USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1911-1914 > Part 26
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New Highway.
The principal matter in importance and as to which the great- est amount of service was rendered was that of the new highway from Norwood to Westwood along the westerly side of the loca- tion of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Com- pany, for the layout of which the Selectmen had petitioned the County Commissioners.
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In my report of last year I set forth quite fully the history of this matter and called attention to the fact that the hearing on the petition had been set for the 19th of March, 1912.
It is gratifying to report that, after several hearings at which numerous witnesses were heard in favor and against the proposi- tion and at which counsel in opposition appeared for the town of Westwood and for certain interested abutters, the County Commissioners on the 21st of November, 1912, adjudged that common convenience and necessity required the laying out of the new highway and that the petition of your Board and other interested citizens be granted.
On the 26th of December, 1912, the County Commissioners heard the evidence offered by the Town and others interested upon the questions involved in the lay-out, including the ques- tion of land damages and by a decree entered on the 31st day of December, 1912, laid out the new highway, declaring it to be laid out under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and determined that the Town of Norwood should construct that portion of the way within its limits and complete the same within one year from the date of the decree, the way so to be constructed to have a road-bed not less than 50 feet in width throughout its entire length and its grade not to exceed six feet in 100 feet in any part and except near the termini not to exceed three feet in 100 feet. The expense of making so much of the way as lies within the Town of Norwood including all land and other damages and expenses incident to the location and completion of the highway is to be paid by the Town of Norwood. The decree sets forth the land damages awarded by the Commissioners which, in the Town of Norwood, amount to $3800, distributed among the five proprietors whose lands are taken.
As regards that portion of the way within the town of West- wood the County is to do the work and is to pay the land dam- ages awarded. It is my understanding, however, that both as to the work in Westwood and in Norwood the expense, includ-
--
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ing the payments for land damages, shall ultimately be met by the Town of Norwood and the New York, New Haven and Hart- ford Railroad Company in accordance with the arrangements agreed upon before the petition was filed, namely for a road- bed of 50 feet, the railroad to pay 70 per cent and the Town 30 per cent of the cost; and on a road-bed of 60 feet, the railroad to pay 65 per cent and the Town 35 per cent of the cost.
A very considerable amount of time and attention were given to this matter and to the matters directly involved with it, namely the alteration in the crossings of the railroad at the first high bridge and at the Ellis Station bridge.
The new highway plan was presented in the belief that it would be a solution of the problems raised by the petitions for the alteration of the bridge crossings.
The action of the County Commissioners, after a full and fair hearing of all parties, should end all differences, not only among the citizens of Norwood but also between the towns of Norwood and Westwood, and they should cooperate to make the new way prove the great public improvement which its proponents desire it to become.
Ellis Station Bridge Alteration.
The petition of the Selectmen of Westwood for the alteration of the Ellis Station Bridge crossing was brought to a hearing following the completion of the hearing upon your petition for the new highway. The position of the Town of Norwood as to this petition was that the County Commissioners were without jurisdiction to make a decree affecting the territory of Norwood. Therefore, while I attended the hearings I took no active part in the same. No decision has been made on this petition, but efforts have been made to have all the interested parties come into agreement for a change at this point which will be satis- factory and which will call for an equitable division of the expense involved. I have participated in several conferences with the County Commissioners and the parties interested and
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their attorneys looking to the friendly adjustment of this matter along the lines indicated, but I have not committed your Board or the Town in any way in this matter. While the County Com- missioners have overruled the objections taken to their juris- diction, the rights of the Town to test the question have been preserved.
General Matters.
While several claims against the Town have been presented for my consideration, I am pleased to state that there are pend- ing at the close of the year no suits against the Town except that of Stillman A. Cooper, referred to in my report of last year. The claim in this suit is covered by the policy of accident in- surance carried by the Municipal Light Department and the suit is defended under the policy by the insurance company which issued the policy.
Such claims as were pending at the end of the year are not of serious consequence and it is doubtful if actions will be brought to enforce the claims.
The Town brought suits in the Superior Court for Norfolk County against the cities of Somerville and Cambridge to re- cover aid furnished for which it is claimed one or both of those cities are liable. The amount involved is $622.42. The cases are still pending and if a settlement is not obtained will be brought to trial during the present year. A recovery of the full amount is expected.
The purchases by the Town from George F. Willett of the four parcels of land fronting on Norwood Square, Market, Nahatan and Washington streets and of land from A. G. Hyde & Sons in the Balch School district for schoolhouse and playground purposes were matters of importance and have required considerable service.
The purchase of the Hyde & Sons land has been effected; that of the Willett land should be completed during the present month of February.
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The taking by the Sewer Commissioners of the right of way for sewerage purposes from Johnson Court to Washington street had my attention and all questions involved were considered and necessary papers prepared.
The petition to the legislature for authority to the Town to incur additional indebtedness for sewerage purposes and a bill accompanying the petition asking for the right to issue notes or bonds to the amount of $50,000 in addition to the amounts heretofore authorized were prepared for the Sewer Commission- ers and the hearing upon the bill by the Committee on Munici- pal Finance was attended.
Written opinions have been furnished to the several boards and officials of the town whenever requested and in several in- stances have related to important questions requiring decision.
Matters upon which advice and other service were given are summarized as follows:
To the Board of Selectmen.
Town meeting warrant articles and votes; same prepared; annual report of town counselship: Claim re fall on ice in high- way: Claim for injuries on Washington street: Bird application for right to put electric power wires across Mylod street: Abandonment of easterly end of Hoyle street: Abandonment of Water street end and rights of F. W. Bird & Son: Discon- tinuance of Short street: Drain discontinuance Fisher article: Lewis land drain taking; Lewis release and deed: Edison Elec- tric Illuminating Company petition for right to lay conduits under Washington street; hearing re same attended; opinion on questions involved: Permit Bay State Street Railway Com- pany for freight and expressage and form of order: Removal of town bounds and substituting witness marks on petition of Winslow Bros. & Smith Co. and authority re same; also as to obliteration of monuments; opinion rendered on jurisdiction of Selectmen and County Commissioners re same: Industrial Education tuition: Extradition of party deserting wife and
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children; Purchase A. G. Hyde & Sons' land for schoolhouse lot and playground: Engine house lot and " Common " sales; Park street betterment tax collection vote and duties: Licenses for sale of explosives and revolvers: Sumner estate claim: In- surance under Workmen's Compensation Act: Ellis Station Bridge Alteration: New highway questions: Building In- spector's salary: Street layout notices: Proposed drain through Boabdallah land: Removal of trees on Washington street: law examined.
To the Sewer Commissioners.
Opinion re duties as to apportionment of assessments under act accepted by the Town: Opinion re Bagley sewer assessment : Johnson Court to Washington street right of way taking, votes and description for record prepared, titles examined: Article for warrant re new bond issue for extension of sewerage system prepared; consultation as to form of report: Purchase of land from C. S. Bird; opinion furnished and deed drafted: Law examined re liability of Town for accidents to public and to workmen resulting from construction of main and branch sew- ers: Drafted petition and bill for legislation permitting new issue of bonds for extension of sewerage system and appearance before legislative committee re same: Cedar street drain jurisdiction.
To the School Committee and School Superintendent.
Articles for town meeting warrants and votes under same drafted: Control of playgrounds under Chapter 508, Acts 1910: Opinion re evening school action and appropriation: Consulta- tions with Superintendent Fittz on various matters including site for new schoolhouse Balch District: Opinion on right to use playground appropriation in new fiscal year.
To the Committee, New Schoolhouse, Balch District.
Law examined; article for warrant and vote under same drafted: Conferences with State officials re form of vote and approval of note issue.
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To the Town Accountant.
Water takers' agreement: Claim Craigin estate: Drain taking; Lewis land-release: Soldiers' Relief, City of Boston claim: Claims against Somerville and Cambridge for aid rend- ered: Financial matters: Appropriations and unexpended balances: Rules governing computation of interest on sewer assessment instalments apportioned: Opinion re Park street betterment tax vote: Emerson water agreement: Assessments: Drain construction: Opinion re Sykes claim: Edgemont sup- port claim.
To the Tax Collector.
Right to collect interest on excise tax: Opinion re collection by levy and sale of real estate for sewer assessments: Law exam- ined; opinion furnished, notice, affidavit and deed drafted re collection by sale of sewer assessment on property of P. Fahy heirs: Consultation re Park street betterment collection notices and levy under liens: Attention to proof of claim against Pipping Bros. estate in bankruptcy for unpaid taxes.
To the Municipal Light Board.
Opinion on construction of conduits by town and by Edison Electric Illuminating Co; also lease of conduits owned by Town; letters drafted, hearing attended: Opinion as to changes in rules re removal of meters and installation of same: Opinion re va- cancy in board.
To the Appropriation Committee.
Action on articles for annual and special town meetings: Drafted votes covering recommendations for action at town meetings: land taking for schoolhouse and playgrounds in Balch School District.
To the Town Clerk.
Certified copies of records.
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To the Board of Health.
Opinion as to authority over slaughtering places and licenses: Abatement of smoke nuisance.
To the Board of Assessors.
Duty as to apportionment of 1910 taxes, Fahy heirs land.
To the Water Commissioners.
Fisher water agreement and changes in form of guaranty.
Miscellaneous Matters.
Boabdallah Suit. Evidence considered and defense rights preserved.
Building By-laws. Law examined; Interviews with and opinion to Assistant Attorney General; approval by Attorney General's office obtained; consultation with building inspector; opinion re duties, publication of by-laws and other matters.
Cambridge and Somerville Suits. Conference with attorneys; writs and declarations prepared and filed; statements of wit- nesses taken and law examined.
Fence Viewers. Notice and duties.
A. G. Hyde & Sons Land Purchase. Plans and records and decree examined and attention to other title registration matters, numerous conferences with the attorney and agent of seller; attention to passing of title papers.
Innocenzi claim. Release prepared.
Kupowicz suit vs. Readel. Statements taken; answer and motion for specifications drafted and filed.
Patrick claim. Evidence prepared.
Willett' Land Purchase. Titles to parcels examined; new survey secured; resolutions and deeds prepared; town officials and parties interested, consulted.
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The work of my department has been lightened by the con- sideration and courtesy which has been uniformly extended by your Board as well as by all other officials with whom I have had occasion to deal, and the fullest measure of appreciation is hereby extended.
The interest displayed and the time and effort given by so many of the citizens to secure favorable action by the County Commissioners on the new highway petition are strong evidences of the public spirit which exists in Norwood and my thanks for their zeal and assistance is most heartily tendered. Norwood's progress is assured with such men leading the way.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES A. HALLORAN,
Town Counsel.
SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Sewer Commissioners
OF THE
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE SEWER COMMISSIONERS.
To the Citizens of Norwood:
The Sewer Commissioners herewith submit their sixth annual report.
Patrick J. Lydon was reelected a member at the March elec- tion, and the Board organized with the choice of Patrick J. Lydon as chairman and Cornelius M. Callahan as secretary.
Extensions of 1912.
Extensions of the sewer system made during the last year, in accordance with the vote of the Town, were as follows:
Prospect street from Casey to Pine street.
Winslow avenue from Walnut to Phillips avenue.
Field Line from Washington street to Savin avenue.
Savin avenue from Johnson court to Chapel street.
Savin avenue from Johnson Court to Angle.
Melville avenue from Savin avenue to end.
Rock street from Field Line to Angle.
Nichols street from Cottage to Vernon street.
Hoyle street from Angle to Everett avenue.
Funds being available in the Sewer Treasury, additional work was done on Rock street, and the system completed from the Field Line to Munroe street. The extension on the Field Line from Washington street to Savin avenue made it necessary to take a right of way for sewer purposes through the property of John Booabdallah, the New York, New Haven & Hartford R. R. Co., Anna Johnson, Sophie Johnson, and John E. John- son. The damages arising from this taking have been adjusted, except in the case of John Booabdallah, and at a cost of $125.
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The total length of sewer construction, exclusive of particular sewers, during the last year was 3471 feet and 2250 feet of un- derdrain. For detail of the construction and cost of this work see Superintendent's report.
The total length of sewer construction to date is 12.47 miles; total length of underdrains, 8.70 miles; total cost of plant to date, $217,121.92.
Elm Tree Growth in Underdrains.
Maintenance of the system has presented but one new prob- lem during the year. During the month of January it was no- ticed that the flow of water from the underdrains was retarded in several places and investigation showed that the fibrous roots of elm trees were growing in the drains and blocking them. It is a difficult task at any season to remove this obstruction, but dangerous as well as difficult to remove it during the winter season. This state of affairs will occur with more or less fre- quency, and it opens up a nice question as to what policy should be pursued in the matter of allowing connections with the under- drains by property owners for the purposes of house drainage. Underdrains are planned for and constructed as a protection to the sewer system by diverting the large volume of surfaceand other waters which would otherwise find their way into the sewers and thence to the sewer beds. So far forty-nine con- nections have been made with the underdrains. This is a rela- tively small number when you take into consideration that the number of house connections is 546. The danger is that the elm tree growth which cannot easily be detected, will cause damage by forcing the flow back into cellars where connections have been made, and at a time when it would be impossible or danger- ous to dig up the streets to remove the obstruction. The Com- missioners feel that it is a reasonable stipulation, where connec- tions are made with the underdrains, that this be done at the risk of the property owners, and that the Town shall in no way be held liable if damage results from the drains becoming obstructed
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at a time when the Commissioners determine it is not safe to open up streets to remove the trouble. Otherwise the Board will be obliged to refuse entry to the drains.
Purchase of Additional Land and Equipment.
The Commissioners, in accordance with the vote of the Town at a special town meeting, purchased a tract of land from Charles S. Bird, situated east of the sewer beds, and extending to the Neponset River. The parcel contains about 11 acres, and the purchase price was $100. The tract contains material which can be used in the construction of sewer beds.
The Sewer Commissioners and Water Commissioners pur- chased a horse and set of harness to be used jointly by both Boards. Our share of the cost was $150.
Pumping District.
When Norwood's sewer system was planned it was thought that the gravity system would take care of the needs of the Town for many years, and that the construction of sewers in the pump- ing section would be a matter of the indefinite future. No one could anticipate the extraordinary growth of the Town east of the Midland Division and west of the Wrentham Branch of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. The new twelve room schoolhouse soon to be erected, the building of many tenement blocks and dwelling houses for one or more families, with no natural drainage for sewerage, has made it imperative that this section be sewered without delay. At the request of the Board of Health the matter was brought to the attention of the voters at a special Town Meeting held October 17, 1912, and the Town voted to direct the Sewer Commission- ers to procure proper legislative action authorizing a bond issue of $50,000 to build this system, with a reservoir, pumping sta- tion, and additional sewer beds.
A bill authorizing such an issue of bonds has been reported
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favorably by the Legislative Committee on Municipal Finance, and will be passed by the Legislature as a matter of course.
We are publishing with this report the estimates, in detail, of our engineer, Lewis D. Thorpe, of the cost of the whole pumping system, including construction of sewers, reservoir, pumping station, three acres of sewer beds, and the installation of pump- ing machinery and fittings. The estimate is $74,731.80, ex- clusive of land drainage. It is the intention of the Commis- sioners to ask the Town for authority to construct at once that part of the system comprising Cedar street from Chapel to Washington street, Washington street and side streets east and west of Washington, which have been built upon to some extent, Dean and Pleasant streets to the pumping station near Morrill's Ink Mill, together with the reservoir, pumping station, and three acres of beds. The estimated cost of this part of the system is $55,122. With money which will be available in the treasury, and the proceeds of the sale of bonds, we will have enough money to complete this part of the system. It will be necessary to start work on the sewer beds as early in the spring as possible, and the balance in the treasury, after allowing for fixed charges and for necessary extensions of the gravity system, will be used for that purpose as far as it will go.
The remaining part of the pumping system, the construction of which we are not recommending this year, can be constructed as necessity demands, and paid for out of money derived front assessments.
Brooks and Drains.
In our last annual report we discussed at some length the matter of main drains. We described and located those drains which the Town Council advised us were main drains, and therefore under the control of the Sewer Commissioners. These drains have been taken care of during the last year out of a small appropriation voted for that purpose by the Town. We estimate the expense of caring for these drains the ensuing uear
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at $150, and recommend that that amount be appropriated from the general tax levy for that purpose.
There are, however, other drains and brooks into which empties the flow from Town catch basins and underdrains of the sewer. Some Town Board should be authorized to look after these drains and brooks, so that the Town will not be held liable for damages which may arise from the increased flow into them of water from the catch basins and underdrains. We suggest that when money is appropriated for this purpose, that the vote contain a provision that the work be done under the supervision of the Sewer Commissioners.
Recommendation.
The balance in the Sewer Treasury is $15,949.64, from this sum must be paid :
The interest on outstanding bonds, $6,940
Cost of maintenance,
2,500
Salaries of Commissioners, 450
leaving a balance of $6,059.64. The only request for extension made so far is on Phillips avenue from Winslow avenue to Walpole street, and the estimated cost is $1,200. We recom- mend that this extension be made, and that the balance in the treasury, after paying for this work, be used in the construction- of additional filter beds as explained under the title " Pumping District."
For additional data and detail we refer you to the reports of the Superintendent and the Town Accountant.
PATRICK J. LYDON, ROBERT T. BARR, CORNELIUS M. CALLAHAN, Sewer Commissioners.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
Norwood, Feb. 1, 1913. To the Sewer Commissioners, Norwood, Mass .:
Gentlemen: I have the honor to herewith submit my annual report for the year ending Feb. 1, 1913.
Particular Sewers.
The sum of $2,967.84 was expended in making one hundred and four (104) house, and twelve (12) underdrain connections at an average cost of fifty (50) cents per foot.
The total number of house connections made to Feb. 1, 1913, 546 The total number of underdrain connections made to Feb. 1, 1913, 49.
Linear feet of sewer pipe laid to Feb. 1, 1913, 32,949 ft.
Linear feet of underdrain pipe laid to Feb. 1, 1913, 2,854 ft.
Number of house connection man holes made to Feb. 1, 1913, 44.
Number of underdrain traps made to Feb. 1, 1913, 48.
Number of factory settling tanks, made to Feb. 1, 1913, 2.
Construction.
Extensions of the sewer made on the following streets:
Street.
From To
Prospect Casey
Pine
Winslow avenue
Walnut avenue Phillips avenue
Field Line
Washington
Savin avenue
Savin avenue
Johnson Court Chapel
Savin avenue
Johnson Court Angle
Melville avenue
Savin avenue End
Rock street
Field Line
Angle
Rock street
Field Line Monroe
Hoyle street
Angle Everett avenue
Nichols
Cottage
Vernon
The data in relation to these extensions are as follows:
SEWER EXTENSIONS, 1912.
STREET.
Size and Length of Sewers
Under-
drain.
Earth Excavation.
Rock Excavation.
No. of M. H.
Cu. yds. of
Masonry.
Cu. yds. of
Concrete.
Land and
Land
Damages.
COST.
8 in.
6 in.
6 in.
Yds. 0-8
Yds. 8-14
Yds. 0-8
Yds. 8-14
Prospect
72
15
93
70
1
14
15
1
3
Winslow Ave.
529
539
406
1
56
33
2
5
Field Line,
725
740
417
2
87
20
7
17|
15
$125
2,127.84
Savin Ave.
661
86
345
428
1
206
81
5
11
2,240.67
Melville Ave.
376
5
233
63
2
4
522.28
Rock
591
461
385
4
119
45
3
9
1,577.45
Hoyle
231
239
182
1
3
387.63
Nichols
185
181
130
31
1
3
477.72
Total
1987
1,484
2,603
2,251
15
576
194
22
55
15
125
8,778.29
6
296.67
1,148.03
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Appropriation for Construction of Main Sewers year ending January 31, 1913.
Amount of appropriation, $9,000.00
Expenditures :
Cost of extension as shown, $8,778.29
Payment of bill due Lewis D
Thorpe on account of engineering services in 1911, 202.90
$8,981.19
Stock balance,
26.62
Cash balance,
52.19
As shown in accountant's report difference between appropriation and expenditures in 1912,
$9,060.00
Unpaid bill for Comp. & Liab. Ins.
deducted, 60.00
$9,000.00 $9,000.00
The total length of sewers constructed to date is 12.47 miles, and 8.70 miles of underdrains.
Maintenance.
The street sewers have been scraped and kept clean, and two man holes have been raised, and one lowered to conform to changes of street grades.
Three house connections have been cleared of obstructions.
During the early part of the winter we had trouble with the underdrains, and on investigation, it was found that roots from the trees had entered the joints of the pipes and partially ob- structed the flow.
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