Planning Board receives citizen tree group's survey and bylaw research

LINCOLN — January 14, 2025 — Citizen Tree Preservation Study Group briefs Lincoln Planning Board on bylaw options. The independent group presented results of a 94-response resident survey showing 93 percent of respondents believe Lincoln has enough trees or needs more, with extensive removal for development the top concern and 48 percent citing a lack of adequate bylaws. Co-Chair Gary Taylor and member Margaret Olson sparred with the group's landscape architect over how much authority Lincoln's site plan rules actually give the board, with Taylor citing a Lexington case requiring 471 inches of replacement planting for 262 inches removed. Tree Warden Ken said the town can refuse utility tree removals — "They have no power to" override an objection — and confirmed his annual budget is roughly $8,000. The board took no vote and adjourned at 8 p.m.