HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-13-GCC-min
Minutes of the June 13, 2024 Meeting of the Greenways Corridor Committee
Members present in person: Keith Ohmart (chair), Yifang Gong, Bob Hausslein,
Peggy Enders, Stephen Perkins, Eileen Entin, Alex Dohan
Members present virtually: Mal Crawford, Bob Moshiri
Non-voting member present in person: Mike Tabaczynski
Non-voting member present virtually: Susan Kenyon
May 9, 2024 Minutes accepted.
Reports/Updates
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10 Anniversary of Rick Abrams passing. Keith shared his memories. Rick’s
marketing background was critical in the naming of the ACROSS Lexington
system . Peggy contributed that in preparing for Bike Week in May 2012 that Rick
suggested naming it Walk-Bike-Bus Week and also contribute the idea for the
Bikeway Commuter Breakfast. She also mentioned that Rick’s enthusiastic
presentation of the ACROSS Lexington concept to over 20 Town Committees
and Boards was a key element in obtaining support for the project. Bob and Alex
also shared additional memories.
Discovery Day, May 25 – People thanked us for making the routes that really
helped them during the Covid years. Recommended to do it again.
Farmer’s Market: Shared tent with LBAC the second Tuesday of each month.
2-6.30. Keith can do Oct. Need volunteers for Jul – Sept months.
Brochure Distribution – Sign up for coverage if you haven’t already. There are
new holes since Keith removed his name from the spreadsheet. Remove name
from spreadsheet if away for the summer.
Bikeway Commuter Breakfast – Keith and Yifang represented GCC. Well
attended.
June 11 Conservation Commission and Stewards bi-annual meeting: Karen
Mullins recommended that design and engineering work for the Community
Center/Cotton Farm Connector and the Simonds Brook Forest trail entrance at
the end of Rangeway be included in the FY26 Conservation budget.
TSG Meeting Report: Many request for stop signs and roadway improvements
such as crosswalks for Peds and bikes. Regular petitioning of TSG is an
important part of the approval process.
Ongoing Business
Route 8/Concord Ave Land Management Plan – On June 5 Stephen, Amber,
Mike, and Eileen accompanied the Land Management Planning
surveyor/contractor surveying the property west of Scott Road. The Ecological
Extension part of Mass Audubon is sunsetting and the contractor is anxious to
get the work done. The contractor will recommend trail creation in addition to the
ecological assessment. We are urging Karen and Amber to hold the first public
meeting before Amber leaves to present and collect public comments. The
second public meeting will synthesize materials and present a final
recommended plan.
Peggy recommended a crosswalk with a flashing beacon as part of this project at
the recent meeting of the Transportation Safety Group.
Proposed Route 22/Solomon Pierce connector – Route I – Mike has been in
touch with David While of Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows (AGM) about
routing the path over AGM property parallel to Emerson Gardens driveway from
Maple St to the AGM entrance utilizing a wooded ridge opposite Emerson
Gardens property. Mike is now preparing presentation materials for review with
the Arlington Select Board and Conservation Committee but first needs to
resolve software update issues. The proposed route will then be reviewed with
Lexington Conservation.
Following up from last meeting’s discussion of this project it was noted that it is
preferable to connect Routes L and C through Joyce Miller’s Meadow, rather
than continuing to use the Bikeway. This will also need to be reviewed with
Lexington Conservation.
Route O (nee Rt 9) – Bob et al finished Route O. The preparation of a revised
map for the GCC web site will need to wait for the resolution of Mike’s software
upgrade. In the meantime the recommendation for users is to start at the
Bowman school and follow the trail signs.
Review Destination Sign Project – On hold until the fall but in the meantime.
Keith will send a new update for folks to audit the recommended directional
signage.
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250 Celebration – Peggy offered the 250 Committee GCC expertise to assist
with the design of signage providing users with a more direct route from the town
center to the Battle Road Trail. No responses to date but she will send out a
second round of queries and also contact Richard Canale, a former member of
the Battle Road Committee.
250th Celebration: Sept 15 Block Party:
Do we want to provide an information table? Peggy not sure if tables are
desirable. Peggy said it is very fluid and she will keep us updated. Keith happy to
staff a table if available.
Lowell Street RFP.
Select Board will review at their meeting on Monday, June17. GCC will
recommend to the Conservation Department the creation of a new trail
connection to existing trails on the North Street parcel to connect to the planned
affordable housing at the corner of Lowell/North Street. The motion was made
and approved unanimously to submit the attached statement to the Town’s
Select Board.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.
Next Meeting scheduled for 4-5.30 pm, Sept 12, in the Parker Room in the Town
Office Building. Request was made to extend it by 30 minutes to 6 pm.
Future Meeting Dates: Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12
Minutes by Bobak Moshiri