USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1935-1940 > Part 32
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Balance in 1938 Overlay Account Jan. 1940 1,047.61
1939 Overlay Account
1939 Overlay Assessment $3,693.43
1939 Abatements in 1939 3,548.33
Balance in 1939 Overlay Account Jan. 1, 1940 145.10
45
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board organized with Sumner Smith, Chairman and Robert D. Donaldson, Jr., Secretary. Appointments made by the Selectmen are printed with the list of Town Officers. On June 30, 1939 Robert D. Donaldson, Jr., re- signed membership when he no longer resided in the town. Another member for the unexpired term will be elected at the annual election in March.
Traffic Light at Intersection of Bedford Road and Cambridge Turnpike-Since the building of the Concord- Cambridge Turnpike, the Selectmen have been trying to have the State install an adequate traffic signal at this intersection. Our efforts were rewarded in December when a magnetically operated light was placed in opera- tion. A trip was also provided at the entrance of Juniper Ridge Road. This is a new type of signal and is the first of its kind to be installed in Massachusetts.
To Rep. Otis M. Whitney and Chief Engineer Raymond Coburn is expressed the appreciation of the Board for their assistance in having this light installed. The pre- vious State Administration did not consider this stop light necessary.
Works Progress Administration-The work performed under this program consisted of (1) Reducing the fire hazard created by the Hurricane and (2) Gypsy Moth Control. A quota of eight men was assigned to Lincoln until April when work was discontinued. There are two projects available to be worked should a quota be again assigned to the Town, consisting of (1) Gypsy Moth Control and (2) Improvements to New Cemetery.
Local Traffic Regulations-The Board has adopted a set of regulations which has been approved by the De- partment of Public Works. They will be printed as soon as a minor change has been adjusted with the State authorities. The regulations provide for the proper con- trol of traffic by legalizing traffic control signs and mark-
46
TOWN OF LINCOLN
ings and also by providing penalties for violations. A survey of the Town was made by the Traffic Engineering Department of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, and the adopted rules are a result of their recommendations.
Fire Hazard Control-The work started by the Civil Conservation Corps in 1939 was continued till late spring, when it was discontinued because of the dry condition of the woodlands. Much valuable work was accomplished in the opening of blocked wood roads and clearing fallen trees, greatly lessening the fire hazard and making the woodlands accessible in case of fire. A complete report as to the activities of the CCC is contained in the Fire Engineer's report.
Aid to Dependent Children-On January 1, 1939, four cases with a total of nine children were being aided under provisions of Chapter 118, General Laws, as amended. One case with four children was added during the year, making five cases with thirteen children receiving aid at the close of the year.
A total of $3712.53 was expended for aid, $607.75 being paid from funds received from the Federal Government, making the net expenditure of $3104.78 from Town funds.
Welfare-During 1939, nine resident cases consisting of thirty-six persons were aided under provisions of Chapter 117 of the General Laws as amended. Payments were also made to the State and other Cities and Towns where cases having Lincoln settlements were aided. The welfare problem is not as serious as in the past years, most aid being temporary. In the two cases where aid is continuous sickness exists. However, although the pre- sent local relief load is moderate, the number of cases with Lincoln settlements being aided elsewhere is grad- ually increasing, and this aid is an obligation of the Town and must be paid to the municipalities granting the as- sistance. The appropriation requested for 1940 is $400.00 more than in 1939 in anticipation of these increased costs.
47
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
Baker Bridge-The State Department of Public Works advises that the Town has fulfilled its requirements as far as the relocation and rebuilding of Baker Bridge under the Federal program is concerned. The Federal Govern- ment, the State Department of Public Works, and the Boston and Maine Railroad must agree on what projects of this sort are to be undertaken, and also the order of precedence. Apparently all the money available at pre- sent will be used on grade crossing work in Salem. Upon inquiry to the State Department of Public Works, the usual answer is that Baker Bridge is very near the top of the list, and that the Railroad is considering laying two more tracks at the bridge. Until this is determined, the project is delayed. The Board wonders what the extra tracks are for, especially in this age of shrinking railroads.
Condition of Town Hall Furnaces-The Board in re- porting on the condition of the Town Hall in 1937 stated that the two hot air furnaces which heat the upper hall were near the end of their service. Two years of use have not improved their condition. They are in need of constant repair and it is difficult to heat the hall without a strong odor of gas. It is felt that any further at- tempted repairs are a waste of money, and under Article 5 of the Warrant funds may be appropriated to replace the furnaces, if the townspeople so desire.
Licenses-During the year the following licenses were granted :
5 Common Victuallers.
1 Auctioneer.
2 Class II Used Car Dealer.
1 Class III Motor Vehicle Junk.
SUMNER SMITH, HERBERT G. FARRAR.
A
48
TOWN OF LINCOLN
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
During the early months of 1939 little snow fell, the biggest storm occurring in March. However, the ice con- ditions on the roads were very severe, and approximately 600 tons of sand were used during the winter months for this purpose.
The roads stood up rather well during the spring, with the exception of Virginia Road and a section of Bedford Road. Both these sections were later gravelled and treated. We also gravelled and surfaced Old Bedford Road from Virginia Road to North Great Road.
In the summer we surface treated about ten and one half miles of road and used close to 55,000 gals. of bitu- minous material. This year we obtained most of our sand from Cook's pit in North Lincoln, renting a Conant loader to speed up the loading. In August we scarified a part of Mill Street and later gravelled it. We plan to finish this section early in the spring of 1940.
There was no "Chapter 90" money for new construc- tion this year, but we finished a section of Old Bedford Road which was not completed the previous year.
For "Chapter 90" Maintenance we rebuilt and honed the shoulders on Concord Road. Also we cut brush, painted the fence posts, and made a general clean-up.
During 1940 we plan to finish the section of Mill Street already started, and make some much needed repairs to Trapelo Road, besides our general maintenance.
Due to the lack of State aid and in our desire to co- operate with the policy of the Town, we are not asking for a power grader this year, but we do ask an additional amount over last year's appropriation to replace the Chevrolet truck.
49
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
We further recommend an additional $500.00 over last year for "Chapter 90" Maintenance.
Respectfully submitted.
EDMUND W. GILES, Superintendent of Streets.
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen:
As Inspector of Animals I submit the following report for 1939. Fifty herds of animals consisted of 308 cows, 16 bulls, 9 sheep, 9 goats, 1585 swine, 118 young stock.
9 dogs were quarantined for rabies. As they showed no signs of disease they were released after fourteen days.
Respectfully submitted, D. E. SHERMAN, Inspector of Animals.
REPORT OF BOARD OF APPEALS UNDER ZONING BY-LAWS OF THE TOWN OF LINCOLN FOR THE YEAR 1939
Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
Board organized, Harland B. Newton, Chairman, and Anthony J. Doherty, Clerk. The following Petitions were received and acted upon :
March 1, 1939
On Petition of C. L. Cooledge, permit was granted to permit the conversion of a one-family house into a two- family house. Said house being located on Petitioner's property at the corner of South Great Road and Concord- Wayland Road, in the South part of the Town. It was stated by the Petitioner that no changes were to be made
50
TOWN OF LINCOLN
affecting the outside of the building and that the use proposed was only temporary and that in all probab.lity the family would require the use of the entire house at a later time.
On Petition of Storrow Farms (Mrs. James J. Stor- row) a permit was granted to permit the alteration of a building located on Petitioner's property in the centre of the Town. The building in question had been used for the housing of employees of the Farm at such times as the number of employees warranted the use of the build- ing for that purpose. As the number of employees had been decreasing gradually, it was decided that a more practical use could be made of the building by making such alterations as would permit its use for two families ; said families to be employees of the Farm, and that the alterations proposed were very slight and no changes were to be made that would affect the outside of the building.
March 15, 1939
On Petition of John Adams, Executor of the Estate of Mary O. Adams, a permit was granted to install and erect a temporary saw-mill on property located on Con- cord Road, adjacent to Baker Bridge. Said saw-mill was to be used principally for the clearing away of debris caused by the recent hurricane, and the elimination of fire hazard. The following conditions were attached to said permit :
1. That said permit be for the term of one year from the 15th day of March 1939;
2. That no trees or logs are to be sawed by said mill other than those delivered and coming from property of citizens of the Town of Lincoln. There is excepted, how- ever, from this provision any trees or logs for which the operator of said mill is under contract to saw for one John Dunn of Concord, and coming from outside the Town, which logs may be sawed until said contract is completed.
51
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
3. That all property and materials not owned by the said Adams Estate will be removed from said property at the expiration of the time limit of said permit, and that the premises used will be put in as near the original condition as they were before the erection of said saw- mill at the expiration of said permit.
April 10, 1939
On Petition of Mildred E. Bowles, a permit was granted for the term of one year from April 10, 1939, to permit the renting of ponies on property at the corner of South Great Road and Tower Road. Said permit being a re- newal of other permits granted previously for said use. The following conditions were imposed :
1. That this permit shall expire on April 10, 1940.
2. That the number of ponies to be used for such pur- poses as petitioned for be not over 7 at any one time.
3. That the use of said ponies is hereby restricted to the limits of the property of said Petitioner.
4. In the use of said ponies, they must not be permitted to enter on or upon the public highway.
On Petition of Joseph Tracy, a permit was granted to alter and reconstruct a Gasoline Filling Station located on his property at the corner of New Concord Turnpike and Bedford Road, in the Northerly part of Lincoln, to- gether with permission to install tanks for the storage of gasoline to the amount of 3000 gallons. The proposed building was to be of fireproof construction; materials of brick and stucco, and that the hoist that is now located on said property would be enclosed in this building. The following conditions were imposed :
1. That the alterations and construction of the pro- posed building be carried out in accordance with the plans and specifications as submitted to the Board of Appeals and accompanying said Petition.
52
TOWN OF LINCOLN
2. That the extra pump to be installed be located no nearer the highway and on a line with the pumps now on said location.
3. That the tanks for extra storage of 3000 gallons of gasoline be of such capacity as Petitioner may deem as most convenient and satisfactory for his use.
April 24, 1939
On Petition filed by Mary S. Henderson for a variance of the Zoning Ordinances for a permit to keep horses for riding purposes, it was the unanimous opinion of the full membership of the Board that this Petition be denied upon the following grounds :
1. That this property is located in a district restricted to single residences only, and while a private stable which is used in connection with and as a part of the operation of a Farm is permissible in such a district under the by-laws, such use as and for business purposes is prohibited.
2. That the keeping of horses for hire, boarding and training in such a district is a use of the property for business purposes and that the Board of Appeals is with- out authority to grant a permit in such cases.
May 15, 1939
On Petition of R. H. Lorrey, a permit was granted for the keeping of mink on Petitioner's property located on Farrar Road, in the Southerly part of Lincoln. The Peti- tioner stated that the keeping of mink was originally started by him as a hobby, and that he got more interested as he went along and as the mink multiplied he would have to dispose of some of them; that he did not consider the matter as a business proposition, and that the condi- tion of the building, or buildings, in which the mink were kept was always clean and that there was no odor, and that the same was considerable distance from the road, and could not in any way be considered as a nui- sance. Petitioner also stated that it was not his in- tention to enlarge the enterprise.
53
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
On Petition of Harold E. Lawson for a variance of the District Regulations to permit the removal of two buildings now located on his property at the corner of New Concord Avenue and the road to Lexington, in the Northerly part of the Town, and to permit the buying and killing of poultry, and the canning of chicken meats, soups and produces on said property. On consideration by the full membership of the Board, it was unanimously decided that said Petition be denied ; that the property on which the use proposed is applicable is located in a dis- trict restricted to single residences only, and that the granting of this Petition would be a use of property for business purposes and it is not within the province of the Board of Appeals to grant the Petition for such a use. On this Petition, several abutters appeared in opposition to the same.
On Petition of Marcel Breuer, a permit was granted for a variance of the Zoning By-Laws "relating to side- yard requirements" to permit the erection of a one-car garage within the space required between the side of the house and the sideline of the lot. This property is located in the Storrow development, off Baker Bridge Road, in the center of the Town. Mr. Custance, builder and engineer, appeared on behalf of the Petitioner and stated that owing to the condition of the lot on which the house is located that to locate the garage in any other place on this lot other than possibly in front of the build- ing would be next to impossible, as the land in the rear of the lot and directly in back of the house drops into a very deep depression or hole, and that if the garage was not located as applied for that the only alternative would be to locate the same nearer the road and in front of the house. After viewing the property, it was the unanimous opinion of the full membership of the Board that this Application be granted, and that in the opinion of the Board a variance in this matter would tend to im- prove the status of the neighborhood.
54
TOWN OF LINCOLN
July 7, 1939
On Petition of Edward F. Flint to vary the applica- tion of the Zoning By-Laws relating to "set-back" to permit the maintaining of a building now located on New Concord Turnpike, between Bedford Road and Lexington Road, it was the unanimous opinion of the full member- ship of the Board that this Petition be denied. The build- ing referred to had been used as and for a Road Side Stand for the sale of produce, and located in a district restricted to single residences only. This Stand does not comply with the Zoning By-Laws as it is presently lo- cated.
July 24, 1939
On Petition of Hildur A. Sorensen a permit was grant- ed for the placing of a Stand within the 40-foot set-back on her property located on Old Concord Turnpike. It was the opinion of the Board that the Old Concord Turn- pike at this particular location has been for all practical purposes abandoned for public uses and considered only as a right of entrance to one particular lot. The Board was of the opinion that it would be a hardship on the Petitioner to require a 40-foot set-back from the Old Con- cord Turnpike and that a variance could be granted pro- viding that a 40-foot set-back from the line of the New Concord Turnpike was maintained.
On Petition of Louis E. Paddock and Anne E. Paddock, permit was granted for a variance of the sideyard re- quirements to permit the erection of an addition to a dwelling on Juniper Ridge Road. On this Petition, no one appeared to object, and the written assent of all abutters was filed with the Board. It was the unanimous opinion of the full membership of the Board that it would be a hardship to the Petitioners to conform to the sideyard requirements in relation to the proposed addi- tion due to the unusual slope and shape of the lot.
55
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
August 28, 1939
On Petition of Warren Flint a permit was granted for the alteration of a building located on Lexington Road in said Town of Lincoln and used as a barn for the keeping of cattle and for farming purposes. Petitioner sought to enlarge an el now attached to said barn, which el consists of an addition of an extension of 3 feet on the Southerly side of the same as now existing. This addition would not bring the front of the building any nearer to the highway than at present.
October 9, 1939
On Petition of Robert D. Donaldson for a variance of the District Regulations to permit the extension of a building located on Trapelo Road in the centre of the Town, such alterations consisting of a covered porch or el added to said building, which porch extended into the area between the building and the sideline of the lot, which area under the By-Laws is restricted to 20 feet. The distance from said porch to the present sideline of lot being only 5.5 feet. It was the unanimous opinion of the full membership of the Board that this Application be denied. The Board was of the opinion that the appli- cation is not one where a variance of Section 14 (c) relat- ing to "sideyards" is justifiable and in the opinion of the Board, no unreasonable hardship will result from a compliance by the Petitioner with the provisions of this By-Law.
Petition of Edward Danosky for permit to erect a two-car garage within the 20-foot area between his house and sideline of lot on property located on Bedford Road, in the Northerly part of the Town. On this Petition it was the unanimous opinion and vote of the full member- ship of the Board that the same be denied. The Board was of the opinion that this application was not one where a variance of Section 14 (c) relating to "sideyards" would be justified, and one in the opinion of the Board where no unreasonable hardship would result from a compliance with the provisions of this section of the By- laws.
56
TOWN OF LINCOLN
November 27, 1939
Petition of James W. Lennon for permit to erect a two-car garage on property located on Lincoln Road, in the Southerly part of the Town. Said garage to be located within the area between the side of the house and the lot line. On this Petition it was the unanimous vote of the full membership of the Board that the same be granted owing to the condition of the ground on Peti- tioner's lot. The location as proposed appeared to be the most suitable one, as the land directly in the rear of the house dropped off considerably and to locate the garage other than where proposed would be considerable hardship.
Petition of Katherine A. Harrington for an alteration and extension to building now located on her property on New Concord Avenue. Said building being used as and for a Roadside Stand. It was the unanimous opinion of the full membership of the Board that this Petition be granted on the following conditions :
That any alterations contemplated or changes made are considered as extensions or alterations to the present Stand as now located, and are to be used in connection with said present Stand.
Members of Board :
Anthony J. Doherty, term expires 1944. Harland B. Newton, term expires 1943. George G. Tarbell, term expires 1942. Fritz Cunnert, term expires 1941. James DeNormandie, term expires 1940.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTHONY J. DOHERTY,
Clerk.
57
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
REPORT OF BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen:
On January 1, 1939 twenty-six cases were receiving aid under provisions of Chapter 118 A of the General Laws as amended. During the year no new cases were opened and four were closed.
On December 31, 1939 twenty-two cases were being aided, five having other than Lincoln settlements.
Respectfully submitted, ANTHONY J. DOHERTY, Chairman JOHN J. KELLIHER OTTO HAGMANN, Clerk
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen,
Town of Lincoln,
I herewith submit the annual report of the Building Inspection Department of the Town of Lincoln for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Permits
Classification
Estimated
Issued
of Work
Value of Work
18 New Residential
$ 143,400
17 Residential Alterations & Additions
23,025
1 Public Building Addition
3,000
3 Business Buildings
5,225
6
Private Garages
1,100
6
Farm Buildings
870
51 Total Building
176,620
43 Total Plumbing, includes some heating
16,165
58
Total Electrical
3,622
152
Total Building, Plumbing, Electrical
$ 196,407
8 Removal of Existing Buildings
19,775
Applications for Permits Refused
13
Total Fees Collected for Permits Issued
$ 215.00
HAYWARD PEIRCE, Building Inspector.
58
TOWN OF LINCOLN
REPORT OF THE FIRE ENGINEERS
Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Board of Fire Engineers herewith submit their annual report ending December 31, 1939.
Force
The Department consists of the following: Chief, seven engineers and thirty call men.
Apparatus
The apparatus belonging to the department is as follows :
One 600 gallon pump, one combination 500 gallon pump and forest fire truck, one combination 350 gallon pump and forest fire truck, two foam extinguishers, nine ladders, 2350 feet 21/2 in. hose, 600 feet 11/2 in. hose, 1950 feet 1 in. hose. The booster tanks on the trucks carry 560 gallons of water.
Location of the Apparatus
Pump No. 1 and the Combination Pump and Forest Fire Truck No. 3 are stationed at Doherty's Garage, South Lincoln.
Combination Pump and Forest Fire Truck No. 2 is stationed at Tracy's Gasoline Station, North Lincoln.
Fires
During the year 74 calls have been answered, 29 grass and wood, 9 building, 1 automobile, 9 chimney, 2 oil burners, 1 out of town and 23 other calls. Fire loss for the year $9400.
The townspeople should be most appreciative of the fine work done in the town in clearing the woodlands and the woodroads by the C. C. C. boys from the Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, 1149th Company, under the direc- tion of the National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior. Five hundred and seventy one acres have been cleared
Lincoln Fire Alarm, 1940
CHIEF, MATHEW H. DOHERTY
Engineers: John J. Kelliher, Harold S. Cousins, Herbert G. Farrar John Smith, Andrew J. Dougherty, Sidney MacRae, Joseph Tracey South Lincoln Fire Station - Days: 34-M - Nights: 44-J North Lincoln Fire Station - 215
12 Virginia Road
15 No. Great Road near Cunnert's-Mill
16 Corner No. Great Road and Brooks Road
112 Corner No. Great Road and Mill Street
113 Mill Street
121 Bedford Line
123 Virginia Road, Concord Line
21 North Fire Station
23 Corner Cambridge Turnpike and Brooks Road Cambridge Turnpike, Concord Line
212
Corner Lexington Road and Cambridge Turnpike
213 Corner Mill Street and Lexington Road
211 Corner Cambridge Turnpike and Lexington Line
31 Bedford Road and Hilliard Road
32 Lincoln Centre
31 Corner Trapelo Road and Lexington Road
35 Corner Trapelo Road and Page Road
36 Corner Trapelo Road and Old County Road
37 Page Road
312 Sandy Pond Road and Baker Bridge Road
313 Baker Bridge Road, near Storrow's
314 Corner Baker Bridge Road and Concord Line
315 Lake Walden, Concord Line
321 Sandy Pond Road, Concord Line
41 Corner Lincoln Road and MacIntosh Lane
12 Corner Lincoln Road and Pierce Hill Road
43 Corner Tower Road and Beaver Pond Road Kidder's Corner
45
46 Corner Weston Road and Conant Road
112 Winter Street, near J. Coan
113 Winter Street, Waltham Line
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