Lincoln Select Board promotes Housing Choice zoning to Dec. 2 warrant article

LINCOLN — November 13, 2023 — Lincoln Select Board adds Housing Choice Act zoning to Dec. 2 warrant in 3-0 vote. The board, on a motion by member Jennifer Glass seconded by member Kim Bodnar and supported by Chair Jim Hutchinson, converted a planned informal survey into a formal warrant article that will use in-person ranked-choice voting to pick a zoning compliance district. Residents have until noon Nov. 20 to email Glass or Town Administrator Tim Higgins with additional option suggestions meeting the half-mile-from-transit constraint; the Housing Choice Act Working Group will finalize a slate of roughly five options Nov. 21. Working-group members Gary, Rachel and Kathy dissented in a non-binding straw poll, with Gary warning the late pivot could discourage future multi-year volunteers: "Somebody at the last minute can come in and change the game." Glass committed to a separate March warrant article rezoning the mall if the Dec. 2 winner excludes it. The board also appointed Tom Blair as a full-time firefighter and five new call firefighters.