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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