HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-1963.pdf Minutes of the Route 3 Advisory Committee Meeting
September 19, 1963 Estabrook Hall
Members of the committee present: Selectmen Otis Brown and
Robert Cataldo, Roland Greeley (P1. Bd. ), Natalie Rifting,
Due to the attendance of many interested citizens the meeting
was moved from the Selectmen's Room to Estabrook Hall. The
meeting was called to order at 8:15 by Robert Cataldo who ex-
plained that this meeting was set up with Representative Brox
in order to clarify Lexington's position in relation to Route 3.
He explained the role of the Route 3 Advisory Committee and
described. the work of the committee to date, including the
meeting at the D.P.W. on July 17 1963. The D.P.W. made two
land takings in Lexington in 1953 which are still held today.
One is at Lowell Street and North Street 300' wide x 1500' long
at the Woburn line. A second taking exists at Watertown Street,
but will be used for a ramp at Route 2 and has no relation to
Route 3. Mr. Cataldo recounted the background and demise of
recent legislation involving veto power for 15 communities -
including Lexington.
A short question period followed until Rep. Brox arrived. He
was introduced by Mr. Cataldo. Mr. Brox described Governor
Peabody's highway program, presented to the Legislature Sept.
17, 1963. The message included a plan for the reorganization
of the D.P.W. , a request for a $125 million bond issue and
veto power taking the form of arbitration rights for the
original 10 cities and towns. Mr. Brox has opposed giving chosen
cities and towns veto power. The D.F.W. , the Governor, and
Lexington's representatives have been made well aware of
Lexington's political position relative to Route 3.
The meeting was opened to questions Which brought out some of
the following facts and suggestions:
There are no newplans for Route 3.
The timing for building same is unknown. Route 3 is part of
the Federal Highway plan. Mr. Brox is recommending the route
through Winchester Country Club. New houses have been built
in the path of the alternate route. The A.P.W. will use aerial
photographs to determine two possibilities each for the general
recommended route end first alternate route. The need for
Route 3 was described in terms of traffic volume which cannot
be carried by Routes 2 & 93 alone, financial savings resulting
from reduced cost of vehicle operation, and relief for heavily
traveled Lowell Street.
2.
The general paths of the recommended route and the first alternate
were clarified. The State has not purchased land in back of the
Briarwood or Glenn sections. The section of the route diagonaling
across Lexington would cost $8 million, The alternate theough
Winchester would cost $14 million. These figures do not include
the socio-economic factors Which effect Lexington, nor do they
reflect the best service to the Metropolitan Boston area. Lex-
ington must not allow the A.P.W. to divide and conquer while we
are busy arguing among ourselves and with our neighbors. Some
residents would like a specific pinpointing of land takings but
Mr. Blake pointed out that exact layouts cannot, be made for they
will fluctuate with land conditions such as those indicated by
borings. Several members of the audience suggested that the
committee push for the original 1917 route.
Rep. Brox assured the grup that he would support a motion or
personally move to give arbitration rights to all cities and
towns.
A suggestion was made that the Route 3 Committee meet with
committees of the other towns concerned with the future of
Route 3.
A Lexington resident who works for the land taking division
described the land taking process.
Selectman Cole explained that the Route 3 Committee has two
advisory members, one from Burnham Farms, one from Peacock
Farms, He suggested that the Glenn, Briarwood and Sun Valley
areas each send 1 representative. Mr. Cataldo asked that the
associations of each of the communities submit a name to the
Board of Selectmen. The meeting adjourned at 10:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Riff in