HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-23-GCC-min Greenways Corridor Committee
October 23, 2017
Ellen Stone Room, Cary Hall
Lexington, Massachusetts
Members Present: Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Peggy Enders, Eileen Entin, Don Grant, Bob
Hausslein, Susan Kenyon, Keith Ohmart, Mike Tabaczynski
Other Attendees: none
Votes: Minutes of September 25, 2017 meeting: Approved
Reports/Updates:
• Alex gave a brief update on the status of Wright Farm, inviting all to a charette on Nov. 2.
The plan is to begin spiffing up the property, including beginning trail work, to make it acces-
sible to the public within the next 12 months.
• The property at 44 Adams St will not be purchased by the Town. There was discussion about
how to identify such properties at an earlier stage, thus making it easier to protect them.
Conservation may have a list from many years ago. Alex will check with the ConCom Land
Acquisition sub-committee.
• Keith reported that he's learned that the Newcomer's Club is using the ACROSS routes for
planned walks, and that Scouts are using it for hiking merit badges. Susan has had a mix of
new folks and old-timers for the Rec Dept walks, and will do more walks in the spring. Susan
and Keith will attend an upcoming Recreation Committee meeting and will seek out a new
liaison from that Committee, as well as offering to have a GCC liaison to the Rec Comm.
• The Route B signage at Clarke Middle School needs new bolts. The trail will continue to run
through the woods.
• Brief discussion of carpooling to the Mass Trail Conference.
• Keith, Peggy, and Susan met with Eric Michelson. He does not have a concrete plan for what
event(s) he would like to run. Maybe if people walk the whole circuit/all the Routes they could
get a gift certificate? There is concern among GCC members about commercializing
ACROSS. It was generally agreed that Michelson's, and other merchants, would be free to
use the route system for programs or projects, but that GCC will not "sponsor" the activities.
Meanwhile, it is the 25th anniversary of the Bikeway, so maybe Michelson's could do some-
thing around that.
• Keith will submit the GCC Annual Report to the Town. We won't have a new photo this year.
Ongoing Business:
• Keith is still waiting on a meeting date from Karen Mullins and Carol Kowalski for budget and
planning discussions. It was noted that the Town might be better able to support GCC goals
if GCC could outline a year-long plan, or even more. Various project were discussed, includ-
ing the issue of the Peacock Farm property that would be convenient for Route J. For priori-
ties, upcoming projects listed were: 1) Route J, 2) Wright Farm, 3) Brookhaven, and 4) Hay-
den Woods. Grant funds are already available for Hayden Woods, but permitting needs to
happen. Brookhaven trails will also need permitting. Further down the road is the Lincoln St -
MiII St connection, but that is at a roadblock with the City of Cambridge for the time being.
• Frank Sandy is concerned about parking for Hayden Woods with the upcoming construction
at 45-65 Hayden Ave.
New Business:
• Discussion of"shoulder season" (early spring, fall), when summer conservation interns are
not around, but plants are growing and crowding trails. We should make a list of Routes that
need maintenance so GCC/Stewards can follow up.
Pending Items:
• Pelham Rd connection
• PR - social media, trail signage
Next Meeting: November 27, 2017, 4:30-6:OOpm, Ellen Stone Room
Future meeting dates: Dec 18* (Generally 4th Monday, *3rd Monday)
Respectfully Submitted by
Alexandra Dohan, Secretary