Yes-that is what we were told in many public presentations, and, it was again discussed at the Town Meeting HCA debate. Doesn’t anyone remember the gauzy pics of different styles of 3-4 story buildings, built almost to the street…and the private gym and management/sales office on the ground/road facing floor-spaces that qualified as “public?”
> On Nov 11, 2025, at 12:52 PM, Linda McMillan <[email protected]> wrote: > > For what it's worth, the Bank of America sales associate told me yesterday > that she has heard that apartments are going in there. Obviously, that's > rumor at this point. > > 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: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> [email protected] <mailto:[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]. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> <mailto:[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] >>>> <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. >>
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