HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-12-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes for August 12, 2025
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier,
Janet Perry, John Rossi, Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly,
Building Inspector
Committee Liaisons: Pam Lyons, Center Committee; Stephanie Hsu, HRC
Guests: Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services; Don Mills, Architect; Ruth Super
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of
the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 and
subsequent Orders imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in
one place, this meeting of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted via
remote participation to the greatest extent possible.
On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law an Act Relative to Extending Certain
State of Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the
expiration of the provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.
On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed a bill that continues remote and hybrid
meeting provisions that were enacted during the pandemic. The new law extended
pandemic-related authorizations that were set to expire on March 31 through March 31,
2025, and then the Governor signed a bill to further extend the date through June 30,
2027.
Announcements and review of minutes
The meeting began with Sue Cusack helping out Victoria.
The Community Center is celebrating their anniversary on September 12.
Minutes
Corrections to July minutes – date is 7/8 not 7/9; 130 special needs children
attended
Hancock Church – Don Mills
Don Mills reviewed the progress on Hancock Church: in 2012 they filed with
MAAB asking for full relief and they were turned down but given long extension;
in 2015 granted a time extension; in 2015, in 2017 received an award; in 2024
filed a variance amendment; in 2025 worked on sanctuary chancel. The plan is to
lower the chancel floor and build a side ramp to the chancel. The building has 6
levels, all of which will be accessible, with a target date of February. The
Commission thanked Don for his impressive work to make the church fully
accessible. Such attention to details shows a commitment to full inclusion.
Project on 952 Waltham Street – Ruth Super
Ruth Super, an abutter, discussed the project at 952 Waltham on a ½ acre lot.
Hongsheng Tang and Limei Wang are proposing 8 townhouse units. Ruth’s
concerns are exclusivity and lack of allowances for snow and trash removal.
Some developers are trying to reap the benefits of overlay districts in a way
contrary to the intent of increasing accessibility and making housing more
affordable.
Discussion with Dana Bickelman about survey concerning employment
Dana has been in touch with Naomi Goldberg of MassAbility (formerly Mass
Rehab), Tom Romano and Olivia Kelly from the Chamber of Commerce. Janet
said the survey is comprehensive. The survey will be released on Friday.
New business
The planning department projects are always reviewed and current projects are listed
on their web site. The Commission needs to discuss the inclusion features of projects.
The Hastings School sidewalk slope will be accent-painted by the start of school.
Jim Kelly will invite the project manager from 287 Waltham Street (a special residential
program) next month.
Adjourned 7:17 pm
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack