USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Fitchburg > Address of the mayor, together with the annual reports for the city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts for the year .. > Part 27
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7. Consolidated Rendering Co., in Fitchburg, .11 acres
8. Estate of Ellen D. Benson, in Fitchburg, 23.3 acres .
9. Ownership unknown, in Fitchburg, .76 acres
Total,
116.67 acres
This land is very favorable for sewage disposal purposes, both by reason of having a large area of comparatively uniform elevation upon which filter beds can be easily constructed and also having a large amount of material naturally very well fitted for filtration purposes. Surveys and levels are being made of this area so that if deemed advisable detail plans may be made during the coming winter of the proposed filter beds and additional disposal works. An agreement has been reached relative to settlement of the cost of a portion of this land, and negotiations are being made looking to an agreement with other former owners.
IV. MAIN INTERCEPTING SEWER.
The chief engineer and consulting engineer have spent a large amount of time during the winter and early spring, investigating the probabilities of the future development of the city along the lines of increased population and manufacturing and the proper distribution of the same over all the territory tributary to the proposed main intercepting sewer. As a result of these studies it was determined that with the minimum grade advisable for this main sewer the largest diameter required would be 48 inches. Having determined some of the funda- mental data upon which the whole problem would be based active work was at once started to prepare plans and specifica- tions for a section of the main sewer in order to advertise for proposals. It seemed advisable to construct the first section between Putnam street and the river near the Dillon Steam Boiler Works. As rapidly as possible surveys were made and plans drafted for this section which is known as Section 3, covering a distance of 2,927 feet. This sewer is to be 45 inches in diameter. The location is almost wholly on private land or in private passways. Proposals for construction of this section were advertised June 22 to be received July 11.
536
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
Takings of easements for the purpose of constructing and maintaining Section 3 of the main intercepting sewer in private land or in passways as authorized by vote of the City Council have been filed in the registry of deeds. These easements are taken for a width of 30 feet unless conditions are such that it is deemed advisable to take a less width.
Work on the surveys and plans of Section 2, from a point near the Dillon Steam Boiler Works to a point near the mill of the American Woolen Co., is being pushed as rapidly as possible with the expectation that proposals for this section may be received by the middle of August.
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
537
V. EXPENDITURES. IMPROVED SEWER SYSTEM.
For the six months ending June 30, 1911, your commis- sioners have expended the sums indicated in the following table . under the various subdivisions, which table also shows the total amount spent in this account to June 30, 1911.
GENERAL CHARACTER OF EXPENDITURES
For six months ending June 30, 1911
From beginning of work to June 30, 1911
General work applicable to all divisions of Improved Sewer System.
Administration,
$338 40
$486 45
Stenographer and Bookkeeper,
288 00
336 00
Stationery, printing, stamps,
253 31
321 04
Telephone and express,
54 17
64 15
Traveling,
104 42
120 27
Furniture and fixtures,
874 98
1,727 71
Rent, light and care of rooms,
343 35
462 55
Books and maps,
28 50
71 95
Miscellaneous,
6 00
8 55
$2,291 13
$3,598 67
Department yard,
Repairing buildings, Walker lot, Side track at Walker lot,
112 57
112 57
12,245 25
12.245 25
1,080 00
1,080 00
-$13,437 82
$13,437 82
$15,728 95
$17,036 49
Engineering.
Chief Engineer,
$761 40
$803 70
Assistant engineers and draftsmen,
2,443 08
2,563 08
Transportation,
84 25
84 25
Engineering and drafting tools and supplies
1,092 37
1,285 12
Books and maps,
39 00
39 00
City Engineering Department (surveys)
122 85
Parker, Bateman & Chase, (surveys),
60 02
60 02
Miscellaneous supplies,
$4,480 12
$4,991 77
Main Intercepting Sewer.
Wash borings,
$496 72
$496 72
Advertising,
50 40
50 40
$547 12
$547 12
Disposal.
Land purchases,
$902 58
$902 58
$902 58
$902 58
Totals,
$21,658 77
$23,477 96
RECEIPTS.
Fitchburg Water Works (plans)
$4 00
Fitchburg Savings bank, (fixtures) 42 89
New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad,
2 00
$48 89
33 75
538
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
SEWER MAINTENANCE.
Chapter 461 of the Acts of 1910 states that the Sewage Disposal Commission shall have charge of the construction, maintenance and repair of all drains and sewers. Your com- mission was not organized so as to assume the maintenance of of the sewer system until May 1. In the meantime at the re- quest of the commissioners the street commissioners continued caring for the sewer system, which work had been done by them for the past eleven years. During the month of April the street commissioners were notified that the sewage disposal com- missioners would assume charge of this work May 1, and for the last two months this work has been carried on by your commissioners.
During these two months every catch-basin in the city has been thoroughly cleaned and in a number of catch-basins new traps were placed as the old traps were so badly broken that they failed to perform their functions as a trap. There are a large number of catch-basins that need some minor repairs, and it is the purpose of the commission so far as funds are available for this work to make any necessary repairs in catch-basins so that they may be in first-class condition. A systematic inspection of the whole sewer system is being made so that there will be reason- able assurance that there is no stoppage of any of the sewers.
539
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
The following table shows the receipts and expenditures under this division and they cover a period of seven months ; from December 1 to May 1 under the control of the street department, and from May 1 to June 30 under the control of the sewer department :
SEWER MAINTENANCE.
RECEIVED
DEC. 1, 1910 - MAY 1, 1911 (BY STREET DEPARTMENT)
EXPENDED
$3,500 00 43 42
Appropriation,
Cash,
Cleaning and flushing sewers,
$15 69
Repairing sewers,
85 25
Cleaning catch-basins,
875 73
Repairing catch-basins,
87 07
Miscellaneous,
113 20
MAY 1, 1911-JUNE 30, 1911
Cash,
Cleaning and flushing sewers,
15 29
Repairing sewers,
7 89
Cleaning catch-basins,
1,885 93
Repairing catch-basins,
30 62
Office expense,
24 00
Miscellaneous,
156 78
Unexpended balance,
285 34
$3,582 79
$3,582 79
There is due the department under this division for work done for outside parties between May 1 and June 30 a total of $33.27.
SEWER CONSTRUCTION.
Under this division is carried forward the work of construc- tion of such sewers, drains, catch-basins, etc., as may be ordered by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and also the work of connecting houses with the main sewers. As under sewer main- tenance so under sewer construction the street department carried forward this work from December 1, 1910, to May 1, 1911, and for the last two months the construction work has been carried on by your commissioners. During the period of five months the street department built no new main sewers and during the two months your commissioners have built only one
$3,297 45
540
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
main sewer, that on Carey street. Other sewers have been ordered and the work of construction will be undertaken at an early date.
The following table shows the receipts and expenditures under this division covering a period of seven months :
RECEIVED
DECEMBER 1, 1910- MAY 1, 1911 (BY STREET DEPARTMENT)
EXPENDED
$165 51 139 77
Balance December 1, 1910.
Cash.
House connections,
$154 64
Catch-basins and manholes,
109 22
MAY 1, 1911- JUNE 30, 1911
238 46
Cash,
Main sewer, Carey street.
200 87
House connections,
502 69
Miscellaneous,
116 46
540 14
Account overdrawn.
$1,083 88
$1,083 88
.
There is due the department under this division for work done for outside parties between May 1 and June 30 a total of $138.08.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR H. LOWE, DAVID M. DILLON, DANIEL A. BOYLE, Sewage Disposal Commissioners.
THIRD SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SEWAGE
DISPOSAL COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF FITCHBURG
MASSACHUSETTS 1911
A TOWN, FEB
MAR. 8.1872.
FEB.3, 1764. A CIT
FITCHBURG : H. M. DOWNS PRINTING CO. 1912
SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION.
352 Main Street.
FITCHBURG, MASS., January 1, 1912.
To the Honorable City Council :
The Sewage Disposal Commission, established under pro- visions of Chapter 461 of the Acts of the year 1910, respectfully presents the following report giving an account of its doings, receipts and expenditures for the six months ending December 31, 1911, such report being its third semi annual report.
I. ORGANIZATION.
(1) ADMINISTRATION.
There has been no change in the membership or organiza- tion of the Board during the past six months, the membership being Arthur H. Lowe, chairman, David M. Dillon and Daniel A. Boyle. David A. Hartwell has continued to act as clerk of the Board. Edith M. Whittemore has acted as stenographer and bookkeeper.
(2) ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
The principal engineers employed during the past six months were :
Chief Engineer, David A. Hartwell.
Consulting Engineer, Harrison P. Eddy.
Principal Office Assistant, Albert J. Holmes.
Assistant Engineers, Gordon H. Fernald, Ernest E. Lothrop.
Subordinates in the engineering force have been employed as needed, the greatest number of engineers employed at any one time, including those above mentioned, being twelve. No inspectors, appointed as such, have been employed, the in- spection of all contract work being done by someone on the engineering force.
35
544
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL, COMMISSION
(3) MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT.
The maintenance of the existing sewer system, including the cleaning of catch-basins, has been under the control of David A. Hartwell as superintendent with A. M. Jackson as assistant superintendent.
. (4) CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.
The construction of such sewers, drains and catch-basins as are ordered by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, together with the making of connections from new or existing buildings with the sewers, is under the direct charge of David A. Hart- well as superintendent and A. M. Jackson as assistant superin- tendent.
II. MAIN INTERCEPTING SEWER.
(1) SECTION 3.
At the time of writing the last semi-annual report proposals for the construction of Section 3, main intercepting sewer, had been advertised, said proposals to be received July 11th. This section was for a sewer 45 inches in diameter and for a distance of about 2,930 feet between Putnam street and the river near the Dillon Steam Boiler Works. Takings of ease- ments on private land for the purpose of constructing and maintaining this section of the main intercepting sewer were filed in the Worcester Northern District Registry of Deeds on June 26, 1911. The proposals were received on July 11th, and on July 13th the contract for this section was awarded to McCarthy & Walsh of East Boston, their proposal being the lowest of the nine received. Work was begun by the con- tractors July 26th and was carried forward with rapidity at four different locations in the length of the sewer to be constructed and the whole was satisfactorily completed some ten days be- fore the specified time.
(2) SECTION 2A.
Between the southerly terminus of Section 3 and a point near the Arden mill of the American Woolen Co., the termini of this section, studies were made for two locations for the main
545
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
intercepting sewer, one under the bed of the river passing under the railroad bridge through land of the Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Co. and land of the Geo. W. Wheelwright Paper Co., crossing the tracks of the B. & M. R. R. to a point near the railroad crossing to the Arden mill, and the other location was for a tunnel in Middle street and open cut through land of the New York, New Haven & Hartford R. R. and land purchased for a department yard to Water street at the Arden mill crossing. Some negotiations were had with the repre- sentatives of the Gas & Electric Light Co., and also the Wheel- wright Paper Co., relative to damages for the necessary ease- ment for the purpose of constructing the sewer but there seemed to be such opposition to such location as to make it possible that settlement of these damages would increase the cost at this location enough to off-set the probable increased cost of the construction of the tunnel line. With this possibil- ity in view it was decided to receive proposals for both locations and leave the question of which location to build in to be settled after the proposals had been received. Proposals for these two lo- cations were advertised for on July 27th and received on August 15th. After canvassing the proposals received it was ascer- tained that the difference between the lowest bidders on the two lines was $10,363.60. As it seemed probable that the cost of easements for going through land of the Gas and Electric Light Co. and the Wheelwright Paper Co. would more than make up for the difference in construction cost of the two lines it was decided to build the tunnel line. Accordingly the con- tract was awarded to Little & Seretto, their proposal being the lowest. Takings of easements for the purpose of building and maintaining this section of the sewer were filed in the registry of deeds on September 20. These takings were on land between First street and the end of Section 3, on land between Fifth street and land of the city used as a sewer department yard and on land of the American Woolen Co. near the railroad crossing. The total length of this section included in these takings was about 600 feet. The balance of this section is in Middle street and Water street and the sewer department yard. Work has been in progress on this contract at moderate speed and at present about 580 feet of 48-inch sewer in open trench has been
546
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
completed. Some work has been done in sinking shafts and preparatory work for the construction of the tunnel.
(3) SECTION 1.
This section will be between the end of Section 2A near the Arden mill and the disposal works and will consist of about 900 feet of 48 inch concrete sewer and about 5,200 feet of 30 inch cast iron pipe. Studies are practically completed for this section and plans and specifications will be perfected so that proposals can be received for the construction early in the spring. It was at first planned to award the contract for this section in December so that the contractor could purchase the cast iron pipe and arrange for delivery during the winter, but uncertainty relative to details of the work needed to be done at the end of this section adjoining the disposal works made it difficult to write satisfactory specifications. In order to take advantage of the favorable condition of the market relative to the purchase of the cast iron pipe it was decided to purchase the 30 inch pipe direct from the foundry. Arrangements for purchase of this pipe will be made early so that all the pipe will be ready for laying early in the coming season.
(4) SECTION 4.
This section will include that portion of the main inter- cepting sewer from Putnam street westerly to some as yet un- determined point and the location for the construction of this sewer brings up the matter of the proposed location of Broad street, which was before the City Council of 1911 and has been referred to the City Council of 1912. The laying out of Broad street, from Cushing street to River street, was petitioned for by your commissioners under date of June 19, 1911. A general public hearing on this matter was held on October 10, at which the expressed sentiment was almost wholly favorable. At this hearing the chairman of the commission presented the need of this street as follows: "The petition which you have before you in this convention was presented solely on the responsi- bility of the Sewage Disposal Commission. This Commission presents for your study certain plans giving a feasible location of this proposed street. This location is merely suggestive and
547
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
it is not the purpose of the Commission to indicate that the street ought to be laid out on exactly the lines as indicated. The Commission has no intention to invade the province of the Committee on Highways and the City Engineer or to presume to dictate relative to the exact location.
The time comes when cities must decide important ques- tions affecting their future growth and development. Procras- tination of public work almost invariably leads to an increase in cost. It is no credit to a city to point to a do-nothing adminis- tration and claim that the taxes were less and debt decreased if public convenience and necessity required that work should have been done. The real reputation of a city is made in its years of up-building not in its years of stagnation. I say this to encourage any who may be timid in this particular case. It is not sufficient that we of today should simply meet the needs of today. It is a large part of our responsibility that we foresee and provide for the needs of the future. It is an honor to say of any citizen that he had a part in the doing of an important public work.
The time has come when Fitchburg has been ordered by the state to construct proper sewers and provide purification works. The sewer work is being done. Exhaustive studies have been made by Engineers Allen, Coffin, Barnes and Eddy. This is the best talent obtainable. All these engineers, together with Mr. Hartwell, who we consider the equal of any of the others so far as he has had experience and who is more familiar with the exact local conditions of streets, lines, grades and growth of this city, agree that the trunk sewer should be laid in the location of what has been designated as Broad street. After most careful study yourcommissioners agree with this conclusion. Locations for the trunk sewer have been decided upon below Putnam street and the sewer is under construction. This brings the work of study and construction of the trunk sewer to Put- nam street. The location and decree of Broad street from Putnam street to River street is so interwoven with the location and construction of the trunk sewer that both should be con- sidered at the same time. This is an important work. It is so important with such vital consequences upon the future growth and development of the city that the commissioners decided that the whole matter should be laid before the Mayor, the
-
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REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
Aldermen and the Council in joint convention, where any citizen interested could hear and be heard upon the pros and cons. The Commissioners can find no other suitable location for the trunk sewer. They are convinced that no first-class engineer would recommend the laying of the sewer in Elm street, Main street or the bed of the river. The construction of the sewer in Broad street will involve the taking of an easement thirty feet wide from Putnam street to Circle street and the damages to be caused by the taking and construction of the sewer will be nearly as heavy as if the street is laid out and built with almost no resulting benefits to the public in increase of taxes or convenience to traffic. The situation is practically this-the sewer will eventually be built along the line of the proposed street. If it is not approved by the present City Coun- cil it will be by some other and if there is unreasonable delay the sewer will be built by positive orders from the State Board of Health at no economy or credit to the city. The Commis- sioners have the same interest in the public good that members of the City Council have. They are just as anxious for the public economy and welfare. They would fail pitifully if they did not bring a matter of this importance before the city gov- ernment so that each member can assume his share of the responsibility.
The work of the Commission upon the trunk sewer has led them to believe that Broad street should be built, that it should be laid out and decreed as soon as possible and built after the sewer is constructed, which in all probability will be during next year. The location and construction of the trunk sewer in that location makes the building of Broad street an economic necessity. The building of the sewer and the removal of the pollution from the river will take away one of the most potent objections to that locality. We hope the building of the trunk sewer will result in the purifying and beautifying of the river.
Aside from the construction of the sewer the Commission- ers believe that the time has come when Broad street should be built. The project is not new. It has been before the public for several years. It was before the City Government in 1894. What a pity it was not decided then! When it is done the un- animous verdict will be, it should have been built years ago.
549
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
The building of the street will develop a large area in the very heart of the city. The laying out and building of Broad street will establish and settle all the uncertainties about lines and grades and enable abutters to plan permanent buildings and developments along the location. It will enable the industries now located there to be modernized and improved. It is not fair to the rest of the city that the large area to be affected by the building of Broad street should be allowed to lie fallow and thereby escape its fair proportion of taxation and fail to give its share to the community. The growth of the city requires the development of that area. The increasing needs of the bus- iness interests require it. The present condition of Main street is evidence of this. The increase of population of our city from 1870 to 1910 was from 11,260 to 37,826, an average of 18.1 per cent for every five years. In 1901 Mr. Coffin estimated the po- pulation of Fitchburg in 1950 to be 165,000. In 1903 Mr. Barnes estimated the population in 1950 to be 145,000. On a basis of an increase of 15 per cent each five years, which is less than the average increase for cities of the size of Fitchburg in Massachusetts, the population in 1950 will be 115,000. Does anybody doubt that with such a population a street in that loca- tion will be required ? Does anybody doubt that we should begin now to plan for a city of that population and does any- body doubt that what we of today may do will have much to do with such a growth of population ? At least don't let us hinder such a growth. Among the most important things in a growing city is to have opportunities to offer new industries. Give com- mercial conveniences to all. Shorten distance and expedite traffic. Avoid street railway tracks and cars. Reduce dangers of accidents. Make convenient and accessible the railroad facil- ities. Remove heavy teams from Main street and make shop- ping and trade more agreeable. The building of Broad street will afford all these things.
The length of Broad street from Cushing street to River street will be about 3800 feet. This will give opportunity for business blocks and manufacturing buildings about 7600 feet, one and one-half miles long, fronting a principal street parallel with Main street and with good connections at Putnam street, Newton Lane, Wood place and Rollstone street. Such build- ings are needed. In our opinion the increase in taxes based
550.
REPORT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL COMMISSION
upon a fair valuation after the street is built will pay the interest upon the cost of the street from the start and in a few years the increase in taxes upon the new industries, buildings and develop- ments upon the new street will rapidly liquidate the cost of the street. There will be damages and any person or interest dam- aged beyond the betterments to be derived should be fully compensated. Let the basis of damage become the basis of valuation upon which taxes shall be assessed."
ยท By building the main sewer in this location sewerage will be provided for a large area of undeveloped land in the heart of the city, an area which cannot be developed to any such extent in future years as it ought to be developed without sewerage, and an area which probably will be without sewerage for many years if the main sewer should be built at any other location.
The committee on finance and highways acting jointly have considered this matter and our chief engineer and the city en- gineer have jointly prepared preliminary plans and an estimated cost of construction. The proper location for the main inter- cepting sewer from Putnam street westerly has been considered in the last 17 years by a number of engineers, namely Messrs. Allen, Coffin, Barnes and Eddy. The chief engineer, who by his long experience as city engineer is thoroughly conversant with all phases of this problem, also agrees with the above named engineers that the best location for the sewer from Putnam street westerly is in the location of the proposed Broad street. The combining of the building of the sewer with the construc- tion of the street will undoubtedly make a large saving to the city over the construction of the sewer in some other location. Your commissioners believe that the street ought to be laid out and the sewer built in the street and would therefore urge that your honorable body take early action on this matter that this location may be available for the construction of this section of the sewer the coming season.
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