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.