HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-01-WALKS-min
Lexington Sidewalk Committee Minutes for December 1, 2008
In attendance: Jeanne Krieger, Lucy Fletcher-Jones, John Davis, Jerry Van Hook, Suzie
Barry, Francine Stieglitz, Judy Crocker, Wayne Brooks, Dave Canon, Elaine Chele
Approved the following sets of Sidewalk Committee (SWC) minutes: July 7, 2008 (no
quorum); August 4, 2008 (motion made by Suzie Barry); November 3, 2008 (motion by
Judy Crocker); and October 29, 2008 Special Meeting voted to be included as an
addendum to November 3, 2008 meeting.
A synopsis of the proposed construction of a new sidewalk (SW) on Roosevelt Road was
given by Wayne Brooks. Plan A involves the Lexington Engineering Dept contacting
Verizon in order to move a Verizon telephone pole on the South side of the street,
possibly at no cost. In addition, the proposed SW would have to go around a large tree,
for the owners do not want it removed. Plan B involves the paper street from Roosevelt to
Cosby Rd. Its location is not ideal for pedestrian safety at the Hastings School. The
Hastings administration would prefer a SW adjoining the pre-existing school exit area.
Mr. Brooks stated that Pat Goddard, head of LPS Facilities, prefers Plan A as his first
choice. At this writing, the town has not heard back from the family who abuts the
Crosby/Roosevelt intersection (both front and side of property).
Jeanne Krieger reviewed the Wisteria Lane to Fiske School pedestrian path question. The
easement comes to a point where 4 Wisteria Lane properties meet. Legally, the proposed
pedestrian path would require either 54 Colony Rd or the Fiske condos to obtain an
easement. The ADA requirements of a 48inch, paved walkway with the correct slope
would be mandated if the town took ownership of the pathway. The town is not inclined
to do such. This proposed path is then a moot point. Ms. Krieger discussed the closed
options with community member Debbie Hogan.
Jerry Van Hook discussed the proper public discussion comments from any town
committee member when running a public forum. He reminded SWC members to
maintain the appearance of neutrality, and not to make any public comments or opinion.
Concerning the proposed SW construction on the west side of Spring Street, Dave Canon
laid out a plan for a second public meeting on December 3 at Cary Hall. In attendance
will be himself, engineering, and Susan Yanofski of the Lexington Economic
Development Office. The state grant involving the Marriot St/Spring St intersection
improvements and SW construction will be discussed. Conditions of the grant state that
the funds must be spent within one year. The neighborhood has expressed concerns over
crosswalk safety and vehicular speeds, as is the case in other town areas.
The town Master SW List is being generated with new lists based on SW work presently
completed. Its breakdown is by different variables- streets without SW, school districts,
damaged SW, etc. It is a very large spreadsheet and Mr. Brooks gave partial spreadsheets
based on school districts to school representatives in attendance. The goal is to download
this spreadsheet information into the new Lexington GIS system by its consultant. The
SW will be a layer to the process whereby the new system will be able to call up pictures,
check on SW sections, and store all data in one location. This interim step is to see if the
information listed is still correct. This up-to-date SW listing will provide a better idea of
what things cost. SW spreadsheets were given to the Estabrook, Bowman, Harrington,
Hastings districts. Fiske and Bridge will be passed on to them.
The Safe Routes To School November Turkey Trot was a huge success at the
participating elementary schools. A color photo of the pumpkin turkey created by the
students of Estabrook School was printed in the Thanksgiving edition of the Minuteman
newspaper. The pumpkins were donated by Wilson Farms.
Ms. Krieger discussed the proposed Lexington Gardens development by Holmes
Development. Either single homes or a cluster development will be built. The SWC
agreed to send a letter to the Lexington Planning Board asking for attention to pedestrian
and vehicular safety issues on the property’s abutting roadways, Hancock Street rotary
and the Diamond Middle School, be somehow incorporated into this development.
Also, the SWC member s would like to be notified of any future Planning Board
meetings which involve this topic.
The SWC meeting adjourned at 12:15pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Crocker