Lincoln Select Board endorses Climate Action Plan process, authorizes summer public review

LINCOLN -- June 26, 2023, Lincoln Select Board endorses Climate Action Plan process and joins regional pushback on Hanscom. The board voted 3-0 to support work to date on the Lincoln Climate Action Plan and to include a Select Board letter of support in summer public review materials, ahead of a planned fall adoption vote at State of the Town. Assistant Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Curtin, the project's staff manager, said engagement produced more than 200 strategy ideas, narrowed to roughly 90 across six sectors, with a resident "ambassador" program, described by member Kim Bodnar as "a green squad", emerging as a top near-term priority. MAPC consultant Van Du urged the town to "really pay attention to the implementation support strategies," including hiring a climate and sustainability director. Chair Jim Hutchinson separately reported that Lincoln, Concord, Bedford and Lexington will jointly write Gov. Maura Healey opposing the proposed Hanscom Field private-jet hangar expansion on climate grounds. The board also expects roughly $2 million in free cash for one-time appropriations next budget cycle.