The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

Car will collect data on condition of Lincoln roads

You may see an odd-looking vehicle puttering about town as soon as this week. The town has hired Citylogix, which uses a specially outfitted car to assess the conditions of Lincoln’s roads.

The vehicle-mounted sensing technology collects LiDAR/imagery data and 360° imaging technology to measure road defects, such as cracking, bumps, and potholes that will help the town identify and prioritize road repair needs. This initial step is expected to take about a week, but it may be delayed if it rains, said Department of Public Works Superintendent Stephen Olson.

The cost of the survey is $48,580, which includes comprehensive pavement condition data collection for all public roadways and three years of access to the Citylogix asset management software platform. “This platform will provide cost estimates for different paving scenarios, enabling us to analyze various strategies for rehabilitating the roadway network,” he said.

The goal is to use the data to determine the scope of a projected town-wide roadway infrastructure project as well as for short-term goals. The Finance and Capital Planning Committees estimated in March that a town-wide road project would cost about $12 million in FY 2029.

The part of Bedford Road that has gone though two different excavations for new water mains and drainage pipes is scheduled for repaving in spring 2027, Olson said. The soil and temporary patching over a trench in a road needs some time to settle from traffic, often over a winter.

Second phase of water main project is about to begin

Work is slated to begin this week on phase 2 of the water main replacement project on Lincoln Road from Ballfield Road to the railroad tracks and eventually South Great Road.

The first three weeks of construction activity will include installation of a temporary water bypass system starting near Ballfield Road, according to the Department of Public Works. Work will usually take place between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday, though after the school year ends on June 18, it may begin as early as 7:00am. Weekend and holiday work is not expected.

Once work begins, there may be temporary lane shifts. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained, but some properties may be contacted directly to coordinate temporary water service connections. After the temporary bypass is in place, there will likely be single-lane traffic operations through the active work zone during construction hours. Drivers should plan for slower travel through Lincoln Road, especially during morning and afternoon commute periods. Local access will be maintained, but through-traffic may wish to allow extra time or consider alternate routes when work is active.

The town may use message boards and website updates to provide more specific weekly information as the contractor submits two-week look-ahead schedules. Subscribe to the email list for official town notices here.

Legal notice: Tax collector

 

NOTICE OF TAX TAKING

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Town of Lincoln
Krystal Elder, Collector of Taxes
Office of the Collector of Taxes

To the owners of the hereinafter described land and to all others concerned:

You are hereby notified that on Monday the 15th day of June 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Tax Collectors’ Office, 16 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 60, Section 53, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Collector of Taxes, it is my intention to take for the Town of Lincoln the following parcels of land for non-payment of taxes due thereon, with interest and all incidental expenses and costs to the date of taking, unless the same shall have been paid before that date.

SZEKELY, ELIZABETH JOY
Parcel: 162-26-0-1-111, BUILDING located at 140 LINCOLN RD in LINCOLN, BUILDING shown on Assessor’s Map 162-26-0-1-111, recorded at MIDDLESEX REGISTRY OF DEEDS – Book/Page 81477-259. For FY-2024 Tax Due $5,969.04.

WALLER, KARLA
Parcel: 103-13-0-24-24R, BUILDING located at 24 R INDIAN CAMP LN in LINCOLN, BUILDING shown on Assessor’s Map 103-13-0-24-24R, recorded at MIDDLESEX REGISTRY OF DEEDS – Book/Page 70482-267. For FY-2024 Tax Due $3,116.62.

WOODS, ZACHARY & WOODS DEBRA
Parcel: 180-15-0, LAND & BUILDING located at 18 TWIN POND LN in LINCOLN, LAND & BUILDING containing 5.760 ACRES shown on Assessor’s Map 180-15-0, recorded at MIDDLESEX REGISTRY OF DEEDS – Book/Page 59669-524. For FY-2024 Tax Due $16,007.55.

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Legal notice: Historic District Commission (53 Bedford, 109 Trapelo)

LEGAL NOTICE — HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

The Historic District Commission will hold a virtual online public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to consider these applications:

  • S/A Boylston, 109 Trapelo Rd., M/P 150-27-0 for determination of a structure in connection with an application for demolition.
  • Seth Rosen, 53 Bedford Rd., M/P 134-17-0 for construction of a carriage house style detached garage. 

Time: June 2, 2026 7:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting   (Meeting ID: 983 9661 4379, Password: 167620)

Note that legal notices often must be posted twice by law. For previous legal notices and details on how to submit a legal notice to the Lincoln Squirrel, click here.

Police log for May 14–26, 2026

May 14

Page Road (3:09pm) — An officer responded to a residence about a suspicious person on scene. The individual was later identified as a utility worker.

Sandy Pond Road (3:34pm) — A person turned in a found item for safekeeping.

May 15

Page Road (1:35pm) — An officer spoke with a person about a possible scam.

Sandy Pond Road (1:42pm) — Officers were called to Sandy Pond for two people observed to be swimming. Massachusetts Environmental Police also responded. The people were identified, advised the activity was prohibited, and sent on their way.

North Commons (3:18pm) — Police and fire units were dispatched to Battle Road Farm for a minor crash involving a school bus and passenger vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The drivers were given the appropriate information and all vehicles were driven from the scene.

Huckleberry Hill (7:08pm) — A person spoke with an officer about a possible scam.

Sandy Pond Road (9:00pm) — Police were called to a residence and located Ryan Sussman, 24. who was arrested for an active arrest warrant out of Lynn District Court.

May 16

Stratford Way (10:17am) — A caller reported observing a suspicious motor vehicle in the area. Officers checked the location and side streets but were unable to locate the vehicle in question.

Old County Road (10:41am) — A motorist reported a large tree limb blocking the roadway. An office responded and removed the limb.

Deerhaven Road (4:31pm) — Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person in the area. They checked the neighborhood but were unable to locate the individual.

May 17

South Great Road (7:18am) — The fire department responded after the report of a loud bang followed by a power outage. Firefighters confirmed a faulty transformer and notified Eversource.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (10:07am) — The police and fire departments assisted the Massachusetts State Police and Concord police with a motor vehicle crash.

Huntley Lane (2:49pm) — An officer spoke to a person about possible credit card fraud.

May 19

Lincoln Road (12:32am) — A motorist reported striking a deer. The deer was deceased and the operator was not injured. The DPW was notified to remove the carcass.

Trapelo Road (8:40am) — Officers responded to the intersection with Old County Road for the report of a two-vehicle crash after one driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic. There were no reported injuries. The driver who failed to yield was cited for the same as well as unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. One of the vehicles was towed.

North Great Road (1:40pm) — Mass. Highway was notified of a faulty traffic light at the Lincoln/Lexington town line on Route 2A.

Sandy Pond Road (2:37pm) — An officer, with the assistance of the Animal Control Officer, dispatched a sick raccoon. The animal was then disposed of by Water Department staff.

As a result of a storm starting at around 6:00pm, downed trees and/or branches were reported on Old Concord Road, Ballfield Road, Baker Bridge Road, Trapelo Road, Stonehedge Road, South Great Road, and Sandy Pond Road.

South Great Road (9:21pm) — Officers responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash that occurred when a driver avoided an animal and struck a tree. The operator was not injured and the vehicle was towed.

Tower Road (5:52pm) — A motorist reported the railroad gates were stuck in the down position. An officer responded to monitor. Keolis was also advised. The gates returned to normal operation a short time later.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (7:58pm) — Lincoln police and fire helped the Massachusetts State Police with a motor vehicle crash.

May 20

Harvest Circle (12:30pm) — An officer helped a motorist who struck another vehicle while backing out of a parking spot. There were no injuries.

Old Winter Street (5:32pm) — A person reported motorists were ignoring the No Left Turn sign. An officer responded to monitor traffic.

Marrett Street, Hanscom AFB (5:36pm) — Officers helped Hanscom AFB Security Forces with a mutual aid response.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (6:43pm) — Police and fire units helped a person get back into their residence.

Stratford Way (10:11pm) — A caller reported a missing dog. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Lincoln Gas and Auto (11:57pm) — An officer responded for a noise complaint and spoke to an employee on scene who was in the process of leaving the property.

May 21

Winter Street (2:46am) — An officer came upon a damaged vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. The operator, Manan Patel, 23, of Billerica, was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor. Manan was booked then transported to Concord District Court the following morning. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Weston Road (9:18am) — A caller reported coming in contact with an aggressive dog while walking the trails. An officer was able to secure the dog and walk it back to its residence. The Animal Control Officer was notified.

Tower Road (1:13pm) — A caller reported being locked out of their residence. The fire department helped the person.

Winter Street (5:31pm) — An officer responded to a residence and spoke to a person about an encounter with a delivery driver.

May 22

Wells Road (9:50pm) — An officer spoke with a caller about an ongoing situation.

Mary’s Way (3:54pm) — A caller reported loose goats in the area. An officer was able to gather the goats and return them to a nearby pen.

May 23

Old Farm Road (9:45am) — An officer followed up with a caller about a past dog bite.

Old Bedford Road (12:47pm) — A caller reported the strong outside odor of natural gas. The fire department responded to the area. National Grid was also notified. A National Park ranger noted that this was an ongoing issue.

Offutt Road, Hanscom AFB (1:27pm) — An officer spoke with a person about possible cyberbullying and online harassment.

Baker Bridge Road (9:08pm) — A caller reported a vehicle parked in the Carroll School parking lot playing loud music. The vehicle was actually in the Wayland campus lot so Wayland police were notified.

May 24

Commuter rail parking lot (12:19am) — An officer checked on a parked and occupied vehicle. The occupants cleared from the area shortly thereafter.

Post office, 145 Lincoln Road (6:12am) — An officer helped a person who was locked inside the building.

South Great Road (10:21am) — Officers helped two motorists involved in a minor crash exchange information.

Concord Road (1:08pm) — An officer responded for the report of a crash that occurred when a vehicle left the roadway and struck a fence. The vehicle was towed and there were no reported injuries.

Wells Road (1:31pm) — An officer spoke with a person after an altercation with a neighbor.

Old Town Hall Exchange (5:30pm) — A caller reported an unleashed dog walking alone in the area in case police received a call about a lost dog.

Old Bedford Road (6:10pm) — An officer responded to Concord for mutual aid.

May 25

Weston Road (4:01am) — Officers responded to a residence for a report of a missing person. The person in question was located a short time later in close proximity to the residence.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (5:48pm) — A caller reported seeing a small dog running near the highway. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the animal.

Page Farm Road (2:59pm) — A motorist reported a large tree limb blocking the roadway. The DPW was notified and removed the limb a short time later.

Mill Street (10:35pm) — A caller reported a tree limb was contacting wires and causing sparks and smoke. Eversource was notified.

Wells Road (12:11pm) — A caller spoke with an officer about possible harassment.

May 26

Hanscom Drive (2:57am) — Officers helped Hanscom Air Force Base Security Forces with a well-being check at the gate.

Chestnut Circle (4:59pm) — Officers performed a well-being check at a residence.

News acorns

Order prom flowers from FELS

Order your senior prom flowers and support the Foundation for Educators at Lincoln-Sudbury (FELS). Pre-order white, pink, or red rose boutonnieres for $20; white, pink, or red wrist corsages for $45; or a combo pack (one of each) for $60. Order here and pick up outside the L-S Main Office the day of the prom (Thursday, June 4) from 10:30am–12:00pm. Questions? Email FELSquestions@gmail.com

Council on Aging & Human Resources activities

  • Abla Shocair will present a free classical piano concert on Thursday, June 4 at 3:00pm in Bemis Hall.
  • Join Kathleen Fahey, executive director of the Friends of Minute Men, to learn about the importance and legacy of Buttrick Gardens on Friday, June 5 at 12:30pm in Bemis Hall.

Thoreau exhibition open house

The Walden Woods Project Library will host an open house for part 1 of a two-part exhibition on Friday, June 12 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Walden Woods library (44 Baker Farm Road, Lincoln). The exhibitions are curated in connection with “Henry David Thoreau,” executive produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley, that premiered on PBS in March. Part 1, “Who He Was, What He Stood For,” focuses on Thoreau’s early adulthood and his emergence as a writer. It explores how the forces of society, family, friends, the Transcendentalist movement, and his time at Walden Pond helped shaped his writings and philosophies. It’s open until March 31, 2027. Click here to register.

deCordova summer concerts

The deCordova Performance Series in the Sculpture Park kicks off with Vance Gilbert on Friday, June 26 from 6:30–8:00pm. Buy tickets for that event and click here for information about other performances and events this summer:

My Turn: the old shooting range

By Stewart Coffin

One time about 50 years ago, my wife and I were hiking in that large tract of woodland and swamp where the towns of Lincoln, Weston, and Wayland all come together, now called Van Leer Conservation Land, when we came upon a strange excavation that looked to be manmade. We couldn’t figure out what it was, but on the way home, Hans Van Leer happened to be out in his front yard and we stopped to chat.

He said we had probably discovered the old World War II shooting range. It seems that some of the local men too old to serve had formed a sort of local “militia” and practiced shooting with ammunition that was hard to buy at that time but was provided by the government. He also said there was a spring nearby that they used to keep their beer cool.

All of this I am reporting from memory after half a century later, and I hope I have got it right. There were probably more details that I wish I had recorded but have now forgotten. This and more must have been recorded sometime somewhere, if only I could find it. I thought it might be important enough to be noted on the conservation handout and map, but evidently not. Recently I have returned to look for that site and of course it is still there, although much overgrown and harder to find now. I have also brought along a few friends to point out the site.

The site appears to me as being located near where the three towns come together. I am guessing the excavation and grading was done using a tractor. If so, the access might have been via the Schumacher farm land that is now Appletree Lane rather than across the large swamp that now has a long boardwalk.

An important first step would be to verify that we have the site right, which might be done by historical research. Or try to find that cool spring (if it still exists) or look for spent cartridges. My thought is that the site might be worth marking on a map, together with a brief description. I am now 96 and trying to bring to fruition projects like this while still around. Anyone with more information may contact me at stcmsd@aol.com.

“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnians. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Roof fire starts near solar panels

Solar panels damaged by fire. (Photo courtesy Lincoln Fire Department)

On Saturday, May 16, the Lincoln Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Old Concord Road. The incident was initially reported as smoke coming from solar panels installed on the roof of a residence.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire had extended into the attic space, according to Fire Chief Brian Young. Lincoln firefighters quickly knocked down the attic fire while mutual aid crews searched for any additional fire. Crews from the Wayland Fire Department assisted by applying water to the solar panel array from an aerial ladder truck.

The fire damaged several solar panels and a portion of the roof beneath them. Preliminary investigation found evidence of an animal nest located beneath the solar panels; however, the exact cause remains under investigation.

The fire was first noticed by a delivery driver, who alerted the homeowners after observing smoke coming from the roof.

“The Lincoln Fire Department is grateful for the driver’s quick actions and is thankful the fire was discovered early, preventing more significant damage to the home,” Young said.

Property sales in March 2026

192 Concord Road — Richard K. Lahnstein Trust to Sevgi Umur for $640,000 (March 2)

141 Chestnut Circle — Hopeton K. Kimball Trust to Timothy A. Taylor for $905,000 (March 19)

29D South Commons — Alan Goodrich to Melissa W. Liska for $610,000 (March 20)

45 Winter St. — Joshua Lamstein to Bouwien Smits and Cary Elliott for $2,705,000 (March 24)

News acorns

Outdoor water use restricted even further

The state has declared a Level 3 (Critical) Drought for the Northeast Region, which includes Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk Counties. The designation follows years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water supplies. As a result, outdoor watering is now limited to one day a week as indicated on this Lincoln Water Department chart.

May wildlife column

Trees, shrubs, and flowers are in full bloom, birds have migrated into town, and animals with their young are being seen. Learn more and see photos in the May wildlife column by Gwyn Loud on the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Rural Land Foundation website.

Free adaptive rail trail ride

The Sudbury Commission on Disability invites residents of Lincoln and surrounding communities to experience cycling along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at a free adaptive cycling event on Saturday, June 6. Hosted in partnership with the Sudbury Rail Trails Advisory Committee and All Out Adventures, one-hour riding sessions will be offered between 11:00am and 3:00pm at Broadacres Farm at 62 Morse Road in Sudbury. Participants of all ages and abilities can choose from a variety of adaptive cycles, including recumbent trikes, handcycles, and tandem bikes, with trained staff on-site to provide support in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Helmets are provided. Advance registration required. For questions or phone registration, call 413-584-2052.

Artist reception: Tom Doran

The Lincoln Library Art Gallery will host a reception for artist Tom Doran on Saturday, June 6 from 2:00-4:30pm.

Steve Heck at LOMA on June 8

Steve Heck will be the headliner at the next Lincoln Open Mic Acoustic (LOMA) on Monday, June 8 from 7–10 p.m. in Bemis Hall (doors open at 6:30pm, featured performers play from 8:30-9:00pm). He’s at home playing a wide variety of piano styles from jazz to pop, Latin to rock, and country to blues and has played on stage and in the studio with the Byrds, the Allman Brothers, Peter Yarrow, and Richie Havens. LOMA is a monthly open mic night event with mics and instrumental pickups suitable for individuals or small groups playing acoustic-style. Come and perform (email loma3re@gmail.com to sign up) or just come listen to acoustic music and spoken word. Free admission.

Chef at The Commons is recognized

Nina Quirk

Chef Nina Quirk, the campus culinary services director at The Commons in Lincoln, has been named to the Senior Housing News DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2026. Quirk was recognized in the “Elevating the Experience” category for her creative use of local ingredients and delivering excellence in the resident culinary experience. She joined The Commons in Lincoln in 2023.