USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1959 > Part 7
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After investigation we did give assistance to 550 veterans or their dependents.
As of December 31, 1959 we had 125 cases on our books. This was due to investigation and strict compliance to regulations.
During the year we had two deaths and had three persons in Nursing Homes.
Since January 1, 1959 we check all drug bills with the fair traded prices in the Red or Blue Drug Topics Books.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher W. McNary Agent Department of Veterans' Benefits.
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Annual Report
REPORT OF VETERANS REHABILITATION AND REEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE 1959
To His Honor the Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
The Servicemen's Rehabilitation and Reemployment Center continued to be of great value to Veterans and their families, seeking information and assistance with all applications.
At the present time, there are 350 Attleboro men and women serving in the armed forces. Their records are kept in this office. This department has avail- able 44 Veterans Administration forms, including such benefits as pensions for widows, children and disabled veterans, disability compensations, hospitalization, insurance, etc. Assistance is also given in filling out and filing these forms, not only to veterans, but to wives, widows, and dependent parents.
The Veteran, when discharged reports to this office to have his separation papers and discharges recorded and photostated. These records are kept on file permanently, and are available to the veteran in case of lost papers, or if he needs copies to accompany applications for Veterans Benefits.
There are 300 servicemen's addresses supplied by this office. All cards and envelopes are typed, plus all checks and money orders that are issued to the Attle- boro Boys in Service Fund.
The Director has transported many veterans to various V. A. hospitals, such as Davis Park, Hope Street Medical Center, Boston, Chelsea, and Brockton through- out the year.
Veterans have been assisted during the year in securing On -the Job-Training benefits in various business establishments throughout the city.
The Service Center appreciates the cooperation of the Selective Service Board, the Executives and Doctors of the various Veterans Hospitals and the local doctors, who throughout the year assisted this office in many ways, also City Clerk Kenneth F. Blandin and his office staff for their courteous assistance in supplying Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates,
Respectfully submitted
Joseph A. McGee Director
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION 1959
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor, and Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
The Development and Industrial Commission held some 15 sessions during 1959, with an excellent attendance record of members, took part in various state and district meetings and started two major projects -- at a city industrial park on County Street and at a North Avenue site.
On February 4, 1959 the Commissionappointed Charles C. Cain Jr., former newspaper executive, as their Executive Director.
The year marked two important beginnings. The Commission took over a North Avenue site of 15 acres and, later with the approval of the Mayor and Council, took over some 75 to 85 acres on County Street as the city's industrial park. In May we recommended the sale to Bruce Diamond Corporation of 5 1/2 acres off County Street at 2 1/4 cents per square foot with no improvements required.
The firm, located in Attleboro since 1955, built a most attractive plant and on November 10, 1959 some 50 national, state, county, and local representatives and officials took part in a dedication ceremony there. Chairman Frank J. Ryder Jr. , of the commission presided, Mayor Cyril K. Brennan welcomed the guests who included Congressman Joseph W. Martin Jr., Senator John F, Parker, Representa- tive George Spatcher and Representative Carlton Bliss and there were addresses by Commissioner John T. Burke of the state's Department of Commerce and by Peter Kanavos of Dedham, widely known realtor. A tape recording was made by WARĄ and was later heard by several groups.
Later plans were made for street, water and sewer projects for the industrial area with the Mayor's approval and these now await Council action. With the aid of Chairman Patrick Byrnes of the Assessors, a list of available local sites was com- piled and were marked on a framed map of the city. The New Haven Railroad also contributed a list of rail sites.
Several months were spent in compiling local statistics and other data and these were condensed into a booklet of information which was highlighted by a re- production of the 36 city scenes in the First National Bank's mural which has been highly praised. There were 2, 000 of these booklets printed and they were sent from coast to coast in response to many requests.
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Report of the Development and Industrial Commission continued
The Commission not only made the Peter Kanavos recording available on tape to various city groups but it arranged other programs when requested. The Commission sent members to attend several state and regional meetings as well as to seminars arranged by the state.
We advertised here for details of available sites and compliled a list for ready reference. We checked various advertising media and answered various ads about wanted sites and space. We visited various local firms and consulted about their plans. We were especially grateful to the Attleboro Electric Co. for the use of its film on community growth. The Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Business Development Commission have also been most help- ful. Especially do we owe thanks to Lowell Gray, district representative of the Massachusetts Department of Commerce which has been always at our service.
Only six of 39 cities in the state had a lower tax rate than Attleboro in 1959 and two of these were within $1. 00 of the local rate. The state board of concila- tion reports Attleboro has no record of a strike since 1949, Attleboro now has 9, 225 workers and a 161 million product and only 16 cities in the state are ahead of Attleboro in product.
This Commission was created May 7, 1957 by vote of the City Council. Its officers are: Frank J. Ryder and Russell E. Brennan, co-chairmen, with Dr. Adolph Bender as clerk.
This report would be incomplete did it not voice the Commissions thanks to the Mayor, the Council, the various city department heads and local civic groups for their help and interest. Attendance at some 15 meetings during the year ex- pressed the continued interest of our group studying this municipal problem.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank J. Ryder Jr. Chairman.
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL 1959
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Muncipal Council
During the calendar year 1959 the Board of Appeal held sixteen regular and eighteen special meetings. It considered fifty-six applications and appeals, of which thirty-seven were granted, in whole or in part, seven were denied, one was withdrawn, and there were eleven pending at the end of the year.
Detailed statistics of the Board for the calendar year 1959 are as follows:
1957
1958
1959
Number of regular meetings
13
10
16
Number of special meetings
15
9
18
Total applications or appeals filed
49
49
56
Granted (in whole or in part)
42
39
37
Denied
7
7
7
Withdrawn (or otherwise disposed of)
0
0
1
Applications or appeals pending at end of calendar year
0
3
11
George S. Gibb, Associate Member
Bazil B. Mulligan, Associate Member
Respectfully submitted,
Charles E. Judge, Chairman John D. Baer, Member
Vincent M. Germani, Member
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD 1959
To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
It is interesting to note that on January 30, 1958 our Planning Consultant, Mr. Lachlan Blair, presented to a joint meeting of the Municipal Council and the Planning Board, a program of studies leading up to a Master Plan for the City of Attleboro which would take two years to complete at a cost of $28, 000. 00. There was a possibility that under Title VII, Urban Planning Assistance Program, the United States Housing and Home Finance Agency might provide the money for one half of the cost. The Board applied for this money through the Massachusetts Department of Commerce, Division of Planning. It is also interesting to note that on December 28, 1959, the Mayor and the Chairman of the Board signed the con- tract with the Massachusetts Department of Commerce, Division of Planning for the first year's study, and also sent with it a check for $7, 500. 00 to pay the city's share of the cost.
During this interval the planning program for the first year's study was re- vised to include the following:
Master Plan Studies for First Year
1. An Inventory survey to include:
A. A base map at a scale suitable for presentation of inventory data, to be prepared from existing map sources.
B. Detailed Inventory of existing land use throughout the City to be coupled with a summary of key development problems set against the background of a brief review of population trends. In view of the imminence of the 1960 census, a detailed population study is not planned.
2. Central Area Study.
A study of the central retail and other business sections of the City is to be made to prepare a plan and action program intended to review the economic heart of Attleboro. This study is to include inventory of floor space use and trends, economic analysis to determine the full long-range potential for retail activities, and studies of parking supply and demand and of needed traffic improve- ments.
A general survey of building conditions is to be made in the central area for the purpose of recommending areas that might qualify for urban renewal studies or for private commercial improvement.
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Report of the Planning Board continued-
It is expected that these studies will be completed in October, 1960, and that the second year's study will be authorized as soon as possible, with the City's share of the cost being $8, 000. 00.
The proposed construction of the new super-highway, Route 95, through our City poses many planning problems in our changing times. It is especially a time to review past decisions and study new conditions.
However, the Board would like to again recommend the construction of a drainage ditch parallel to the southerly side of the Taunton Branch Railroad ex- tending from a culvert under the railroad where the water flows under the track northerly, and extending easterly for a distance of 3, 200 feet more or less to the culvert under the railroad at Cooper's Pond where the water flows under the tracks southerly. The approximate cost of digging this ditch is $9, 000. 00.
As members of the South Eastern Massachusetts Regional District we are receiving the benefit of the studies of this region being made by the Blair Associ- ates. These include to date the following subject:
1. Water Shortage Perils Area in Next Generation.
2. Employment and Economic Trends 1950-1970.
3. Industrial Potential.
4. Resources and Problems.
5. Natural Resources.
6. Southeastern Massachusetts Needs in Higher Education.
The Board has held 21 regular meetings with an average attendance of 84%.
Recommendations Made to the Municipal Council on Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance after a Public Hearing:
(a) Petition to rezone from General Residence District Use to Business Dis- trict P Use land on the southwest corner of Emory and Forest Streets con- taining 26, 100 square feet and shown on Assessors' New Plat # 61 as Lots 158A through 161. Said lots have a non-conforming use as a Motor Sales Company.
Recommendation: That petitioner be permitted to withdraw petition without prejudice. March 2, 1959
(b) Similar petition presented later for the same lots and the following additional adjacent lots #157 and #158, having non-conforming use as rental garages.
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Report of the Planning Board continued-
Recommendation: That the petition be not granted. December 28, 1959
(c) Petition to rezone from General Residence District Use to Business Dis- trict P Use land on the northeasterly corner of Buffington and Orr Streets containing 8, 495 square feet and shown on Assessors' New Plat #19 as Lot #235.
Recommendation: That petition be granted. May 4, 1959.
Adopted by Council June: 16, 1959 Approved by Mayor: June 24, 1959
(d) Petition to rezone from General Residence District Use to Business Dis- trict P Use land situated on the northerly side of Curtis Avenue and the southerly side of Hackett Avenue, and shown on Assessors' New Plat #17 as Lots #20, 21, 22, and on Assessors' New Plat #18 as Lots #323, 324 and a portion of 322.
Recommendation: That the petition be granted. July 6, 1959
Adopted by Council: August 4, 1959 Approved by Mayor: August 10, 1959
(e) Petition to rezone from Single Residence District Use to Business Dis- trict P Use land on the northerly corner of South Avenue and Snell Street containing 11, 516 square feet and shown on Assessors' New Plat #116 as Lot #144.
Recommendation: That the petition be not granted. November 16, 1959
(f) Petition for rezoning from Business District Use and Single Residence District Use to Business District P Use land on westerly side of Washing- ton Street and southerly of Cumberland Avenue and shown on Assessors' New Plat #15 as Lot #243, having a frontage on Washington Street of 942 feet more or less and an area of 6. 11 acres.
Recommendation: That this lot be rezoned to Business District P Use for a distance of 942 feet more or less along Washing- ton Street, and a depth of 200 feet. December 7, 1959
(g) Petition to rezone from Single Residence District Use to General Resi- dence District P Use land owned by the City and others bounded by Snell Street, Thacher Street and South Avenue, and shown on Assessors' New Plat #116 as Lots #142, 143, 144 and 145. They have an area of 108, 000 square feet more or less.
Recommendation: That the petition be granted. December 7, 1959 Adopted by Council: February 2, 1960 Approved by Mayon; February 4, 1960
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Report of the Planning Board continued-
New Subdivisions of Land Approved as Plats.
1. The Roy Plat situated on the southeasterly side of Newport Avenue opposite Angeline Street with a frontage of 229 feet and a depth of 600 feet containing 8 lots in a 12, 000 square feet lot area. Nelson Roy developer. Performance security of $1, 800. 00. Approved on conditions stated January 24, 1959.
2. Lindsey Acres Extension Section II situated on the easterly side of Lindsey Street. An extension of Karen Street for 472 feet easterly to Davis Street so-called. Contains 9 lots in a 16, 000 square foot area. Kelley & Tatarian developers. Performance Security $2, 500. 00. Approved on conditions stated March 23, 1959.
3. Desvergnes Acres Plat situated on the northerly side of Bishop Street 420 feet westerly from Pike Avenue. Contains 19 lots in a 12, 000 square foot area. Rock A. and Mabel E. Desvergnes developers. Performance security $3, 700. 00. Approved on conditions stated March 23, 1959.
4. Knott Plat situated on the easterly side of Park Street containing 11 lots in a 12, 000 square foot area. A revision of a part of the Bradley Plat recorded in 1916. Kelley and Tatarian developers. Performance security $2, 250. 00. Approved on conditions stated March 23, 1959. ,
5. Edgewood Park Extension III situated on the easterly side of Park Street adjacent to Edgewood Park Section I and Section II containing 4 lots facing on Kingsley Circle in a. 16, 000 square foot area. West- wood Park Realty Company developers. Performance security $1,200. 00. Approved on conditions stated on January 19, 1959.
6. Pike Farm Estates Section I containing lots 1 through 9, 34, 50, 54, 55, 69 through 74 for a total of 34 lots. Guisti Construction Company, Inc. developers. Approval pending receipt of performance security for $5,700. 00.
7. Mannahaven Plat Revision to be known as Manorhaven Plat. Change of name of Mannahaven Drive to Manorhaven Drive, reduction of the width of this street from 50 feet to 40 feet, and an increase of the area of the plat by the addition of Lots 3 and 3B as shown on Assessors' New Plat #91, making 3 new lots. James J. Croke, Jr. developer. Approved on conditions stated and receipt of performance covenant. September 21, 1959.
98.
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Annual Report
Report of the Planning Board continued-
8. Knott Plat Section II an extension of Knott Plat situated on the easterly side of Park Street containing 7 lots. Public hearing on November 2, 1959. Covenant for $1, 500. 00 performance will be required. Report of Board of Health not received. Approval pending at close of year.
9. Woodcrest Plat a replat of a part of the Thacher Park Plat situated southerly of Thacher Street recorded in 1924. Robinson Land Com- pany developers. Land on Elm Street, a paper street between Dale Avenue and Alder Street, 840 feet long, has been acquired by A. Caponigro and Company, Inc., developer. The replat changes the name of Elm Street to Woodcrest Drive and deletes that part of Ivy Street so-called, formerly shown on the plat as running southerly from Elm Street for a distance of 140 feet more or less. The plat contains 8 lots in an area requiring 12, 000 square foot lot sizes. Approved on conditions stated August 31, 1959. Performance sec- urity for $2,300. 00.
10. Hobbs Street Plat. Two lots with inadequate street. A Caponigro and Company, Inc. developer. Approved on condition of widening street, October 5, 1959. Performance security of $450. 00.
11. Wendell Street, Old Tyler Plat from South Main Street easterly and northerly of Tyler Street. Elaine G. and Zygmund Kugala, owners of Lots 54 and 55. Approved on condition stated. June 1, 1959. Performance security given.
Recommendations on Acceptance of Streets in Accordance With Section 5 of the Ordinance on Streets, Ways and Public Places.
1. Rice Street from County Street southeasterly for 378 feet to Paw- tucket line.
2. Cedar Street from Chestnut to Walnut Street for a distance of 200 feet.
3. Evergreen Road from Sagamore Road southerly for 740 feet to Lakeshore Drive. Accepted by Municipal Council November 17, 1959, Approved by Mayor, November 20, 1959.
4. Sagamore Road from Evergreen Road easterly for 180 feet to Cypress Road.
Accepted by Municipal Council November 17, 1959; Approved by Mayor, November 20, 1959.
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Report of the Planning Board continued-
5. Birch Street from the easterly side of Greenhill Estates Plat to the westerly side crossing Greenhill Avenue for a distance of 1,020 feet. Construction of street by developer.
6. Palm Street from the easterly side of Greenhill Estates Plat to the westerly side crossing Greenhill Avenue for a distance of 1, 020 feet. Construction of street by developer.
7. Calendar Street from Thacher Street southerly to Birch Street for 800 feet. Also to change name to Black Oak Drive. Constructed by developer. Adopted by the Council: October 6, 1959; approved by Mayor, October 9, 1959.
8. Atwood Street from James Street easterly to Brook Street for 560 feet. Much used by public.
9. Alder Street from Linden Street westerly to Elm Street, now Wood- crest Drive for 627 feet crossing Cherry Street.
10. Gardner Street from Brook Street easterly to Robbins Street for 100 feet. Useful as an approach to Sturdy Hospital. Adopted by Council, October 6, 1959; Approved by Mayor, October 9, 1959.
The following four streets in Heritage Farm Estates Plat recom- mended because they give City a right of way from Rocklawn Avenue easterly to Manchester Pond Reservoir:
11. Powder House Road for 620 feet )
12. Liberty Lane for 480 feet , Accepted by Council August 4, 1959
13. Musket Road for 950 feet ) Approved by Mayor: August 10, 1959
14. Wagon Lane for 540 feet 1
15, Kratz Avenue from end of 1957 acceptance to Bank Street Extension a distance of 300 feet.
16. Andover Avenue from Newport Avenue easterly to Meriline Avenue a distance of 520 feet.
17. Laurier Avenue from Robinson Avenue easterly for 480 feet to Gard- ner Avenue.
18. Dean Avenue from South Main Street in Hebronville easterly for 760 feet to land of the Thompson Chemical Company. Also to change name to Frenier Avenue. Adopted by Council October 6, 1959; Approved by Mayor October 9, 1959.
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Report of the Planning Board continued-
19. Holcott Drive from North Main Street westerly for 820 feet. Already constructed in Richardson Acres Plat.
20. Wamsutta Road from North Main Street easterly for 1, 050 feet. Already constructed in Carpenter Farm Plat. Accepted by Council: December 15, 1959; approved by Mayor December 24, 1959.
21. Old Farm Road from Wamsutta Road 690 feet northerly and east- erly. Already constructed. Accepted by Council: December 15, 1959; approved by Mayor December 24, 1959.
22. Mary Street from Station 3 x 00 to Station 6 x 08. 25. Accepted by Council September 1, 1959, approved by Mayor September 4, 1959.
23. Martin Street from Maple Street northerly for 1,000 feet. Recom- mendation held up until a plan and profile of the street is available.
24. Crawford Avenue from Roberts Street southerly for 300 feet. Estimated cost $900. 00.
25. Boston Street from Cross Street southerly for 240 feet. Estimated cost $720. 00.
26. Starkey Avenue widening from 35 feet to 50 feet from Pleasant Street to Holden Street for 540 feet, a project in connection with the reconstruction of the Railroad Bridge and a Chapter 90 appropriation of $245, 000. 00.
Streets (recommended in previous years) accepted as Public Ways by the Municipal Council: Winthrop Drive from Clifton Street to Blackstone Road; Blackstone Road from Winthrop Drive to Willett Drive; Hatch Road from Black- stone Road to Winthrop Drive; Newell Lane from Blackstone Road 250 feet south- erly, Bambury Lane from Willett Drive 200 feet northwesterly. All these streets are in Westwood Acres Plat on the westerly side of Clifton Street. Accepted by Council May 5, 1959; approved by Mayor May 7, 1959.
Holly Street from Allenson Avenue to 100 feet beyond Greenwich Street in Oakland Plat, off Mendon Road, Accepted by Council May 5, 1959; approved by Mayor May 7, 1959.
Fifty-five plans of land were certified as not requiring approval under the Subdivision Control Law.
Respectfully submitted, ATTLEBORO PLANNING BOARD
Frank L. Briggs Chairman.
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CUSTODIAN OF PROPERTY 1959
To the Honorable Cyril K. Brennan Mayor of the City of Attleboro
Dear Mr. Mayor.
Report of the Custodian of Property acquired by the foreclosure of Tax Titles for the Year 1959.
During the year I have sold many parcels of Tax Title property that has been on the Assessors records for many years. The parcels are sold by this office with the consent of the Mayor and the Municipal Council at or about the assessed valua- tion of each parcel.
During the year 1959 the following parcels were submitted together with the offers:
1. 2 lots on the north side of Zoar Avenue being lots 442 and 449 on New Plat 72 $160.00
2. 2 lots on the east side of Hawthorne Avenue and being lots 157 and 129 on New Plat 6. $200. 00
3. 2 lots on the south side of Brown Street and being lots 7 and 8 on New Plat 5. $100.00
4. 1 lot on the north side of Russell Avenue and being lot 45 on New Plat 4. $160. 00
5. 8 lots on the west side of Tyson Place and East side of Oak Square and being lots 39, 40 and 51 to 56 inclusive on New Plat 6. $460. 00
6. 1 lot on the north side of Park Street and being lot 31 on New Plat 55. $200. 00
7. 4 lots on the west side of Davis Avenue and being lots 38 to 41 inclusive on New Plat 42. $200. 00
8. 22 lots on Yale, Brown and Dartmouth Streets being lots 243 to 246 inclusive and lots 268 to 285 inclusive on New Plat 90. $800. 00
9. 1 lot on the east side of Martin Street being lot 71 on New Plat 46. $200. 00
10. . 1 lot off the west side of South Main Street being lot 190 on New Plat 22.
$100. 00
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Report of the Custodian of Property continued-
11. 2 lots off east side of South Main Street being lots 19 and 20 on New Plat 21. $50,00
12. 2 lots on the east side of Mendon Road being lots 279 and 280 on New Plat 16. $310. 00
13. 30 lots on the north side of Middle Street being lots 275 to 294 inclusive and lots 305 to 314 inclusive on New Plat 70. $400. 00
14. 2 lots on the south side of Palm Street being lots 462 and 463 on New Plat 60. $ 50.00
15. 5 lots north of South Avenue being lots 141 to 145 on New Plat 81. $200. 00
16. 26 lots on Rosewood Avenue, Hill and Summit Streets heing lots #21, 22, 31, -34, 35, 40, 42-45 inclusive and 48, 49, 53, 54, 57-62 to 65 inclusive and 100 to 106 inclusive on New Plat 12. $3,375.00
17. 6 lots on the north side of Althea Avenue being lots 228 to 233 inclusive on New Plat 18. $510. 00
18. 2 lots on the south side of Collins Street being lots 187 and 188 on New Plat 16.
$225. 00
19. 11 lots off South Avenue being lots 210 to 220 inclusive on New Plat 81. $500. 00 $8,200. 00
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