Good afternoon, fellow Lincolnites,
There is a large population in Lincoln of people who live within walking
distance of the Mall and train stop who I believe are underrepresented in these
discussions.
* Some may not have cars or the ability to drive.
* Others prefer to walk to errands whenever they can, rather than drive.
* Having a grocery store, post office, and a bank nearby is a big part of
why many people moved to South Lincoln
* Having nice places to eat nearby provides a social benefit for everyone
* Walking is better for our environment than driving.
* It is wonderful to be able to walk to the Lincoln stop on the Fitchburg
commuter rail line, particularly as the town transportation committee doesn’t
seem to support the possibility of any other sort of public transport.
* Online banking is fine, but it is just one more task that keeps people
glued to their computers rather than out in the world interacting with other
human beings.
For these reasons and more, I support the concept of a village in South
Lincoln, even if it needs to evolve. I look forward to learning about ideas
that RLF and other forward-thinking townspeople may suggest in the coming
years. And I sincerely hope that the voice of the residents of multifamily
housing in South Lincoln will be heard. In the meantime, I hope that those of
us who appreciate the convenience of the businesses in South Lincoln will help
keep them here by giving them our business whenever possible.
Greta Eckhardt
From: Lincoln <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Orest Hurko
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 9:10 AM
To: Sara Mattes <[email protected]>
Cc: Lincoln Talk <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [LincolnTalk] Replacing the Bank of America-future planning
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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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] <mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[email protected]> > on behalf of Anna Lombroso
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >
Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2025 11:07 AM
To: Anne Sobol <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >
Cc: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
<[email protected] <mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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]
<mailto:[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:
<mailto:[email protected]> [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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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] <mailto:[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.
