USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1868-1871 > Part 29
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EDGE STONES.
The number of feet of edge stones set during the past season, is two thousand and eighty-three feet, at a cost of about fifteen hundred dollars. But little interest has been manifested during the year in this important branch of street improvement. This work is entirely dependent upon the action of the abuttors, and is therefore an un- certain expense. By a vote of the town, the Selectmen are instructed to set all edge stones asked for; but it is
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to be presumed, however, that they have some discretion- ary power in the matter, as otherwise they might be called upon to make expenditures to an unlimited amount. It is desirable that a reasonable amount should be set each year, especially on streets having sewers, so that the gutters may be paved, for the conveyance of water.
STONE CRUSHING.
The removal of the Union Horse Railway track into the centre of Milk street being under consideration, and the Board not deeming it necessary or desirable to make any essential change in the grade of the street, it be- came apparent to your Committee that only a thin layer of macadam would be required to grade the street after the track was laid. Therefore some material uniformly broken and more durable than blue ledge stone, seemed desirable. To obtain granite chips was found too expen- sive, no alternative was left but crushed field stone, and contract was made with Franklin Meade, to crush three thousand yards to be used in making repairs on Milk street. This trial will give the town an opportunity to thoroughly test the value of crushed granite, as com- pared with blue ledge stone. For top dressing, filling cuts, and making slight repairs, crushed stone makes nuch neater, and more durable work; the material being iner, and the pieces of more uniform size.
GENERAL REMARKS.
In conclusion, your Committee earnestly recommend liberal appropriation for Highways, and would urge the necessity of continuing the policy of making repairs upon the principal main thoroughfares, until thoroughly und permanently repaired. Beacon street, Mystic Ave- que, portions of Broadway and Milk street require re-
8
pairs, that should be made as early in the spring as po sible, and on no account permitted long to remain, i their present imperfect and unsatisfactory condition. Lil wood street and Medford, from Washington to Milk stree are at times almost impassible ; it is the intention of you Committee to grade and macadamize both during th winter. Drainage, being an important element in th maintenance of our streets, advantage should be take: of the numerous sewers constructed the past season, b: an increase of cesspools of adequate capacity, within equal and uniform distances, thereby relieving the street of the surface water, and at the same time preventing the sewers becoming filled with sand. Soon as the mail streets are put in proper condition, the cross streets, ove which there is heavy travel, leading from one principa avenue to another, should be put in order.
Following these, side-walks from one principal point o centre, to another, should be constructed, in different sec tions of the town, thus contributing to the general con venience of the citizens, and improving in beauty and usefulness, our Highways.
HORACE HASKINS, FRANCIS HOUGHTON, JACOB T. GLINES, JOHN G. HALL, NELSON HOWE,
Committee on Highways
Somerville, Dec. 31, 1870.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SEWERS.
Much importance has been attached to the matter o inaugurating a matured system of sewerage throughou the Town, adapted to the peculiar formation of its terri tory and the somewhat complex system, or rather want of system, of streets. A large portion of the most popu
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ous districts has been carefully surveyed, and outline naps have been drawn showing the courses of the prin- ipal drains projected as requisite to accommodate the arious sections. A general plan has thus been presented nd confirmed and established by subsequent partial exe- ution, which determines the several outlets through which all the sewers must be made to discharge.
The step thus adopted, though bold in character and veighty in consequences, is taken in the right direction ; or it must be evident on a moment's reflection that no ystem of small sewers can be made available for house- rainage without duly providing for the outlets : and it rill also appear that an early and large expenditure in he construction of Trunk conduits must be made, impos- ng a large burden upon the town, in meeting its proper hare of the cost.
Both the general plan devised and the particulars as depth and other characteristics of construction have een established only by a complex and laborious study : ach separate. question involves in its settlement other ases, and sometimes this is in a very remote manner and ar from obvious. Sometimes conflicting considerations re to be harmonized or compromised. The task of se- uring the largest immediate benefit coupled with the reatest present economy is a case where conflicting in- erests cannot be harmonized, and compromise is the only node of action left possible. It need hardly be said that he Engineer employed to furnish the project of a system as been guided, not to say governed, by a great variety f facts. He has attempted to secure the immediate bene- t, the present economy, and still beyond this the perma- ent utility of each portion of work constructed. The resent and future condition of the highways in which nese sewers are to be maintained, the streets that are et to be opened, the water areas that are yet to be re-
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claimed, and a variety of far less obvious matters are have their weight in the inquiry.
The general " Map of Drainage" and the two " Distri Maps " referred to in the last Annual Report, all prepare by Edward Frost, Esq., C. E., from surveys executed unde his supervision by the order of this Board, embody in permanent form the outlines and the ruling features ( the Sewerage System now growing into existence. W are assured by him that it meets the chief requirement and harmonizes with reasonable success the conflictin conditions under which we are working. We conside that it is a safe and reliable guide, and proper to be in variably consulted when we seek to determine in wha direction the sewerage funds shall be applied. It is no so rigid as to be deficient in adaptability, nor on th other hand so lax and vague as to fail of affording a guid and rule. It has proved elastic enough to meet som temporary necessities by the partial progress already at tained towards its construction, but this circumstanc scarcely detracts from the urgency, and. certainly no from the confidence, with which we urge upon our su cessors and fellow citizens the growing and imperativ need of its further prosecution growing out of the deper dence of all real estate values within the town upon th condition of this great question, and from a pecuniar point of view, if from no other.
Sewers have been built in the following named streets and of the length herein designated.
1. In Elm street, from Cherry to Milk, thence in Milk to Prospect street, thence in Prospect to the Creek, forming a continuous line in length, .
2. In Dane street, from Milk street, to the Creek near Fitchburg Railroad, . 60 75
3. In Spring street from Summer,
4. In Medford street, from a point near Fitchburg Rail- road to Grand Junction Railroad, , . 87
Feet 760
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. In London street, from Lowell Railroad to Lin- Feet. wood street, 406
. In Linwood street, from Washington street, . 579
. In Mystic Avenue, from Maine Railroad to outlet, 1017
. In Union street, from Mystic Avenue to Benedict street, 165
. In Perkins, Mt. Pleasant and Broadway, commenc- ing at Mt. Vernon, . 998
. In Myrtle street, . 140
. In Medford, northward of Milk strect, 160
With a temporary outlet, 40
. In Pearl street, from Mt. Vernon to Pinckney, 215
. In Broadway, from Marshall street sewer across land of Geo. Adams to Broadway, in Broadway to
Middlesex street at the foot of Convent Hill, . 1696
. In Middlesex street, Outlet or Trunk sewer 5 ft. by 3} ft. .413
. In Broadway, from Middlesex to Cross, and in Cross street to culvert near land of John C. Tenny, . 1237
. In Oakland Avenue from Marshall strect, 200
. In Lincoln, from Broadway to Arlington, thence in Arlington to Franklin and in Franklin towards Broadway, 1290
Total length of Sewers built in 1870, 18,380 feet.
The plans and profiles by which the work was con- ructed will indicate the locations, depths and lengths the several sewers, also the sizes, shapes and materials their construction.
e whole cost of the Sewers constructed as appears
from the various reports, $49,304.91
le whole amount of assessment, 32,028.52
The matter of assessment has been one of much per- exity. The Statutes does not lay down any rule except at the parties benefited shall pay a proportional part the charge, certified by the Selectmen, the party eming himself aggrieved having the right to appeal to
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a jury. Much pains has been taken to render the asses ments as just as possible, and much difficulty has be( encountered from causes essentially unavoidable.
First : The Board have to determine what share, any, the town shall assume, then the party assessed interested to make his own tax as small as possib. When the sewers are small, the difficulty in a measu or wholly disappears. The rules of other towns ar cities in this regard, so far as any have been adopte have been examined and are found to possess no gre uniformity, and our own experience has not yet suf ciently supplied us the data for the adoption of any d. tinct rule of universal application.
Second : The application of a uniform rule to indivi ual cases has been found difficult when from the situatie of the premises the benefit to be derived is small, when the sewer is not available to the estate, or when sewer is not immediately needed or required in the es mation of the owner.
The action of the Board thus becomes one of great d icacy, and liable to encounter much sharp criticism, n to say opposition. Their position is not a pleasant on their duties however conscientiously discharged are fi quently subjected to much severe comment. This quite natural, and not without its proper and saluta influence. The objections urged by various parties ha been carefully considered, and in many instances the force acknowledged. A few years experience, it is to hoped, will obviate many of the difficulties hitherto garded as serious and perplexing.
PROPOSITIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR.
By inspecting the map of the Broadway District it w be observed that several of the open drains and wat
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ourses have been diverted into the large Trunk sewer Middlesex street, thereby relieving the respective eighborhood of nuisances and certain estates from ease- ents more or less impairing their value and availability r building purposes. This relief alone amply compen- tes the large outlay. There yet remains in this vicinity ne other open drain extending from Cutter street rough private land, and crossing Glen and Rush streets, Cross street ; at this point emptying into the sewer onstructed during the year now closing. Upon this pen drain a large portion of East Somerville depends, nd this becomes an increasing cause of complaint to par- es adjoining. The nuisance may readily be removed ther by diverting the drain through Glen to Brook reet, and through Brook to Cross street, together with uthward extension of the Cross street sewer to meet le same, or by carrying it into Broadway and so westerly meet the latter at a lower point. This improvement very earnestly recommended.
Your Committee desire to call the attention of the oard and the inhabitants of the town to the plan for e relief of the District south of the Fitchburg Railroad. , is proposed to build a sewer at an early day nearly trallel with the Railroad through a private street already urtially laid out, and which also may be required for le proper accommodation of the public travel.
This work operating jointly with that already con- ructed in Milk street will relieve the Fitchburg Railroad a large amount of water and filth now flowing in open tches along their track, and will afford suitable drain- ge for a large area of land heretofore very wet and un- althy, and quite unfit in its present condition to be oc- ipied with dwellings. Although your Committee do not ish to unduly press their views, or to seem to dictate e action of any future Board, they cannot but feel it
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incumbent upon them to invite the inhabitants of t. town, especially those in this section, as well as our st cessors in office, to a careful consideration of this partic lar proposition.
The Perkins and Mt. Pleasant street sewer is provid. with a temporary outlet of discharge through a priva sewer emptying upon the territory of the Boston al Maine Railroad Corporation. It was the intention of t. Board to prolong this sewer across Broadway and priva land to Mystic Avenue : sinking and enlarging a smi portion of the Mystic Avenue drain to a proper dep and size. The lateness of the season and the absence some of the proprietors of lands through which this e tension must be carried, rendered it impracticable to ] done the present year, but it is hoped that another ye will see it accomplished.
The outlet or trunk sewer for the Broadway distri has been constructed to a point in Middlesex street 4. feet northwardly from Broadway. The plan of sewerag contemplates extending at a future time across the mar: to Mystic Avenue, thence to Mystic River, this propose extension being for a distance of about 2300 feet. Tl entire construction of the work will not be immediate' required, several years may well be taken for its compl tion, building each year such portion thereof as circur stances may require. It will become immediately ir portant however, that a sufficient width of land be take under the Statutes of the Commonwealth, or otherwise b deed from the owners, on which to establish the line i dicated. By the formation of a street from Broadway Mystic Avenue upon the desired route, a double purpo will be accomplished, as a large tract of land, otherwi of but little value, will become a developed and availab property.
A proper outlet is desired to be built on Medfor
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reet, to be arranged in conjunction with the new abut- ents and bridge that is likely to be provided in lieu of e present. Many concurring reasons demand that this rangement be accomplished without delay.
There is urgent occasion for immediately providing werage for Summer street from School street to Union quare, securing thereby an opportunity to drain the tates on Putnam and Prescott streets, whose need of is accommodation is very considerably felt. As a tem- rary arrangement, this Summer street line may be ade to discharge into the line already carried through nion Square.
The intercepting sewer in Cross street, which occupies very important place in the operations by which the ainage of a very large district is to be accomplished, ould be soon extended to the point where it will inter- ct the natural water-course near Oliver, late Broome reet, and if practicable, in such manner as to command e flood water that sometimes chokes the ditches and vers the tracks of the Boston & Lowell Railroad, in ich case the Railroad Company will undoubtedly lib- ally contribute to the expense.
Perhaps it is hardly necessary to say that the labor of tending to the construction of sewers during the last ar has been much greater than ever before. The want a suitable superintendent has been seriously felt by e Board, and as the work and care of sewers must cessarily increase from year to year, this want becomes e more pressing. There should be some person whose clusive duty it should be to have a direct and super- sory charge of sewers in connection with the Superin- adent of streets. The large cesspools emptying into e various sewers require vigilant care, if their useful- ss to the streets would be perfectly realized; certain quirements or regulations should be adopted, so that
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these cesspools at stated periods, and otherwise if neces sary, may be examined and cleaned.
In closing, the question of a thorough and adequate system of sewerage, and its bearing upon health, conven- ience, utility, condition of streets, and improvements of lands, and a judicious economy is respectfully submitted to the consideration of our fellow citizens.
CHAS. S. LINCOLN, CYRUS F. CROSBY, NELSON HOWE,
Committee on Sewers.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RAILWAYS AND BRIDGES.
The work of reconstructing that portion of the Middle. sex Horse Railway, in the centre of Milk street, between Union Square and Elm street, was the first business which occupied the attention of your committee, and an arrangement was made with the Union Railway Com- pany to rebuild said Railway in the centre of said street. between the points above named. Subsequently the question of laying a sewer in the centre of Milk street came up, and it having been decided to build the sewer, prevented the plan of rebuilding the Railway track before next Spring. Your committee fully appreciated the im- portance of building a sewer before the track was placed in the centre of the street, but much regret that the work prevented consummating the plan of relaying of the Railway track the present season.
That portion of the Middlesex Horse Railroad Com- pany's track lying between Charlestown line and Tufts street, on Washington street, was removed and a substan- tial track was built in the centre of said street, between the points above named, the distance being about nine-
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teen hundred feet. The great improvement caused by rebuilding the above piece of track in the centre of the street, must show to all citizens the necessity of having all our Horse Railway tracks placed in the centre of our streets at the earliest practicable time.
The efforts which have been made by your Committee to cause the removal of a portion of the track of the Somerville and Medford Horse Railway Company on Main street, having failed to cause its removal, legal pro- ceedings were instituted against the Company, and which are now pending. Although now too late in the season to do the work of removing said track, your Committee feel that arrangements will be made before the official year closes, so that the plan of removing said track can be done early in the spring.
Upon the petition of R. A. Demmon and others for re- locating that portion of the track of the Middlesex Horse Railroad Company between Union Square and Cherry street, action was taken on said petition, and legal pro- ceedings have been made to cause a new location for said track in the centre of streets over which it may pass.
The Boston & Lowell Railroad Company having built a branch from their main track near Central Street to the Arlington branch of the Fitchburg Railroad Com- pany's track, had, of necessity, to cross over several of our streets, viz. : Lowell and Cedar streets, Willow Avenue, and Grove, Elm, and Holland streets. The season was so far advanced before the track was laid that the rails could not be properly leveled at Holland street, or the work of grading any of the streets completed this season.
The Railroad Company intend erecting two depots on this branch, which will afford to citizens in that neighbor- hood additional facilities for quick despatch to Boston, and which will partially remunerate for crossing so many streets. The President of said Company has assured your
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Committee that said streets shall be suitably and satisfac- torily graded as early as practicable in the spring. The track across Holland street is five inches above the grade intended.
The President of said Company has also assured the Committee that the bridge on Cedar street over their road shall be rebuilt and widened next spring. Your Committee feel that this is an important matter, and that it should have early attention. The present structure is a frail one, being at an angle with the line of the street, and too narrow to admit of teams passing each other abreast.
The Committee have arranged with the President of the Fitchburg Railroad Company to rebuild the bridge on Washington street over their road. Said bridge is to be straightened on the south-easterly side and widened to forty-five feet; the approaches and abutments are to be extended to a corresponding width. This work will be commenced at the earliest practicable time.
The question of a legal and protected crossing on Dane street, across said Company's track, is now resting with the County Commissioners, and action will soon be taken in the matter. A safe crossing here is much needed, as there is now only one protected crossing over said rail- road, between Washington street (near Union Square) and Beacon street, (near Porter's Station); the distance being nearly one mile and a quarter.
FRANCIS HOUGHTON, CHAS. S. LINCOLN, R. A. VINAL. Railway and Bridge Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON POLICE.
One of the most important elements of our Town Gov- ernment is a well organized Police Department.
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On entering upon the duties of organizing the police force of the town for the year, the propriety of increasing the number of night watchmen was duly considered, and the Committee was unanimous in the opinion that the police force should keep pace with the rapid increase of population.
That the good reputation of the town, the security of its property, and the safety of its citizens demanded addi- tional police force.
The result of the Committee's deliberations was re- ported to the Board ; and the Selectmen gave instructions to have the town new districted, and two additional offi- cers appointed. The town is now divided into seven districts, each of which has a regularly appointed night watchman, who is held accountable for the disorders that may occur, and the crimes that may be committed, until he shall bring the offenders to punishment according to law.
In order to secure the services of good, true, and faith- ful men to take charge of these districts, your Committee recommended to the Board that the night watchmen of Somerville be paid three dollars a day for their services ; which recommendation was adopted by the Board.
By raising their pay dignity is given the position ; the officers are enable to maintain themselves and their fam- ilies respectably without engaging in other occupation, thus giving them an opportunity to devote their whole time and talents to the service of the town.
The place of confinement for persons under arrest, known as the " Lock-up," ought to be enlarged. Before hot weather returns, some plan should be devised to fur- nish further accommodations for this department of our police.
For details of this department you are referred to the report of the Secretary of Police which follows:
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REPORT OF SECRETARY OF POLICE.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Somerville.
GENTLEMEN : In accordance with the custom I herewith present my Report for the year ending .December 31, 1870, to which is appended a synopsis of the doings of the department for the year 1870.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
GRANVILLE LELAND, Secretary.
DOINGS OF THE POLICE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER
31, 1870.
Arrested, 389
Committed for trial,
325
Males,
299
Females,
90
Foreigners,
347
STATISTICAL STATEMENT.
Amount of Property reported Stolen, $766.08
Amount of Property reported Recovered,
398.28
Amount of Fines and Costs Imposed, 2,447.28
Aggregate amount of Imprisonment,
6 Yrs. 2 Mos.
NATURE OF CRIME.
Assault,
24
Assault, Mutual,
5
Assault and Battery,
68
Assault, Aggravated, .
7
Assault on Officers,
2
Assault with Weapons, 4 .
Attempt to Commit a Rap3,
2
Breaking and Entering,
6
Breaking Glass,
1
Common Drunkards,
4
Cruelty to Dumb Animals,
1
Drunkenness,
95
Disturbing the Peace, 32
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Discharging Fire Crackers,
1
Doing Business on Lord's Day, 3
Fornication, 3
Forgery,
1
Gaming on the Lord's Day,
3
Keeping Noisy and Disorderly House,
1
Keeping Dogs without License, .
2
Keeping Fire Works, 1
Larceny, . 33
Larceny of a Ride,
2 -
Liquor Nuisance,
3
Obstructing the Sidewalk, 1
Rape,
1
Robbery,
1
Receiving Stolen Goods,
1
Railer and Brawler,
3
Stealing Fruit, 1
Threatening Violence,
1
Vagrants, .
4
Violation of Sunday Law,
8
Total, . . 325
MISCELLANEOUS.
Buildings found Open and Secured, 10
Cases Investigated, 30
Defective Streets Reported, 17
Disturbances Suppressed, 92
Dead Bodies provided for, 4
Dogs killed, 32
Fire Alarms Given, 7
Fires Extinguished without Alarm, 2
Foundlings provided for, . 3
Grand Jury Cases, 28
Probate Court Cases, . 7
Injured Persons provided for, .
5
Intoxicated persons helped Home, 73
Lost Children Restored, 12
Rescued from Drowning, 2
Stray Teams put up, 12
Truants, 14
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NATIVITY OF CRIMINALS.
United States,
42
British Provinces,
8
Ireland,
299
England,
20
Scotland,
9
Germany,
2
.
France,
7
Africa,
2
389
This is an increase of forty-eight over last year, and does not include any arrest made in town by the State force.
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