USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1927-1929 > Part 8
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March 22. Taking in fee for Municipal Light Department pur- poses land located on Central Street (formerly Market Street) and Railroad Avenue, adjoining land of the Town belonging to the heirs of Madora Brooks and shown on a plan made by the George A. Smith, Town Engineer, dated February 24, 1927.
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March 29. Easements for alterations by widening of certain existing town ways as to portions thereof, viz:
(a) Neponset Street and Dean Street
(b) Railroad Avenue and Monroe Street
(c) Prospect Street and Prospect Avenue
(d) Nichols Street and Prospect Avenue,
also easements with respect to new ways laid out as follows:
(a) Way running northwesterly from Nichols Street Extension
(b) Way extending southerly from Bellevue Avenue,
(c) Way being an extension of Bond Street Way being an extension of Chickering Road
Way being an extension of Rosemary Street
Way called Walter Road, connecting said Extension of Chick- ering Road with said Extension of Rosemary Street.
May 17. Land taken as Park Commissioners in fee for a public park from S. Seveniauskas and located on River Street as shown on a plan made by George A. Smith, Town Engineer, dated March 23, 1927. Area 30,740 square feet. Award to owner, $800.00.
May 24. Easement for alteration by widening of Central Street - from Lyman Place northerly in Norwood Housing Association, Inc., and Winslow Brothers & Smith Company lands.
March 24. Easement for a main drain in two sections, viz:
Section A-from Bullard Street to Beech Street.
Section B-from Beech Street to Nichols Street, through lands of various owners.
Washington Street Widening
The widening of Washington Street between Railroad Avenue and Prospect Street as to which a petition to the County Commissioners was filed in 1926 had considerable attention in its various phases during the year including attendance at hearings before and con- ference with the County Commissioners, also various conferences with the Finance Commission and Planning Board and with citizens interested and preparation of plans. Consideration was given to the extent and character of the proposed widening and to the damages involved. Substantial progress was made in reaching a decision which would accomplish the end sought and would be generally acceptable and which would be put into effect in 1928 by a decree of the County Commissioners directing that the widening be made. It is understood that contributions to the expense of the widening will be made by the State and County in the sum of $8,000.00
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Granolithic and Other Sidewalks
The construction of granolithic sidewalks was ordered as to Nahatan Street southerly side from Washington Street to Fulton Street, thence on Fulton Street easterly side to a point near Pros- pect Avenue and thence on Prospect Avenue northerly side to Pros- pect Street subject to assessments.
The reconstruction of the existing sidewalk on the easterly side of Walpole Street between Endicott Street and property of Francis W. Plimpton and Harriet W. Lane was ordered subject to assess- ments.
The construction of a granolithic sidewalk on the west side of Prospect Street between Nichols Street and Vernon Street was ordered subject to assessments.
The installation of a cement sidewalk in front of the new senior high school premises on Nichols Street was authorized.
Assessments were levied for the construction of a granolithic sidewalk on the easterly side of Washington Street between Nor- wood Hose No. 2 property and existing cement sidewalk on Wash- ington Street at Dean Street, also for the portion of sidewalk on easterly side of Walpole Street between Walnut Avenue and Chapel Street.
Betterment Assessments
Action in accordance with law was taken assessing betterments for public improvements which had been completed as follows:
May 17, 1927. Elliot Street Extension.
September 6, 1927. Alteration by widening of a portion of Nahatan Street; alteration and relocation of a portion of Central Street, both existing town ways, and
Lay-out and construction of two new ways known as Cottage Street East and a proposed street so-called, all forming a single improvement.
September 6, 1927. A Public Park known as Memorial Park as located and constructed.
September 13, 1927. Brookfield Road, a new way as laid out and constructed.
October 11, 1927. Cypress Street, Sycamore Street and Lincoln Street Extension as laid out and constructed, all forming a single improvement.
Petitions were filed by Myer Dana and by Charles G. and Cath- erine J. Maguire respectively requesting abatement of assessments levied with respect to the Town Square Street and park improve- ments and hearings were held. The requests were given due con- sideration and abatements were denied as no abatements were found necessary.
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Restraint of Dogs
Upon notice from the State Director of Animal Industry that there was grave danger of an outbreak and spread of rabies, and that dogs should be restrained from running at large which would be ordered by the State, if not ordered by the local authorities, an order was adopted on December 6, 1927, restraining all dogs from running at large in Norwood for the period of ninety days from December 15, 1927. Due notice was given of this order and addi- tional dog officers were appointed to assist in its enforcement.
Motor Bus Transportation
The license of the New England Transportation Company for the operation of five motor busses through the town on route between Boston and Providence was renewed.
The license of the Medway and Dedham Street Railway to operate motor busses between Norwood and Westwood was renewed. This company failed to function under this license and thereafter a license was granted to the Medway & Dedham Bus Line Inc. (known as the Johnson Bus Line) to operate two motor coaches for one year from April 18, 1927 between Norwood and Westwood on a schedule calling for eight trips daily with a rate tariff of 15 cents between Norwood and Westwood and 5 cents between Prospect Street and Norwood Central Station in Norwood over a route as to Norwood approved by the Department of Public Utilities, viz: Clapboardtree Street, Nahatan Street, Prospect Street to Winter Street and re- turning by Prospect Street to Nahatan Street thence to Wash- ington Street and returning by Prospect Street to Nahatan Street thence to Washington Street to Guild Street to Norwood Central Station. A condition of the license was that it should become void unless there was continuous operation under it for thirty conse- cutive days from April 26th the date of issue.
Miscellaneous
Extensions of the sewerage system were ordered subject to the assessments usual in such cases in the following streets, viz: Cypress, Sycamore, Lincoln, Quincy Avenue, Day and Bullard.
Extensions of the water system mains were ordered in Cleveland Street and Grant Avenue.
The purchase from Fred L. Fisher for school purposes of the parcel of land located on Pleasant Street as authorized by action taken at the special town meeting held March 23, 1927, was com- pleted on May 17, 1927, through the receipt from Mr. Fisher of a proper deed conveying title to the town and the payment of the purchase price.
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Recommendation was made to the town in agreement with the Finance Commission that the compensation of each call man in the Fire Department should be increased $30 yearly effective as of January 1, 1927, and that the balance of the increase petitioned for be provided in the year 1928 effective as of January 1, 1928.
Recommendation was made to the Town in agreement with the Finance Commission of an increase in salaries of the Board of Assessors from $1,500. to $2,000 be apportioned as follows: Chair- man, $1,000, remaining members, $500 each.
New regulations were adopted making effective a schedule of increased charges with respect to Highland Cemetery as recom- mended by the Finance Commission.
The alteration by widening of Morse Street was considered.
Arrangements were made with the Selectmen of Sharon for the perambulation of the Norwood-Sharon boundary line at a later date.
The erection of a flag pole and flag at Highland Cemetery was ordered.
Conferences were held with the Planning Board and consideration and approval were given to its draft of the proposed zoning by-law which was subsequently submitted to the citizens and adopted at the special town meeting held May 12, 1927.
Authority was given to Chief of Police Sullivan to grant licenses to persons to purchase, rent or lease pistols and revolvers.
With respect to Dean Hall and Lithuanian Hall it was determined that dance permits should not issue for such entertainments to be held on Saturday nights and that as to other week-day nights when permits were given two police officers should be in attendance at the dances so authorized.
Action was taken with respect to repairs by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company on the overhead railroad bridge at Guild Street.
An automatic pedestal traffic signal was installed at the inter- section of Walpole and Winter Streets. A flashing beacon light was installed at the intersection of Nahatan and Prospect Streets.
The deed granting to the town an easement or right of way for all town and highway purposes over a strip of land fronting on Washington Street and extending northerly from Railroad Avenue
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was received from the Standard Oil Company of New York, owner, in accordance with the requirements of its license for the conduct of an oil and gasoline station on its land adjoining the right of way. Upon report from the law department that the deed was in order it was submitted to the Town for acceptance and such acceptance was voted at the Special Town Meeting held on December 29, 1927.
The request made by the school authorities for the use by stu- dents of the reservoir premises for a hockey field was considered and it was determined that such use involved a potential health menace as regards the water supply and that it would not be approved by the State Department of Health, the request was refused. Appropriate action was also taken to safeguard the premises.
A Christmas tree donated by Post 70, American Legion, was erected and maintained in Memorial Park during the Christmas season.
On May 21st, 1927, the following were appointed as an advisory committee to consider and report to the Selectmen with recom- mendations as to changes in the by-laws relating to buildings as regards the prevention of fires and the preservation of life, viz: Forrest M. Douglas, James H. Murphy, Carroll P. Nead, Eli M. Chamberlain and James E. Pendergast.
The respective rights of the Town and the land owners as to the existing main drain southerly from Railroad Avenue through Cur- ran and Fahey lands, being a 1906 lay-out, were investigated and advice obtained from the law department.
The construction of an addition to the Municipal Light Depart- ment building on Central Street and the purchase of additional equipment for the department at a cost not to exceed $1,800 were approved.
A new heating plant at the Central Fire Station was authorized through use of available funds.
The purchase of a new motor cycle for the Police Department through use of available funds was authorized.
The fee for a license to maintain a marquee over a public way was fixed at $10.
The purchase of the automatic over head traffic signals as main- tained on Washington Street between Railroad Avenue and Guild Street was authorized.
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St. George Avenue was re-numbered to accord with the require- ments of the by-laws.
The interest of the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Com- pany in the forty-four steel poles on Washington Street in the business sesction, in which poles the Town hold equal interest through the Municipal Light Department, was purchased for the Town for the sum of $660 subject to certain future use by that company after considerable negotiation with the officials as to character and extent of the use by the town and now defined in the agreement of sale.
An agreement was reached with the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company as to the cost, use and maintenance of a new line of fourteen poles jointly owned with the Municipal Light Department of the Town to take the place of an old line of poles and joint and identical locations in place of the old locations were granted for the new poles and wires and fixtures.
At the request of the Building Inspector we joined with the Chief of the Fire Department and the Building Inspector in hearings given by the Building Inspector on the petition of Witton Levis for a laundry building permit on premises on Cottage Street which Mr. Levis contemplated purchasing and approved the refusal by the Building Inspector to issue a permit.
The amount apportioned by the County Commissioners to Nor- wood for the care, maintenance and repair of the Norfolk County Hospital was $6,386.07.
Consideration was given and recommendation was made to the Town as to the purchase from Hon. W. Cameron Forbes of 19 acres of land located on the westerly side of Everett Street for gravel pit purposes at $700 an acre. Action at the Town Meeting at which the matter was presented was adverse to the purchase.
Consideration was given to the establishment of a building line on Washington Street from East Hoyle Street to Lenox Street on the easterly side making a set back as proposed of 41/2 to 5 feet.
On April 5, 1927, a committee was appointed to act in an advisory capacity to the Selectmen with respect to their duties as park com- missioners in the matter of providing, using and controlling play- grounds as follows, viz: Thomas B. Mulvehill, Chairman of Select- men; Frederick A. Cleveland, Chairman of School Committee; Dr.
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Harold G. Matters, President of Board of Governors of Norwood Civic Association; Mrs. Lucille W. Riemer and Miss Maude A. Shattuck. This committee organized by choosing Mrs. Reimer as Chairman and Miss Shattuck as Secretary. Playgrounds were estab- lished at the Balch, Shattuck and Winslow Schools and at the Fisher lot.
The wage scale policy adopted as a five-year program for the Police and Fire Departments calling for a minimum salary of $1,500. and a maximum salary of $2,000. for permanent men other than the Chief and Sergeant of the Police Department and the Chief of the Fire Department was determined to be worthy of continuance.
The purchase of a squad wagon with water pump attachment and of pumping equipment of capacity of not more than 150 gallons per minute for use of the Fire Department was approved.
The amount fixed by the Division of Local Taxation, State Department of Corporations and Taxation for which the surety bond of the Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes would be approved for $46,660.
From time to time as occasion required deeds for lots in High- land Cemetery were approved and ordered to be delivered.
Warrants for the payment of all expenses of the conduct of the various departments under our charge were regularly issued.
Approval of various note issues and sales of notes was given as provided by law.
Soldiers' relief payments were authorized.
A list of citizens qualified for jury duty was prepared and is appended.
Warrants were prepared for the annual and for special town meetings containing articles appropriate for action as to matters to be considered as determined by us or as petitioned for and the meetings so-called were duly held thereunder.
Election officers were appointed for service at the Annual Town Meeting.
Grand and traverse jurors were drawn upon notice given as required by law.
Water rates were abated where good reasons for such action were shown.
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Band concerts were arranged and given at the Elks' Park in accordance with the appropriation therefor.
Joint locations were granted to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and to the Municipal Light Department for 35 poles on Nahatan Street and 7 poles on Fulton Street.
The following citizens were appointed an advisory committee on public safety, viz: Carl A. Johnson, Robert E. Costello, George H. O'Brien, Charles J. Rich, William H. Sullivan, and John J. Hannigan and rendered excellent service.
The extension of Plimpton Avenue was considered.
On October 20, 1927 the boundary line between Norwood and Walpole was perambulated.
Selectmen Dalton and Baker acted as a committee on exercises in the matter of laying of the corner-stone of the new Memorial Municipal Building.
On July 12, 1927, rules and regulations were adopted for the operation of carriages and other vehicles on public ways effective on July 19, 1927 at 9 a.m. These rules and regulations were as completely notified and widely published as was proper and desir- able to acquaint the public of their existence. Angle parking on Washington Street between Railroad Avenue and Guild Street was abolished and warning signs and markings permitting parallel parking only were placed in that section.
It was voted not to proceed with the claim against Albert W. Lyon as to injuries received by Martin King while engaged as a town employee as Mr. King released the Town from all claims for compensation.
Winter employment in the Public Works Department had con- sideration.
Action was taken in the interest of the citizens regulating the erection and maintenance of booths for the display and sale of fire works for the Fourth of July holiday and the period of sale.
In the matter of a levy by the assessors of assessments on meadow land in the Neponset 'River section based upon alleged benefits resulting from the improvement work performed by the State the assessors were advised that there appeared to be no benefit which would justify an assessment.
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Quarters were provided by rental for the local company of the National Guard at the Norwood Civic Association building.
A gravel sidewalk was ordered on the southerly side of Winter Street along the Shattuck Park frontage.
Considerable attention was given by the Selectmen acting as a board of survey to the location of a way extending through private property from Walpole Street at Bond Street to Nichols Street also to the question of action being taken by the town looking to the establishment of the exterior lines of the way as located and shown on the plan prepared, approved and filed following public hearings held as provided by law. It was determined in view of the estimated expense involved that further action in the matter be postponed.
Street widenings were considered with respect to the intersection of Prospect Street and Upland Road and Clapboardtree Street and Upland Road.
The hearing held by the legislative committee on the bill pre- sented with the special report of the Department of Public Health to the Legislature relative to the extension of the Metropolitan Sewerage System in the valley of the Neponset River, at which the case for Norwood was presented, was followed by a report and action referring the matter to the next session of the Legislature to be held in 1928. This important matter will have the attention of the town officials at that time.
Conclusion
The activities of the Selectmen for the year 1927 were constant and as varied and important as in recent past years as may be appreciated to some extent at least from the foregoing resume. The Selectmen were appreciative of the support, co-operation and consideration shown by their fellow officials and the citizens gene- rally and hope to merit a continuance in the year now beginning.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MULVEHILL, EDMUND G. DALTON HAROLD W. BAKER ARTHUR J .FORREST
Selectmen of Norwood.
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LIST OF PERSONS QUALIFIED FOR JURY SERVICE (INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF NORWOOD) AS PREPARED BY THE SELECTMEN OF NORWOOD ON JUNE 28, 1927
Name
Address
Occupation
Ahearn, George F.
70 Hill St.
Cloth Maker
Archibald, Harry B.
Ellis Ave.
Gardener
Badger, Knight A.
Clapboardtree St. Repairer
Bagley, Frederick H.
303 Prospect St.
Salesman
Bashford, John H.
25 Monroe St.
Laborer
Bernier, Leo R.
35 Maple St.
Clerk
Bettinger, Theodore M.
80 Hoyle St.
Retired
Bird, Arthur D.
69 Prospect Ave.
Shipper
Blair, Walter
41 Florence Ave.
Clerk
Blasenak, John F.
232 Nahatan St.
Electric Lineman
Breen, Thomas F.
21 Hoyle St.
Salesman
Brooks, Frederick
20 Rosemary St.
Druggist
Call, William M.
49 Florence Ave.
Credit Manager
Capen, Chester M.
22 Morse Ave.
Manager
Cashen, Wilfred F.
85 Winslow Ave.
Insurance Agent
Clark, Elton O.
11 Maple St.
Grocer
Cody, Thomas P.
235 Winter St.
Salesman
Conley, John Joseph
13 Central St.
Student
Connors, James J.
79 Walnut Ave.
Electrician
Coughlin, James L.
66 Cross St.
Telegrapher
Coughlin, Joseph F.
49 Central St.
Clerk
Crowell, Herbert C.
413 Prospect St.
Foreman
Davis, Clair V.
239 Winter St.
Mason
Donovan, Daniel
350 Lenox St.
Retired
Drummey, Thomas J.
110 Munroe St.
Artist
Ellis, David A.
88 Washington St. 48 Bond St.
Accountant
Farrelley,Philip J.
109 Washington St.
Mechanic
Finbow, Richard
120 Cottage St. 17 Florence Ave.
Clerk
Fitzgerald, George F.
284 Lenox St.
Janitor
Flaherty, Michael J.
126 Cottage St. Chauffeur
Flaherty, Thos. M.
9 North Ave.
Contractor
Flower, George Fred Foren, John F.
25 Curran Ave.
Hammer Maker
Frothingham, Franklin
178 Winter St.
Salesman
Gilbert, William H.
12 Everett Ave.
Shipper
Gleischauf, Arthur
26 Oak Road
Pressman
Gordon, Charles E.
176 Vernon St.
Foreman
Farmer
Ellis, Fred R.
Bookbinder
Fisher, Herbert D.
40 Nichols St. Building Contractor
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Name
Address
Occupation
Greig, Nicholas B.
234 Nahatan St.
Printer
Guimond, Peter
15 Silver St.
Contractor
Gullich, Jacob
9 Elliot St.
Shoemaker
Gurney Stuart W.
40 Saunders Rd.
Superintendent
Hallenback, Marcus H.
58 Saunders Rd. 45 Howard St.
Engineer
Halstead, Frank E.
Clerk
Hartshorn, Edwin E.
179 Vernon St.
Millwright
Heritage, Chester B.
94 Elliot St.
Real Estate Agent
Huntoon, William D.
23 Everett Ave.
Merchant
Jacobsen, Oley Jewett, Charles M. Johnson, Carl
34 Hoyle St.
Bookkeeper
39 Davis Ave.
Clerk
Jordan, Sidney V.
170 Vernon St.
Foreman
Keenan, John C.
120 Winslow Ave.
Bookbinder
Kelliher, John M.
199 Pleasant St.
Machinist
Kenefick, Daniel J.
8 Hoyle St.
Machinist
Kenrick, Walter H.
309 Walpole St.
Chauffeur
Kiley, John
14 George St.
Student
Kimball, Clarence H.
425 Prospect St.
Clerk
Latham, Leslie J.
160 Vernon St.
Foreman
Lee, John T.
21 E. Hoyle St.
Painter
Linehan, Philip J.
141 Walpole St.
Clerk
Lydon, Martin F.
362 Railroad Ave.
Pressman
Lyons, John C., Jr.
65 Winslow Ave. 9 Lincoln St.
Mechanic
Mahoney, Thomas H.
134 Pleasant St. 1285 Washington St.
Manager Tinsmith
McAuliffe, Henry T.
277 Railroad Ave. 76 Casey St.
Brakeman
McLaughlin, James H.
17 Nichols St.
Foreman
McManus, Joseph F.
243 Prospect St.
Real Estate Agent
Meissner, Adam R.
17 Nichols St.
Bookbinder
Morgan, George F.
53 Adams St.
Painter
Mutch, John M.
Mason
Nead, Carroll P.
Insurance Agent
Nelligan, Daniel M.
39 Prospect Ave. 29 Florence Ave.
Bookkeeper
Nordstrom, Herman
116 Wilson St.
Paper Maker
O'Brien, George H.
86 Walnut Ave.
Expressman
O'Connor, Frederick J.
O'Connor, Joseph T.
Olson, John A.
420 Prospect St. 20 Nichols St.
Pressman
Oxner, Perleigh L.
Parker, Fred S.
32 Bellevue Ave.
Foreman
62 Elliot St. 5 Hoyle St.
Clerk
Printer
Wool Sorter
Mahar, William C.
Bookbinder
Cloth Maker
Massey, Francis A.
McDonough, John
62 Highland St. 7 Beacon Ave.
Foreman
Newman, LaForrest N.
469 Pleasant St.
Expressman
148
Name
Address
Occupation
Parker, Ralph M.
Payne, Henry C.
Compositor
Pendergast, Richard F.
30 Pleasant St.
Clerk
Perkins, George A.
52 Highland St.
Printer
Peterson, John Q.
61 Chapel St.
Electrician
Peterson, Robert
294 Lenox Ave.
Packer
Plimpton, Hollis W.
150 Chapel St.
Superintendent
Plummer, Edward C.
32 Prospect Ave. 8 West St.
Foreman
Probert, Harold R. Purdy, Victor M.
11 Marion Ave.
854 Washington St. 9 Central St.
Draftsman Millwright Painter
Readel, Frank M.
352 Nahatan St.
Bookbinder
Readel, Walter P.
402 Nahatan St.
Bookbinder
Reynolds, John F.
33 Summit Ave.
Business Man
Rice, H. Eugene
137 Nichols St.
Merchant
Rice, Harold F.
1 Walkhill Rd.
Clerk
Robertson, Charles T.
804 Neponset St.
Chauffeur
Rodgers, Arthur B.
342 Prospect St.
Manager
Ryerson, George E.
165 Vernon St.
Merchant
Sager, Ronald F.
8 Hoyle St.
Accountant
Schaeffer, John W., Sr. Scherer, Louis J.
Seekins, Berton L.
Sheehan, Joseph A.
35 Winter St.
Engineer
Sheppard, William
852 Washington St.
Machinist
Slattery, Patrick J.
46 Mylod St.
Clerk
Slee, Warren H.
32 Florence Ave.
Real Estate Agent
Smeddy, Timothy W.
185 Vernon St.
Pressman
Smith, Dennis H.
22 Lenox St.
Blacksmith
Smith, Julian M.
39 Oak Rd.
Laborer
Smith, Melvin C.
29 Granite St.
Contractor
Smith, Richard H.
32 Chapel St.
Bookbinder
Smith, Samuel R.
409 Prospect St.
Pressman
Sodergren, Benjamin
Superintendent
Spencer, Arthur E.
Civil Engineer
Stevens, Charles H.
Salesman
Watchman
Merchant
Clerk
Clerk
Talbot, Arthur W.
Talbot, Frank W.
Talbot, George B.
3 Douglass Circle 49 Cottage St. 797 Neponset St.
742 Washington St. 30 Bullard St.
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