HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-23-GCC-min
Greenways Corridor Committee
February 23, 2023
Via Zoom Webinar
Lexington, Massachusetts
Members Present: Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Peggy Enders, Eileen Entin, Yifang Gong, Bob Hausslein,
Bobak Moshiri, Keith Ohmart (Chair), Stephen Perkins
Other Attendees: Susan Kenyon, Mike Tabaczynski
Votes
● Meeting minutes of February 2, 2023: Approved - Crawford, Yes; Dohan, Yes; Enders, Yes;
Entin, Yes; Gong, Yes; Hausslein, Yes; Moshiri, Yes; Ohmart, Yes; Perkins, Yes.
Reports/Updates:
● Keith reminded members that they have until April 7 to vote during the Town’s Participatory
Budget process – $500,000 has been allocated for resident-proposed projects to benefit the
public. Stephen submitted funding for crosswalks for Routes N and P, and this item is on the list.
● Susan provided an update to members about the ACROSS app, saying that David Neal created
the app and remains its owner. She heard from him recently; he has updated the app to include
Routes N and P as well as some points-of-interest information. David has been paid an
honorarium in the past, but has not asked for payment for these improvements. Mike suggested
that it be understood that the app is a freelance effort.
● GIS interactive mapping update: Mike said he is in the process of converting POI’s to data format
and plans to follow up with Judy Baldasaro on the status of her progress when he sends her the
POI information. He hopes that project will eventually be less dependent on him. Keith said he will
be in touch with Judy, as well.
● Peggy and Bobak briefed members about the first meeting of the Bike-Ped Plan advisory group,
saying it was a chance for introductions and a summary of the proposed work. VHB has been
hired; Phil Goff will lead the effort. In addition to bi-monthly advisory group meetings, there will be
five stakeholder meetings in March; 3 public meetings in April, June and August; and a final
presentation to the Select Board. Also planned is an online survey and input mapping tool. Sheila
Page has asked Keith for nominations of GCC members or others to participate in a stakeholder
session to focus on “how trails can be part of the transportation network….where are the gaps
and how we can use trails to make important connections.” Keith will suggest Mike Tabaczynski
be included; Peggy suggested Laurel Carpenter, as well. Sheila has also asked for a list of
sidewalks and crosswalks that would make trail connections safer and better; Keith will provide
Sheila with information Stephen has prepared.
● Keith will be away from February 26 through March 10.
● Keith asked for volunteers to participate in planning and attending the Patriots’ Day parade (April
17) and the Commuter Breakfast on the Bikeway (Friday, May 19). These are good opportunities
to showcase ACROSS Lexington and the work of GCC. Susan Barrett is organizing the breakfast;
she needs volunteers to help with prep work; GCC will have a table at the event at the Depot.
Yifang expressed interest in volunteering. There was discussion about preparing a “float” for the
April 17 parade and marching with the Friends of Lexington Bikeways. Keith will be in touch with
Don Grant. Bob Hausslein volunteered to help.
Ongoing Business
● Keith showed a flow chart of the 2023 GCC route projects and upcoming tasks. The tasks include
site visit walks for all three routes; reaching out to Drummer Boy regarding permission for trail
signs; and applying to the Judy Record Fund for the Concord Avenue/Brookhaven route. Stephen
has expressed interest in coordinating the Land Management Plan process; Eileen may be
interested in filing the application to the Record Fund. Keith said that the ConComm has given
tacit approval on all three projects; the most complicated is the LMP for the area above Concord
Avenue. Route 4 – Wright Farm/Simonds Brook/Paint Mine Loop – is likely simplest. Mike was
asked for updates on the Landlocked Forest; he replied that conversations are starting about the
possibility of signs in the LLF; he should know more in several weeks. Keith has asked Carol
Kowalski about the town’s procurement process for the two contracts for which GCC will be
seeking funding – i.e., whether or not these need to be put out to bid. Steve asked to be added to
the conversation with Carol.
Keith summarized discussion by saying the priority should be to focus first on Route 4. Peggy
volunteered to be in touch with Bob Peters (president of the Drummer Boy association) to open
discussions about placing signs on DB property as part of the proposed new route and will
involve Yifang when a site walk is scheduled. Mike displayed a map of Route 4 showing the
preferred (existing trail), saying it would not interfere with Fifer Lane structures.
New Business
● Waterstone Connector: Keith gave some history about the new development on the west and
east sides of Watertown Street, saying that in 2016 Carol Kowalski drafted a note to MassDOT
expressing the Town’s interest in providing a walking trail connection. A resident of Waterstone
was at this week’s Stewards meeting to express interest in a trail. Keith said that, if there is
interest among residents, there may be an opportunity to develop another ACROSS route (e.g., a
loop through Watertown Street, Bowman Park, Pleasant Street, BeaverBrook North); Keith asked
for a member to see if there is active interest in this from Waterstone residents. Mike said that
permission from MassDOT will be needed to use the dirt road along Route 2; that would likely
take a long time. Stephen volunteered to act as liaison between Waterstone and GCC and will be
in touch with the person who came to the Stewards meeting. Alex commented that there is no
conservation or town-owned land in that area.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 6, 4:30-6:00 pm
Future Meeting Dates: April 6, May 4, June 8
Recorder: Peggy Enders