environmentally sustainable speeds,and the off ramps from Route 128,the crossing at Bedford
trails. Street creates the greatest challenge.Crossings at Massachusetts
Avenue and Marrett Road,Wood Street and Grove Street also
The slope analysis is presented in Figure ga,indicating desirable present a challenge.However,conditions at these roads present
areas(slopes less than S%)in green,areas with slopes between S less of a challenge for a solution.Some right-of-way easements
and lo%in yellow,and areas with slopes greater than lo%are for vegetation clearing to provide adequate stopping and
indicated in red(due to the level of available data for this crossing sight distances will be required.
planning study,it was not possible to accurately indicate slopes
between S%and 8.3%).The trail alignment will avoid the slopes Areas of exposed Bedrock
greater than lo%to the extent possible.
Geology can create challenges for trail creation or improvement.
Wetlands and Vernal Pools Exposed bedrock is an indicator of the depth at which bedrock is
located beneath the ground surface.Location of an improved
Wetlands are important natural resources for water quality and surface trail where bedrock is shallow or at ground surface is not
flood control as well as for the ecological functions they provide as desirable as where bedrock lies deeper because the construc-
including wildlife habitat.Significant areas of wetlands are tion of the trail will likely require blasting of bedrock in shallow
located throughout the project area.Where wetlands are bedrock areas.
unavoidable,bridge and boardwalk crossings will be used.By
mapping the wetland locations,the preferred route will attempt
to reduce the number and length of wetland crossings.As
discussed previously,many of the Greenway's wetland habitats
have been compromised by previous human disturbance,
especially by power line maintenance activities,and by subse-
quent colonization and expansion of invasive plant species.
Where trails must traverse wetlands,the goal will be to choose
the route with the least adverse impact,potentially favoring
routes through already degraded wetlands as opposed to
through higher quality,less disturbed wetland areas.New
potential disturbance and alteration to wetlands caused by trail
improvements will be mitigated through enhancement with
native wetland plant communities to the greatest extent possible.
Many bridges and boardwalk crossings providing critical trail
linkages within the corridor occur through wetland areas.
Pursuant to wetland protection regulations,enhancing existing
crossings and adding new crossings in wetland areas may require
additional levels of review and permitting cannot be guaranteed.
However,selectively improving access to,through or along
wetlands is an important goal toward improving overall trail
connectivity.The Master Plan seeks to identify key existing water
crossings in need of repair and potentially new crossings to
facilitate and enhance trail connectivity,noting that trail within or
near regulated wetland resource areas may require an additional
level of review,a possible challenge to improving these crossings.
18 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
User Analysis
With the exception of the existing developed trails within Minute
Man National Historical Parkand the Minuteman Bikeway,other
recreational circulation through the Greenway corridor may be
best defined by the two primary user groups:hikers/pedestrians
and mountain bikers.Both groups are understood to use most of
the existing system at one time or another,but preferences differ
between the two groups.Hikers/pedestrians tend to most
frequently circulate in shorter loops afforded by trail networks
within the Town conservation lands such as Cranberry Hill,
Katandin Woods,Simonds Brook,Paint Mine and Hennessy's Field.
These shorter loops provide easy access to these natural areas
without requiring large amounts of time and effort.By contrast,
mountain bikers have the ability to cover more ground more
quickly and tend to seek longer loops or circulation along the
corridor's spine,the power line,from end to end and beyond.
Along with pedestrians and commuter bicyclists,mountain bikers
also frequent the Minuteman Bikeway.Because the Battle Road is
primarily an educational trail,it is not suitable for high speed
bicycling.Bicycles share the Battle Road with pedestrians,
wheelchairs,and children in strollers.At boardwalks,and other
tight crossings,bicycle users are required to dismount and walk
their bicycles,although a lack of enforcement has been observed
with bicycling across boardwalks occurring.
Interstate 9S/Route 128 acts as a barrier that separates the
Greenway corridor from the rest of Lexington.Crossings of the
highway occur at Turning Mill Road,Bedford Street,Minuteman
Bikeway,Massachusetts Avenue/Battle Road,Marrett Road,and
Lincoln Street.The safest crossings for pedestrians and cyclists are
the Minuteman Bikeway,Massachusetts Avenue/Battle Road and
Lincoln Street.
Existing publicly accessible parking should be preserved and
opportunities for providing additional limited parking areas in
other locations were investigated.
The existing network of public transportation increases the
accessibility of the Greenway to Lexington residents located
outside of the project area,as well as to surrounding communi-
ties,public services,and large businesses.
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 19
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Landscape and Maintenance Analysis
The most important landscape maintenance issues observed in
the Greenway corridor related to recreational use and enjoyment
include:
► Trail/access road surface erosion and compaction,including
areas immediately adjacent to trails/access roads
► Boardwalk/bridge deterioration
► Native plant community degradation/invasive species
colonization
In many locations throughout the Greenway corridor,existing dirt "
trails and maintenance access roads exhibit moderate to severe
erosion and/or compaction,including washouts and gulley
formation in some of the steeper areas.Trail and road edges have
lost definition and become blurred with surrounding landscape. 4
In most affected sections,such as the southern area bordering
and within CWD lands,soil deterioration has extended beyond
the trail/road and negatively impacted vegetation cover.Similarly, "'
in certain locations where access roads cross wetter areas,such as
adjacent to Katandin Woods and north of Boston Sports Club,
tracks from heavy equipment have left deep,permanent ruts in
fragile soils.
Similarly,over time most of the Greenway corridor's many simple
hand-crafted,wooden boardwalks,bridges and plank crossings
have begun to wear and created unsafe conditions in many cases.
Many of these water/wetland crossings will require significant
repair or replacement in the near future to maintain safe passage
through environmentally sensitive areas.
In many areas,the native plant communities which provide much
of the Greenway's aesthetic appeal have deteriorated as the result
of disturbance.Disturbed areas have become overrun with
invasive plant species,most notably in and around wetland areas
including wetlands within the power line easement.NSTAR has
been,and will likely remain,a key player in terms of maintaining
the open,old field character of the power line.In adjacent Town
conservation areas,Lexington's volunteer conservation stewards
provide much of the maintenance,including vegetation removal
and bridge and boardwalk construction.The Master Plan seeks to
provide coordination guidelines between Lexington and NSTAR
to most effectively maintain vegetation within the Greenway
corridor.
20 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Recommendations
Trail Alignment west side of Hartwell Avenue from the Minuteman Bikeway to
Wood Street.The Wood Street connection would include bicycle
The preferred and alternative trail alignments discussed below accommodation the entire length of the street.
are depicted in Figure12.
Southern Section
Minuteman Connector/Central Section
The Greenway continues south from the Connector Trail beyond
The Minuteman Connector is the main trail of the West Lexington Marrett Road.The southern section of the trail follows the power
Greenway Master Plan.This trail will connect the Battle Road in line easement to the Cranberry Hill Conservation Area.Improved
the MMNHP to the Minuteman Bikeway.Starting at the Minute- ancillary trails provide access to Cranberry Hill,with a proposed
man Bikeway,the proposed Minuteman Connector will turn access point at the Minuteman Regional High School.The main
south off of the Minuteman Bikeway on the western side of the southern section of trail follows an existing trail into the CWD
Route 128/Insterstate gS Bridge.This portion of the trail brings the land,crossing over the power line easement and going southeast
user along the edge ofTophet Swamp into the Katandin Woods over crossing at Salt Depot Brook and on to a high point with an
Conservation Area.While the trail abuts Route 128,there will be a overlook of the Hobbs Brook Reservoir to the south.A proposed
vegetated buffer between the trail and the highway to maintain connection to Lincoln Street will end the southern section of the
the natural experience,while at the same time maintaining an West Lexington Greenway trail.However,at this point,a connec-
alignment that avoids the wetter areas ofTophet Swamp, tion can be made to Hayden Woods Conservation Area and the
reducing the impacts to the wetland areas.Adjacent to Katandin Western Greenway by navigating a short stretch of Lincoln Street
Woods and 110 Hartwell Avenue,the trail heads west towards the and Shade Street to the proposed trail easement corssing the
power line Easement along an existing town sewer line easement Shire parcel(formerly Patriot Partners).In addition,other potential
running on a constructed berm,again avoiding the wet areas, connections at this end of the trail would be through the old cart
and reducing impacts to the wetland areas.The trail continues path to Mill Road in Lincoln,and to any trails within the CWD
south within the power line Easement along the east edge of the lands.These connections require further collaboration with the
Katandin Woods Area.Ancillary trails in this area provide access to Town of Lincoln and the CWD.
Bates Road,Katandin Woods Condominiums,Springdale Road
and Conestoga Road.A potential side trail to 110 Hartwell Avenue Northern Section
may also be possible.In addition,there is potential to create a
universally accessible trail loop connecting the access points at The northern section of the trail connects the Minuteman
Bates Road and the Katandin Woods Condominiums with the Bikeway to the Burlington Strip via the Simonds Brook and Paint
main trail. Pine Conservation Areas.From the Connector trail,users travel
west along the Minuteman Bikeway,and access the Northern
The main trail would continue south through the power line Section Trail via Hartwell Avenue.This connection along Hartwell
easement connecting across Wood Street through the power line Avenue would be consistent with the Planning Board
easement and through privately owned property to eventually Transportation Plan for Hartwell Avenue.The Planning Board
connect with the Battle Road at Old Massachusetts Avenue where recommendations call for a multiuse path on the west side of
parking is available within the MMNHP.TheTown hopes to Hartwell Avenue to accommodate the West Lexington Greenway
successfully negotiate an agreement with private property from the Minuteman Bikeway to Bedford Street.In addition,
owner(s)for this connection south of Wood Street to MMNHP.If Hartwell Avenue would be improved to include bicycle lanes on
an agreement cannot be reached,an on-road connection via both sides of the roadway and a sidewalk on the east side.A
Wood Street will be necessary. raised center median would be added with a limited number of
breaks to permit turns.At the improved Bedford Street crossing,
An ancillary loop trail is proposed to outlook over the views of the the trail goes north along Drummer Boy Way,then east along the
wetlands on the Hartwell Ave Conservation land. northern border of Boston Sports Club property to the power line
easement.The main trail travels north within the easement to the
An alternate route would be an on-road route along Hartwell Ave- Burlington Strip,and ultimately to the Burlington Landlocked
nue and Wood Street.The Hartwell connection would include Forest.Collaboration with the Town of Burlington is
bicycle lanes on both sides of the street and a sidewalk along the
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 21
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
recommended to continue the trail network into the Burlington for potential parking lot use.Also,roadside pull offs along Lincoln
landlocked Forest over the Burlington town line. Street are recommended for access to the Southern Section.
Examples of low-impact parking can be found in CWD land within
Improved ancillary trails provide access to the Estabrook School the Town of Lincoln.
with a universally accessible loop around Hennessey's Field
proposed.With improved access to this area,it is recommended
that the old apple orchard be restored.Additional Ancillary trails Design Guidelines- Trail Types
cover the Paint Mine and Simonds Brook Areas,and connect
residences along Fifer Lane,Drummer Boy Way and Winter Street. A variety of trail types are being recommended for the West
In addition,the ancillary trails in this area can connect Marvin Lexington Greenway system to serve the various recreational
Park,a recreation area at the Bedford town border.Collaboration needs of the community and in order for the trail to fit within the
with the town of Bedford is recommended to consider the context of the environmental characteristics of the landscape
connections through Marvin Park to conservation areas within abutting the trail alignment.The trails,as described below,range
the town of Bedford. from highly developed twelve-foot wide paved trails for the high
use linkages to natural surface recreational trails for lesser-used
feeder trails or environmentally sensitive areas.The various trail
Street Crossings types are as follows:(see figure 13)
At Wood Street,a user-activated signalized crossing could be ► Massachusetts Highway Department of Transportation(DOT)
appropriate for this area to assist trial users in crossing the busy Standard Shared-Use Trail
road.However,a user study would need to be completed to
determine if there will be enough trail use to generate the
numbers necessary to warrant a pedestrian signal as per Mass-
DOT standards.In any case,the trail crossing should be
positioned to provide the maximum site lines between vehicles
and trail users,and warning signs for both vehicles and trail users •- ' _
should be installed.
r
Bedford Street presents the biggest challenge for roadway �.
�f
crossings.Due to existing grades and wetlands adjacent to the y -VW
roadway,a pedestrian bridge would not be feasible.An enhanced
signalized crossing of Bedford Street would be a feasible option.
BUTTON At Grove Street,the least busy of the main streets crossing the FOR
Greenway,improved crosswalk markings and pedestrian crossing _ •i,�a
signage would be appropriate.
Parking
PUSM
In addition to the existing parking areas found within the TTON
Greenway corridor,there is the potential to partner with adjacent WAIT
private and public land owners to provide additional parking ."WALK
opportunities.Discussions with the Minuteman Regional High - -
School are recommended regarding a potential future agreement
to use the existing parking lot for Greenway users during times
that the gates are not locked.In addition,the Boston Sports Club
property in the Northern Section provides access to the ease-
ment,and discussions are recommended to reach an agreement
22 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
• 12'wide paved path(asphalt or stabilized aggregate)with
shoulders and ADA accessible grades
• This type of trail would be located on the steeper sections of
the major Minuteman Connector trail between the Minute-
man Bikeway and Wood Street.
• MassDOT funding requires that this trail meet their design
standards.
• A paved surface is recommended to minimize erosion in
these steeper sections of the trail.
► Accessible Paved Shared-Use Trail
• g'—16wide paved path with ADA accessible grades
• This trail type would be used where feasible along the more
environmentally sensitive sections of the Minuteman Connec-
tor and feeder trials.
• This trail type may be funded through MassDOT with a design
exception that would allow a narrow paved trail due to envi-
ronmental constraints.
► Stabilized Aggregate Trail
• g'—16wide non-paved path shared-use path with ADA acces-
sible grades
or
• 4'—6'wide non-paved path accessible walking/hiking trail
• This walking surface provides a more natural look,and there
are various additives that are incorporated into the soil to
stabilize the soil surface
• Some of these additives are environmentally friendly while
still providing a firm walking surface.
• This type of surface would be used on the flatter sections of
the main trial as well as feeder trails.
In many cases,this is an acceptable ADA surface treatment.
► Non-accessible Natural Surface Recreational Trail
4'—6'wide non-paved natural surface walking/hiking trail
► Accessible Boardwalk
• 6'wide minimum,wood deck and rails
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 23
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Potential Funding Sources
The following are some of the funding sources that the Town Transportation Enhancement Funds
could use for leveraging local funds and implementing the SAFETEA-LU (TE)
pedestrian and bike trail.
From Federal Highway Administration(FHWA).
Through Transportation Enhancement(TE),federal matching
funds are available through Massachusetts Highway Department
(MHD)to pay for items not covered by Transportation Improve-
ment Program(TIP)funding,as part of the SAFETEA-LU program.
Some potential qualifying TE activities applicable to the trail
include:
► Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.
► Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians
and bicyclists.
► Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites.
► Landscaping and other scenic beautification.
► Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation
buildings,structures,or facilities(including historic
railroad facilities)
► Inventory,control,and removal of outdoor advertising.
► Environmental mitigation
The funds can also be used for amenities such as lights,benches,
bollards,bike racks,etc. More information is available at:
http://l.usa.gov/mwSaaF
Scenic Byway Funding
From the FHWA.
As part of the SAFETEA-LU program the National Scenic Byways
Discretionary Grants program provides merit-based funding for
byway-related projects each year.In order for a project to be
eligible for this funding it should meet one or more of the
following criteria:
► Development and implementation of a corridor management
plan to maintain the scenic,historical,recreational,cultural,
natural and archaeological characteristics of a byway corridor
while providing for accommodation of increased tourism and
development of related amenities,23 USC 162(c)2.
► Safety improvements to a State scenic byway,Indian tribe
scenic byway,National Scenic Byway,or All-American Road to
the extent that the improvements are necessary to accommo-
24 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
date increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles Massachusetts Local Acquisitions for
using the highway as a result of the designation as a State Natural Diversity(LAND)Program
scenic byway,Indian tribe scenic byway,National Scenic
Byway,or All American Road,23 USC 162(c)3. From the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs/Department
of Conservation Services(EOEA/DCS)
► Construction along a scenic byway of a facility for pedestrians
and bicyclists,rest area,turnout,highway shoulder improve- LAND pays for the acquisition of land,or a partial interest(such as
ment,overlook,or interpretive facility,23 USC 162(c)4. a conservation restriction),and associated acquisition costs such
► An improvement to a scenic byway that will enhance access to
as appraisal reports and closing costs. Funds are also available for
an area for the purpose of recreation,including water related conservation purposes and to plan or design suitable public
recreation,23 USC 162(c)5. outdoor facilities. Municipalities that have an authorized
Conservation Commission are eligible to participate in the
► Protection of scenic,historical,recreational,cultural,natural, program.
and archeological resources in an area adjacent to a scenic
byway,23 USC 162(c)6. More information and applications available at:
► Development and provision of tourist information to the http://l.usa.gov/kmRUS2
public,including interpretive information about a scenic
byway,23 USC 162(c)7. Department of Conservation and Recreation(DCR)
► Development and implementation of scenic byway market- DCR provides"Open Space Improvement Grants"for acquisition
ing program,23 USC 162(c)8. and physical improvements.See list of DCR grants below.
► All projects must be within two miles of a designated scenic Greenways and Trails Demonstration Grants Program:
and recreational highway or byway.
A portion of the Greenway closest to Battle Road may be eligible Greenways are corridors of land and water that protect and link a
for Scenic Byway Funding. variety of natural,cultural,and recreational resources.The DCR
provides grant awards to municipalities,non-profits and regional
More information available at: planning agencies to support innovative projects which advance
http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants/ the creation and promotion of greenway and trail networks
throughout Massachusetts.
State Funding Opportunities
Recreational Trails Grants(RTG):
Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and
The Recreational Trails Program provides funding support for a
Renovations for Communities(PARC)Program variety of trail protection,construction and stewardship projects
From the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs/Department throughout Massachusetts.This national program makes funds
of Conservation Services(EOEA/DCS). available to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and
trail-related facilities for non-motorized and motorized recre-
PARC provides grants for projects developed for suitable outdoor ational trail uses.The Program is authorized and funded through
recreation purposes,active or passive.Grants cover the acquisi- the federal"Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century"
tion of land for park and recreation purposes and for known as TEA-21.It is administered on a reimbursement basis by
construction,restoration,or rehabilitation of land for park and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
outdoor recreation purposes.An approved Open Space and (formerly DEM),in partnership with the Massachusetts Recre-
Recreation Plan is required. ational Trails Advisory Board and the Massachusetts Highway
Department.Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations,
More information and applications available at: government agencies,and municipalities.
http://l.usa.gov/mRMjl
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 25
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Town Funding Opportunities For more information on The Trustees of Reservation Conserva-
tion Buyers Program go to:http://www.thetrustees.org/
Bonds—The Town could decide to take out a bond for some of
the improvements,although this option should only be consid- Additional Funding Opportunities
ered after other funding sources are exhausted.
► Establish an enterprise fund for future maintenance of the trail
Private Funding Opportunities ► Work with the Parks,Open Space,and Natural Resource
Program for potential funding opportunities
Mitigation Funds ► Associate advertising with adopting a space or section of trail
Funding or in-kind services donated from developers who are ► Allow businesses to advertise in kiosks
constructing improvements on or near the trail. ► Children's events to draw in users and help raise money
► Involve the Boy/Girl Scouts to assist with trail maintenance
Private Foundations/Donors
► Invite politicians and investors to tour the trail to build
Funding from these types of donors is more readily available in support
more urban/highly developed areas,but may be available for
some items such as benches,bike racks,kiosks,interpretive
signage,tree plantings,etc. One way to minimize maintenance
costs for landscaped areas would be to have them be taken care
of by a local landscaper in exchange for a small sign advertising
their business.
Local Utilities
iscussions should be conducted with the departments/compa-
nies responsible for these utilities to see if some of the funding
might come from,or through them for items such as lights and
electrical service.
Non Governmental Organization Protection(NGO
Protection)
One example of this type of program is TheTrustees of Reserva-
tions who offer a Conservation Buyer Program. This program has
been used for many years by conservation organizations across
the country as a way to protect properties in private ownership.
By informing conservation-minded buyers("conservation
buyers")about available properties with scenic,historic,agricul-
tural,or ecological values,organizations IikeTheTrustees of
Reservations can help conservation buyers acquire such proper-
ties and,at the same time,ensure their long-term protection.The
Trustees may also assist landowners to protect their land for
conservation in perpetuity.
26 West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Panasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
List of Figures
Figure 1A—Regional Connections
Figure 1 B—Town Overview
Figure 1C—Site Orientation
Figure 1 D—Photographic Inventory—Access,Road Crossings and Parking
Figure 1 E-Photographic Inventory—Bridges&Water Crossings,and Historic Features
Figure 2—"String of Pearls"
Figure 3—Open Space and Connections
Figure 4—Land Use
Figure 5—Ownership and Utility Easements
Figure 6—Wetlands
Figure 7A and 713—Vegetation
Figure 8—Surficial Geology
Figure 9A—Slope Analysis and Typical Views
Figure 913—Typical Views—Southern Section
Figure 9C—Typical Views—Northern Section
Figure 10—Opportunities and Constraints
Figure 11 —Analysis:Challenges
Figure 12A—Alternative Trail Alignments
Figure 12B—Alternative Trail Surface Materials
Figure 13—Design Guidelines
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan 27
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Appendix A
Public Meeting Minutes
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
Transportation
Land Development
Environmental
S e r v i c e s
Vcanusse Hcanvin Brustlin, Inc.
West Le)dngton Greenway
PublicMeeting-Meeting Minutes
D ate: Jan u ary 16,2008,7-9p m
Location:Cary Library, 1625 M assach u setts A ven u e,Lexngton,MA
Attendees:
West Lexington Greenway Task Force Members
Adam Bossi, Town of Lexington Conservation
Stew Kennedy, Conservation Commission
Keith Ohmart,WLG Task Force
Karen Simmons, Town of Lexington Director of Recreation
M ike Tabaczynski,WLG Task Force, I MBA, Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Duke Bitsko,WLG Task Force
VHB
Tom Benjamin,VH B
Jef Fasser,V H B
Beth Fenstermacher,V H B
Lexington Residents and Other Interest Parties
• 6:30-7pm Gallery Session
• 7pm-7:05- Introduction to the meeting and Task Force members by Karen Simmons
• 7:05-7:10pm - Introduction to the project by Keith Oh mart
o Definition of Greenway
o Definition of Master Plan
o Project Goals
• 7:10-7:15pm - Presentation by Jef Fasser
o VH B's role in the project
o Importance of input from the public
o Site Context
• 7:15-7:55pm - Presentation by Tom Benjamin
o String of Pearls concept
o Site Orientation
o Site Inventory—presented through maps and photographs
■ Open Space
■ Land Ownership and Utility Easements
■ Areas of Ecological Significance/Wetlands
■ Vegetation/Visual Character
■ Surficial Geology
■ Slope Analysis& Views
■ Land Use
Date: 01/ 16/08 2
.bb No.: 10335.00
• 7:55-8pm—Prelim inary Ste Anal ysis—JefFasser
o Opportunities and Constraints presented as preliminary analysis only, further analysis
included in the next step.
• 8-8:45pm—Public Comments(Question and Answers)
o (From Resident near Bloody Bluff)—how will features that only appear during spring be
inventoried, and how will residents provide information to Task Force/ Consultant about
existing features they would liketo see preserved/ avoided, etc. (specifically she
mentioned a patch of lady slippers in an area near the Bloody Bluff-she'd liketo make
the consultants aware of their existence)
■ An inventory will be conducted in the Spring
■ Multiple public meetings will beheld to get input such as this from residents, in
addition, Recreation and Conservation Department contact information was
provided for residents to provide them with information
o What is the schedule for the analysis, how will changes between spring and fall be
inventoried (specifically water flow and pooling in spring on certain trails). Concern
over erosion control was expressed.Will trails that are only passable at certain times of
the year be considered?
■ VHB is involved with project until August, although Master Plan will be
submitted in June. Inventory over the summer months will be considered and
additional recommendations or changes to recommendations will be made post-
submittal.
o Will VHB recommend which private land should betargeted for acquisition?
■ This will be considered during the analysis and recommendation process. In
addition,VHB is concurrently working on and Open Space Plan, and will share
information with that team.
o Recommendation that there should be assessment and recommendation for maintenance
and erosion control.
■ Maintenance Plan will be part of submittal
o What is the legal ramifications of using trails within the powerline easement?
■ Agreements are already in place for those trails on Town-owned land. There is a
potential for more agreements as the trail development continues.
o Concern that N Star w ill take advantage of the situation and charge large fees for using
land in easement (cited case in downtown parking area where NStar has charged town
huge fees to use as public parking).
■ If this is the case, recommendation will beto look at other routes bypassing
N Star owned property
o Concern that NStar equipment will demolish any improvements during their periodic
maintenance.
■ This will betaken into consideration when agreements are made. Also,will look
to make improvements only in places that can be preserved and not impacted by
NStar activities.
o What types of materials are being considered for the trails?Is this decision being made
before or after alignment recommendations are made?
■ Alignment and materials w ill be considered congruently, and the hierarchy of
trail types and materials will be presented at same time as alignment
recommendations.
o (Representative from Power Company) NStar was not aware of this study. Also,what
type of trail is being considered (walking, biking, etc.)?
■ VHBwill work with Town to open dialoguewith utility company.
■ All types of trails are being considered, no decision yet.
Date: 01/ 16/08 3
.bb No.: 10335.00
o (Wood Park Circle Resident)Concern over wildlife being `forced' out of habitat (by too
much human activity, removal of food source, etc.)and into their backyards,thereby
adding to current deer, etc. infestation problems.
■ Recommendations will focus on reducing theamount of impact to wildlife, and
development should have minimal, if any, impact on wildlife.
o Arethereany plansto talk to abutting companies for collaboration on parking,
connections, etc.?
■ Yes, certain abutting companies have already expressed interest
o Have private owners of land under the easement been contacted?Resident expressed
`surprise' that there have not been more conversations with N Star since during the kick
off meeting the Task Force said therewould be conversations with NStar. Specific
concern over Electromagnetic exposure when walking under the powerlines.
■ Interpretive walks in the corridor have been announced.
■ Outreach to private owners and especially N Star w ill be part of next steps
■ Stew Kennedy comments that Karen Mullins had looked into the agreements
with NStar already in place and said "it wouldn't beaproblem" so they may
have lapsed on contacting NStar with that sense that there wouldn't be any
problems with agreements, etc.
o Where road crossings are a concern, will there be any incremental traffic studies, or w ill
the study rely on data thetown has?Will there be any involvement w ith Lexington
traffic groups?
■ Existing data w ill be used at this stage. Once alignment is decided upon,
additional studies will likely be required.
o For purposes of locating features residents would like to provide to town,what is best
method?
■ M aps w ill be available online in near future, as well as available at the
Conservation Department. GPStrack date will be very useful. Map settings will
be provided for GPS coordination
o (Wood Park Circle Resident) Existing drainage easement in the circle is overflowing and
yards are becoming flooded/wetland areas, request that any alterations to area behind
Wood Park Circle not add to the problem by increasing drainage into the Wood Park Cir
area.
o Will the trail network be subject to ADA accessibility requirements?
■ Goal is for universal accessibility, however, given environmental constraints and
slopes, may not be possible for entire Greenway.
o Given the many constraints,w ill the project happen only if it can be a full trail from top
to bottom, or w ill pieces be constructed?
■ Will aim to work around constraints, but pieces will be constructed even if afull
top to bottom trail cannot be achieved.
o Have there been d iscussions w ith Cambridge Water Dept., NPSand Minuteman Voc
Tech High School?
■ Lou Sideris, representative from N PSwas present and responded:
• the N PS had a meeting w ith the WLG Task Force prior to the initiation of
the study, and they fully support the project (letter of support has been
provided).
• Be aware that any improvements done w ithin the Park boundaries w ill
require an archaeological survey
■ Chip N orton from Cambridge Water Dept was also present and responded:
• There is a w hole process the project w ill have to go through w ith the
City of Cambridge once institutionalizing trails(need approval for long
term usewithin the City of Cambridgeowned land).
Date: 01/ 16/08 4
.bb No.: 10335.00
• There is a safety concern regarding access to the Reservoir,that will need
to be addressed
• Should talk to Lincoln now regarding trail connections into the
Cambridge land in Lincoln so that the approval process can be done at
the sametimefor the useof land in both Lexington and Lincoln
■ M inuteman Voc Tech H igh School has not yet been contacted, but will be
o How much isthis going to cost given the amount of additional studies required (e.g.,
archaeological) and legal issues?
■ Thereare several factorsto consider regarding cost, depending on location,
materials, etc. For example,the Minuteman Bikeway standard cost was
$1million per mile. But the entire greenway will definitely not be up to those
standards,though section could be.
o During the planning process,what steps can betaken to avoid making the trails a
conduit for invasive species(for example, along the new Battle Road trails)
■ Aggressively plant along the trails
■ Soil testing of all soil being brought onto the site
■ Maintenance plan will be provided
o Returning to costs:won't boardwalks be more expensive than the Minuteman Bikeway
type of trai I?
■ Yes. Will try to avoid using long stretches or boardwalks. And need to consider
what type of boardwalk will be used,whether it will be accessible for bikes, or
just pedestrians, etc.
■ DukeBitsko: industry standard is$20/ SFfor boardwalks. Need to decidewhat
types of materials, footings. How long it'll last needsto be consider, for example
less expensive up front if using cheaper materials that will need to be replaced in
10years, or more expensive up front with moredurable materialsthat will last 40
yrs.
o Keith Ohmart comments: Part of the Master Plan processwill beto look at funding
sources and grant opportunities. The Task Forcewill not becoming back to theTown
asking for another $5million to pay for the greenway.
o Bedford Street crossing is a large concern for pedestrian now, and for the greenway
proposal. Therewas a plan for asignalized crossing, but it died with the State DPW. We
need to figure out how to use this greenway to get more leverage w ith the State to make
the safer pedestrian crossing happen.
o Returning to boardwalk discussion: how can you say that you would consider a
boardwalk that is not accessible for bicycles if the goal of the project is to strengthen
connections between two biketrails(Minuteman Bikeway and Battle Road)?
■ Still looking into alignments,types of crossings, no decisions have been madeat
this point, but that will be considered.
■ Lou Sideris(N PS): with the M M N H P the new boardwalks have signs requiring
people to dismount and walk their bikes. This is a solution to that problem. Look
at these as an example.
• Jef Fasser and Keith Ohmart presented the N ext Steps for the project
o Next Public Meeting: February 28, 2008, 7-9pm at Cary HalI
o Draft Master Plan April 2008
o Final Greenway Master Plan June2008
o Additional Public Meeting to be scheduled for sometime in May, before the Final Master
Plan is submitted
o Participants were requested to sign in with contact information so that news and updates
on the project could beforwarded, and they could pass this information on.
Date: 01/ 16/08 5
.bb No.: 10335.00
• Meeting Concluded at 8:45pm
Transportation
Land Development
Environmental
S e r v i c e s
Vcanusse Hcanvin Brustlin, Inc.
West LeAngton Greenway
PublicMeeting-Meeting Minutes
Date: February 28,2008,7-9pm
Location:Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue,LeAngton,MA
Attendees:
West Lexinqton Greenway Task Force Members
Paul Knight,WLG Task Force
Stew Kennedy, Conservation Commission
Karen Mullins, Town of Lexington, Director of Community Development
Keith Ohmart,WLG Task Force
Karen Simmons, Town of Lexington Director of Recreation
MikeTabaczynski,WLG Task Force, IMBA, Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
VHB
Tom Benjamin,VH B
Jef Fasser,V H B
Beth Fenstermacher,V H B
Lexington Residents and Other Interest Parties
• 6:30-7pm Gallery Session
• 7:00-pm-7:05pm - Introduction to the meeting and Task Force members by Karen Mullins
• 7:05-7:10 pm - Introduction to the project by Stew Kennedy
o Review of project need and purpose
o Updateon outreach effortssince last Public Meeting (held January 16, 2008)
• 7:10-7:15pm - Presentation by Jef Fasser
o VH B's role in the project
o Importance of input from the public
o Overview of Site Orientation and Inventory (Review of maps from previous meeting)
• 7:15-7:55pm - Presentation by Tom Benjamin
o String of Pearls concept
o Site Analysis
■ Opportunities and Constraints
■ Wetlands
■ Steep Slopes
■ Land Ownership
■ Road Crossings
o Preliminary Opportunities
■ Trail/ Boardwalk Hierarchy-Definitions and Images
• M H D Standard Shared-Use Trail
• Accessible Paved Shared-Use Trail
Date: 02/28/08 2
.bb No.: 10335.00
• Stabilized Aggregate Trail
• Non-accessible Natural Surface Recreational Trail
• Non-Accessible Mulch Surface Recreational Trail
• AccessibleBoardwalk
• Proposed Trail/ Boardwalk AIignmentsand Trail Closures
• Proposed Trail Access Improvements
• 7:55-8pm—Next Steps(Karen Mullins)
o Draft Master Plan —April 2008
o Public Comment Period
o Third Public Meeting (May 2008, date/ location TBD)
o Final Master Plan —June 2008
• 8-8:45pm—Public Comments(Question and Answers)
o What w i l l the cost be?
■ No definite answer until it is actually designed, but if entire M M Connector
(center portion connection M inuteman Bikeway and Battle Road) is to M H D
Standard, $1million per mile is standard cost. Then lower costs for trails outside
of this area.
o Tutela Engineering is working on drainage plan for Pine Meadows Golf Course(east of
128), has there been any interaction w ith them, or review of their plans to determine
drainage impacts to site, if any.
■ (Karen S.)The drainage plan will not be complete for at least another month.Will
look into once complete.
o In Town Meeting,there was a proposal for increasing the FAR for properties onHartwell
Ave w ithi n next year. Have there been discussions w ith property owners on H artwel l
Aveto determine if an agreement can be reached to grant to thetown trail access through
private property,which may lower construction costs.
■ Recommendations for funding opportunities will be presented in the Master
Plan;this could be a potential recommendation.
o Can trail along 128(between M M Bikeway and Katandin Woods) be shifted to the NW
into the Town-owned land (former landfill)to avoid being so close to 128?
■ This has been looked at, constraints include lots of activity associated with
composting facility operations, steep side slopes, and deep wetland area(Beaver
pond) requiring a more complex wetland crossing. But will consider looking
more closely into shifting into Town-owned land.
o Resident comments to support trail along 128, says existing trail is significantly lower
than 128, don't feel impacts of heavy traffic while on trail.
o Jef Fasser comments: This preliminary alignment plan is to help determine which general
corridor/ area to follow, once preferred alignment is decided, a more detailed survey w ill
be conducted to determine more exact location.
o There appears to be significant difference in direction of preferred and alternate
alignment, how will you decide?Resident likes both options between MM Bikeway and
Katandin Woods.
■ That is the purpose of these meetings,w ill follow the preferred route unless there
are objections. This will be a phased approach to the design and construction, so
therew ill be opportunity to expand if additional alignments are desired.
o How will trail along Hartwell Avework?
■ Trail will bewithin the 100' easement, in front of businesses,2-way, separated
from road with planted buffer strip.
o Bedford Road crossing is a huge concern, have there been discussions w ith appropriate
traffic groups.
■ Not yet, but discussions are necessary
Date: 02/28/08 3
.bb No.: 10335.00
o Hasa bridge crossing been considered (for Bedford Rd.)
■ Bridge wouId be very expensive(grades don't work favorably),trying to keep
costs of the project reasonable, and the cost of abridge would not be reasonable.
■ Acknow I edge that there will not beaquick and easy solution for Bedford Rd.
o Is the group aware of a proposal to widen Bedford Road and make an overpass at
Hartwell intersection (20to 30yrsago). Proposal got far along, but then died (recession,
resistance to the overpass(speeding traffic, etc.)).
■ Will check with plans at DPW
■ Stew K.—town created a plan awhileback to keep military here, it included
making Hartwell Ave more desirable for use. Bike committee was told at that
timethat a bike/ pedestrian crossing would be part of improvements.
o Existing Iightsat Bedford Rd.—need to rework signalization for pedestrian crossing
■ It will add another cycle to the signal, adding to traffic, pedestrian activated
would be less obtrusive, and will be part of existing signal (not a separate
pedestrian signal)
o How final isthefinal plan? Will there be public meetings as part ofthedesign phase?
■ Until it actually gets designed,therewill still bechanges after the Master Plan is
completed asthe land is looked at in more detail.
■ Public Meetings will be held throughout design phase.
o What is in mind for maintenance of the infrastructure, and how will town pay for it?
■ Will havetalkswith town to educate how to maintain, maintenance plan will be
part of the Master Plan submittal. But haveto keep in mind aswith anything,
major investments w ill be required years down the road.
■ Stew: Town is currently responsible for maintaining MM Bikeway, so town is
already aware of what is required for upkeep.
o Lou Sideris(M M N H P)—Seems odd that entire length of the trail between M M Bikeway
and Battle Road will be paved, does not match what its joining at Battle Road (T wide
stone dust trail). Also commented that trails with stone dust and stabilizer hasn't had
that much maintenance and has held up for 12 years.
■ For M H D funding, need to say that it w ill be paved. But not far enough along in
the process to know for sure.
o Has(stabilizer)technology changed to deal with runoff?
■ Still an emerging technology, but there have been improvements w ith drainage.
o For people travelling west on the M M Bikeway, crossing 128 from Lexington,the left turn
to travel south on the greenway will be dangerous, especially on a busy day.
■ Directional signagewill help, as well as design considerations for easy on/ off
access.
o For natural surface trails, danger of vegetation taking over/ coming into paths,what is
plan to control that?
■ Controlling vegetation is part of the design, including a mow strip along sides of
trail. Periodic maintenance will also control. There is emerging technology in
trail design to help control vegetation, but never 100%.
o For Wood Street alternative,what would the improvements be?
■ M inimal, striping on the road for bike lane(this is why it is not the preferred
alternative).
o H as team met w ith N Star?
■ In process,they have the plans and are interested in w orki ng w ith tow n. Due to
conflicting schedules/ vacations, meeting has not yet been scheduled.
o Isteam ready to beaggressivewith NStar regarding preserving thegreenway/ not
demolishing during their periodic maintenance?
Date: 02/28/08 4
.bb No.: 10335.00
■ Will be part of the discussions. Just becausethey do it now, doesn't mean that is
how they will always do it. In other parts of the state,they have agreements to
avoid sensitive areas and not have full access to easement.
o NStar is only concerned that nothing growstall,thereforethey shouldn't beaconcern for
access to wetland areas.
■ There w i I I bead ialog for mutual benefits for town and N Star.
o Pete Varga(CWD): CWD has seen a lot of success with the stabilized aggregate surface
trails. CWD is very supportive and wants to provide a southern connection to Lincoln
lands. Currently developing a Master Plan for public access to watershed lands, and
getting a Natural Resources inventory to determine best locations to allow access. Also
working with Lincoln for trail networks.
o Stew K: Would like to see atraiI connection to Lincoln Street, and not terminate north of
Lincoln Street.
• Meeting Concluded at 8:45pm
• Meeting attendees invited to come up to members of VH B and WLGTF members to provide
additional comments:
o Resident of Meaghervil le area: East of 128 there is a heavily use bike path off of Reed
Street
o John Frankovich: Look at road and paths in the paint mine area, may not need
boardwalk. But may need boardwalk just south of Grove Street.
o Wood Street sidewalks are heavily used during lunch hour by walkers/ runners from
local office park.
o Gas line to Burlington
o There is town owned property which connects Turning Mill Road to Burlington strip.
&6w Ke7n6dy.-
o Emily Blume, Environmental teacher from Minuteman Regional H igh School,was very
excited about the project and the potential class project tie-ins. Keith, M ike and I plan to
meet with her and another teacher or two next week.
o Lou Sideris commented that he didn't want to say it publicly to embarrass anyone, but he
was qu ite surprised we were now recommending a M H W high-end trail to connect with
the Battle Road trail, as that is not what we had discussed last year when we first
approached the Park Service. I acknowledged it is a change(we made after considering
the funding implications) and that wewill reconsider. I mentioned to him a possible
compromise would be changing trail styles at Wood St., or at least before the connection
to the Park trail.
o A man I didn't recognize told me he,too,would be disappointed if we don't manage to
connect the Greenway in someway to Lincoln St. He mentioned that he lives near there.
o John Frankovich reiterated his concern w ith N STAR's depredations of the landscape
when they clear under the power lines and the importance of reaching good agreement
with them where the WLG trails might be affected.
o Terry Gleason (a Bedford resident and bicycle commuter to Lincoln Lab) lobbied for
Lexington to follow Arlington's lead and initiate snow plowing the Minuteman. (This
had nothing to do with our WLG meeting, but reflects a widespread interest in the
su bject.)
Date: 02/28/08 5
.bb No.: 10335.00
o A woman I didn't recognizewanted to talk moreabout thepotential for improvements
along Hartwell Ave. if FARsdo get raised by Town Meeting. I explained that one
possibility would be to get business property owners, in return,to pay for sidewalk-like
trails on town land adjacent to the road, a possibility because of the very wide right of
w ay.
o Jerry Van Hook advocated macadam (his word) pavement where practical because of its
long-term maintenance advantages.
Keth Ohmart:
o John Frankovich is of the opinion that the north/ south section between Grove St and
Bedford St is dry enough in his opinion not to require board walks as indicated on last
night's maps. H e does feel that the connector east to neighborhood streets mid-way along
this section will require a boardwalk.
o Frank Sandy likes the overall concept but pointed out that in his opinion the identifying
legends for Paint M ine and Simonds Brook are not located properly on the maps
presented.When I discussed this with Paul Knight afterwards, he countered that
Simonds Brook includes the forested uplands west of the powerl ine corridor.
o Further to Lou Sideris' comments re type of trai I to connect to the Battle Rd. Trail, he
pointed out that M H D funded the underpass recently constructed under the access road
to H anscom off of Rte 2A and that the surface of this path is stabilized aggregate. (Stew-
A note about Lou Sideris' comment from Keith concerning the H anscom road underpass
surface.At a presentation to the Friends of the Bruce FreemanTrai 1, Dan Driscoll of the
DCR talked specifically about that surface. Hesaid it was actually hard asphalt with a
cosmetic layer of stone on top to make it look like dirt. H e said it was more expensive
than plain asphalt. Different from what Lou said, but Dan is a reliable source.)
o Unidentified audience member made pitch after meeting for including at least some of
the suggested secondary proposed loop trails for users such as dog walkers whowould
want to not do a straight-through trip on the proposed trail system.
Ka-67&MMMSIMuiiins
o Janet Lane identified an area near the old road bed and the Battle Road where she has
found white and pink lady slippers growing and feels that this area should be protected
and avoided by thetrail. She provided a hand drawn sketch map but also offered to
show us where in the field.
Transportation
Land Development
Environmental
S e r v i c e s
Vcanusse Hcanvin Brustlin, Inc.
West LeAngton Greenway
PublicMeeting-Meeting Minutes
Date: May 13,2003,7-9pm
Location:Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue,LeAngton,MA
Attendees:
West Lexington Greenway Task Force Members
Stew Kennedy, Conservation Commission
Karen Mullins, Town of Lexington, Director of Community Development
Keith Ohmart,WLG Task Force
Karen Simmons, Town of Lexington Director of Recreation
MikeTabaczynski,WLG Task Force, IMBA, Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
VHB
Tom Benjamin,VH B
Jef Fasser,V H B
Beth Fenstermacher,V H B
Lexington Residents and Other Interest Parties
• 6:30-7pm Gallery Session
• 7:00-pm-7:05pm - Introduction to the meeting and project by Karen Mullins
• 7:05-7:20 pm - Introduction to the project by Jef Faser
o Project Goals
o Draft Master Plan currently under review
o Updateon outreach effortssince last Public Meeting (held February 28, 2008)
o Overview of Site Context, Inventory, and Analysis(Review of maps from previous
meetings)
• 7:15-7:35pm - Presentation of Recommendations by Tom Benjamin
o Presentation of Preferred trail alignment
o Trail/ Boardwalk Hierarchy-Definitions and Images
■ M H D Standard Shared-Use Trail
■ Accessible Paved Shared-Use Trail
■ Stabilized Aggregate Trail
■ Non-accessible Natural Surface Recreational Trail
■ Non-Accessible Mulch Surface Recreational Trail
■ Accessible Boardwalk
■ Proposed Trail/ Boardwalk Alignments and Trail Closures
■ Proposed Trail Access Improvements
o Detailed "walk through" description of the Southern, Central and Northern Sections of
the Greenway. Imagery of Central Section (Minuteman Connector) presented.
0 7:35-7:45pm—N ext Steps(Jef Faser)
Date: 05/ 13/08 2
.bb No.: 10335.00
0 Aerial Survey complete,Wetland flagging to befinished in May 2008
0 25% Design to be completed by end of summer
0 Funding Opportunities
0 Permitting—required and potential
0 Draft Master Plan under review with the Town, public comment period to be announced
via website
0 Final Master Plan —Early Simmer 2008
• 7:45-8:30pm —Public Comments(Question and Answers)
o Any roadblocks or `show stoppers' that VHB foresees in moving forward?
■ Confident that through extensive inventory and work with the Task Force that
any show stoppers have been identified during the inventory and analysis phase
and avoided with therecommended trail alignment. Funding could betheonly
potential issue in moving the entire project forward.
o Whereownership issues havebeen identified, couldn't that beashow stopper?
■ While it may stop somesectionsofthepreferr6dtrail from happening, however,
alternative(mostly on-road)alignments have been presented if the ownership
issues cannot be resolved.
o (Resident at 149 Wood Street, member of Recreation committee):With planning board
looking to re-zone Hartwell Ave, setbackscould providean accessible route off Hartwell
Ave—would this be considered desirable over the preferred route that is on-road along
Westview Avenue?
■ Hartwell Avenue was considered, however,through extensive discussions with
the Task Force, it was determined for many reasons that Westview Avenue
would bemoredesirable. Wetlandswould bea major hindranceasthey go right
up to the parking lots in the rear of most of the properties. Concept is nice,
however, not necessarily feasiblegiven the number of ownersthat are needed to
collaborate, and physical constraints. This has been presented as an alternative
route and in the future could be developed to provide a loop trail and access to
the major route for H artwell Avenue employees.
■ Dick Canale: This area is in the"critical" section of the Greenway (Minuteman
Connector) and would liketo move forward with funding as soon as possible.
Given the timeframe for re-zoning, and owner collaboration,the preferred route
presented for funding purposes will beWestview Avenue since coordination for
the Hartwell Avenue option would slow down the process.
o John Frankovich: Seems likewith the rezoning and recent re-striping of Hartwell
Avenue,this would be a good opportunity to tie into this area, for sidewalk
improvements, etc.
■ Re-striping still in "study" phase. Hartwell Avenue is given as alternate routeto
potentially tie into in the future.
o Is the improvement of access points from streets/ easements part of the Master Plan?
■ Yes, existing and potential access points have been identified for
improvement/ development
o The increase in the number of bicycles on thetrail is a concern, for safety for non-bikers.
■ Through similar projects,this is handled through public education on trail use
etiquette. Sincethetown already has a major biketrail, it is hoped that people
will already have an idea of how to safely sharethetrails.
o Concern that parking will continueto be major issue.
■ Propertieswith abundant parking have been identified, and recommendations
have been made to approach property owners for access agreements(similar to
the agreement for One Cranberry H ill).
Date: 05/ 13/08 3
.bb No.: 10335.00
o Recommendation: look at hospitals along Bedford Ave for use of parking lots on
weekends.
o Is there any parking on Lincoln Street?
■ Cambridge Water Dept has been approached and they are open to providing
small, low-impact parking areas on their property. Further discussions are
needed.
o Any reason why the trail stops at Lincoln Street?
■ The land isowned by theCWD, and includes a drinking water supply. No
recommendations have been made for that area, but there have been discussions
with the CWD for future collaboration and connections to their land in Lincoln.
o Once VHB's contract ends, who wi I I continued iscussionswith land owners within
greenway and abutters?
■ Task Force has already taken the lead in discussions/ outreach. VHB will still be
available for questions.
• Karen S.: Task Force has already initiated discussionswith Town Council
• Stew: A walkthrough of the Southern Section with the CLC has been
scheduled for May 31
o What are the next steps after VH B contract ends?
■ Karen M:the Town will proceed with appl ications for funding. It may take
awhilefor funding to be secured, but already have notified the state.
o Sounds Iike fund ingwiIIbecoming from multiple sources,wiII the project be held up
until all funding is secured?
■ Although multiple resources have been provided, funding may come from one
source. However, if additional funding is needed to supplement,the project can
be phased. This is a decision for the community.
iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Appendix B
Nstar License Agreement
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
it
i
LICENSE AGREEMENT
i
Boston. Edison Company, the Licensor, hereinafter called
Edison, a Massachusetts corporation having a�.sual place of
business at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts,
being the owner in fee of two certain parcels of land situated
in Lexington, Middlesex County, Massachusetts hereinafter
described, used as portions of a Right of Way :for high
tension electric transmission line purposes, does hereby
permit and license the Town of Lexington, a municipal corporation
.located in said Middlesex County, hereinafter called the
Town, in consideration of the Town's acceptance of the
conditions and provisions set forth below, to enforce the
restrictions and to make other uses of the premises hereinafter
described, namely:
The' two parcels of Edison's land to which this Agreement
applies 'are situated northerly of Wood Street in said
Lexington, numbered Parcels 528, 529 and 580 and outlined in
blue on copy of Plan of said Right of Way annexed hereto and
made a part hereof, said parcels being hereinafter sometimes
referred to as the premises.
The terms of said restrictions, which may be enforced
during the period of time hereinafter specified, are that
neither Edison nor its successors or assigns will perform
any of the following acts or permit others to do so-without
f, o taming_the consent of the T ex . Conservation
Commission, hereby granting_to the Town the right to enforce
such restrictions during said period of time against all
persons.
1. No building, sign, outdoor advertising display,
fence or mobile home shall be placed or permitted to remain
upon said premises, it being understood, however, that this
restriction does not apply to Edison's existing towers,
poles or structures nor to any of the same hereafter to be
installed upon said premises, nor any facility or equipment
appurtenant thereto used or to be used for transmission line
purposes.
2. No soil., loam, peat, sand, gravel, rock or other
mineral substance, refuse., trash, vehicle bodies or parts,
rubbish, debris, junk, waste or unsightly or offensive
material will be placed, stored or dumped thereon except
such fill as is, in Edison's sole judgment required in
connection with the installation, repair or maintenance of
its Lransmission line facilities.
3. No loam, peat, gravel, sand, rock or other mineral
resource or natural deposit shall be excavated or removed
from said premises in such manner as to affect the surface
thereof unless, in Edison's sole judgment, such. excavation
or removal is necessary in order that Edison may properly
install, repair or maintain its said equipment or facilities.
4. No trees, grasses or other vegetation shall be cut
or otherwise destroyed except such as are■ in Edison's
opinion, a hazard to its transmission line wires, cables or
other equipment.
The foregoing restriction is authorized by General
Laws, Chapter 184, Sections 31-33 and is intended to retain
said premises predominantly in their natural scenic and open
condition in order to protect the natural and watershed
resources of said Town while at the same time preserving
Edison's: rights necessary to provide adequate electric
service to its customers. The restriction shall be administered
by the Conservation Commission of said Town, established f"
under General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C as amended.
The said restriction hereby agreed to does not grant
either the Town or the public any right to enter upon said
parcel except as follows:
1. Edison permits entry by the Town upon said premises
by its Conservation Commission for the purpose of inspecting
the same and enforcing the foregoing restrictions and remedying
any violation thereof. Such right shall be in addition to
any other remedies available to the Town for the enforcement
of the foregoing restrictions.
2. Edison permits the Town to enter upon said premises
by said Conservation Commission or its designees to plant
and selectively to cut or prune trees, brush or other vegetation
for the purposes of improving the scenic view and implementing
disease prevention measures, provided no damage or injury
shall be done to any of Edison's property on said Right of
Way.
3 . Edison permits the Town and its inhabitants to
enter upon said premises at their own sole -risk and pass and
repass on foot on and over the same for purposes of fishing,
hiking, winter sports or nature study and also permits the
Town through said Conservation Commission -to clear and mark
trails for said purposes.
-2-
4. The Town agrees to prohibit entrance upon the
premises by any terrain vehicle including, without limitation,
any motorcycle, trail bike, snowmobile or other "off--the-
road" motorized vehicle, and to make its reasonably best
efforts to enforce such prohibition.
The above restrictions and rights are agreed to by
Edison subject to the following terms, provisions and conditions
which are hereby accepted to the Town:
1. The rights and permissions hereby granted shall be
revocable by either party to this instrument upon 30 days
written notice to the other party.
Z. The Town shall be solely responsible for the construction
and maintenance of all its facilities upon the premises and
all persons entering upon said premises under the authority
hereof shall do so' at their sale risk.
3. All work and use by the Town shall be carried on in
such manner as will not ,endanger or damage the existing
transmission line structures or those hereafter to be installed
by Edison, including the counterpoise grounding lanes
situated under the surface of said premises.
4 . During the time this License Agreement is in effect,
the Town shall (a) afford Edison at all times reasonable
access to all its property, equipment and facilities upon
the premises. (b) at Edison's, request promptly remove or
permit Edison to remove from said premises any object,
material or substance which, in Edison's opinion, is potentially
harmful, dangerous or otherwise detrimental to its operations
or property upon the premises and its Right of Way.
5. It is understood that neither the Town nor any
person claiming under it shall by virtue of this Agreement
or by the use' of said premises for any length of time acquire
any right or title thereto other than the temporary license
and permission hereby specifically granted, and that by
making this License Agreement, Edison shall not be deemed to
have waived, abandoned nor in any manner diminished any
other right with respect to said premises, including its
rights to install., repair and maintain and operate future
transmission lines thereon.
--3-
This License Agreement is hereby given this 27th day
❑f February ►I976.
BOSTON EDISON COMPANY
By/77 _.
Vice President El?!t is
The conditions of the within License Agreement are
hereby accepted by
TOWN OF LEXING
BY- olil
� A ,
Its Boar of Selects
I
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iVanasse Hangen Brustlin,Inc.
Appendix C
Preliminary Cost Estimate
West Lexington Greenway Master Plan
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