USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1946 > Part 4
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ANNUAL REPORT
Lots 331, 333, 322, 304, 303, 295, 277, 276, 258, 259, 257, 239 and 210 New Plat 28 Lot 4B New Plat 84 Lot 47 and part of 46-156 ft. in depth New Plat 84 Lots 5 and 4 New Plat 38 Lot 26
Lots 22A, 22 and part of 21 Lots 20, 19, and 23 Lots 238, 239 and 249 Lot 272
Plat No.
Location Northerly side of Emory Street
Lot 99 Lots 321,325 and 331 Lots 296, 297, 298A and 299 to 302 inel. Lots 260 to 265 inel. 267, 268, 269A, 270 to 275 inel.
AREAS CHANGED FROM "GENERAL RESIDENCE" TO "INDUSTRIAL" USE 1946
Lot. No Lots 29-36 inel. and Lots 38-42 incl.
Piat No.
Location
New Plat 61 Northerly side of Falmouth Street and the southerly side of Forest Street
Lot 157
New Plat 48 Westerly side of Bank Street opposite Bicknell Street
Lot 182
New Plat 61 Between Forest Street and Taunton Railroad (Branch)
Part of Lot 181
New Plat 61
Between Eddy Street and Taunton Branch Railroad
Lots 171 to 180 incl.
New Plat 61
Northerly side of Forest and Eddy Streets
Lot 4
New Plat 56
Easterly side of Perry Avenue
Lots 1 to 10 inel.
New Plat 33 Southerly side of Olive Street, west of Ten Mile River
AREAS CHANGED FROM "SINGLE RESIDENCE" TO "BUSINESS" USE 1946
Lot. No.
Plat No. Location
Lots 1 to 4 incl.
New Plat 18 East side of Washington Street, north of Rogan Street
Lots 5 and 6
New Plat 18 South of Sullivan Street
Lots 50 to 56 incl.
New Plat 18
Between Clayton and Rogan Streets
Lots 115 to 119 incl.
New Plat 18
Belair Avenue and Clayton Street
AREAS CHANGED FROM "SINGLE RESIDENCE" TO "INDUSTRIAL" USE
1946
Lot No. Lots 333, 254 and 255
Plat No.
Location
New Plat 27 Easterly and westerly sides of Lower County Street north of the Railroad Bridge
Lots 270, 271, 272. 274, 275, 276, 276A and 277 New Plat 26 Easterly and westerly sides of Lower County Street north of the Railroad Bridge
ANNUAL REPORT
53
54
ANNUAL REPORT
A study of these "Use" changes in lots shows that:
1S Lots on 1 Plat-Changed from Single Residence to Business use
11 Lots on 2 Plats-Changed from Single Residence to Industrial use
73 Lots on 7 Plats-Changed from General Residence to Business use
37 Lots on 4 Plats-Changed from General Residence to Industrial use
A total of 139 Lots changed in "Use" from Residential to Business and Industria use.
The increasing work of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Apeal made necessary the employment of a full time clerk and a part time office con- sultant beginning July 1st. Space for the office was found in the Council Chamber. This relieved considerable pressure from the office of the Superintendent of |Pub- lic Works and makes available to the public at all times any information that may be desired.
During the year the Board received with regret the resignation of Mr. C. W. Cederberg. During the eight years of his service "Wally" was a tower of strength to the Board on his ab'lity to separate the chaff from the wheat and arrive at clear cut decisions
Mr. W. N Stevenson was appointed to the Board this year and rendered faithful service. We regret that he found it impossible to continue on the Board owing to his change of residence.
The Board is making a constant study of the fitness of our Zoning laws to meet the conditions peculiar to our city, and where found advisable, amending them in such a manner as to promote the healthy growth of the whole com- munity. The Board welcomes suggestions for the future development of our city and will given them a thorough study.
The Board recommends the following projects for the coming year:
1. A study of the possibilities of two strategic areas in the center of the city-
A. The Sanford Street School Lot.
B. The area bounded by Pleasant, Park, Morey and Falmouth Streets.
2. The locating and use of more off street parking lots.
3. The establishment of a Comfort Station.
4. Continuance of the six-year plan of capital expenditures.
5. Year y census of housing conditions showing type of house; number of families it was intended to shelter and number of families living in it; vacancies and condition of house.
6. Off street parking after midnight all year round in the First Fire District
7. Continuance of Brook Street to Maynard Street.
8. Continuance of Maynard Street to Pleasant Street.
9. Planting of shade trees along streets to replace those taken by the hurricane or cut down for street widening. This can be done easily by private citizens planting in their own yards. Pin oaks are suggested .
The following recommendations, other than Zoning, made by the Board to the Municipal Council during the year have been approved by that Body:
Park Street widened to 50 feet from Pleasant to Morey Streets. 1.
2. Approval of Emergency Housing legislation contained in Section 2, Chapter 592 of the General Laws
Other recommendations, other than Zoning, pending in the Council are:
1. Prohibition of all night parking in the First Fire District.
2 Retaining of Sanford Street school lots for development of Civic Center or parking.
3. Parking on one side only on Mechanic Street, between Hodges and North Main Streets; and on Dunham Street between Park Avenue and Brook Streets.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
In the development of the future of Attleboro we might well consider this quotation from Russell Van Nest Black in his "PLANNING FOR THE SMALL AMERICAN CITY"-
"If the small city of the future attracts its share of good new growth, it will be because of its advantages as a small city and not because it offers a reminder of the metropolis. In the inevitable competition of the future, many cities will stand out among their fellows by virtue of their peculiar attraction-sometimes derived from natural situation and opportunities, but more often from the recognition, maintenance and development of a real individuality."
In conclusion we wish to thank the Mayor, the City Council, other depart- ments of the City Government, and the press for the cordial cooperation they have given this Board in its endeavor to promote the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of al the inhabitants of the City of Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank L Briggs, Chairman Robert. W. Mawney Clifford A. Swanson William O. Sweet Walter A. Cunninghamo J. Burleigh Moulton
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Recreation Board
1946 Expenditures. . $15,030.30
1947 Budget $15,004 64
The Recreation Board through its Chairman Thomas H. Moore herewith submits its report for 1916.
HAYWARD FIELD
Considerable time was spent on this field during the spring season. The entire field was reseeded and rolled. Although most of the baseball games were held at Capron Park diamond the Police and Firemen held their annual games on this field also the Attleboro and North Attleboro series.
The bleachers were completed for the new football field. The first base bleachers were moved to the right side of the field and used for the visiting teams. The photo and broadcasting booth was repaired and repainted.
The new field was a very busy piace during the football season being used by the High School, Junior Varsity. Freshmen. Grammar school, and Jewelry City Redheads. At the height of the football season six games were played on this field within eight days. This heavy schedule will necessitate more fill and re- seeding for 1917.
The concession stand was moved to the further end of Hayward Field in order to eliminate short cuts across the diamond.
HORTON FIELD
The diamond was rebuilt to accommodate the players of both softball and baseball. It was used all during the season by the Industrial Softball League, Grammar school and Y. M. C. A. The High School girls also used this field.
Tennis courts were repaired and set up for an early opening. The large sign was repaired and repainted.
New playground equipment was installed.
DODGEVILLE PLAYGROUND
The equipment used at this playground was painted and set up.
HINBERG FIELD
Thi- field proved to be the most popular one of the entire group as to the playing of baseball and softball. The diamond was rebuilt to accommodate hoth kind- of ball. The Jewelry City Redheads used this field for its practice session -.
Small trees were plantel across the rear of the field the length of the city dump also along the city owned property along Bishop Street.
These trees will eventually shut off all view of the city dump now closed by the city.
SOUTH ATTLEBORO
The South Attleboro project was started. first by draining Lee's Pond. Contractor- have started laying large drain pipe- through the pond.
Some playground equipment has been purchased and will be installed as soon as possible.
BRIGGS PLAYGROUND
This playerouit was as pophilar as in former years and many boys and girls enjoye l the plaything- and swimming pools. Both pools were repainted for the sea. on.
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ANNUAL REPORT
All trees and shrubs were trimmed and the walks were rebuilt with pea stone. All grass plots were resceded.
The Annual field day was held on the Speedway and was attended by more than two hundred children and invited guests. This event consists of all kinds of races, baby carriage parade and pie eating contests.
The closing event of the season, the Annual Water Carnival, drew many children and their parents from all parts of the city. Prizes for the two events were donated by L. (1. Balfour Co., Robbins Co., Union and Bates Theatres. Councillor H. G. Lavigueur donated refreshments to all children present. John Mullaney donated fruit which was greatly appreciated by the children.
BLISS SCHOOL
Playground equipment was installed in the School grounds and proved to be a real treat for all children in that part of the city.
Recreation supervisors were: John Silvia, Harry Brown, Marjorie Link- letter, Norman Vincent, Fred Moehle.
The Briggs Playground Baseball team was under the supervision of Norman Vincent.
In conclusion the Recreation Board wishes to express its sincere thanks to the Mayor and City Council for their cooperation and to Superintendent R. W. Mawney whose cooperation and assistance aided us to complete a successful year.
Thomas H. Moore, Chairman
William Blackburn Steve Halko Manuel Castro John Redding
William Liddell
Report of Sturdy Hospital
1946 Expenditures $11,824.85
1947 Budget. $14,110.00 To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council and to the Trustees of the Attleborough Hospital:
This report of the 34th year of operation of Sturdy Memorial Hospital, with its accompanying financial and statistical data, indicates an all time high in our activities.
Total number of patients admitted, 4432, exceed last year's admissions by over a thousand and have placed a very heavy burden on our facilities. Only the continued acceptance of increased responsibilities by our group of doctors, nurses and service staff-still limited in numbers-has permitted our mainten- ance of practically all services and the avoidance of the closing of any department as has been necessary in a number of hospitals.
We renew our appeal for civilian assistance by those who have had the Nurses Aid course or any training wnich will qualify them for service at regular periods each week.
Our financial operations for the year, computed on a cash basis, as has been our custom, indicate an excess of expenses over income of $39,503.38. This deficit was reduced to $7,193.38 by generous donations from business concerns and the transfer of reserves. Our capital funds have received a welcome addition of $58,926.55 in the past year, as detailed in the accompanying financial report.
The cost of construction and the delay in completion of our new laundry building have been unreasonably excessive, but we now hope to be able to occupy it by the first of March; the equipment was long since purchased and was ready to be installed over six months ago.
Our maternity wing has been over-taxed many times during the past year and plans have been drawn for a re-arrangement of our present facilities so as to
ANNUAL REPORT
give us more bed capacity; the only deterrent is the appaling cost of the proposed alterations at the present time.
In common with other hospitals we have been compelled to advance our rates, but they are still below the average rate for both ward and private accomo- dations in neighboring hospitals and particularly in hospitals comparable to us in size throughout the state.
Perhaps this is an appropriate time to emphasize the fact that the cost of hospital services would be far beyond the capacity of most of us to pay were it not for substantial gifts from a generous and philanthropic public. However, even with the income from an endowment considerably larger than most hospitals of our size and liberal contributions from firms and individuals, we have not been able to meet our operating costs. Consequently, we continue to need financial support from current gifts and bequests in wills which have been so helpful to us thus far.
We renew with all sincerity our appreciation of the helpfulness of all those individuals and organizations who have contributed their efforts and their means to the carrying on of hospital services to this and surrounding communities.
We indicate below the amounts expended from the 1946 city appropriation together with an estimate of the sums required for 1947.
Board of Managers,
Attleborough Hospital, Inc., Operating Sturdy Memorial Hospital for the City of Attleboro
Members Ex Officio, 1946
Harold E. Sweet, Chairman
Francis J. O'Neil, Mayor
C. Wallace Cederberg
William Marshall, City Treasurer
Victor R. Glencross
James A. Freeman,
William J. Luther
President Municipal Council
Samuel M. Stone
Edwin F. Thayer
Appropriated 1946
Expended 1946
Requested 1947
Water
$ 1,050.00
$ 1,004.78
$ 1,000.00
Insurance
890.00
1,291.54
1,675.00
Hydrant
60.00
60.00
60.00
Fuel and Light
9,800.00
9,443.53
11,350.00
Treas. Bond.
25.00
25.00
25.00
Unexpected Balance
$11,825.00
$11,824.85
$14,110.00
.15
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Veterans' Service Center
1946 Expenditures $ 7,869.86
1947 Budget $ 8,618.00
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Veterans Service Center for the year ending December 31, 1946.
During the year of 1946 the Veterans Service Center rendered 11,776 different services divided as the following: Housing 29%, Education Information 22%, Earning a Living 17%. Personal Affairs 17%, and Military Benefits 15%.
During the year we recorded 1,684 discharges and service papers and made 8,420 copies of discharges and service papers, of these 470 were for out of city veterans for which we charge a fee of fifty cents, making a total of two hundred thirty-five dollars ($235.00) that we have turned into the city treasury.
The vital statistics in our office are now housed in fire proof cabinets which gives them the proper protection. It is very probable that we may be compelled to add to these fire proof cabinets in the near future due to the increasing amount of statistics.
Respectfully submitted, Christopher W. McNary Director
Report of City Solicitor
1946 Expenditures $ 1,600.00
1947 Budget $ 1,700.00
The many new statutes relating to Municipal Government and the inter- pretations given by the Supreme Court to the Zoning Laws have added materially to the work of this office.
During the year 1946, your City Solicitor sat in with the Board of Appeals, in executive session and also sat in with the P'anning Board. on invitation, at many of its meetings.
Two complete new ordinances were written and many amendments, both to the ordinances and Zoning Laws of the City, were written. Numerous opinions, both oral and written, were given to the Mayor, members of the Council, and heads of the departments.
Your City Solicitor has joined the Massachusetts City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association. This organization is a clearing house for exchange of opinions and the various cities ahd towns profit immensely thereby.
During the year, there were several highway takings, easements, convey- ances, and titles examined, which were cleared through this office.
There are at present four suits pending against the City, three in Equity arising out of the decisions of the Board of Appeals, and one Petition in the Land Court. There is also one case pending in the Probate Court in which the Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a party in interest. An action in tort in which the City is indirectly an interested party is also pending.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel A. J. Doyle, City Solicitor.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Zoning Board of Appeal
During the calendar year 1946 the Board of Appeal held 20 regular and 15 special meetings. It considered 57 applications and appeals of which 36 were granted, in whole or in part, 13 were denied, and 6 were withdrawn (or otherwise disposed of) after public hearing.
Two cases have been heard but were pending at the end of the calendar year. Decisions were prepared and filed in 49 cases.
The statistics of the Board for the past three years are as follows:
194
1945
1946
Number of Regular Meetings
8
15
20
Number of Special Meetings.
8
14
15
Total Applications of Appeals Filed.
9
40
57
Granted (in whole or in part)
4
32
36
Denied
5
6
13
Withdrawn (or otherwise disposed of)
0
2
6
Applications or Appeals pending end of Calendar Year.
0
0
2
During the year 1946 the membership of the Board changed as follows: Mr. William F. Walton resigned and was succeeded by Mr. Wray Conro. Joseph E. Gaynor, Esq., resigned as associate member and was succeeded by Mr. William F. Walton.
Respectfully submitted,
Elmer P. Tufts, Jr., Chairman Clarence D. Roberts Wray Conro
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Police Department
1946 Expenditures. $77,964.71
1947 Budget. $96.081.15
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Police Department of the City of Attleboro for the year ending December 31, 1946.
As a city with a daytime population which ranges from 3000 to 5000 persons above its normal total of residents., Attleboro has been fortunately free from serious outbreaks of crime during 1946. The great increase in the total of workers employed in local manufacturing and mercantile establishments has made an added problem for the Police Department. Traffic through our streets lias in- creased greatly, and there is the ever-present parking problem
It is a tribute to the population, the daily visitors who come here to work, that we have liad but little in the way of serious crime. Yet there must be con- stant vigilance by the police force, because it seems a large majority of the com- plaints that come to the Department are due in many instances to actions by persons who come from outside the City. The fact that two major State high- ways lead to and from the neighboring State naturally cause some visitations from persons who are intent on crime, or who in passing believe they see an oppor- tunity to commit crime and escape detention.
An instance of this was the attempt of two armed holdup men to rob the operator of a Washington Street gasoline station early in December. We have found in numerous cases that breaks into business and manufacturing establish- ments in Attleboro have been due to persons who came across the State Line. With excellent cooperation by Rhode Island Police authorities, with the vigilance and persistance of our own Department members, a number of these breaks have been solved.
The absence from public streets during the winter months of motor vehicles which are parked at night has been a considerable aid to the Department. It is not only the fact that off-street parking lessens accident likelihood, but it is also an aid to the Fire and Public Works Departments. Furthermore, when a patrol- man on a beat or in a cruiser finds a car parked in violation of the ordinance, they are sure to check. Any strangers who might come into the area with crimi- nal intentions and leave an auto parked on the street would be noted quickly ; thus it is a big aid in the prevention of possible looting in commercial areas.
Accidents and Motor Vehicle Traffic
Three deaths, due to injuries caused by contact with or while riding in motor vehicles, were recorded here during the year. Two of these cases were in the South end. One involved a collision of vehicles on an icy highway. The second was that of a pedestrian struck by an auto on the main state highway. In this instance a condition of poor lighting of the highway may have been a contribu- ting cause. The only fatality in the center involved an auto striking a pedes- trian on the way to work in the morning.
There was an increase in the number of accidents recorded and in the num- ber of persons injured. In a considerable measure the accident increase can be ascribed to increase use of local highways by persons from other communities, coming here to work, especially in early morning when drivers are apt to hurry because of an endeavor to get to work on time after a late start. Patrolmen have repeatedly checked on this type of driver and it has been necessary to prose- cute a considerable number of cases in an endeavor to cut down the accident and injuries rate.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Protection During the Night
An indication of the work of the men on night duty can be seen from the fact that during the year, men on the desk at headquarters answered a total of more than 40,000 calls from watchmen and guards in some of our biggest manu- facturing plants where constant vigilance has been necessary because of wide- spread burglaries in which precious metals were the object of the thieves, in other communities. There were over 80,000 calls from patrolmen to headquar- ters, and the two-way radio was used in 20,000 communications between station and patrolling cruisers.
During the year a total of 33 cases of breaking, entering and larceny were reported. There were 119 larceny complaints, and 15 for larceny of motor ve- hieles. The value of property stolen was $12,157.78 and lost articles reported were valued at $3,950.80. A total of $12,957.25, most of this stolen and lost property was recovered, leaving a balance of $3,033.33 unaccounted for. The property recovered for other police departments totalled $3,750.00.
Listed on another page are 869 complaints which were prosecuted before the Fourth District Court and many minor complaints which were settled with- out Court action.
The Department is manned by Chief, Lieutenant, Inspector, 3 Sergeants, and 21 Patrol men, and 1 reserve officer working full time. This reserve officer is required to do the same work as regular officers without the priv lege of having a day off or a vacation. I believe this job should be made regular, giving the Department 22 regular patrolmen, with 3 men off every day and 5 on Sundays, leaving 19 men to be divided into 3 shifts which is two 6-men shifts and one 7- men shift.
We have 3 motorcycles which are all in good condition and should give good service another year; 3 Ford Coaches (1946) that have been in operation since last January-one has over 65,000 miles on it now, another has over 50,000 and the third has 38,000; these cars should be traded for new ones. We also have 1 Ford Sedan (1946) which has been in operation since December, 1946, and is in good condition, and 1 Ford Patrolwagon (1934).
Since most serious crimes may be attempted during the night hours, I be- lieve it would be a great improvement if the City had a third cruiser in operation during night hours. One is needed constantly in the South end. The second now has to cover all the rest of the City. I believe a third cruiser to divide the work in the center and the outskirts would be of great value. Five additional patrolmen would enable the Department to give much greater coverage on the night side.
Recommendations
We recommend that the City increase the personnel of the Police Depart- ment by six patrolmen; that a third cruiser be added for night patrol; that au- thorization be granted for full-time employment of a person qualified as a clerk for filing, typing, and bookkeeping; and that authorization be granted for the full-time employment of a combination janitor and maintenance man to grease, wash, and do minor repairs on cruisers.
During the year, the Police Department has joined with, and has been aided in investigation work, particularly relating to juveniles and family welfare cases, by the officials of the Probation Department of the District Court and the M. S. P. C. C. and Municipal Welfare Department. State police and officers of departments in neighboring communities, botli in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have also given us wholehearted cooperation at all times.
I wish at this time to express the deepest appreciation of myself and members of the Department as a whole, to Mayor Francis J. O'Neil and members of the Municipal Council for the interest and consideration they have shown in and for the Department. Also, we of the Department are indebted deeply to Honorable Ralph (. Estes, presiding Justice of the Fourth District Court, his associates of the bench, and to Edwin F. Thayer, Court Clerk and his staff, for their kindly interest and assistance in the problems presented. Also to Mr. Newell B. Vickery
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