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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-10-05-CONCOM-min.pdf TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS A CONSEHiVATION COMPISSION 1 MINUTES of the Commission meeting October 5, 1970 The meeting was called to order by the Chairman Mr. Brown at 8 05 p.m. , with Mrs -Trick, Dr Kassler and Mr Smith present Mrs Josette Carter was present as a League of ;omen Voters observer. Whipple Hill Mrs. Ross of the Girl Scouts said that thn group would like to mark accesses and trails in the Whipple Hill and Locke Pond areas Dr. Kassler told or his weekend walk - an unguided ramble over the hill and around the pond, from Winchester Drive to Summer Street. Sometimes he came upon backyards in his efforts to find his way. He had most difficulty finding an exit to Summer Street. By his descrip- tion, Commission members guessed he was probably tresspas- sing on someone ' s driveway. Several problems came out in discussion. a) The parcels purchased for conservation are actually landlocked. Access is through other Town-owned lands which touch Summer Street by three narrow strips, or from Winchester Drive b) No access point is marked. Property lines are generally unmarked. No doubt people have unwittingly trespassed. Dr. Kassler reported only pleasant contacts with abbutters on his walk. However, there have been reports that young people have been chased by one property owner reported to be waving a shotgun. c) Although much could and should be done to clear brush across trails and clean up and beautify the pond, the Commission has no budget for this kind of work. d) The landscape alongside Summer Street as one enters Lexington from Arlington is most unattractive , much in need of beautification. Recommended actions 1) The Commission should ask for a few simple property- boundary markers of the narrow strip accesses (Commis- sion members spoke informally with Mr. McSweeney about this and he appeared to agree . ) 2) Permission must be obtained for trail and cleanup work on Town land not under Commission jurisdiction 3) The Girl Scouts should submit a plan to be OKed by the Commission before work could commence. Education Without Walls Conversations between Mr Brown and Miss Huntley at the High School have brought out the possibility Conservation Commission minutes 10/5/70 Page 2 that a credit course or credit work could be developed from projects on conservation land. Mr. Brown will talk '✓ith the group about this on Thursday. Brook Cleanup Day has been set for November 7 at 10 00 a.m. be- ginning at the Adams School parking lot. Dr. Kessler reported enthusiastic cooperation from the Town Department of Public Works, who will be on hand with two crews, a backhoe and one or two trucks, and from Dr Fobert whose support can be named in contacts with the junior and senior high schools. Dr Kessler and Mr. Smith offered to ask their children in these schools to act as student coordinators ThP Commission agreed that the Sickle Brook, from Massachusetts Avenue to Bow Street, should be the project area. Dr Kessler said he would walk there Wednesday to ascertain its condition Then he will discuss in detail with the DPW about the types of equipment volunteers should bring with them - in addition to waterproof boots Also, before any publicity is released, all abbutters should be contacted by telephone to obtain permission Mrs . Greene will take care of this Requested Options and Deed. Mr. O'Connell has asked that a separate letter be written on each to the Board of Selectmen so they can order the Town Counsel to draw them. Commission members hoped the Town Counsel would inform the Commission ex- actly what information he needs Option-drawing requirements will be discussed further with the Town Manager Conservation School. A four-session Conservation School will be held at the Northeastern University Ashland Center, be- ginning October 7 Worthen Road. The Planning Board Reported that the Board of Selectmen have concurred with the Planning Board recommendation that Worthen Road not be built between the Bowman School and Marrett Road, but that a corridor should be reserved. The meeting adjourned to executive session from 9 25 to 11 00 p m. with the Planning Board and then with Mr O'Connell The next meeting of the Commission will be Tuesday, October 13 Respectfully submitted, x fir Mrs. Erna S. Greene Secretary to the Commission OCT 9 r ;x=