Report of the city of Somerville 1957, Part 18

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1957
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 320


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1957 > Part 18


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


Most of the major cleaning up and pumping out of homes was completed by Friday night, but DPW crews returned Satur- day to pump out many of the cellars again when ground water caused reflooding and later that night when a sudden storm brought a flash flood. Approximately 105 homes, eight fac- tories, and several stores and offices were affected.


A DPW truck was left on Winslow Avenue for several days for the depositing of debris by residents cleaning out cellars, which had been flooded. Several special collections were also made during the week.


On request of the MDC a contractor, present in the City on road work was called in immediately to expose the break and start work on repairs. Upon completion of repairs to the water main the following Wednesday, the MDC immediately started on repairs to damaged City property. Willow Avenue from Foskett Street to Morrison Avenue was dug up and reconstruct- ed along with the sidewalks on both sides. Repairs were made to sewer mains in the area and to a sewer main on Grove Street which had collapsed from the strain of the flood water. Ap- proxiately eight million gallons of water did damage estimated at half a million dollars to public and private property.


Every effort was made by this Department to help residents affected by the break as much as possible. Besides the matter of the City's claim for damages, the question of procedure for private claims was taken up with the MDC and assurance re- ceived that MDC responsibility for the water damages would be fully met.


A check in the amount of $11,223.50 was received on No- vember 27, 1957, for reimbursement to the City for labor, materials, and damages expended during the initial cleaning up. Street and sidewalk reconstruction work was paid for by the MDC.


HIGH SCHOOL FIRE


I am proud to be able to report that the renovation of the central building of the Somerville High School was completed


297


PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


in time for the entire building to be available to students with the opening of school September 5, 1957.


As a result of a disastrous fire in the High School on June 8, 1956, the second in six months, we had to undertake the complete reconstruction of much of the central building. Main tasks completed during 1956 included the razing of the old roof, installation of a new steel-beamed roof, and renovation: of the basement.


Remodelling of the interior of the remaining three floors of the central building began the final week of 1956. When the entire building was reopened on September 5, 1957, stu- dents found an entirely new interior. Besides new ceilings, floors, and fire resistant walls, new installations included two new stairwells, nine skylights, 14 new fire resistant emergency doors. Ventilation, heating, plumbing and electrical systems were modernized and book room remodelled. As much furni- ture as possible was salvaged and refinished, and new furni- ture was purchased where necessary, A new intercommunica- tion system was installed in both the central building and the wings. Many of these items were dictated by provisions of the State Building Codes which were not in force when the school was originally constructed.


Much attention was paid to all details with the aim of pro- viding high school students with the closest thing possible to a new school building and I venture to say that few of the alumni would recognize much of the 65-year-old structure. Despite the handicap of carrying out this operation while much of the time classes were being conducted in the wings and basement of the same building, the central building was closed for only one school year. Cost in both money and time out of use was considerably less than would have been expended by the City in the construction of an entirely new high school.


A settlement of $501,912.39 was reached with the insur- ance companies with debatable items such as increased costs and demolish resolved in the City's favor, although a sub- tantial allowance for depreciation was unavoidable.


Though visitors were welcome at all times and were often present, several offical tours were also conducted of the build- ing.


On February 12, 1957, a group of legislators were taken on a work progress tour. On April 30, 1957, the School Com-


298


ANNUAL REPORT


mittee and those in attendance at the meeting were conducted on a special inspection of all facilities. Finally an official open house was held on the evening of October 2nd and 3rd to which the general public was invited. More than 5,000 per- sons took advantage of the invitation and various student groups served as guides and planned the tour.


OFF-STREET PARKING


Considerable progress was made in off-street parking dur- ing 1957 with the opening, on a temporary free basis, of a 65- vehicle capacity facility in Magoun Square before the Christ- mas holidays.


The operation began on March 19, 1957, with approval of the land taking for the parking lot by the Board of Alder- men.


During the summer two stores, a warehouse, and one house on the site were demolished, with the tenant of the house given more than ample opportunity to find other quarters. Contracts for both demolition and construction of a concrete retaining wall were awarded to the low bidders.


Utility poles and lines, MTA lines, fire alarm box, and a hydrant were moved, the Medford Street corner of the site was cut and widened, and the area graded. The retaining wall was constructed on the right and rear sides, complete with a chain link fence, installed on its top.


Work had to be temporarily halted at this point because of the advent of cold weather and the need to allow the retaining wall proper setting time. Construction will be resumed in the spring with installation of islands and parking meters, includ- ing a number of all-day meters. During construction of the lot, plans were revamped because it was found that an expen- sive concrete ramp would have been needed to allow use of the rear area because of the steepness of the grade. Accordingly, two houses included in the original land takings were returned to their owners intact.


During the year studies were also made of the need for off-street parking in other areas, including Union Square, where considerable progress was made along these lines.


Studies were also conducted of the effectiveness of exist- ing facilities in Davis Square with particular attention to the


299


PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT


drawing power and capacity of an off-street parking lot opened during the summer in conjunction with a shopping center in Cambridge's nearby Porter Square.


We have reached the conclusion that - in consideration of the need for continued local employment, good taxpaying property, continued health of local business, and shopping con- venience of local residents - Somerville's main retail center must be retained in a competitive position with other shop- ping centers, including adequate off-street parking facilities. Plans are therefore being drawn up for extending the Day- Herbert Street parking lot across to Chester Street.


SCHOOL RENOVATION


Major projects in the school renovation program included the installation of seven new lavatories, new lighting on the top floor of the Southworth School, and completion of the painting of the Perry, Knapp, and Baxter Schools, as well as completion of renovation of the gymnasium in the Southern Junior High School.


TOILETS


Largest operation for the summer was the modernization of the following toilet facilities: Lowe, Hodgkins, Hanscom, both boys and girls; Bingham, girls. Work included new floors, lighting, plumbing, and ventilation, plus replacement of an- tiquated wooden cabinets and overhead fixtures with modern metal partitions and flushometer toilets. In the Lowe School new heating units were put in the girls facility and a new ceiling in the boys. Despite a threat of disruption by a strike in cement manufacturing plants, the work was completed on schedule. All work was perfomed by building division men with cooperation of men in other divisions of the Department.


SOUTHWORTH SCHOOL


Following the receipt of bids on the providing of fluores- cent fixtures for the entire Southworth School, it was decided that, combined with the cost of the complete rewiring needed to increase the capacity of the school's electrical system to ac- commodate the new lights, the expenditure would involve too large a part of the school renovation budget. The single large expenditure was considered unwarranted in view of the items needing prompt attention in almost all of the school buildings.


300


ANNUAL REPORT


Accordingly, the project is being completed by building division electricians in smaller stages. Initial work began in August with the rewiring of the entire top floor and installa- tion of new lights in the five rooms only. The entire floor was repainted, furniture refinished, new furniture provided in one room, new clocks and new window shades.


FLANAGAN AUDITORIUM


Work on the renovation of the auditorium at the Southern Junior High School began in 1956 and included complete re- painting, washing of the brickwork with acid, new grills in front of windows, heating vents, and electric control panel, new window shades, and a new stage curtain.


On February 22, 1957, appropriate ceremonies were held and the auditorium was dedicated in memory of Sgt. Joseph S. Flanagan, son of Mrs. Catherine Flanagan, 47 Stone Avenue. Plaques were placed on both sides of the front entrance to the school.


This report covers a relatively small part of our overall program for the year, we have accurate and detailed records of all Department activities and will be pleased to enlarge on any items you may desire.


I trust this report covering the highlights of the year 1957 will meet with your approval and satisfaction.


Respectfully yours,


WALTER J. MANNING, Commissioner of Public Works


301


INDEX


INDEX


Page


Address, Mayor William J. Donovan


5


Appeal, Board of, Report of


157


Assessors, Board of, Report of


159


City Auditor, Report of


15


Appropriations


23


Balance Sheet


16


Cash Statement, Dec. 31, 1957


21-23


Classified Debt Jan. 1, 1957


40


Detail of Estimated Receipts in 1957


35


Excess and Deficiency Account


47


Federal Grants


66, 67


Foreclosed Property 1957


94


Funded Debt 40, Insert 44


53


Interest Requirements on Funded Debt (Six Years)


43


Interest Requirements on Present City Debt to Maturity


Insert 44


Maturities on Funded Debt 1958


Insert 42


Maturities on Funded Debt (Six Years)


42


Net Funded or Fixed Debt


19


Overlay Accounts


45, 46


Receipts and Expenditures, Classification


48


Refunds


90


Schedule of Public Property and Miscl. Land


92


Statement of Appropriations (Revenue) 1957


24-33


Statement of Revenue and Expenses 1957


38


Statement of Appropriations (Non-Revenue) 1957


34


Tailings


46


Taxes


41


Tax Possessions


47


Tax Titles


47


Temporary Loans 1957


39


Trust and Invested Funds


20


City Clerk, Report of


127


Births


129


Deaths


130


Licenses and Permits


127-129


Marriages


130


Payments


129


Receipts


127


Borrowing Capacity, Dec. 31, 1957


44


General Government Expenditures


302


INDEX


City Solicitor, Report of 206


City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, Report of 97


Bonds Due in 1958 as of December 31, 1957


Insert 100


Bond Interest - Due 1958 as of December 31, 1957 Insert 100


Bond Maturities with Interest, Yearly 100


Cash Statement


98


Commitment by Assessors


99


Funded Debt as of December 31, 1957


101


Motor Vehicle Excise


99


Loans, All Other


101


Temporary Loans


100


Dental Hygiene, Report of 193, 194


Election Commissioners, Board of, Report of


113


Preliminary Election, October 8, 1957


116-118


Election, November 5, 1957


121


Expenses


115


Jurors


114


List Registered Voters


118


Listing Board, Report of


119


Nomination Papers


114


Recounts


114


Registration


113


Fire Department, Chief of, Report of


168


Alarms and Losses


168


Classification of Alarms


168


Manual Force


169


Recommendations


170


Health, Board of, Report of


180


Dental Hygiene, Report of


193, 194


Diseases, Schools, list of


185


Funeral Directors 185


Health Nurses, Report of


189


Infant Hygiene, Clinics


186


Inspection of Animals and Provisions, Report of


191


Inspection of Animals and Veterinarian, Report of


191


Inspection of Milk and Vinegar, Report of


192


Medical Inspection of Schools


183


Medical Inspection, Report of Health Officer


187


Mortality Statistics


181, 183


Permits and Licenses


180


Specimens and Supplies


183


Housing Authority, Report of 195


Inspector of Milk and Vinegar, Report of


192


Law Department, Report of


206


Licensing Commission, Report of 165


303


INDEX


Medical Inspection, Report of


187


Diphtheria Immunization


187


Tuberculosis 187


Planning Board 280


Police, Chief of, Report of


132


Arrests


132


Public Library


102


Board of Trustees and Officers


102


Report of Librarian


106


Organization of Library and Staff Personnel


102


Statistics


111


Public Welfare, Department of


175


Aid to Dependent Children


177


City Physician, Report of


179


Disability Assistance


178


Gross Expenditures


179


Members of Board, Committee, Officers, etc.


175


Old Age Assistance


177


Report of General Agent


176


Public Works, Report of Department


283


Recreation Commission, Report of


138


Retirement System


172


School Department


207


Appendix, Contents of (Summary of Statistics)


209


Graduates-High School


252


Junior High Schools


256-264


Evening High Schools


264


Vocational School


265


School Committees and Office Force


207, 208


Teachers in Service


266


Sealer of Weights and Measures 162


Veterans' Services, Report of 137, Insert 137


Veterans' Grave Registration Department, Report of 136


2


1




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.