USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1924 > Part 7
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It is necessary to grade. rake, and seed down Hayward Field at the beginning of each season, if it is to be kept in satisfactory condition. The football playing in the Fall tears up the sod and the diamond surface, making it advisable to give them considerable attention at the start of the season. Carelessness or mischief on the part of some of the visitors to this field increased the expense for keeping the property in good condition. Re-roofing the grandstand, repairing the barbed wire and supports on the fence, fixing locks and hinges on the dressing rooms, ticket offices and gates, as the results of misuse by some who are thoughtless, are some of the items that might be eliminated if this fine property was appreciated by all who use it.
The matter of water for Hayward Field for next year is a subject which the board respectfully calls to your attention. The line of 2" pipe has outlived its usefulness. It has been repeatedly repaired, and in its present condition will not serve another season. We feel that the best solution of this matter is to install a 6" pipe underground where it will not deteriorate as fast as the present line which is above ground and on wooden supports for the greater part of its length. If such an installation is made, it would be well to place a hydrant inside the field for fire protection. In the long run this expense would be offset by the saving on the fire insurance premiums.
Horton Field is now one of the finest playgrounds in the state, for a city of Attleboro's size. It ranks with the best in cities much larger than Attleboro. New swings, slides, ladders, and sand boxes have been added for the smaller children. The two tennis courts have been unusually busy throughout the entire season. A new baseball diamond was laid out and the entire field seeded down. No playing was allowed until July 4th, after the field had been mowed twice. New bleachers are in place along the railroad side. On this field 13 ball games were conducted by the Kenton A. C. and 10 games by the Junior League.
Finberg Park was also the scene of greater activity and is today the favorite playground of the residents of the East Side. A new baseball diamond was laid out here also on which 20 home games were conducted by the Finberg Club. The Junior League also conducted 10 games here. In laying out the diamond, it was shifted more towards the woods in the
93
ANNUAL REPORT
left section and away from Park Street. The backstop was made higher and wider. Comparatively few balls are batted or thrown out of the play- ing field. The low land in the left field is gradually being filled in.
A caretaker was hired this year to keep the fields continually in good condition. He divided his time between the three playgrounds.
Meters were installed this year at Hayward Field, Horton Field, and Finberg Park and bills rendered to the Recreation board for water used during the season.
The members of the board desire to thank all who in any way aided in making the playgrounds of greater benefit to the people, with special thanks to the Police Department and the Public Works Department for their co-operation.
Attleboro Recreation Board MARTIN T. BRENNAN, Chairman.
94
ANNUAL REPORT
PLANNING BOARD
Hon. Geo. A. Sweeney, Mayor, and Municipal Council of Attleboro:
In accordance with Chapter 494 of Massachusetts Statutes, the Attleboro City Planning Board herewith submits its ninth annual report.
Many meetings have been held during the year with a good atten- dance of the members, who are always enthusiastic over the work which is being done for the City of Attleboro.
At the first meeting the board organized with Mr. Joseph Finberg as Chairman and Mr. Robert Mawney as Secretary.
Zoning.
Most of the work the Planning Board accomplished this year was on zoning.
On July 7, 1924, the City Council authorized and directed the Plan- ning Board to undertake the preparation of a zoning ordinance and plan for the City of Attleboro, and provided three thousand dollars ($3,000) for its expenses. The Planning Board appointed Mr. Joseph Finberg as the Chairman to take charge of the work. An advisory zoning com- mittee was appointed, consisting of two members of the Planning Board, three members of the City Council and two prominent men who are identi- fied with the welfare of Attleboro. The following are the names:
Joseph Finberg, Chairman Milford E. Bliss Robert W. Mawney Ralph Estes Fred E. Briggs Wm. H. Blake Wm. J. Luther Edwin F. Thayer
On July 23, 1924, Mr. Robert Whitten, who had prepared the zoning plan for Providence and many other cities, was retained to prepare, under the direction of the Planning Board and the advisory committee on zoning, a comprehensive zoning plan.
Mr. Whitten began work August 1st, and, with the cooperation of the zoning committee and others, has worked out proposed zoning districts shown on a zoning map. The zoning regulations which have been pro- posed have been submitted to your honorable body for consideration.
During the months of October and November several hundred people were invited to the Council Chambers to view the map and give their opinions. Mt. Whitten and Mr. Fisher, his assistant, together with the Chairman of the Planning Board, attended most of the conferences and received many ideas and criticisms. The plan was also shown at the Legion House and South Attleboro. Several meetings were held with the full zoning committee to discuss the ordinances. A large map and syn- opsis of the zoning ordinance was published on Dec. 6th, through the courtesy of the Attleboro Sun. A public conference was held in Chamber of Commerce hall on Dec. 12th with Mr. Ralph Estes as Chairman.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Plans and ordinances were submitted to the city council on Dec. 30 1924, with the request that a public hearing be held. This is according to the state law which provides that a public hearing must be held, after thirty (30) days notice, on a proposed zoning ordinance before same can be passed by the City Council.
We trust that by the time this report is printed that the zoning or- dinance will have been accepted by the Council, and that it will become a law, as we think it is for the benefit of the City of Attleboro to have a zoning ordinance. In Massachusetts there are twenty-six cities and towns zoned and twenty-six at work on zoning, while nine places are seeking appropriations.
The town of Brookline adopted zoning about three years ago, and in their report of 1923 state:
"The zoning law has now been in effect for nearly two years, and it speaks well for the original draft that no amendments have as yet been made to this by-law."
Widening of Dunham Street:
The property on the corner of Union and Dunham Sts., formerly owned by Mr. John Trainor, has changed hands. A new building is going to be erected on that site, and we recommend that the street be widened to twenty-seven (27) feet between curb and curb and that the sharp corners be eliminated.
Building Lines.
We cannot emphasize too strongly the necessity of establishing a building line of fifty (50) feet the entire length of Bank St. to Holden St., as this is going to be one of the main thoroughfares of the city in the near future.
That a building line be established on North Main St., from the corner of Park St. to the railroad crossing.
According to information from the press, the property at the corner of Park, County and So. Main Sts. has changed hands, and a new building is liable to be erected at any time. We therefore urge the Council to adopt a building line on So. Main St. from the corner of Park St. to Mil! St., and also take part of the corner at County Street as so to make a wider curve at that point.
Board of Survey.
We again emphasize the need of establishing a board of Survey. The condition of the future building of Attleboro will depend largely on how the new house lots are laid out in new land developments. Our neigh- boring city of Taunton accepted the Board of Survey Act by a majority of eight to one. We enclose herewith a synopsis of the Board of Survey Act.
Union Street Lot.
We again ask that the vacant lot on Union St. near the firehouse, owned by the city, be set aside for a playground. It would keep the children off the streets, avoiding danger of their getting hurt. That section of the city has no public playground and one is very much needed. The expense would be small and the necessity is great.
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ANNUAL REPORT
City Hall Site.
At present the lot on North Main St. for the City Hall is unsightly. With a very little work it could be made to look attractive. This matter should be given attention.
Appropriations.
We ask that the Council appropriate five hundred dollars ($500) for the Planning Board, one hundred dollars ($100) for regular use and four hundred dollars ($400) for the following reason:
It is very easy for us to suggest things to the Mayor and the Council which should be done, but we have no way of putting them on paper. The city engineering plant is very busy on projects already adopted or being discussed by the members of the street committee and others, so we have no way of presenting our plans in a practical form unless we have an engineer or a draftsman to do it for us. By putting an amount of money at our disposal, we can, from time to time, hire someone to design and lay out our projects for your honorable body's consideration. This work requires measurements and specifications which cannot be done by any- one but a person who is trained to it.
The Planning Board has carefully used any funds at their disposal, and shall continue to exercise due economy with the above amount if this request is granted.
In conclusion we wish to thank the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Public Works Department, the Chamber of Commerce, those who have worked hard on the zoning committee, and also the Attleboro Sun for its efforts in behalf of zoning and other matters during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Finberg, Chairman Robert W. Mawney, Secretary Milford E. Bliss Mrs. Josephine L. Hammond Mrs. Mary G. Mullaly Edgar A. Remington
97
ANNUAL REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Honorable Municipal Council:
Gentlemen :-
I herewith submit for your consideration the Annual Report of the Police Department, for the year ending December 31, 1924.
ORGANIZATION.
The regular force consists of a Chief, Lieutenant, two Sergeants, thirteen Patrolmen, and five Reserve Officers.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Chief of Police
Terence E. Flanagan.
Lieutenant. Franklin McKay
Sergeants.
William J. Sargeant
William D. Norwood
Patrolmen
Arthur F. Gaffney, John Bora, Edward E. Gobin, Louis J. Fournier, Joseph P. McBride, Joseph F. O'Donnell, John J. Kelly, Donat E. Pion, Charles E. Brown, Joseph A. Fredette, Joseph A. Deland, Eugene J. LaCroix, Charles M. Brogan.
Reserve Officers.
William Doucett, Horace A. Clifford, George H. Grover, Ernest W. Holt, David F. Galvin.
CRIME.
On the evening of June 7, Alec Stone alias "Jimmy the Pole", a notorious thug and gunman, fired two shots at Patrolman Brown, as the officer was attempting to apprehend him for a violation of the automobile law. He was overpowered however, before he did any material injury to the Patrolman, and was arraigned in the Fourth District Court on June 9. He is now at large having defaulted bail in the sum of $1500. Two cart- ridges in the revolver carried by the gunman failed to explode, this in my opinion, explains why the officer was not at least seriously injured.
On November 19, a serious shooting affray took place in a house at the corner of Wilmarth and Slater streets, during which Mary Pires, her father, Virgin Veluce, and her brother Manuel Veluce, were seriously in- jured. Joseph Pires, husband of Mary, who did the shooting, shot him- self immediately afterwards.
All were carried to the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in the Police Am- bulance, where Joseph died within a few hours.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The above mentioned crimes are the only ones out of the ordinary that occurred during the year, the officers have been alert and interested in their duties, with the result we believe, that no city in the country is cleaner or more free from crime than ours.
TRAFFIC.
Today one of our most trying and important functions is the regula- tion of traffic. With the increasing number of motor vehicles each year, and with a city like Attleboro which has such narrow streets, to properly enforce the traffic rules means Police.
Three new traffic beacons have been purchased recently, but are not yet installed, one will be located at the junction of Mill and South Main streets, one at County Square, and the third might be placed to advantage either at Briggs Corner, or on the Washington Street Pike, South Attle- boro, at the intersection of Washington street and Highland Avenue, provided the State will allow it.
Two Police Officers on motor cycles have been assigned to patrol the streets of the city during the summer months, with the result that autoists have been held in check, and the worst offenders prosecuted in the Dis- trict Court.
I am proud to state that we have cut down the number of serious accidents and deaths during the year, only one person died as the result of automobile accident, as compared with three deaths in 1923.
The parking of pleasure cars continues to be a serious problem, es- pecially on Wednesday and Saturday evenings when the stores are open. Our public parking space is at present inadequate and will be more so in the near future. Very few autoists are taking advantage of the generous offer of the School Committee, allowing them to use the Sanford School lot for parking after 4 P. M. The Department has been criticised for not enforcing the traffic rules more rigidly, but I believe that the solitary day Patrolman that is available for this duty, has done very well.
LIQUOR TRAFFIC.
We do not have a liquor squad, but each officer has instructions to collect such evidence as will guarantee the issuing of Warrants for sus- pected places on his route. Now that Police Departments have the right to prosecute for the manufacture and transportation of liquor, we hope to do away with any "bootlegging" that may exist. Notwithstanding propaganda to the contrary I believe the liquor situation in Attleboro is much better than in any other place of like size in the State.
WELFARE WORK.
During the year the Department has done considerable welfare work, and every effort is made to correct a delinquent without Court procedure. Miss Alice C. Daley, Agent for the M. S. P. C. C. is doing good work two days each week in this city, the rest of her time is taken up in Taunton and North Attleboro.
This young lady has gone into the work whole heartedly, and with the co-operation of the Police Department, much has been done that the average citizen knows nothing about.
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ANNUAL REPORT
EQUIPMENT.
The motor equipment consists of a combination Patrol and Ambu- lance, Studebaker Special-Six touring car, a Ford runabout, and three motorcycles of the Harley Davidson make. All are in fair condition except the motorcycle used in the Hebronville-Dodgeville section. This machine has now been three years in use, it has given good satisfaction, but is now gone by for work of this kind.
The good work done by the officers in South Attleboro who patrol in the Ford, has demonstrated the wisdom of its purchase for the patrolling of this section of the city.
The Police equipment carried by officers is in good shape, each Regu- lar Patrolman is supplied with a pair of Smith and Wesson cuffs of the latest pattern, and a 38 calibre Colt revolver. Three riot guns kept in the Police Station for emergency, are always ready for use, should the occasion arise.
THE POLICE FORCE.
Our force now consists of seventeen regular men, including the Superior Officers, one Patrolman is assigned to Traffic, one to act as Patrol driver and to answer calls during the early part of the night, and one is kept busy doing plain clothes work. There remains only ten men to patrol the city both day and night, and I believe it is not enough for a city of the size of Attleboro.
Patrolman Arthur F. Gaffney has now completed more than the required number of years to be entitled to a pension, he has given faithful service to the Town and City, and the matter of retiring him on pension should be given consideration at this time.
REVOLVER PRACTICE.
Revolver practise is something the members of the Department do not have, for the reason that no appropriation was ever made for ammun- ition. The shooting of Police officers by hi-jackers and bandits has in- creased so in recent years, that it is an absolute necessity for an officer to be expert in handling a revolver. I trust that the Council will see its way clear to make an appropriation for this purpose, then the officers will be asked to give one afternoon each week to target practise, and good results will undoubtedly be obtained.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I again recommend the erection of a suitable building for Police Headquarters with a garage large enough for the motor apparatus within easy reach. We are handicapped very much by having to keep the cars in the city barn, almost a quarter of a mile away from the Station, it is now just as important to have the Patrol wagon available immediately, as a piece of Fire Apparatus.
Every citizen knows as well as the City Council, of the conditions sanitary, etc. of the Police Station, and I hope in the near future you will find some way to take care of your Police. A proper home should be pro- vided for them, and a sanitary prison for juveniles, women and men prisoners. This is a serious question and may you give some thought and attention to it.
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ANNUAL REPORT
With the erection of a new Police Station should be installed a Recall Gamewell system, with the colored lights attached, this would increase the efficiency of the Department and amply repay for its installation and upkeep.
Until such time as this can be done, probably some arrangement could be made with the Attleboro Steam and Electric Company, to turn the lights out and on again twice in succession, to warn the officers on the street at night to get in touch with Headquarters at once. It would be necessary to do this only when a serious crime had been committed, or in case of an emergency should arise when the officer in charge of the station wanted to get in communication with the officers on the street immediately.
I recommend the purchase of a Ford runabout instead of a motor- cycle for the patrolling of the Hebronville-Dodgeville section. A motor- cycle can be used only in the summer season and when the weather is dry, whereas an automobile could be used all the year round, and the cost of upkeep is not so much more.
The automobile used in South Attleboro has been operated on an average of 30 miles a week, this means more than 18,000 miles a year. I believe it would be good judgment to turn it in for a new one, as a fair cash value can be realized for it in exchange, and if kept another year the cost of repairs will be large.
I recommend favorable action by your Honorable Board on the petition of the officers for an increase in wages, with the high cost of uniforms and rubber goods that have to be purchased by them, they can- not keep their families in a respectable manner on the amount now re- ceived by them.
The office of supervisor of motor vehicles has been added to the duties of the Chief of Police. Licenses are now being issued by the Municipal Council to persons for the carriage of passengers for hire, and the en- forcement of the provisions of this ordinance will necessitate considerable time and work by that official, in addition to his other duties. I trust that your Honorable Board will bear this matter in mind when regulating salaries for the coming year.
APPRECIATION.
I take this opportunity to thank the Superior Officers and members of the Department for their loyalty and co-operation during the past year, each officer performed his duties faithfully and well, and conducted him- self, with a very few exceptions, in a commendable manner.
I thank especially Patrolmen Brown and Brogan for the excellent work performed by them in South Attleboro, both being new officers and assigned to a district where cool judgment is needed at all times, they have demonstrated their ability to cope with any situation that may arise.
CONCLUSION.
I wish to thank His Honor, Mayor George A. Sweney, the Members of the Municipal Council, the Justices of the Fourth District Court, Court Officials, Miss Alice C. Daley of the S. P. C. C., Miss Ruth M. Hyslop of the Associated Charities, Chief Clark and members of the Fire Department, City Hall Employees, newspaper men, and all others who assisted the Department in any way during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
TERENCE E. FLANAGAN, Chief of Police.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Honorable George A. Sweeney, Mayor.
Dear Sir:
Following is the estimate of requirements for the year 1925:
Regular payroll.
$31,555.36
Vacations and days off.
3,717.00 200.00
Overtime for Patrolmen.
Extra Services. 300.00
Sickness. 150.00
850.00
Rent of station
1,380.00
Office and station.
450.00
Phone, water, and light.
450.00
Maintenance of automobiles.
1,300.00
Maintenance of motorcycles.
300.00
Lockup keeper and care of Lockup.
200.00
Police equipment and traffic.
300.00
Police Convention and attendance at Mass. Chief's Assoc.
150.00
$41,302.36
This estimate does not include the automobile for the Hebronville- Dodgeville route, any extra Patrolmen that may be appointed, nor the increase in wages.
Respectfully submitted,
TERENCE E. FLANAGAN,
Chief of Police.
MISCELLANEOUS CASES RECEIVING POLICE ATTENTION
Accidents reported and investigated. 346
Articles found by Patrolmen and returned to owner 84
Automobiles reported stolen in other cities. 523
Automobiles stolen in other cities and recovered here. 10
Automobiles stolen in Attleboro and recovered 4
Cases investigated.
260
Doors found open by Patrolmen and secured
158
Insane persons committed. .
12
Larcenies reported and investigated .
98
Lost children found and returned to parents. 22
Missing persons located. 33
Miscellaneous reports.
375
Patients carried to Hospital in Police Ambulance.
53
Persons arrested for other cities.
5
Persons bitten by dog.
4
Reports of malicious mischief .
42
Street defects reported by Patrolmen.
53
Street lights reported out by Patrolmen
Wires reported down. 49
164
Court fees.
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ANNUAL REPORT
SUPPLEMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT.
Arrests for 1924.
Male
Female
Total
Abandonment.
2
1
3
Adultery.
2
1
3
Assault.
2
1
3
Assault and Battery
2
3
5
Assault with Dangerous Weapon.
1
0
1
Assault with intent to kill ..
1
0
1
Assault with intent to Rape.
2
0
2
Bastardy
6
0
6
Blue Sky Law. Violation of,
2
0
2
City Ordinance. Violation of,
4
0
4
Cruelty to Animals.
4
0
4
Disturbance.
9
2
11
Disorderly House. Keeping a,.
1
1
2
Drunkenness .
204
8
212
Electricity. Preventing meter from registering,
1
0
1
False Fire Alarm. Ringing of,
1
0
1
False Pretences. Obtaining goods by,
1
0
1
Forgery. .
1
0
1
Fraudulent Check. Drawing of,
3
0
3
Fugitive from Justice
1
0
1
Idle and Disorderly
3
0
3
Indecent Exposure.
5
0
5
Interfering with Officer
1
0
1
Interfering with opposite Sex.
1
0
1
Larceny
46
0
46
Leased Property. Concealment of,
1
0
1
Lewdness .
0
4
4
License. Hunting without,
1
0
1
License. Peddling without,
1
0
1
Liquor Law. Violation of,.
15
0
15
Lord's Day. Hunting on,
1
0
1
Manslaughter.
0
1
1
Motor Vehicle Law. Violation of,
210
2
212
Minor. Employment of,
1
0
1
M. V. M. Disobeying orders of,
1
0
1
Neglect to Provide.
22
0
22
Neglected Children.
8
9
17
Neglect of Children.
1
1
2
Nuisance. Committing of,
1
0
1
Present at Gaming.
7
0
7
Probation. Violation of
7
1
8
Rape.
8
0
8
Revolver.
Carrying without permit,
3
0
3
Railroad.
Trepass on,
5
4
9
Stubbornness.
4
3
7
Tramp
10
0
10
Truant. .
1
0
1
Unnatural Act.
Committing an,
1
0
1
Unlicensed Dog. Keeping an,.
2
0
2
Uttering Threats.
0
1
1
628
46
674
Delinquency
11
3
14
103
ANNUAL REPORT
DOG OFFICER
Attleboro, Mass., Dec. 15, 1924.
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council :-
I herewith submit to you my report as Dog Officer from January 1, 1924 to December 15, 1924.
This year marks the largest number of licensed dogs that the city has ever had, according to the records of the City Clerk we have now about 1300 licensed dogs, not including the kennel licenses that have been issued. During the year I have had occasion to answer 297 complaints concerning the keeping of dogs and have also killed 80 dogs within the limits of the city of Attleboro. I have had a list of 204 delinquent names of owners of unlicensed dogs given me by the City Clerk, three of which were prosecuted according to Chapter 140 of the General Laws.
I think it quite fitting that I should call your attention to the pro- blem which seems to be increasing year by year of the disposal of the dead bodies of dogs, those that have been killed by accident on the street, together with those that had to be killed according to the Chapter of the General Laws relating to dogs. Permission is not easily obtained for the burying of these animals, consequently it necessitates their conveyance to the rendering plant of N. Roy & Son, South Attleboro, Mass.
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