USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1955 > Part 15
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The Building Division also handles condemnation and de- molition proceedings on abandoned or hazardous property and quite frequently has to board them up pending legal proceed- ings. This step is taken when deemed necessary to protect the lives and safety of the general public.
The Engineering Division performed its usual duties of snow removal-clearing and cleaning of catch basins and storm drains - emergency clearing of blocked drains and sanitary sewers - repairing and rebuilding of storm drains and sewer system - general maintenance and repair of parks, play- grounds, cemeteries and recreational facilities, including ice skating areas - furnished grades, lines, inspection, drawings and plans for all type of city activities.
The Engineering Office is instrumental in developing and perfecting plans, such as we submitted to the M.D.C. propos- ing Expansion and Improving Dilboy Field and Saxton Foss Park - detailed drawings and specifications for bids and con- struction - preparations and surveys to promote Chapter 90 Program - detailed construction layouts designed to help our flooding problems in various sections of the city - close super- vision of all underground construction by Utility Companies and Private Enterprise and the coordination of all phases of inter-division participation.
232
ANNUAL REPORTS
The Engineering-Sewer Division crews have performed many and varied activities, among which are noted:
Construction, flooding and maintenance of Ice Skating Areas. Construction and maintenance of Playground Facilities. Maintenance of Parks and Cemeteries.
Rebuilt bleachers at Trum Field #1-installed angle iron brackets and all new planking-hot top area under seats. Installed drainage at Southern Junior High School to protect new floor in girls' gymnasium.
Built new concrete and cement block bus shelter at Broadway and Packard Avenue.
Built new concrete sand boxes at Dilboy-North Street- Tufts Park-Trum Field- Grimmons School and Florence Street.
Installed under-drain in Ryan Road Extension.
Repaired Shore Drive storm outlet.
Repaired sewer breaks and cave-ins at Vine and Hanson Streets-Walnut Street and Columbus Avenue-Park- dale and Washington Streets-Winslow Avenue-High Street and many other locations.
Remodelled connection to M.D.C. sewer at Moreland Street and Mystic Avenue and built a new concrete bus stop platform on Mystic Avenue opposite Moreland Street. This platform is protected by a chain link fence and pe- destrian traffic lights.
Built new drainage system in Meacham Street - Century Street-Ash Avenue area, involving 500' of 10" V. C. storm drain-3 new manholes-4 new catch basins and rebuilding of 2 catch basins. This was a particularly difficult job, almost entirely through ledge.
Built 2 new basins and installed 75' of storm drain at Powder House Boulevard and Packard Avenue.
Built new relief sewer in Ball Square to eliminate frequent stoppage in sanitary sewer. This sewer is 14' deep, and, due to concentration of utilities in Broadway, had to be hand excavated, ledge encountered at 6' depth-3 level shoring and Broadway traffic were major factors on this job
Built 22 new catch basins.
Rebuilt 17 catch basins.
Built 17 new manholes.
Installed 2 new "D" frames and grates on catch basins.
Installed 24 new manhole rings and covers.
CHAPTER 90 PROGRAM
Under the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws Ter. Ed. the following streets were resurfaced with Bituminous Concrete Type 1:
Park Street from Beacon Street to Somerville Avenue. Cameron Avenue from Holland Street to Cambridge line. Curtis Street from Teele Square to Medford line. Mt. Vernon Street from Broadway to Washington Street. Walnut Street from Broadway to Highland Avenue School Street from Summer Street to Somerville Avenue. Lowell Street from Highland Avenue to Medford Street. Newbury Street from Teele Square to Cambridge line.
-
233
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
These streets were excavated and reshaped to provide proper reveal on edgestones and to insure good drainage and sound base. A great deal of additional work was encountered such as tree removal, repacking of water gates, replacing of water lines and underground conduit, construction of new manholes and catch basins, resetting of edgestone and repairs to driveways and sidewalks. Streets reconstructed along these lines may be expected to withstand today's heavy traffic volume.
DEMOLITION OF DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE STRUCTURES
Following condemnation of old Dilboy Stadium by State Inspectors, we razed seats of the grandstand to prevent further use. Before proceeding with balance of demolition, which would necessitate fencing, etc., we are awaiting decision by M.D.C. on extent they will enter into redevelopment of old Dilboy and Tevlin Fields. We have submitted detailed plans and drawings showing our proposed new Dilboy installation and are anxiously awaiting their answer.
We have condemned and razed eight abandoned dwelling houses and one barn, which were creating hazardous neighbor- hood situations. In each instance, costs involved have been assessed against land. At the present time, we are trying to force owners to raze similar structures at eleven additional lo- cations and make immediate repairs at numerous others.
EDISON TRANSMISSION LINE
Our men have followed this huge job, closely, to protect the city's interests during construction of this valuable and assessable installation. The Boston Edison Company has co- operated wholeheartedly, having rebuilt catch basins and man- holes - reset edgestones - replaced fencing - repaired water and sewerage lines and resurfaced street and sidewalk areas in strict accordance with our specifications, wherever and whenever we requested them to do so. This was an extremely complicated job, with problems of all types, and its successful completion is a credit to all involved.
BRIDGE REPAIRS
The Boston and Maine Railroad has also cooperated with us, making major repairs to the Walnut Street and Cedar Street Bridges, plus a variety of repairs ranging from reinforcing side-
234
ANNUAL REPORTS
walk adjoining Ball Square and Gilman Square bridges, to fence repairs.
NORTH STREET TOT LOT
This new play area has been completed and is a much larger job than one would think since it required concrete re- taining walls - chain link fencing with gate and driveway to allow access by city trucks - sidewalk and edgestone repairs "No Parking" signs - a catch basin and underground drainage system - water line and chamber - drinking bub- bler- water spray-sand boxes-swing frame and bituminous concrete surfacing. It has been a pleasure to note the large number of children enjoying this new installation.
FLORENCE STREET PLAY AREA
This new play area has also been completed and consists of a chain link fence with gate and walk openings along Florence Street - a catch basin and undergraund drainage system - water line and chamber - drinking bubbler - water spray - sand boxes - swing frame and basket ball court. The areas containing the basket ball and water spray installations have been surfaced with bituminous concrete and the balance of the area surfaced with stone dust to provide for future horse shoe courts, etc.
CENTRAL LIBRARY LIGHTING PROJECT
This sorely needed lighting installation is tremendous in scope involving new mains, wiring and fixtures throughout the entire building to replace the antiquated present system. Upon receipt of cost estimates from electrical contractors it was clear that our own electricians would have to do the job. They have worked many months on this involved job and to the present time have completed the entire lower floor installations and the twenty-one large fixtures around the outer perimeter of the main library. They are now preparing structural steel hangars for lighting fixtures to be installed in center section of the main library, which will complete the installation. Quite an achievement for our department electricians.
DAVIS SQUARE PARKING LOT
This new parking area has the dual purpose of providing modern parking facilities and eliminating a previous condition which was the source of many complaints by our residents. We obtained a long term lease with option to renew from the
235
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Boston and Maine Railroad and proceeded to construct this parking area.
Construction involved the installation of an underground drainage system with three catch basins - chain link fencing along railroad - granite edgestone - sidewalk - street lights - parking meters - steel guard rail and bituminous concrete surface.
This provides a clean, safe, well lighted parking area for our shoppers to use and it is hoped will help alleviate the park- ing situation. In addition, to this new parking area we have resurfaced Grove Street from Highland Avenue to Morrison Avenue and installed Parking Meters both sides from the rail- road crossing to Morrison Avenue.
RYAN ROAD
The dilapidated old garage buildings on this site have been razed and a modern outdoor loading and storage area has been constructed. This is an extremely valuable addition to the De- partment of Public Works, as it provides storage space for bank gravel, sand, stone, loam, edgestone, "D" frames and grates, manhole rings and covers, planking and shoring, main pipe and plow blades and equipment. The site was cleared. Under- graund drainage, catch basins, concrete retaining walls, high chain link fence, with sliding gate, and bituminous concrete surface were installed. In addition, to protect the residents of the neighborhood, and children and adults, travelling to and from Trum Field, the light poles were moved back to widen the roadway, a concrete sidewalk, with granite edgestone, was con- structed and the roadway resurfaced with hot top. The safe and accessible storage facilities, provided by this new area, will result in substantial savings to the city through increased ef- ficiency and salvage.
HONOR ROLL
A permanent type Honor Roll has been constructed on the site of the former Honor Roll on Central Hill grounds. The work consisted of removing several dead elm trees, relocating hydrant, constructing new sidewalk, removal of old Honor Roll, excavating for and pouring a reinforced concrete base, erecting a wire cut face brick and Indiana grey limestone superstruc- ture, with aluminum frames and glass panels, paving the area within the Honor Roll with flagstone, set in concrete base, and
236
ANNUAL REPORTS
construction of a new stairway with wrought iron railings. The area around the Honor Roll has been appropriately landscaped and lights installed to illuminate the memorial at night. The name panels are composed of plexiglass. In the center panels, there are 509 names, of those who died in the service of their country during World War II, inscribed in gold plastic letters on a black plexiglass background. Included in gold on the center panels, are quotations by General Jonathan M. Wain- wright and a memorial to the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the bottom of the center panels appear two angels with the inscription, "Eternal Gratitude".
A total of 14,803 names, in white plastic letters, commem- orate those who served their country in World War II. The names are placed in 22 panels with 6 columns of names in each panel. Sufficient space has been left at the bottom of each panel for the insertion of names of those veterans, who were in the service during the Korean Conflict, should our people so desire.
PROSPECT HILL TOWER
Work on new retaining walls has been completed. Two huge concrete retaining walls have been constructed and back- filled. This was a slow and involved job, due to the tremendous size of the walls and the difficult terrain surrounding the tower. Ample time between each pour had to be allowed, to guard against settlement and to provide sufficient time for previous layer to harden before being subjected to strain of next pour, thereby guarding against cracking and distortion. In conjunc- tion with construction of the walls, to minimize future mainte- nance problems, underground drainage, a water line and electrical conduits have been installed within the tower.
During the winter months, on the basis of all available information on this tower, we drew detailed plans for the con- struction of retaining walls, using circumferential rings and grade beams around the core of the tower, extending below the level of Munroe Street and tying into new retaining walls. In the Spring, we advertised for bids and awarded contract to the low bidder. The contractor immediately started excavation to uncover core of tower preparatory to forming circumferential rings, and discovered there was no core or shaft running down to Munroe Street, the foundation simply ending about 6' below top surface. This confronted us with the dangerous situation of having the base of the tower perched on top of a gravel bank, some 17 or 18 feet above the sidewalk, with the deadly and very real possibility of its toppling over. We immediately in-
237
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
structed the contractor to forget original plan and work, day and night, to pour a heavy steel reinforced concrete footing around the tower, to contain the gravel mound, while we rushed preparation of new construction drawings for free-standing re- taining walls capable of withstanding the terrific pressures involved.
I must admit, Mr. Mayor, that this has been one of the most nerve wracking and trying experiences with which I have ever been confronted. The realization that the lives and safety of hundreds of our residents, living below the tower, depended on our not making a wrong move, was a heavy load.
Upon completion of our revised plans, I called in an outside engineering expert to double check them and upon receipt of his approval, presented them to the contractor. I asked him to refigure this new layout while rushing footings, and, upon re- ceipt of his estimate, requested the necessary additional funds, which the Board of 'Aldermen approved immediately. I am sorry to say that I am afraid the contractor, who worked with us so faithfully, lost money on this job as no one could foresee the difficulties encountered. During the deluge experienced on August 18th and 19th, I thanked the Almighty God many times that these walls were in place.
We are going to attempt to handle the landscaping with city forces. With this in mind, we have moved the granite edgestone from the Pope School site to the tower. It is our intention to remove present trees, set edgestone and construct new sidewalk along tower side of Munroe Street and plant new trees on tower grounds, just off the sidewalk. I am sure this coming year will see the Prospect Hill Tower regain its just position a's one of the beauty spots in this area.
NEW SCHOOL'S
Construction is progressing rapidly on our three new schools. It appears the larger Meacham Street School, now named the "Arthur D. Healey School", will be ready for oc- cupancy the latter part of January, and the Capen Street School, now named the "Leon M. Conwell School", will be ready during March. The new Pope School is scheduled for completion in June 1956. These three new schools will constitute invaluable additions to our school system and have been described in de- tail in separate reports.
238
ANNUAL REPORTS
HURRICANES - FLOODS
During the month of July, we checked over and serviced all our hurricane gear in the event we should receive one of these unwelcome visitors. During the tropical type deluges ex- perienced on August 18 and 19, our crews worked diligently to alleviate hardship and distress among our residents and then proceeded to clean up storm debris in speedy fashion. I firmly believe our crews are capable of handling any storms or emer- gencies which may confront us.
CENTRAL STREET APPROACH
Last September the Engineering Division performed the relocation and widening of the road bed at the Central Street Approach to Somerville Avenue. The necessary land amount- ing to 389 square feet at the easterly corner of Somerville Avenue and Central Street was donated to the City by Dora and Benjamin Ginsberg and recorded at Middlesex County Registry, South District, East Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 10, 1955. A group of trees were removed to start the project and a fire hydrant and three sign posts were moved. The Metro- politan Transit Authority relocated their poles and service for the trackless trolleys. The Boston Edison Company relocated their poles, installed underground service and erected a new street lamp. An existing manhole was adjusted to the new grade and a new catch basin and drain were built. The old edgestone was left in place while the new edgestone and side- walk were constructed. The old edgestone was then removed and a reinforced concrete base eight inches in depth was poured for the roadway followed by bituminous concrete sur- face laid in two 11/2" layers of type I binder and wearing course. The entire cost to the City for this project was $2,389.23. Police Lieutenant Leo Gormley in charge of traffic has advised us that this job is working out nicely and has helped the traffic situation greatly. He further states that this corner, the scene of many serious accidents prior to its relocation, has not suffered an accident since being remodelled.
We have accurate and detailed records of all department activities described in this report and will be pleased to enlarge on any items you may desire. I trust this report will meet with your approval and satisfaction.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER J. MANNING, Commissioner of Public Works
239
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
OFFICE OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING
TO HIS HONOR, THE MAYOR AND THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN:
The following report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year 1955 is respectively submitted.
Work of Weights and Measures Department for 1955
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Con- demed
Over 10,000
0
18
0
1
5,000 lbs. to 10,000 ..
1
4
1
0
100 to 5,000 lbs.
45
250
8
22
Under 100 lbs.
229
853
2
5
Weights:
3
997
0
5
Capacity Measure:
Vehicle Tanks
0
12
0
0
Liquid over 1 gallon
0
9
0
0
Liquid under 1 gallon
0
72
12
1
Dry
0
1
0
0
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Con- demed
Automatic Measuring Devices:
Less than one inch
Quantity Measure on
Pumps 2020
0
2
0
0
Gasoline Meters
9
196
12
3
Oil and Grease Meters ..
3
53
8
1
Over one inch
Tank Meter Systems . ...
12
129
0
1
Bulk Meter Systems ....
2
18
2
0
Other
Grease Measuring De- vices .
0
24
32
1
Linear Measure:
Yard Sticks
0
28
0
1
Cloth Measuring Devices
0
3
0
0
Taxi Meters
1
47
0
1
Total
305
2716
77
42
January 1, 1956.
240
ANNUAL REPORTS
Summary of Inspection made:
Clinical Thermometers
987
Coal Certificates
3
Ice Scales
0
Junk Scales
13
Marking of Bread
0
Marking- of Food Packages
179
Milk Jars
.. 0
Oil Jars
39
Paper or Fibre Cartons
0
Pedlers' License
14
Pedlers' Scales
14
Transient Vendors
0
Wholesalge Milk Cans
0
Taxi Meters
47
Fuel Meters-
129
Gas Pumps and Meters
190
Coal in Paper Bags
0
Kindling Wood in Paper Bags
0
Oil Measures (5 gallons)
9
Summary of Tests made:
Berry Baskets
0
Cartons (approved as measures)
0
Gasoline Devices (other than Sealings)
20
Ice Cream Cartons
0
Scales in Stores
50
Taxi Meters (other than Sealing)
5
Fuel Meters (other than Sealing)
10
Applications inspected and signed for Special Licenses:
Special City Licenses
16
County
40
State
34
Disabled Veterans
13
Transfers
4
Total
107
Gasoline Station Tests:
Total numbers of calls
58
Number of different stations
57
Number of call-backs to stations previously inspected
1
Number of Gallons drawn for tests
2020
Total meters at stations
78
Total meters sealed
186
Total meters not sealed
0
Trial weighings and measurements of commodities sold or put up for sale:
Total No. Tested
Number Correct
Under
Over
Bread
0
34
0
0
Butter
20
12
7
1
Coal (in paper bags)
0
0
0
0
Coal (in transit)
3
3
0
0
Confectionery
0
0
0
0
..
-Incorrect-
241
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Dry Commodities
122
108
5
9
Flour
0
0
0
0
Fruits and Vegetables
..
31
17
4
12
Ice
0
0
0
0
Lard
0
0
0
0
Meat and Provisions
128
69
23
46
Potatoes
5
5
5
5
Total
309
248
44
73
Miscellaneous:
Court Cases
0
Complaints investigated
16
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. CASEY, Sealer of Weights and Measures
242
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE LICENSING COMMISSION
January 1, 1956
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The following factual information is respectfully submitted as the Annual Report of the Licensing Commission for the year ending December 31, 1955.
Commissioner Jerome F. McCarthy served as chairman of the Licensing Commission from January 1, 1955 to May 23, 1955, Commissioner Joseph D. Lonergan from May 23, 1955 to June 14, 1955 and Commissioner John Korn from June 14, 1955 to December 31, 1955.
Thomas Kenny was appointed by the Mayor, approved by the Board of Aldermen and sworn in on June 9, 1955 as a member of the Licensing Commission for a term of three years to take the place of Jerome F. McCarthy whose term had ex- pired.
Thomas J. Hagerty, Board of Health Inspector, was as- signed to the Licensing Commission for the year of 1955.
Captain Thomas M. Sharry and Inspector William Quinlan were assigned to the Licensing Commission for 1955. On November 14, 1955 Sergeant Frederick Cammon was assigned to the Licensing Commission to take the place of Captain Thomas M. Sharry who had retired from the Somerville Police Department on October 12, 1955.
The following table will show the number of licenses per- missable by law as compared with the number of licenses that have been granted and are now in effect.
243
LICENSING COMMISSION
All Forms Pkg.
Beer & Wine Pkg.
All Forms Beer & Wine Restaurants & Clubs Druggist Unlimited
Allowed by Law
22
22
94
Issued by Commission
22
22
88
Balance to Issue .... . .
0
0
6
6 Unlimited
The Somerville Commission received one application for an All Forms Alcoholic Restaurant, To Be Drunk On The Premises, 7-Day License for 1956. The Commission voted "GRANTED" on this application and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission "APPROVED" same. This, however, did not increase the number of All Forms Alcoholic Restaurant, To Be Drunk On The Premises, 7-Day Licenses for 1956, as one renewal application for this type of license for 1956 which had been "GRANTED" by the Somerville Commission and "AP- PROVED" by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission was withdrawn by the applicant.
The Somerville Commission received an application for a transfer of type of license, from a Beer and Wine Restaurant, To Be Drunk On The Premises, 7-Day License to an All Forms Alcoholic Restaurant, To Be Drunk On The Premises, 7-Day License. They voted "LEAVE TO WITHDRAW" on this appli- cation. The applicant appealed to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and then withdrew the appeal.
The Somerville Commission received four applications for transfer of location. They voted "GRANTED" on three of these applications and same were "APPROVED" by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. On the other application the Somerville Commission voted "LEAVE TO WITHDRAW".
The Somerville Commission received one application for additional premises. They "GRANTED" this application and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission "APPROVED" same.
The Somerville Commission received two applications for change of premises, dropping of a store, which they "GRANTED" and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission "APPROVED".
The Somerville Commission received eight applications for transfer of license which they "GRANTED" and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission "APPROVED" as follows :-
244
ANNUAL REPORTS
2-Transfers from one individual to another individual
1-Transfer from an individual to a partnership
3-Transfers from an individual to a corporation
1-Transfer from one partnership to another partnership
1-Transfer from a partnership to an individual
The Somerville Commission received two applications for a change of business name. These were "APPROVED" by them and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
The Somerville Commission received eleven applications for change of manager. These were "APPROVED" by them and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
The established policy of the Somerville Licensing Com- mission relative to routine matters of office procedure has not materially changed. The Somerville Licensing Commission after inspection and consideration decided to continue their policy of restricting so-called entertainment in all restaurants. Only the radio and music box was allowed for the year with two exceptions :- Memory Lane Inc., which was issued a full en- tertainment and dance license for 1955 and the 318 Lounge Inc., which was issued a full entertainment license for 1955.
A general inspection tour of all licensed premises brought out the fact that all establishments are now equipped with up-to-date facilities.
We wish to express our gratitude to Captain Thomas M. Sharry, who has retired from the Somerville Police Department, for the wise counsel and unselfish service he rendered to our Commission. We also wish to acknowledge the splendid co- operation and whole-hearted support given our Commission by Police Inspectors, Sergeant Frederick Cammon and Inspector William Quinlan and Board of Health Inspector Thomas J. Hagerty assigned to our department and the efficient and faithful service of our clerk Mary I. Kenney.
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