USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 49
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If one can judge from the proportion of complaints, the pro- gram seems to have been highly successful in Lincoln. Only 7 complaints out of a total of 633 were recorded by the Superin- tendent as from Lincoln.
It is recommended that the appropriation of $6,000 asked by the Commission be made for 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles H. Blake, Commissioner John Tew
Barbara K. Warner
MOSQUITO CONTROL IN LINCOLN in 1955
This report is for the interval from April 8, 1955, when Lin- coln became part of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, to the end of the calendar year. The first mosquito control activity after some preliminary reconnaisance and mapping was to spray most of the swamplands in the township. This was done by mosquito control crews with knapsack sprayers and by plane and helicopter. The coverage seemed reasonably good for the first attempt. It was completed before the end of April. In late May the State Gypsy Moth spray program resulted in the Town being completely covered with DDT - oil spray applied by plane. This killed off any mosquitoes present at the time and prevented migration into the Town from the west.
During midsummer spraying was kept at a minimum in order to reserve as much of the budget as possible for fall drainage and winter dusting. The hurricane rains produced an overwhelm- ing outbreak of mosquitoes in September. The occurrence was too unusual and the cost of spraying too prohibitive, so no attempt was made to stop this brood.
58
MOSQUITO CONTROL
In late fall and early winter drainage work was done in the locality north of the railroad station. Thus far 650 feet of new ditch has been dug, 5,540 feet of old ditch reclaimed, and 2,980 feet of existing ditch cleaned. During the season 617 gallons of spray were applied by hand and 835 gallons by aircraft - most of it during April. The catch basins were sprayed four times. At the end of the year mid-winter dusting of swamps with DDT was underway. This will help control the spring brood of mos- quitoes.
Expenditures to December 31st and the budget plans to next April are:
Expenditures
Labor
$2,623.47
Aircraft
307.55
Insecticide
278.94
Office costs
486.74
Office rental (to Cambridge)
25.00
Field operations, equip., etc.
727.05
$4,448.75
Contribution to capital assets
$ 800.00
Appropriation received May 14 and Oct. 22
$6,150.00
Balance on December 31, 1955
$ 901.25
The remaining funds will be used for winter dusting and April spraying plus the routine operating costs.
The Commission has requested an appropriation of $6,000.00 for 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. Armstrong Superintendent
59
HEALTH AND WELFARE
REPORT OF BEDFORD AIRPORT COMMITTEE
During the past year the Bedford Airport Committee has con- cerned itself with the following matters:
(1) Direction of Air Traffic at the Bedford Airport.
The Concord-Lexington runway, which is approximately 7,000 feet long, was opened in November, 1955, and is now being used except when strong wind currents demand that certain types of planes use the Lincoln-Bedford runway, which is approximately 5,000 feet long. Construction of a 1450 foot extension of the Concord-Lexington runway will begin probably in 1957. This will take approximately six months, during which time there may be more use of the Lincoln-Bedford runway.
(2) The location of new Route 2.
The Committee contacted Senator Saltonstall and others urging that the new Route 2 be located near the Bedford Airport. This matter is now under study by the State Department of Public Works.
(3) 670 "On Base" Housing Units in North Lincoln.
In November, 1955, it came to the attention of the Committee that the United States Air Force was planning to construct 670 housing units in North Lincoln. This would be done under an Act of Congress which permits the Federal Government to take land by eminent domain for the construction of urgently needed housing near a military reservation or installation. This land taken would be ceded to the Federal Government by an act of the Massachusetts General Court and would actually be under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department of the United States Govern- ment.
The housing units would be rented by the Defense Department to Air Force personnel, and the utilities, police and fire protec- tion would be supplied by the Defense Department rather than by the Town of Lincoln. It is understood that an elementary school would be constructed for the area, and that Lincoln would be re- quested, but not required, to operate it. £ Inhabitants of the area would not be citizens of Lincoln for voting purposes.
This matter was of such importance that the Selectmen and the Bedford Airport Committee jointly appointed a committee consisting of Victor A. Lutnicki, William M. Rand and Sumner
60
BEDFORD AIRPORT COMMITTEE
Smith to consider the problems involving the proposed 670 housing units. The latter committee now has the matter under study.
During the past year the Bedford Airport Committee spent none of the funds allocated to it.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas B. Adams, Chairman
Walter E. Belanger
Kenneth W. Bergen
Richard J. Eaton
Katharine S. White
61
Planning and Public Works
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Subdivision Control
Since the last report of the Planning Board, the following sub- divisions have been conditionally approved:
(1) George U. Browning off Conant Road
(2) August Schumacher off Lincoln Road and Wayland Town Line
(3) Brown's Wood Inc. off Conant Road and Weston Road
(4) Anthony Cassis off Route 2
(5) Olga Pertzoff off Weston Road
(6) Carleton Owen off Bedford Road
Subdivision Rules and Regulations of Planning Board
On December 14, 1955, a legal hearing was held by the Board concerning proposed changes in the Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board. These changes dealt entirely with road con- struction. Briefly, the Board now requires two courses of Bituminous Concrete Pavement Type I-l totalling 22 inches thick and 20 feet in width. Following the hearing, the regulations were adopted by the Board and are available at the Town House for in- spection and use.
Changes in the Zoning By-Law
On May 9, 1955, the Land Use Survey was published and dis- tributed to the townspeople. Following this and a legal hearing, a special Town Meeting was called on June 6, 1955. At the Meet- ing, the Town voted to adopt Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. These Articles have been legally incorporated in our Zoning By-Law and serve as the basis for our 80,000 square foot zoning requirement.
Additional Changes in the Zoning By-Law
At present the Board is preparing an article in the Warrant for the annual Town Meeting concerning the establishing of adequate parking areas in the commercial district. It is the unanimous
62
PLANNING BOARD
feeling of the Board that a ratio of 3 square feet of parking area to each square foot of ground floor space of a building would pro- mote the orderly growth, safety, and convenience of a shopping center or centers in the commercial district. A legal hearing concerning this change was held on January 25, 1956.
Land Acquisition Committee
The Planning Board, being encumbered with considerable ad- ministrative detail over Subdivision Control, changes in the Zoning By-Law, and their own Rules and Regulations, submitted Article 4 to the Town at the June 6 meeting. The Town voted to appoint a committee to study the advisability of the Town's acquisition at some future date of additional land for parks, playgrounds, or other public uses. It is understood that this committee will render a preliminary report around the time of the regular Town Meeting. The Planning Board very much appreciates the assistance of this Committee.
Relocation of Cambridge Turnpike (Route 2)
The Massachusetts Department of Public Works is studying various plans for converting Route 2 into a limited-access, modern, express highway. The most economical proposal for the section through Lincoln appears to involve a relocation to the south run- ning along the north shore of Sandy Pond, thus, more or less iso- lating North Lincoln from the rest of the Town. The Board unanimously favors a somewhat longer route (about 1.2 miles longer) which would swing north near the Bedford Airport. Offi- cials of the Airport favor this latter plan. From the point of view of Lincoln, such a location of the express highway would seem to constitute an effective barrier to further encroachment of the Airport into North Lincoln.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur T. Howard, Chairman Everett A. Black, Clerk Richard J. Eaton Alan McClennen Katharine White
63
e
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF BOARD OF APPEALS
The growth of the Town, and the changes in the Zoning By- Law, result in a continuing need for careful interpretation so that the terms of the existing Zoning By-Law may properly be applied to situations coming before the Board. This results not only in the hearing of numerous appeals and the writing of numerous decisions, but also in the development by the Board of carefully considered definitions and policies.
Set forth below is a summary of the decisions of the Board.
Application of Louis S. Albano for a variance to divide property into two building lots containing less than 40,000 square feet, approved.
Application of Gerald J. Mahoney for a variance to permit an addition to his property nearer than 30 feet to the side-lot line, approved.
Application of J. Q. Adams for a variance to permit him to enlarge his office force in his residential buildings, approved for three years and limited to the petitioner only.
Application of Mary E. Silva for permission to move gravel from her property, approved conditionally.
Application of Lawrence L. Rowe for a variance to permit alterations to his present dwelling and to construct a one-car garage, not conforming to the Zoning By-Law, denied.
Application of Norman Brisson to permit storage for heavy equipment in the gravel pit off North Great Road, granted. for two years.
Application of Gilmore B. Creelman, Jr. for a variance to permit construction of a two-car garage on the site of an existing wooden garage and shed not conforming with the Zoning By-Law, denied.
Application of Henrietta Warner for a variance to permit division of her property and provide for a dwelling lot with less than the required frontage on MacIntosh Lane, approved.
Application of Hope Hunt to permit division for sale of property, said proposed division involving a non-conforming use of
64
BOARD OF APPEALS
the property, approved conditionally.
Application of John W. Barber to permit erection of a two car garage less than 30 feet from his side-lot line, approved.
Application of H. B. Knowles, Inc. for a variance to permit installation of new storage tanks and to relocate pumps at its garage, approved.
Application of Constantin A. and Olga Pertzoff for temporary permit for use of land and platform on their land for a non-profit dramatic enterprise, granted conditionally.
Application of Warren Olmsted for permission to permit a barn on his property to be equipped for family use as a play house, but not for residential purposes, approved.
Application of Maurice Leslie for a variance to permit construction of a residence on land with less than 80 feet on the line of way, approved.
Application of Lawrence L. Rowe for a re-hearing for a variance to permit alterations to his dwelling and also to con- struct a one-car garage, not conforming to the Zoning By-Law, alterations to his dwelling approved, construction of garage denied.
Application of Kennedy Brothers for permission to construct a dwelling on a lot not now conforming with the Zoning By-Law, approved.
Application of Antonio DiGiovanni for permission to keep and rent ponies, denied.
Application of Louis S. Albano to reconfirm the variance granted by the Board of Appeals to divide property into two build- ing lots, approved.
Application of Antonio Di Giovanni for permission to con- struct two stands on non-conforming property, approved.
Application of Elizabeth M. Tracey for a variance to per- mit division of her land into two lots consisting of less than 80,000 square feet each, denied.
Application of Russell J. Dixon for a license to permit storage of plumbing and heating material in the basement and garage of his premises, no jurisdiction.
65
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Application of Francis Umbrello for a renewal of a license to permit use of a trailer for sleeping quarters, approved for one year only.
Application of David F. Freeman for a variance to permit the alteration of lot lines between Lots 22 and 23 of Brown's Woods, Inc. development, approved.
Application of David Mark Ritson for a variance to permit construction on a non-conforming lot on Weston Road, approved.
Application of Joseph J. Antinarelli for a variance to build closer than the prescribed setbacks for lot lines, approved.
Application of Francis Umbrello for permission to sell loam accumulated in connection with an irrigation project, approved.
Application of E. W. Giles, Inc. for a license to store loam on property located in back of South Great Road, approved for two years only.
Application of Thomas X. Gounaris for a variance to per- mit building a garage about 14 feet from side lot line, granted with restrictions .
Application of Norman W. Hoar to allow continuance of the temporary kitchen in his home, granted for three years with re- strictions.
Application of Walter M. Ennis for a variance to permit division of land on Baker Bridge Road into two lots, approved.
Application of Mary S. Henderson for a variance to permit the setting off of a 17-acre tract of land without adequate frontage on a Town way, approved.
Application of P. Bova Conte for a variance for permission. to use gasoline tanks and pumps and existing buildings for the pur- poses of conducting a filling station, approved with restrictions.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry B. Hoover John White Thomas B. Adams Elmer H. Ziegler Elliott V. Grabill, Chairman
66
WATER DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Board held 16 meetings during the year, and in addition occasionally examined with the Superintendent physical details in connection with application for water in subdivisions.
The following subdivisions were considered and acted upon:
1. Brown's Woods, Inc. 23 lots
2. Anthony Cassis 24 lots
3. August Schumacher 17 lots
4. James H. Carrig 48 lots
5. Olga Pertzoff 6 lots
6. Carleton W. Owen 7 lots
Raymond Emerson, Esq. gave about 50 acres of woodland to the Walden Pond Reservation. This lot lies in Lincoln between Route 126 and the Pond, and as the Board had already found some indications of well sites on this land, rights were reserved to Lincoln to investigate further for water, and, if found, to install and maintain facilities for its production and distribution.
A new Venturi meter, which records all the water pumped, was installed, replacing a fifty year old inaccurate one.
Installation of meters was completed, there being 880 in opera- tion at the end of the year.
The special report of the 20 year Improvement Committee con- tains a list of necessary projects and estimated costs, with com- ments.
The Department has up-to-date printed regulations, and is careful in approving the plans for water systems in subdivisions to see that the regulations are adhered to, and also that the in- stallation contractor follows them. If he fails, the Water Com- missioners notify the Planning Board, and the approval of the subdivision will be at least delayed, or the Commissioners may require the contractors to furnish a bond guaranteeing to maintain his installation for a fixed number of years.
The Water Department has operated throughout the year with a working Superintendent and one man. The Superintendent is working or is on call practically all the time, but if he leaves town there is always a fill in.
67
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
The Commissioners wish to record their appreciation to the Superintendent and his assistant for the interest they exhibit in their work, and for their general efficiency and cooperation.
Water Department Statistics, January, 1956
Pipe in use 31.0 M.
Number of hydrants in use
233
Number of stop-gates in use
Number of blow-offs in use
276 27 40 - 100 lbs.
Range of pressure on mains
Total gallons pumped .
Number of services added
96,000,000 gals. 46 8
Number of services renewed
Number of services in use
890
Number of meters in use
880
Respectfully submitted,
Henry Warner, Secretary Edward S. Taylor Sumner Smith, Chairman
INSPECTORS OF BUILDING, PLUMBING AND WIRING
Building permits issued during 1955:
New residential buildings
60
New non-residential buildings
11
Alterations and additions
25
Fees Collected o
$344.00
Plumbing permits issued during 1955
80
Fees Collected
$ 146.00
Wiring permits issued during 1955 134 O
Fees Collected .
O
$ 197.50
o
O
.
o
o
Walter Bergquist, Building Inspector William M. Dean, Wiring Inspector Daniel J. Murphy, Plumbing Inspector
68
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The normal work of the Highway Department was carried on as usual. Considerable time was spent in the clean up of winter sand, particularly on Lincoln Road.
Approximately three miles of road was resurfaced with the "mixed-in-place" method instead of the usual oiling and sanding. Although more expensive, the "mixed-in-place" gives a better and longer lasting surface and tends to improve the contour of the road also.
In the fall heavy rains caused considerable damage to roads and culverts. Two of the latter have been replaced, one on Sandy Pond Road and one on Pierce Hill Road. The cost of this work was borne by the State Flood Relief Board.
Under Chapter 90 Maintenance, a system of drains and catch basins was installed on Bedford Road. Also sections of both South Great Road and Concord Road were surfaced by "mixed- in-place" method.
Under Chapter 90 Construction, the drainage for Trapelo Road was postponed because of the heavy rains and resultant damage. In 1956 both the drainage and reconstruction of the upper end of Trapelo Road is planned.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond Maher, Superintendent
69
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Work of a maintenance nature continued to be the principal activity during the year.
Burials during 1955
Jan. 7 26 -
- James E. Park
- Herbert Lincoln Flint
March 27 -
William Burgess Rockwell
29 Benjamin Howe -
April 19
Louise Ayer Hatheway
20
Marion Sherman Russ
21 - Russell G. Crook
May 22 - Kenneth Hartwell Bunker
June 10 11
Linda Dean
Alice Yeomans Lester
Aug. 23
John J. Kelliher
Sept. 15 - Mabel J. Buchan
Oct. 29
- Joseph M. Henley
Nov. 5 - Mary Bolio
8
Robert R. Hunter
20
- Annie Butcher
Dec. 28
- Margaret J. Connair
28
William Bowles
For Report on Perpetual Care Funds and Cemetery Investment Fund, see Statistical Section.
Respectfully submitted,
George E. Cunningham Robert D. Donaldson
Arnold MacLean
Cemetery Commissioners
70
PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER CREATING A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
At the request of the Selectmen of the Town of Lincoln and by vote of the Town, it was:
Voted: That the Moderator appoint a committee of three registered voters to consider the advisability of creating a Department of Public Works, and report its findings to the Town not later than the 1956 Annual Meeting, and that the sum of $100.00 be raised and appropriated for the use of the committee.
The enabling legislation under which the Town may take this action is Chapter 101 of the Acts, 1953. This act has the follow- ing general provisions:
If the Town adopts the act,
1. A three member Board of Public Works must be elected.
2. This Board must assume the duties and responsibilities formerly borne by " ... road commissioners, surveyors of highways, superin- tendent of streets, water commissioners, sewer commissioners, municipal light board or com- missioners, park commissioners, cemetery com- missioners, tree warden, moth superintendent and forestry department, ... "
3. In addition, the Town may provide that this Board shall direct " ... the furnishing of engineer- ing services, the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse, the maintenance and repair of town buildings and property, and the perform- ance of such duties of any other boards, depart- ments and offices of the town as may be reason- ably related to the duties and responsibilities of a department of public works ... "
This committee has met with all concerned Town Departments and has held three meetings with the Board of Selectmen. We have visited eleven towns of similar size and situation which have adopted this law or adaptations of it, or which have considered and rejected it.
The general purpose of this law is to provide for greater efficiency of operation of those services which it mentions and to relieve the Board of Selectmen and other boards of certain time-
71
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
consuming responsibility.
Of the eleven towns visited, none had an identical situation to that in Lincoln but all were similar. A conclusion expressed in a majority of the towns, regardless of their experience with a Department of Public Works, was that its' success would de- pend largely on the qualifications of the Superintendent appointed to administer it.
Another view was that political rivalry and buck-passing are likely to occur when a town has both Selectmen and a Department of Public Works.
It is the opinion of this committee that nothing is to be gained at present by creating a Department of Public Works in the Town.
We believe that the Water Department should remain a separate agency because of the nature of its problems. It is interest- ing to note that the Water Departments of the towns visited did not operate with labor from a general pool.
Although one purpose of the enabling Act is to relieve the Selectmen of certain responsibility and place it with another board which would have more time to handle it, this law, on the other hand, creates a Board having more duties and responsi- bilities than any we now have.
The departments as now organized will operate efficiently as long as they are supervised by well qualified personnel. To shift the departments from existing boards to a new one will not change this requisite, nor will it make easier the procurement of high grade superintendents. However, the future may make necessary and desirable a labor and equipment pool to undertake the growing physical services required by the Town. This can be accomplished by the adoption of a Town By-Law which is authorized by existing statute.
Your Committee therefore recommends, with the concurrence of the Selectmen, that no change in departmental set-up be made at the present time. We also recommend that the Selectmen bring the matter before the Town if, in the future, a labor and equipment pool would seem to be advantageous.
Respectfully submitted,
George G. Tarbell
David L. Ammen
Sumner Smith, Chairman
72
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE
LONG-TERM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the vote under Article 21 of the 1955 Annual Town Meeting, the Moderator appointed the undersigned to investigate the long-term capital requirements of the Town and report before the 1956 Town Meeting. At its first meeting, the Committee organized itself with William M. Rand, Chairman, and Charles P. Kindleberger, Clerk.
The Committee has met with the relevant Boards, committees and officers of the Town and discussed their plans. These have been evaluated in a report which is being published and distributed under separate cover. The cost of this printing, along with other expenses of the Committee, is covered out of the $100 appropriated in the original vote of the Town Meeting and $400 transferred from the Reserve Fund to the Committee by the Finance Committee, at the Committee's request, endorsed by the Board of Selectmen.
The separately published report, in addition to its evaluation of various proposals for capital improvements, summarizes recent expenditures on capital projects and makes certain recommenda - tions for future planning of capital expenditures. An appendix contains a special study of the expenditure requirements of Lincoln roads.
Respectfully submitted,
William M. Rand, Chairman
Charles P. Kindleberger Maurice E. Shank Henry DeC. Ward for the Selectmen
Charles K. Fitts for the Finance
Committee
Alan McClennan for the Planning Board
73
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
PROGRESS REPORT of the COMMITTEE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PUBLIC LAND
At the Special Town Meeting, held June 6, 1955, the Moderator was instructed to appoint a committee of five to "investigate the matter of the acquisition of additional land for parks, playgrounds, or public domain, said committee to present a preliminary report and recommendations at the next annual Town meeting, said re- port to include information as to sites, areas, estimated costs, and, when possible, the attitude of any owners of land proposed for acquisition
Since its organization, the committee has held nine meetings. Other town committees have met with the "Land Acquisition Com- mittee". Their assistance, and that of other town citizens, is gratefully acknowledged. The committee has studied nine areas, suggested by the Planning Board, for possible public acquisition for recreational sites, protection of town water supply, and preservation of rural amenities. At this writing, the committee is in the process of preparing a preliminary report which will be published around the time of the Town meeting.
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