The Town of Lincoln, MA - HATS Committee Minutes

The Chairman welcomed attendees and outlined the agenda. She announced that the Massachusetts National Guard is moving its headquarters to Hanscom, and Timothy Cullen and Col. Richard Crivello have been invited to give a presentation. Introductions were made.

Timothy Cullen explained that the Massachusetts National Guard is moving its headquarters from Milford to a new facility at the Hanscom Air Force base, with federal funding. He introduced Col. Crivello who is directly involved with the project.

Col. Crivello stated that the Massachusetts National Guard is comprised of the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard. The organization is distributed across the state but currently has its headquarters in Milford. Funding and control are at federal level.

The Massachusetts National Guard has changed from a strategic reserve to an operational resource; its members have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and home missions have also increased with involvement in hurricane relief efforts. The support facilities available at Hanscom make it a good location for the new headquarters. Local senators and congressmen have expressed support for the project.

Power Point slides illustrating the location of the site and the design of the main new building were shown. The location is near the base’s audio visual center. A three to five story office building is planned on a vacant parcel next to the medical building. A portion of the building has received funding approval as phase one. Phase two, for which funding is being sought, will comprise the remainder of this building, two smaller buildings and a warehouse.

Col. Crivello said that the National Guard is committed to working with the base and with the surrounding communities in addressing operational issues such as traffic. The headquarters is largely administrative and therefore traffic will mainly be cars. The National Guard does not plan to base any aircraft here; it has facilities at other locations. It occasionally uses a jet but does not foresee any increase in air traffic.

The Chairman asked for more information about traffic. The base has staggered starting and ending times for staff, which the National Guard will fit in with. Town’s representatives drew attention to traffic congestion at Hartwell Avenue and Route 2A. Mr. Domnitz commented that the traffic officer at Route 2A seems to give undue priority to Hanscom traffic; Ms. Mattes agreed to raise this with the officer.

Col. Crivello was asked if the National Guard project would have any effect on the bid to host the Cyber Command headquarters at Hanscom. He responded that the two projects are totally separate and there is still space to accommodate the Cyber Command or other growth.

Ms. Mattes asked if the development would incorporate any green technology. It will be required to meet the LEED silver standard. Ms. Krieger asked about fire protection, as the towns currently have few high buildings. This was discussed and it was noted that there is a mutual aid agreement involving the towns and the air field enabling equipment to be shared.

Jeanne Krieger outlined the background to the Coalition and its aims, which are focused on addressing traffic issues in relation to the large amount of commercial development being planned. She reported on a meeting held the previous Friday in Lexington, involving the Planning Boards and staffs of five communities. Presentations were given by Burlington’s town planner, Tony Fields, and Cambridge’s director of traffic demand management. Ms. Krieger noted that Cambridge has a high level of use of mass transit, controls the provision of parking spaces, and requires other traffic mitigation techniques for larger developments. Developers were said to be happy with the certainty provided by the policy, even though the penalties for non-compliance were high. An understanding came out of the meeting, that planning staffs of the Central Corridor communities would work together towards standardization of their policies.

Richard Canale stated that MAGIC is planning to have a legislative breakfast in December, following the elections. On October 16^th there will be a meeting in Concord at 7:00 PM, which will continue discussions on transportation and have a presentation by the Census Bureau. Population figures are periodically updated between censuses. The data is used as a basis for delineating congressional districts and for some federal funding. It is recognized that the Massachusetts population is often under-stated, primarily due to issues with counting students, so an extra effort is underway.

Mr. Canale mentioned that Mass Highway held a workshop the previous day concerning designs for the Route 2 Concord rotary. Anne Shapiro commented that although Concord views this project as important, it sees the Crosby’s Corner project as preceding it.

Mr. Canale reported that although the 2009-2012 TIP should normally be finalized by now, it has been delayed. An amendment to the 2009 and 2010 sections of the previous TIP has been released for comment with a deadline of October 21^st. This affects Crosby’s Corner and Middlesex Turnpike. MAGIC will formulate a letter at its October meeting.

There was discussion on a HATS response to the TIP amendment. In the past, the towns have agreed to press for both the Crosby’s Corner and Middlesex Turnpike projects, and MAGIC has placed both in its top tier. Mr. Canale agreed to draft a letter for the HATS towns to consider. If the Boards of Selectmen concur, then HATS can also send a letter. ACTION: Mr. Canale

Mr. Canale also reported that the Unified Planning Work Program, on which HATS submitted comments making reference to the Cyber Command bid, was approved last month. He distributed copies of the minutes and noted that the MPO reacted favorably to the letters but felt unable to fund the requested studies at this time.

Jeanne Krieger explained that thirty-seven communities in Massachusetts and eight in New Hampshire have joined together under the umbrella of the Freedom’s Way Heritage initiative. The Commission meets monthly at Devens, and Ms. Krieger is a commissioner. She distributed copies of a map showing the area covered, which extends from Malden westwards in a widening wedge shape, and outlined the organization’s aims. It can act as a clearinghouse and advocacy resource on historical and environmental projects in the area, promoting a coordinated view. It can support and develop local groups, especially in under-served areas.

Kati Winchell reported that the proposal to expand the boundary of Minuteman National Historic Park has been passed in the House and is being considered in the Senate. This change will place the Barrett house within the Park. The house was built in 1705 and was a target of the search for weapons by the British army that sparked the revolution. Save Our Heritage purchased the house to restore it, with the aim of transferring it to the National Park for management. Restoration is underway with grants from Concord’s Community Preservation Act funds, Save America’s Treasures and private sources, and with a significant input of volunteer work.

Bob Domnitz mentioned concerns expressed by Lexington and Lincoln Planning Boards about garish lighting that has been installed at the hotel at the intersection of Routes 128 and 2A which is the gateway to the National Park. Mr. Canale noted that the Scenic Byway designation does not confer any power but could lead to a corridor management plan. Jeanne Krieger agreed to look into the potential for enforcement action by Lexington. ACTION: Ms. Krieger

Mike Rosenberg reported that he has reviewed Massport’s vegetation management proposals and they do not appear likely to have much impact; however Massport’s representatives said that there were further proposals to come. Sara Arnold will give a presentation on noise in October.

Dorothy Steele will check the speaker’s availability for the new date. She reported that a new map has been produced for Logan airport, showing what can be developed in the flightpaths; this may be a useful preview of what will be produced for Hanscom in about a year’s time. Lexington expressed interest in clarifying height limitations, or at least consultation procedures and timeframes, as soon as possible. Massport said that the FAA currently comments on specific development proposals and would be able to discuss broader ideas with Lexington. Lincoln would like to understand tower lighting requirements more clearly. ACTION: Ms. Steele

Sara Mattes expressed interest in comparing experiences of Town Meetings and other key committees such as Lincoln’s Comprehensive Long Range Plan Committee, particularly with regard to participation. Potential contributors were identified and the Chairman will try to arrange this discussion. ACTION: Chairman

Bob Domnitz expressed interest in comparing parking standards. Other aspects raised were the connection between parking and public transportation/ traffic mitigation, and the location of parking in developments (front versus rear and shared versus dedicated).

Mike Rosenberg suggested this topic, to cover youth centers, programmed activities and informal gathering places for young people. It was noted that some towns have organizations established under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code that provide youth services, and most towns have recreation committees. The focus of discussion could be what is a town’s role and responsibility. HATS members agreed to email suggestions for participants to the Chairman. ACTION: Selectmen/ others

Catherine Perry reported that the approved minutes of meetings are being posted on Lincoln’s website under “Other boards and committees”. She suggested that a HATS page be created, with introductory information about the committee followed by the minutes. This was agreed. ACTION: Mrs. Perry