USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1936-1938 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
On February 4, the recommendation of the General Manager that Second Street from Cross Street to Gay Street be included in the list of streets upon which coasting would be permitted was adopted and on the same date Coasting Regulations adopted on January 4, 1933, were amended to read as follows:
"Designation of certain places as available for Coasting
Highview Street; Harding Road; Hillside Avenue; Oak Road; K. Street; Sycamore Street; Bond Street between Walpole and Washington Streets; Saunders Road between Walpole Street and Winslow Avenue; Prospect Avenue; Howard Street; Oolah Avenue and Second Street from Cross Street to Gay Street, are hereby designated under the authority of Section 10A of Chapter 85 of the General Laws of Massachusetts as public ways on the roadways of which coasting is permitted between the hours of 10:00 o'clock, a. m. and 10:00 o'clock, p. m. on such days as may be indi- cated to be suitable for coasting by posting such areas with trestles, signs and lights at the ends thereof and at the junction of any and all intersecting ways, during the period beginning on November fifteenth of each year and extending to March fifteenth of the following year, and for the additional period with respect to the year 1933 from the date hereof to and inclusive of March fifteenth. No parking of vehicles is allowed within such desig- nated areas during such hours on the days when coasting is permitted except to receive and discharge passengers.
All vehicles shall be brought to a full stop before entering such designated areas and while entering the same shall be operated at a speed not greater than eight miles per hour, and while traversing the same shall be operated at a speed not greater than twelve miles per hour, during such hours on the days when coasting is permitted."
By action taken on February 18, the Selectmen were recorded at a hearing held by the Massachusetts Legislature in favor of proposed legis- lation establishing within the Department of Education of a Division of Police Training (House Bill No. 765).
On February 18, conditions relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages and so-called horsc booking establishments were discussed and it was
25
voted in view of the publicity given to horse booking establishments that the General Manager be instructed to see to it that they were closed, and without vote it was agreed with respect to alcoholic beverages where com- plaints for violations are received by a Selectman he should pass the in- formation so received to the General Manager for attention and on Febru- ary 26, the General Manager reported that the operators of local horse booking parlors have been ordered to close the same and that since the order was given reports from the Police Department indicate that booking parlors are no longer operating.
On March 3, the question of the purchase of school supplies in the form of napkins from other than local dealer was discussed with the General Manager whose explanation was accepted that he was not justified in spending the taxpayers' money and giving the business to local interests when there was a difference of 15% in the purchase price in favor of the outside party whose bid was accepted.
On March 3, Clerk Pendergast reported a statement of final payment as approved by the Department of Public Works had been received with respect to the Nahatan Street Underpass from which it appeared that the unit cost contract prices have exceeded the original estimate by ap- proximately $10,000.00 and that there will be available to meet this excess cost an appropriation balance of $2,747.24, and on March 6, Clerk Pender- gast reported as a result of a conference with Public Works Commissioner concerning the excess cost of the railroad underpass in Nahatan Street Extension to the effect that the State Department of Public Works would assume its share of the excess cost.
On March 17, voted on recommendation of General Manager that no charge be made to property owners for service rendered on March 12 and 13 in pumping out cellars by the Public Works employees by use of fire apparatus because of the unusual conditions existing. The General Manager was requested to study the possibility of sealing sewer con- nections so that no use could be made of sanitary sewers for the purpose of draining cellars of surface or ground water.
On March 17, it was voted that the General Manager prepare a suitable amendment to existing regulations providing that gasoline pumps may be located nearer the State Highway line than fifty feet and providing also with respect to ways intersecting the State Highway that such pumps may be erected within fifty feet of the line of such an intersecting way.
Amendment to rules and regulations adopted, covering the granting of licenses for gasoline service and filling stations on State Highway, Route 1, with respect to the location of gasoline dispensing pumps relative to the line of the State Highway and the line of intersecting ways.
On March 31, the rules and regulations subject to which all licenses for gasoline filling and service stations erected and /or operated on land abutting the State Highway as granted and promulgated on July 23, 1935, were amended by adding the following paragraph:
26
"Gasoline dispensing pumps shall not be erected at a distance of less than thirty (30) feet from the nearest line of the State Highway Route 1 and from the nearest line of any way intersecting said State Highway, Route 1."
On March 24, on recommendation of General Manager approval granted for use of third floor of Municipal Building for rifle range purposes one night a week, preferably Friday, from 7:30 to 9:30 p. m., on application of Ernest Woodman, in behalf of King Arthur Chapter Order of DeMolay, on the tentative basis that no inconvenience be caused to the occupants of the building and that such use be conducted in a proper manner.
On March 24, it was voted as requested by Governor Curley and Lieuten- ant-Governor Hurley to formulate plans to arrange for a meeting to organize a Tag Day as of March 28, the proceeds to be contributed in behalf of citizens of Massachusetts to the American Red Cross for the relief of victims of flood conditions.
On April 7, appropriate action taken for the issuance of a warrant for the holding of the Presidential Primary on April 28.
On April 14, the sale to the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of notes of indebtedness in the sum of $40,000.00 by way of tax title loan, approved.
On April 14, on petitions, the Municipal Light Department was granted permission to erect poles, wires and fixtures along certain ways named in the petitions and the poles to be located substantially as shown on plan presented.
On April 21, various election officers appointed to serve at the Presi- dential Primary on April 28.
On April 21, location granted to the New England Telephone and Tele- graph Company of Massachusetts for installation of a trench cable, and to place and maintain buried cable manholes, handholes, with the wires and cables therein, markers, and other fixtures in and under the surface of Broadway, from point approximately sixty (60) feet northerly from Guild Street to Day Street, approximately five hundred sixty (560) feet; Day Street northeasterly side from the easterly side of Broadway northwesterly approximately two hundred and fifty (250) feet, also permission granted to place and maintain underground laterals etc. in the above and inter- secting ways for the purpose of making connections with poles and build- ings for distributing purposes subject to conditions set forth in the order of grant with respect to material and work of construction and the filing of a plan with the town when the work is completed and an agreement to indemnify and save the town harmless and a bond covering faithful per- formance of the agreement.
On April 28, approval given as requested by Town Treasurer on plan submitted to the proposed division into parcels of an entire tract acquired by the town through foreclosure of tax lien and the sale of it being author- ized by vote of town meeting, either as an entire tract or in parcels. Said land being situated on Railroad Avenue, Monroe Street and Grant Avenue.
On May 26, as a result of a conference by Chairman Butters with M.
27
Joseph Roache, in the course of which Mr. Roache declined to accept a further appointment to the Board of Public Welfare, a letter was caused to be prepared expressing the regret of the Selectmen and their apprecia- tion of the services which Mr. Roache had gratuitously given to the town over an extended period of time as member and chairman of the Board of Public Welfare, also in the capacity of E. R. A. Administrator.
On June 2, a conference with a committee representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 2452, was held with reference to a citizen's protest concerning the operation of carnivals under permits issued by the Select- men at premises situated on Nahatan Street at the intersection of Lenox Street.
On June 2, approval was given to the issue of town notes of indebted- ness for construction of sanitary and surface drainage sewers and for the extension of water main.
On June 9, the following regulation was adopted by the Selectmen, viz .: "No person shall in any public park throw or bat a stone, ball, or other missile except in such part thereof, as shall by vote of the Selectmen pub- lished at least once in the local newspaper published in the town, be desig- nated as available for public playground purposes."
On June 9, it was voted that Eliot Park and park land situated northerly of Bond Street and casterly of Walpole Street be designated as available for public playground purposes, such designations to be published in the local newspaper in accordance with the regulations with respect to public parks adopted as of even date.
On June 23, it was voted after consideration of traffic conditions with respect to the Nahatan and Prospect Streets intersection that the General Manager have the police enforce the laws with respect to operation of motor vehicles generally throughout the town and particularly with reference to street intersections on Nahatan Street.
On June 30, it was voted to adopt as persons qualified for jury service who are inhabitants of the town the list as prepared by the Selectmen as of said date, identified as Schedule A.
On July 7, the General Manager reported arrangements made with the Norwood Legion Post Band to give a series of eight concerts on con- secutive Thursday evenings at the bandstand at Guild Street during the hours of eight to ten o'clock, beginning Thursday, July 9.
On July 7, it was voted that the price for the use of the town ambulance be set at $10.00 for service outside of Norwood and within a radius of fifteen miles from the Central Fire Station and that the rate of thirty-five cents per mile be established as the charge for the use of the ambulance by residents of Norwood outside of the fifteen mile radius. On July 21, voted as to ambulance charges that a minimum charge of $10.00 be established as the rate for use of town ambulance by non-residents, where the use involved mileage outside of Norwood and that a mileage rate of forty cents for all mileage travelled by the ambulance on each call from the
28
time it leaves the Central Fire Station until it returns thereto after com- pleting the call be established for use in excess of the minimum of $10.00.
· On July 7, it was voted that no permits be issued for the conduct of carnivals in excess of two days a week and that such permits be granted only where the carnival is to be conducted solely by a local organization.
On July 7, voted that the Selectmen were agreeable that the State Department of Public Works act in behalf of the officials of Norwood with respect to negotiations with owners of land involved in the laying out of an alteration of Canton Street as to the basis upon which damages, if any, might be awarded on account of necessary taking.
On July 21, as recommended by the General Manager, policy approved of conducting dances at Junior High School building in connection with playground operation, such dances to be properly supervised and closed not later than 10:30 P. M.
On July 28, approved recommendation that Norwood Legion Band be permitted to substitute the services of the Concord Legion Band for its own for a concert on August 6, under a reciprocal arrangement between the two bands.
On August 5, voted as to rental of social hall at Civic Playground that a policy be adopted that the premises be not rented to parties at which liquor is to be sold.
On August 5, voted with respect to four members of Company G. National Guard, who are to be on camp duty the last two weeks in August, and on request that cooperation of the town be given with respect to the difference in amount that will be paid by the state for their tour of duty and the amount they will receive for the same period from the town, that they be given an opportunity to make up through employment the differ- ence in compensation.
On August 18, it was voted that where an applicant for a transient vendor's license had met all the conditions and requirements of the statutes the Clerk was authorized in behalf of the Selectinen to issue to such ap- plicant a local transient vendor's license subject to the payment of the fee, equivalent to the tax that will be assessed upon the goods, wares and merchandise had the property been taxable on the first day of January, such fee to be determined by the statutory return of the Board of Assessors.
On August 18, following hearing held on complaint that certain licensed dogs constitute a nuisance by reason of vicious disposition, voted on evi- dence presented that the dogs complained of are determined to be a nuisance by reason of vicious disposition and ordered that such dogs be restrained by the owners thereof from leaving the premises of said owners, and that notice of the action taken be given to the owners and of their right to bring a petition in the district court for a review of the order.
On September 8, it was voted with respect to charges for the use of lowering device for burials in Highland Cemetery and Old Parish Cemetery that a flat rate of $12.00 be fixed for all adult burials within seasonal period,
29
which charge is to include the use of lowering device and green mat and to be used in all adult burials.
On September 16, report was received that the Federal Communications Commission had granted a permit to operate a police radio station under the call letters WIXHY and that the work of manufacturing the radio apparatus was being undertaken and it was expected that the installation would be completed and the station in operation about October.
On September 16, voted that the General Manager cause the national flag to be displayed daily at Highland Cemetery.
On September 22, voted on notice of Department of Public Works, Division of Outdoor Advertising, on application of John Donnelly & Sons for permits to erect eight billboards in Norwood, that the Clerk notify the Director of Division that the Selectmen object to the grant of the permits for the following reasons:
1. That signs in the proposed locations would be in violation of the Zoning
1 By-Law of the town with respect to set-back distance.
2. That in the opinion of the Selectmen traffic hazards would result from the maintenance of the proposed signs, namely, at the intersection of Everett Street and the present Boston-Providence Highway.
On September 29, voted with respect to a public hearing to be held at Dedham on October 2, by the Commissioners of the State Department of Public Works, that the Chairman, General Manager and Clerk be author- ized to attend the hearing and submit as a Chapter 90 project for the year 1937 the relocation of Pleasant Street from the Walpole-Norwood line easterly as laid out by the County Commissioners under a recent relocation order, and that the town be extended the privilege of submitting for con- sideration at an early date the question of the extension of Nahatan Street when it may appear that the Planning Board and Selectmen are in agree- ment as to the definite location of the layout of such extension. On October 6, report was made of presentation of these matters at the hearing.
On October 20, upon request of the Pastor of St. Peter's Church on St. Joseph Avenue, for relief as to traffic conditions, arising by reason of St. Joseph Avenue being a dead end street, which relief in his opinion could be accomplished by constructing a so-called "turn-around" at the end of the Avenue, voted approval of the proposal with a cost of construction of approximately $415.00, provided a release of necessary land could be secured from Bird & Son, inc. and further voted that the Finance Com- mission be requested to transfer said amount from the reserve fund.
On October 20, voted, that the State Department of Health be requested to advise the Selectmen with reference to the location of cesspools on land in Westwood in the vicinity of Buckmaster Pond with respect to the effect on the water supply of the town obtained from said Pond.
On October 27, General Manager authorized to proceed with the con- struction of a sidewalk on the westerly side of Washington Street from
·
30
Hoyle Street to Walnut Avenue, the same to be granolithic concrete and installed without assessment on owners of abutting property.
On October 31, the town bounds between Norwood and Walpole were perambulated.
On November 4, the Clerk of the Board reported the result of a con- ference with Chief Engineer of the State Department of Public Health relative to the situation which had developed with respect to the proposed disposal of sewage from certain house lots adjacent to Buckmaster Pond. On November 10, the Clerk further reported to the effect that the assurance of the State Department of Health through said Chief Engineer had been given, that the situation with respect to developments in the area in ques- tion will have the attention of the Department and that tests would be made but in his opinion until it is proved that the contents of cesspools and other receptacles do escape into the waters of the Pond and its tribu- taries no action would be taken with respect to the inforcement of the rules and regulations of the Department relative to the watershed of Buck- master Pond. The report further set forth that in the opinion of the de- partinent the development of land on the watershed of a public water supply for residential purposes must inevitably result in danger of pollu- tion of the supply, and that if cesspools, septic tanks or other works for the disposal of human excrement, sewage or other polluted matter of those residing on the watershed of Buckmaster Pond are located as proposed violations of the rules and regulations may occur and those responsible would be liable for prosecution.
On November 17, notice received from the State Department of Public Works by letter dated October 23, of its intention to remove snow from December 1, 1936 to December 1, 1937 on automobile Route 1 from the Walpole line to the Westwood line, four miles, and on Route 1A from Walpole line to Westwood line in two sections.
On November 24, report received that permission had been given to make use of property of W. Cameron Forbes, known as the Gay Farm, for a proposed skating pool for the coming winter season, and voted to request the Finance Commission to give favorable consideration to a transfer of $350.00 from the reserve fund for the purpose of constructing the necessary dikes which would permit the maintenance of a temporary public play- ground in this area in the form of a skating pool. On December 1, notified that the Finance Commission had voted to make the transfer requested, and General Manager reported the work would be undertaken immediately and should be completed in five or six days.
On December 1, on petition, a joint relocation order was granted to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company of Massachusetts and the town of Norwood, Municipal Light Department, with respect to the erection and maintenance of a pole on Monroe Street northerly from Nahatan Street.
On December 1, approved recommendation of General Manager with
31
respect to construction of a drainage system in Fisher property through to Neponset Street, also on Nahatan Street about one hundred feet south east from North Avenue westerly.
On December 1, voted, following petition received from residents of Howard Street and Morse Avenue, that the regulations as adopted Febru- ary 4, 1936, designating certain places as available for coasting be amended by striking out Howard Street, and that the General Manager ascertain as to the possibility of providing a coasting place in Page's Field, and on December 8, such amendment formally adopted and the coasting regula- tions further amended by adding thereto that portion of Myrtle Street extending from Prospect Street generally easterly a distance of five hun- dred (500) feet.
On March 31, a conference was held with the Planning Board at which certain recommendations were presented in the nature of projects forming a program for immediate action by the town some of which were withdrawn by the Planning Board through notification thereof on May 28. There- after, namely on September 16, the Planning Board submitted its recom- mendations through Chairman Mahoney for certain specific projects in the form of a six year program and at the same time General Manager Kendrick submitted a list of recommended projects. Thereupon, it was voted, that a committee of four, consisting of the Chairman of the Select- men, the Chairman of the Planning Board, the General Manager and Clerk Pendergast be appointed to consider these suggestions and to submit recommendations at a future conference of the Planning Board and Select- men.
On September 29, this special committee on six year program submitted a schedule of items for consideration, the same not being arranged in priority, but which in the opinion of the committee should have con- sideration.
On October 13, a conference was held with the Planning Board on a tentative six year program of projects to be reported to the State Planning Board and at which the report of the special committee was considered. Following discussion it was voted to approve the following items eliminat- ing all order of priority, namely,
Request of Bird & Son, inc. for abandonment of a portion of Morse Street and the construction of substitute ways.
Enlargement of water supply system including enlargement of water storage system and distribution system.
Trunk line sewer: Construction of additional trunk line sewer from Metropolitan sewer to Lenox Street.
Permanent surfacing or other construction of storm or surface drainage sewer from Pleasant Street to the Neponset River.
Nahatan Street Extension through to Neponset Street crossing State Highway, Route 1, at a point north of East Cross Street.
32
Pleasant Street resurfacing and construction of the relocated portion from
the Walpole-Norwood town line to Sunset Avenue. Acquisition of additional land for cemetery purposes.
Development and improvement of playgrounds and acquisition of addi- tional land for playground purposes, namely, Development and Im- provement, White Mike's Field; Acquisition of Land, Hawes Brook Swimming Pool.
Establishment of lines for widening of Lenox Street from Railroad Avenue to Cross Street.
Construction of way from Walpole Street to Nichols Street near junction of Endicott Street and Walpole Street.
Construction of West Border Road, Dean Street to Nahatan Street. Washington Street Resurfacing from Dean Street to Walpole line.
Washington Street Resurfacing from Westwood-Norwood line to Upland Road.
Construction of new way from Westover Parkway to Winter Street. Municipal Garage.
December 8, voted to offer to Leonard C. Fisher the following counter proposal to his request for installation of additional drainage in his prop- erty, namely, that if he will release to the town an easement in the two proposed additional drainage projects without further cost and will furnish the pipe, the cost of which is estimated at $150.00 and will accept the award of $150.00 already made, the town will install the pipes and furnish the labor necessary to complete the work.
On December 15, General Manager reported that the skating pool at Forbes property had been completed.
Weekly grants of funds for soldiers' relief as submitted by Soldiers' Relief Agent Pendergast were approved.
Deeds for lots in Highland Cemetery as presented from time to time on sales made approved and acknowledged for delivery.
From time to time during the year jurors for service in the Superior Court for Norfolk County were drawn in the manner required by law.
Consideration was given to estimates submitted by the General Manager and others of appropriations required in the conduct of the business of the town for the year 1936.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.