HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-23-GCC-min
Greenways Corridor Committee
January 23, 2017
Ellen Stone Room, Cary Hall
Lexington, Massachusetts
Members Present: Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Eileen Entin, Bob Hausslein, Keith Ohmart,
Mike Tabaczynski
Other Attendees: none
Votes
: Minutes from 12/19/2016 meeting: Approved
Letter to Planning Board regarding GCC preference for “Balanced Housing” develop-
ment over Conventional at 0 Grove St parcel: Approved
Letter of support for RTP grant proposal by Town: Approved
Letter of support for Lincoln St sidewalk project (with minor changes): Approved
Reports/Updates
:
Keith and Mike explained the current status of the 0 Grove St parcel. “Vera Lane” is a con-
ventional subdivision with 13 house lots. The Planning Board is scheduled to vote on this at
their Feb 1 meeting. “Liberty Ridge” is a Balanced Housing subdivision that would contain up
to 36 units. The developer, North Shore Development, will present the BHD to the Planning
Board on March 15 if they wish to pursue that possibility. Either option will include trail ac-
cess to the Landlocked Forest.
Mike and Keith also met with Karen Mullins and Phil Hamilton (ConCom chair) about several
topics. 1) 0 Grove St - the developer will build the trail to the property boundary, and the
Stewards will build the segment between that parcel and the Landlocked Forest. 2) Re the
Lexington Montessori School property and a potential trail easement. LMS would like to re-
coup some of the purchase price by selling a Conservation Restriction. This is unlikely to
happen with the Town due to lack of funds and the fact that the land is mostly protected al-
ready as a significant portion is wetland. However, a trail could be built if funds were raised to
cover materials and the wetland permissions that will be required. Could Citizens for Lexing-
ton Conservation help with fundraising? There is also the issue of the DOT/MWRA easement
across the property, so permission from the state would be needed as well. The GCC could
talk to LMS about trail options. Keith, Mal, Mike will pursue this, and invite Laurel Carpenter
to participate. 3) Parker Meadow - handicap accessible trail - the Conservation Dept is ear-
marking funds for FY18 for this project. Capital Projects Funds are already approved for the
design work required. A CPC request will be made fall 2017 for construction funds.
• Visits to Hastings and Harrington Elementary Schools for trail scouting. The Hastings area is
too steep for off-road trails, so we will need to stick with streets in that area. Harrington has a
lot of wetland around it, so it may be best to stay on Solomon Pierce Road. Is there a “back
way” into the school property from there? Keith will ask Judy Crocker. Could this connect to
the north side of Arlington Great Meadow?
Ongoing Business
:
• Route H - Mike has made a map for Jordan to work with. Post spots at Lincoln and Marrett
still need to be confirmed as we do not yet have an answer about the Town right-of-way
through the parking lot at the corner.
• The ACROSS Lexington website needs to be updated. The online maps only include Routes
A-D. The brochure is available online, but hard to read. Rather than updating piecemeal, we
will get everything updated in the spring when Route H is rolled out. Keith will check in with
Susan about the online updates.
• Brochure progress - Carol Kowalski is looking into funds, checking with Carl Valente. It might
make sense to combine with Recreation as our trails also fit their mission.
• We presently to not have a Recreation Committee liaison on the GCC. Keith will contact Rick
DeAngelis, the Rec Comm chair.
• Regarding additional signage such as traffic warnings - Eileen has started a list, noting
where Hunt Rd crosses Mass Ave. Bob and Eileen will work on selecting the most important
areas to mark.
New Business:
none at this time
Pending Items:
Garfield St abutter indemnity.
List of Town easements (Keith emailed existing list)
Generic Town property signs (Mike)
Seasonal trail maintenance on non-Conservation properties
Next Meeting
: February 27, 4:30-6:00pm, Ellen Stone Room
Future meetings: Mar 27, Apr 24, May 22, Jun 19
Proposed later 2017 meeting dates: (Jul 24), (Aug 28), Sep 25, Oct 23, Nov 27, Dec 18 (3rd
Monday)
Future Agenda Items: None at this time beyond continued trail investigation and development
Respectfully Submitted by
Alexandra Dohan, Secretary