HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-21-GCC-min Greenways Corridor Committee
February 21, 2019
Ellen Stone Room, Cary Hall
Lexington, Massachusetts
Members Present: Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Eileen Entin, Bob Hausslein, Susan Kenyon,
Keith Ohmart
Other Attendees: Charles Hornig, Planning Board liaison
Votes: Minutes of January 17, 2019, meeting: Approved
Reports/Updates:
• Route K - Karen Mullins visited the site and recommended a formal survey of the parcel be-
tween 41 & 43 Peacock Farm Rd. A survey would definitively show what is Town property
and what is privately owned. If the trail is moved, it will be somewhat more difficult to navi-
gate, but that could keep it off private land, where it is currently located. A separate consider-
ation - if we get to the next route before this one is finished, should this still be Route K and
the other Route L, even if that one is finished first?
• Bridge School trail NOI - Alex reviewed the submission from a Conservation perspective, and
it appears ready for submission. Mal has communicated with Michael Cronin at Bridge
School regarding this project, and he is on board.
• 0 Grove St (Liberty Ridge/Jefferson Drive). A second site meeting was held, and work will
move forward as previously decided at earlier site meeting.
• Accessible Trails Task Group - has not met yet. Karen Mullins is waiting on an estimate for
the wetland survey for the Community Connector.
New Business:
• The City of Newton is interested in creating a trail network like ACROSS Lexington and has
asked about using the ACROSS acronym. There was a brief discussion of registering
ACROSS as a trademark, but all agreed that it would be more work than any resulting benefit
is worth, and we are happy to share.
• The idea was put forth of making sure to connect with a Town Sustainability Director, should
Town Meeting approve the position, and someone be hired.
Current Business:
• Discussed what is presently called Route #3 on the planning chart. There are a number of
issues, including unaccepted streets, which are private property. Another decision to be
made there is whether to take Summit to Follen Rd or to Fern St. Most of the unpaved ar-
eas/unaccepted streets already have paths in current use. This route would get Daisy Wilson
Meadow into the ACROSS matrix. Permission would be needed for signage in Daisy Wilson
Meadow and Dunback Meadow. This route could also be extended to tie into Route B at
Fletcher Rd and the Bike Path.
• Related to the above route, language has been agreed upon in a license for Conservation to
use a piece of trail that crosses private property in Dunback Meadow. It is waiting for Conser-
vation Commission approval.
• There was also discussion of the possible connection between Arlington Great Meadows and
Lower Vine Brook. This would pass through Emerson Gardens, and the Friends of Arlington
Great Meadow are interested in making a trail that would run parallel to the Emerson Gar-
dens sidewalk, but keep people in the trees. One version of that route would require permis-
sion from 66 Solomon Pierce Rd to cross property to reach a pond. Other possibilities in that
area are Sanderson Rd and the Harrington School.
• Karen Mullins has indicated to Alex that Conservation is somewhat concerned about GCC
moving ahead of their 2019 proposed plans. This seems to only happen when the current
plans get held up for some reason, and GCC members are interested in continuing their long
term charge of connecting Lexington's green spaces.
Pending Items:
• just planning for spring!
Next Meeting: March 21, 2019, 4:30-6:OOpm, Ellen Stone Room
Future meeting dates: Apr 18 (vacation week), May 16, Jun 13 (2nd Thursday)
Respectfully Submitted by
Alexandra Dohan, Secretary