HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-03-GCC-min Greenways Corridor Committee
Approved Meeting Notes
December 3, 2020
4:30 pm via Webinar
Members Present: Keith Ohmart (chair), Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Peggy Enders,
Eileen Entin, Bob Hausslein, Susan Kenyon, Mike Tabaczynski, Don Grant
Other Attendees: Larry McCray, Mark Sandeen (Select Board Liaison), Francesca
Pfrommer (Recreation Liaison)
The meeting began at 4:35 pm. Keith read the formal remote meeting announcement.
Votes:
• Meeting minutes of November 19, 2020: Approved
Reports/Updates:
• Liberty Ridge Trail/Jefferson Drive Connector: Mike provided update and next steps
for starting permitting; hopes that's done in 1.5 months and built early next spring.
Mike will check to make sure that the Jefferson Drive developer's engineer has
completed the surveying work required for permits from both Lexington and
Burlington.
• Route Sticker Reorder: Keith has reordered; thus fully stocked.
• Project Improvement Request Funds: Keith reported on conference call with Jim
Malloy and Carol Kowalski. He was told the FY21 funds ($9K) will be available for
use through June 2021, but he has been asked not to make a request for FY22.
The challenge will be to produce an updated brochure before the end of the fiscal
year. He plans to talk with Susan about the future of a printed brochure. The PIR
funds can be used for other projects, as well, including the wayfinding project.
Francesca asked about ways to track map/trail usage via QR codes, website visits,
etc.
• 39 Highland Avenue (Norris Farm/Ashley property): Town Meeting approved
purchase of the 4.5 acre property with CPA funds. Keith will send around a map of
the property and its relationship to the potential Community Connector (which will be
discussed as part of the capital discussions for FY24 by the Conservation
Commission).
• Add ACROSS Challenge link to ACROSS pdf map on the town's website: Mike
agreed to follow up on this.
Current Business:
Review Draft Goals Statement: Susan suggested that the document be ordered in
terms of priority; e.g., wayfinding signs are probably first, then maintenance. She
suggested adding "Celebrate 10th anniversary of the GCC (2021)." Keith suggested
another goal: creating an archival system for artwork (i.e., signs, etc.), brochures, maps,
etc. Peggy said this is a more general problem for many committees —where stuff
should be stored in the longer term. Keith mentioned that space exists in the
Hennessey barn where conservation stewards store materials; Alex suggested a
waterproof container.
Peggy suggested that the goal, "Collaborate with other Town Committees...to advocate
for a more walkable and bikeable community" might better fit under a future goal. Keith
said there are some aspects that are ongoing and others that are more aspirational;
he'll try to reflect this in the goals statement.
Wayfinding Sign project: Mike presented his proposed list of wayfinding signage
locations and provided an example of a single wayfinding sign: of a size to be "screwed
to a post" instead of on a kiosk; 14x18 inches tall, stiff aluminum, portrait format. He
asked for comments on overall impressions and suggestions. Alex suggests that
streams be included. Eileen asked about the point-of-interest numbers on the sample
and wondered whether these were useful. Mike said might be able to cut down on
number of signs but wants to be sure to include some overlap. Susan emphasized the
importance of the logo. Keith said he hopes the project could be rolled out by the middle
of next summer to meet the FY21 funding deadline.
Recreation Committee (liaison report): Francesca said that the recent needs
assessment has inspired the Recreation Department to think of town parcels of land
"more holistically." She gave as an example town playgrounds that abut conservation
land and said that the Recreation Department hopes to collaborate with committees to
determine where there is potential for synergy. Keith said he would like to obtain more
information about the summary points in the needs assessment; Susan and Keith will
set up a time to review this information with Francesca.
Conservation Five-year Planning Schedule: Keith said he is looking forward to the
upcoming twice-yearly meeting in January with Conservation Commission and trail
stewards to discuss trail project priorities and the planning calendar on trail projects. He
wants to ensure that several additional ACROSS projects are included on the calendar:
• Liberty Ridge Connector—won't involve any capital resources; will require
permitting;
• Concord Ave/Brookhaven: Site visit being planned. Mike will be able to send
around a map some time next week in time for a committee site visit.
• Waterstone Connector: will connect new Waterstone development along Route 2
roadbed that parallels road to Pleasant Street (requiring easements from MassDOT
and MWRA); occupancy 2022.
• West Lexington Greenway: Will require permit. Keith has been in touch with Carol
Kowalski about the trail system behind Hartwell Avenue and the possibility of adding
additional ACROSS-Lexington loops as part of the Hartwell Innovation project.
• Hobbs Brook Cambridge Watershed property and possible ACROSS trail
extensions.
In reference to the need for a Land Management Plan for the Concord Avenue
Conservation parcel trail development project, Alex received information about land
management planning costs — $8,500-12,000, depending on size of project. New
conservation coordinator Amber Carr has considerable experience with land
management planning.
Keith hopes to schedule a meeting on January 7; will request date from town.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Recorder: Peggy Enders