Well said, Sara
Orest Hurko, M.D. *22 Old Sudbury Road* *Lincoln MA 01773-4805* *USA* *Home +1 781 257 5163* *Mobile +1 781 469 6810* On Mon, Nov 10, 2025, 2:14 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected]> wrote: > That is why I urge serious town-wide conversation of what is needed and > what is wanted, and what it might take to get it. > We need a clear-eyed approach to the realities of the market place. > If we are not proactive and let the free market dictate, there will, most > likely, be no more commerce. > If the town chooses to allow that to happen, so be it. > But, we should have a conversation-what would it take to keep commerce? > What kind of public investment? > > We had that discussion when we chose to save Codman Farm and to create > Lincoln Woods and the Mall. > We were given an opportunity, with the disposition of the Codman estate, > to make those investments. > We could have chosen to let the opportunity to pass, to let the properties > be developed by the marketplace, but we did not. > And, I believe, we are the better for it. > > I suggest we revisit that kind of conversation rather than “let nature > take its course.” > Let’s do some big-picture thinking-let’s plan our future and that for > generations to come. > > > > On Nov 10, 2025, at 1:15 PM, Margaret Olson <[email protected]> wrote: > > Banks, like all commercial entities, need an adequate customer base to > remain viable. In the case of a physical location, an adequate local > customer base. We may want certain kinds of establishments and amenities, > but that doesn’t mean that the owners of those amenities and establishments > will view the Lincoln Station area as worth their investment of time, > money, and effort. > > The commercial landscape has radically changed over the past 20 years. > What once worked no longer does. > > Margaret > > On Mon, Nov 10, 2025 at 1:06 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected]> wrote: > >> We can all hope another bank will settle here, and in that location. >> Remember, it is across the street from the Ryan Estates and next door to >> Lincoln Woods…populations who might not have access to more distant banking >> services and need more than a simple ATM at Donelans. >> We still have a diverse population here in Lincoln and we must remain >> sensitive to the needs of all. >> >> As to “speculation” as to what is to come-it is only speculative on that >> it has not yet appeared. >> For all who followed the HCA debate and attended meetings and >> presentations, the redevelopment plan was presented to us in both text and >> graphic representations. >> CIVICO has been a partner with town organizations and worked with town >> boards on several projects., most recently the project on the >> Panetta/Harrington property. >> The teardown/redevelopment scenario at the Mall was presented as a >> positive outcome. >> >> How quickly we forget. >> >> >> On Nov 10, 2025, at 12:28 PM, Lis Herbert <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> Sure, yes -- it will be inconvenient, and it's a shame, and if I had to >> guess the local impact, if no other bank moves in, it is that Donelan's >> will find itself doing more cash back debit transactions than they'd like, >> and they will become an ATM. >> >> But in case my larger point was missed, it is this: without any >> information other than the bank is closing next spring, I think the most we >> can assume is that they just decided not to renew their lease. >> >> Speculating in a public forum, saying "I suspect it is the first shoe to >> drop. CIVICO will be on the doorstep. A teardown/ redevelopment in our >> future?"; or tying this to "revenues for land acquisition and the >> support of staff"; or declaring "there will be no more village" when, as >> far as I know, the remaining businesses, apart from the USPS, are all >> locally owned; and making unfounded claims that "we are faced with the >> potential loss of the retail hub"... It's all just a bit much. >> >> Maybe it's not some big conspiracy and the beginning of the end. Maybe >> something new and exciting will move in, or maybe it will be another bank. >> Who knows? >> >> Lis >> >> On Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM Sara Mattes <[email protected]> wrote: >> >>> For many who are not able to hop in a car, or on the onto the internet >>> for banking, the loss of a bank, any bank, in Lincoln is a real loss and >>> has an impact on life. >>> So, the replacement of a bank with another retail business is a loss. >>> >>> As to Lincoln’s rural expansive and wonderful look today-you can thank >>> many visionary people from decades ago-Quincy Adams, Bob Lemire, Perry >>> Culver (who saved Codman Farm), Warren Flint, Sr., and many many others. >>> It is worth revisiting this extensive history, beginning with delving >>> into *A Rich Harvest * by Lincoln Historian Jack MacLean. >>> >>> Most of all, we need to recognize the role of town boards who helped >>> shaped plans and acquisitions, and finally and most important, the voters >>> and taxpayers of Lincoln who saw the wisdom of the vision of those cited >>> before. >>> >>> Certainly non-profits have played a role-RLF, LLCT, Walden Woods >>> Project, Historic New England, Mass.Audubon and Drumlin Farm, Friends of >>> MMNP, and most recently Trustees of the Reservations all have played >>> critical roles in ensuring we look the way we look and will most likely >>> preserve that for decades to come. >>> >>> But, again, none of that would have happened if it were not for the >>> collaboration with town officials and support of Lincoln voters and >>> taxpayers. >>> >>> I am forever grateful to all of them, and especially to the town, writ >>> large. >>> >>> On Nov 9, 2025, at 8:17 PM, Lis Herbert <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> It’s odd (in my admittedly under-informed opinion) to lament the closure >>> of a multinational bank while saying it means the end of a village… what if >>> this is just an incredibly boring leasing decision, for all the reasons >>> Nick Gardner stated, and a small locally owned business moves in? Why, >>> apart from the closure of a bank branch (which it seems people are somehow >>> attached to as a fixture of village life??) is this reason to say the sky >>> is falling? And why would the maneuvers of a bank with (let’s at least be >>> honest) zero physical investment in town, trump the needs/opinions (and as >>> yet totally nonexistent maneuvering) of the non-profit organization that is >>> largely if not entirely — and I mean no offense to past town officials — >>> responsible for Lincoln looking and feeling so rural, expansive, and >>> wonderful as it does today? >>> >>> Lis >>> >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>> On Nov 9, 2025, at 7:42 PM, Rachel Marie Schachter < >>> [email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> >>> Didn't expect to be chiming in here, but for some of us in a lower >>> income bracket, the fee for depositing cash at the ATM if you don't bank >>> there really does affect our bottom line. >>> >>> I don't expect anyone to rally for East Cambridge Savings Bank (or have >>> any idea what rallying would actually do), but I do happen to be a customer >>> and a fan. >>> >>> Rachel >>> >>> On Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM Nick Gardner <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> I think the broad issue is that even for good banks, there's less and >>>> less reason to use in person branches. I can deposit cash into the ATM, >>>> deposit checks on my phone, open and close accounts on my phone, and even >>>> get loans on my laptop. I've probably had to use a physical bank branch >>>> half a dozen times in the last decade, and it's why so many physical >>>> branches are closing. >>>> >>>> I would love to see a good bank or credit union come to Lincoln but >>>> it's an uphill battle these days. >>>> >>>> -Nick >>>> >>>> On Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 19:31 JMG at Lincolntalk < >>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I upvote DCU also. Great rates, plus staff in Lexington, online app, >>>>> all good. >>>>> Jennie >>>>> >>>>> On Nov 8, 2025, at 3:26 PM, Jennifer Saffran < >>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> We have been using DCU—Digital Federal Credit Union—for many years. >>>>> >>>>> On Nov 8, 2025, at 1:22 PM, Bob Kupperstein <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> IMO everyone should consider using a credit union rather than a bank - >>>>> lower or no fees, lower penalties and charges, better service, etc. >>>>> >>>>> There are a number of excellent ones in the area and they use >>>>> convenient ATM networks with no fees. >>>>> >>>>> -Bob >>>>> >>>>> On Saturday, November 8, 2025, nbergen--- via Lincoln < >>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I also use Middlesex Saving Bank and have for years. They are small >>>>>> and personable and I love it. >>>>>> >>>>>> Nan B. >>>>>> ------------------------------ >>>>>> *From:* Lincoln <[email protected]> on behalf of Anna >>>>>> Lombroso <[email protected]> >>>>>> *Sent:* Saturday, November 8, 2025 11:07 AM >>>>>> *To:* Anne Sobol <[email protected]> >>>>>> *Cc:* [email protected] <[email protected]> >>>>>> *Subject:* Re: [LincolnTalk] Replacing the Bank of America >>>>>> >>>>>> Another very satisfied Middlesex Savings Bank customer here, for 30 >>>>>> years. Close branches in Wayland, W. Concord, Concord and Sudbury. >>>>>> ACL >>>>>> >>>>>> Sent from my iPad >>>>>> >>>>>> On Nov 8, 2025, at 10:31 AM, Anne Sobol <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I also use Middlesex Savings Bank, it has lots of branches, and it is >>>>>> a small bank which doesn't lend to fossil fuel projects, I think it >>>>>> mostly >>>>>> lends for residential mortgages. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 4:38 PM Jeff Eaton via Lincoln < >>>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Hello Steve- >>>>>> >>>>>> For what it's worth, I have been a customer of the Middlesex Savings >>>>>> Bank (nee "Middlesex Institution for Savings") for over sixty years. >>>>>> Likely that's more akin to an indication of inertia, but when I've needed >>>>>> their services they have done well. I also have maintained a Safe >>>>>> Deposit >>>>>> Box with them for all these years... at their Main Street building, >>>>>> Concord >>>>>> Village. >>>>>> >>>>>> --- Jeff >>>>>> >>>>>> Jeff Eaton >>>>>> 8 Storey Drive >>>>>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/8%0D%0A+Storey+Drive+%0D%0ALincoln+MA+01773-2109?entry=gmail&source=g> >>>>>> Lincoln MA 01773-2109 >>>>>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/8%0D%0A+Storey+Drive+%0D%0ALincoln+MA+01773-2109?entry=gmail&source=g> >>>>>> >>>>>> Covid booster: October 17, 2025 >>>>>> >>>>>> cell: (781) 686-8120 >>>>>> Land line: (781) 259-0321 >>>>>> Permanent email address: >>>>>> [email protected] >>>>>> >>>>>> * We are on a highway to climate hell ... with our foot still >>>>>> on the accelerator.”* >>>>>> >>>>>> * - António Guterres, >>>>>> 11-7-2022* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> In a message dated 11/7/2025 3:17:33 PM Eastern Standard Time, >>>>>> [email protected] writes: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *Many of us have been notified of the BofA’s plans to leave Lincoln.* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *For some of us, it’s good riddance! Terrible hours, horrible >>>>>> customer service (I was on hold for 40 minutes today waiting to ask a >>>>>> simple question of the BofA’s national customer service team), interest >>>>>> rates on deposits that sucked, and fees charged to customers that “blew” >>>>>> (the opposite of sucked when money flows in the opposite direction!).* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *Obviously, the Rural Land Foundation will be working hard to find a >>>>>> new bank, a better bank—one that is not just “here,” but one that is here >>>>>> for its customers.* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *Right now, there is one thing that all current customers of the >>>>>> Lincoln BofA branch can do to help the RLF attract a top-notch >>>>>> replacement: >>>>>> We can continue to rely on Lincoln’s BofA branch for safe deposit box >>>>>> services. Think of that not as maintaining a relationship with the BofA, >>>>>> but rather a relationship with the Lincoln Mall and the replacement bank >>>>>> that the RLF secures.* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *In evaluating the desirability of establishing a new branch in >>>>>> Lincoln, the existence of our large safe deposit box base will be an >>>>>> important inducement to open a branch here because it means not building >>>>>> a >>>>>> customer base from scratch.* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> *For Lincolnites, maintaining a safe deposit box in Lincoln will be >>>>>> an inducement to keep the rest of our banking business in Lincoln, and >>>>>> that >>>>>> will help our new bank to succeed here.* >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Regards, >>>>>> Steve Low >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>> <https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/> >>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>>> Browse the archives at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>>> Browse the archives at >>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>>> Change your subscription settings at >>>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>>> >>>> -- >>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>> Browse the archives at >>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>> Change your subscription settings at >>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>> >>> -- >>> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >>> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >>> Browse the archives at >>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >>> Change your subscription settings at >>> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >>> >>> >>> >> -- >> The LincolnTalk mailing list. >> To post, send mail to [email protected]. >> Browse the archives at >> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. >> Change your subscription settings at >> https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. >> >> > -- > The LincolnTalk mailing list. > To post, send mail to [email protected]. > Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/ > . > Change your subscription settings at > https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln. > >
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