Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-08-COA-ltr.2017-05-03-COA-min.attach May 8, 2017 Letter from Council on Aging Board regarding Lexington Center Streetscape Suzie Barry, Chair Lexington Board of Selectmen Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, MA 02420 Dear Ms. Barry, We are writing to express our concern regarding the Lexington Center streetscape. At the May 3, 2017 Council on Aging meeting representatives from the Lexington Commission on Disability, Julie Miller and Shaun Grady, presented the views of the Disability Commission regarding the report of the Center Streetscape Design Review AdHoc Committee. Shaun specifically reviewed their concerns about the current recommendation for the use of all bricks and the potential adverse effects of this design. They strongly prefer a mix of brick and concrete. It is understood that the Board of Selectmen will make a final decision and that the funding would be considered by the Town Meeting. The Council on Aging Board expressed their overwhelming support for the safety and ease of access and mobility for everyone - from baby carriages and bikes to the elderly and disabled citizens who visit the Center. Lexington Center is the heart of our town and should be welcoming to all. The COA also expressed concern that any choice of surface also requires commitment to good maintenance. New England winters cause disruption in black-top, brick, and concrete. The COA is not privy to all the studies involved and cannot endorse one surface over another. We are confident that the Board of Selectmen will listen to all concerned citizens and carefully weigh design, cost, safety and access, as well as important maintenance issues in their final recommendation. Sincerely, Betty Borghesani, Co-chair COA Julie Shapiro, Co-chair COA Cc: Howard Levin, Chair Center Streetscape Design Review AdHoc Committee Victoria Buckley, Chair Lexington Commission of Disability