water from snow melting off the roof

The unexpected beauty of snow melting off a roof!
image of Lincoln, MA public library

Library Heating/Cooling - Decision to Postpone Vote on Replacement

Representatives from key town boards and committees, along with staff, met in January to determine whether to recommend a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system or a conventional gas-fired system for the Library HVAC replacement. Based on the best financial information available at the time - including cost estimates and projected credits and incentives that could reduce the overall project cost - the group concluded that the GSHP system should be recommended as the preferred option and that Town Meeting should be asked to approve the necessary funding.

Our team reconvened this week after receiving revised federal tax credit projections from two independent firms. Based on this updated information, we concluded that the original projections provided to the Town were overly optimistic.  As a result, we will recommend that Town Meeting defer its decision in order to allow the project team to complete additional due diligence and finish its comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis. We anticipate completing this work in time to inform a decision on whether to request funding at a fall Special Town Meeting.

This is a unique project and opportunity, the financial viability of which depends on a range of federal and state funding sources. Lincoln is among the first communities attempting to navigate this program. While it is unfortunate that the decision must be delayed, it is important that our analysis be complete before determining whether to continue pursuing this option.

We appreciate the Library’s patience as we work through this process.

***The Lincoln Water Main "Big Dig" FAQ is on the town website!***
chart comparing current bylaw to proposed bylaw

Dark Skies Community Survey

The Dark Skies subcommittee of the Planning Board is trying to raise awareness about how to preserve starry nights and promote environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. The subcommittee has created a survey that is designed to explore the level of understanding residents have regarding Lincoln's Dark Skies initiative and where there may be gaps in knowledge. Each section is brief and designed to guide follow up educational information. Please fill out the survey by March 23, 2026 to help the subcommittee gather information before Town Meeting.

To read the full language of the proposed bylaw (Article #35) and other Town Meeting information, please visit the 2026 Town Meeting page of the Town of Lincoln website.
Hands holding up items that can be recycled.

Introducing "Zero Waste Lincoln"

Zero Waste Lincoln is a Lincoln-based, volunteer committee (not appointed by the town) that seeks to support residents in living more sustainably, through generating less waste by utilizing recycling, composting, and other waste reduction programs and through providing information on consumer strategies such as refuse-reduce-reuse-refill options. We are working with the Lincoln DPW to help residents throw out less trash, recycle more effectively, and consume less, particularly plastics.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s RecycleSmartMA.org has helpful information on what the State requires residents to recycle, including two fun quizzes designed to inform you and a Recyclopedia to help you determine what can be recycled and how. 

Zero Waste Lincoln will publish a series of pieces in Lincoln Talk and SelectConnect that provide detailed tips on trash disposal, recycling, and plastics. Our committee members are Pam Boardman, Sherry Haydock, Sue Klem, Lara Sullivan, Edwin Tam, and Susan Winship. We look forward to helping you (and ourselves!) learn to live more sustainably.

- Sue Klem, susan.m.klem@gmail.com, for Zero Waste Lincoln.

Upcoming Meetings

Visit the municipal calendar for details!

  • March 16th:  Town Meeting Study Committee public forums
  • March 18th:  Moderator's Meeting - Town Meeting logistics
  • March 19th:  School Committee - includes discussion of Hanscom contract
  • March 23rd:  Select Board Meeting
    • Presentation from Codman Community Farm - store renovation project
    • Final preparations for Town Meeting
  • March 24th:  Planning Board Meeting

Mass Municipal Association Podcast, The 351

In episode 8 of the MMA's podcast,  MMA Legislative Director, Dave Koffman "helps unpack the key municipal priorities currently pending on Beacon Hill - from public education funding and local aid in the Fiscal 2027 state budget to long-term investments in roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure."

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16 Lincoln Road, Lincoln MA 01773
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