Lincoln Select Board tables Walden parcel transfer, seeks resident pond access

LINCOLN — October 17, 2011 — Lincoln Select Board tables Walden Pond parcel transfer to extract resident access from the state. The board on Oct. 17 deferred conveying a buildable Route 126 lot to the Commonwealth — promised in a 2003 land swap that helped secure Sunnyside Lane affordable housing — after member Noah Eckhals objected that Lincoln residents are routinely turned away from Walden Pond when its lot fills. Eckhals asked for a resident bike rack, a roadside path connection, or Drumlin Farm-style free access in exchange. Separately, the board voted to seek $500,000 from the Community Preservation Committee for FY13 to pay down debt on the $6.8 million town offices project, up from a $200,000-$300,000 placeholder last year. "We have all these piggy banks around town. Let's use them and not collect more taxes," member Peter Braun said. The Finance Committee's FY13 guideline holds operating budgets to 2 percent growth, fully funds the $450,000 cash capital budget, and sets aside $250,000 for GASB retiree-health liability.