USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1956-1959 > Part 6
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The Well Child Clinic continues under the able guidance of Dr. John Davies. This clinic is open to all pre-school children, and is held every third Thursday in the Smith School Health Unit. Small pox vaccinations are given free of charge, but a fee of $1.25 is made for each preventative innoculation. This year, while the State Poliomyelitis Program is in effect, any pre-school child may receive free polio vaccine at this clinic. Appointments should be made through the Town Nurse. 19 babies were examined; 91 repeaters were seen; and 62 kindergarten children checked during the year.
The Dental Clinic is served by Dr. David Farrell. The State- required routine diagnostic examination of all school children is carried out; and if treatment is needed a note is sent home to the parent or guardian to this effect, suggesting care either at the clinic or by a private dentist. Under the Pierce Fund bequest, the Dental Clinic was established in Lincoln to provide good, easily obtainable dental care to anyone under 21 who wished to use this service. The charge for treatment is $4.00 per half hour.
The Garbage Collection Service continues to function for approx- imately 300 subscribers. The charge is $7.50 semi-annually, payable to the Town.
Over the year, most of the Board's efforts have been directed toward the Poliomyelitis Vaccine program and toward building sanita-
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BOARD OF HEALTH
tion problems. There have been 6 polio clinics between April and December. Nearly all children between kindergarten and 9th grade have been vaccinated twice; and a clinic is planned on January 18th and 19th for the third and final injection of this group. In con- trast, the 14 to 20 year old group have been a great disappointment in that only a few have availed themselves of protection from this crippling disease. Only 22 individuals have sought protection, although it is probable that many more have been vaccinated privately or at school. The prevention of infantile paralysis in the future is becoming the responsibility of the individual, as the disease is now preventable! Free vaccine will be available from the Board of Health for individuals through age 30 until July, 1957. After this date, free vaccine will be supplied to infants and pregnant women only.
The supervision of building sanitation has become so complex that the Selectmen and Board of Health have sought expert professional help from a recognized firm in this field. Inspection of any pro- posed building sites is made weekly, a service which began in April. At the moment, the cost of the preliminary sanitation survey is borne by the Town. Later, it will be included in the building per- mit fee, as prescribed by the new Building Code. Building permits are issued only after signature by the Building Inspector and a member of the Board of Health; and the approval of the latter depends largely on the opinion of the professional sanitary engineer. Nc subdivisions of land were approved in Lincoln this year.
In previous reports, the value of fluorine in drinking water has been discussed. Facts are rapidly accumulating to indicate that fluorine, 1 part per million, in drinking water prevents tooth decay in children. We continue to urge further interest in this matter on the part of the townspeople, and hope that with the cooperation of the agencies within the Town it will be possible to disseminate information relative to fluorine within the year. The Board of Health hopes that opinion may soon be crystallized so that the Town may vote on this important measure.
Respectfully submitted:
Ellen DeN. Cannon Walter Hill Gordon A. Donaldson, M. D., Chairman
77
HEALTH AND WELFARE
REPORT OF THE NURSING COMMITTEE 1956
The activities of the Nursing Committee have centered around the Well-Child Conference, the Dental Clinic and the Polio Clinics. The committee meets on the Friday following the third Thursday of each month. This year, thanks to the Lincoln Sewing Circle, the volunteers at the Well-Child Conference have new smocks to wear while on duty.
The committee has met twice with the Selectmen to review the management of the Dental Clinic. Bills for dental care are sent out by the Nursing Committee and are payable on receipt. £
Bills out- standing for more than three months are automatically referred to the Selectmen for collection.
The Nursing Committee has been responsible for the management of the Polio Clinics. These clinics have gone very smoothly and we are deeply indebted to our local doctors, nurses and lay workers who contributed their services so generously at all six clinics and who have expressed their readiness to help at the clinics to be held in January and May. The polio program in Lincoln will be terminated after the clinics in May.
The Nursing Committee had one meeting with the State Nursing Supervisor, Miss Sophie Kasperovitch, who presented the health picture of Middlesex County to us and discussed various phases of nursing care, social service and public welfare applicable to Lincoln.
The work of our community nurse still continues to be devoted almost entirely to the Schools and Clinics.
Mrs. James Corrigan served the town during Mrs. Ober's vacation in August.
1956 SUMMARY
Number of calls:
1133
Medical
410
Surgical
85
Pre-Natal
12
Post_Natal
4
Child Welfare
366
Social Service
85
Board of Health
45
Well Child Conference and Dental Clinic
63
Out of Town
64
78
NURSING COMMITTEE
Number of patients moved away
4
Number of patients moved to hospitals or
nursing homes
2
Number of patients as of December 31, 1956
14
Number of new patients
6
Number of patients died
5
Total Fees Collected
Nursing Calls
$ 211.00
Dental Clinic
2694.30
Well-Child Conference
33.50
Dog Clinic
99,00
Total
$3037.80
Respectfully submitted:
Ellen DeN. Cannon, Chairman
Elizabeth Donaldson
Louise H. McClennen, Secretary
79
HEALTH AND WELFARE
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AGENT
The first responsibility of the public assistance agency is to meet the basic needs of individuals who are themselves unable to meet them, and, by providing necessary services, to assist persons in developing their capacity for self-maintenance to the fullest extent possible to them.
Aid was given to 28 cases under the Old Age Assistance program during the year 1956. 4 cases were closed during the year and 2 were added. At the close of the year 24 cases were receiving assist- ance.
Gross Cost
$28,039.86
Receipts:
Balance from 1955 $ 102.69
U. S. Government 10,171.52
Comm. of Mass. 13,819.91
Comm. of Mass.,
Meals Tax 846.84
Other Cities & Towns
606.67
25,547.63
Cost to the Town of Lincoln
4,214.76
$29,762.39
Reserved for Old Age Assistance
1,722.53
$28,039.86
Aid was given to one family under the Aid to Dependent Children program during the year 1956.
Gross Cost
$ 514.54
Receipts:
Balance from 1955 $ 96.16
U. S. Government
529.65
Comm. of Mass.
397.18 1,022.99
Reserved for A. D. C. $ 361.58
Aid was given to one case under the Disability Assistance program during the year 1956.
Gross Cost
$
165.62
Respectfully submitted: M. Elizabeth Causer, Agent
80
MOSQUITO CONTROL
REPORT OF THE MOSQUITO CONTROL COMMISSIONER
A statement of work done and the financial picture is set forth in the appended report to me from the Commission's Superintendent. The anticipated balance at the end of April, 1957, is approximately one hundred and sixty dollars.
Because of the increase in costs some towns in which there is much drainage work to be done have been asked to increase their appro- priations so that the work may be done at the rate originally antici- pated. I believe this to be in the interest of the Town and recom- mend that the appropriation for 1957 be $6,500.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles H. Blake, Commissioner
MOSQUITO CONTROL IN LINCOLN IN 1956
This report is based on data to December 8, 1956. The fiscal year ends on December 31st. The actual budgeting, however, extends through April, 1957.
Mosquito control work included the dusting of approximately 344 acres of swamplands by hand during the winter and the early spring spraying of about 40 acres. This was supplemented by aircraft spray- ing of approximately 500 acres. All this was directed against the spring brood of mosquitoes. These several species are the main problem until after mid summer. Results were fair, but about 300 acres had to be resprayed by air during June mainly as an adult mos- quito control measure. In July aircraft spraying was done over about 300 acres primarily for the control of the mosquito Mansonia perturbans. In August there was some alarm about encephalitis and several localities were sprayed by air (150 acres) and a considerable amount of fogging was done with ground apparatus.
Drainage work planned for the fall and winter has not begun. The work which was begun in the general vicinity of the railroad station should be finished. 3 In addition it should be possible to clean old ditches in several other locations. About $1,500 of the budget is set aside for this purpose.
During the coming winter and spring we plan to do about the same dusting and spraying as in the previous season. This work will be reported in 1957, but it is financed from the 1956 budget.
81
HEALTH AND WELFARE
MOSQUITO CONTROL IN LINCOLN IN 1956
Financial Statement
Balance on hand January 1, 1956
$ 901.25
Appropriation for 1956 (received May 5th)
6,000.00
Total Funds
$6,901.25
Expenditures to December 8, 1956 (plus bills due) Labor $1,196.25
Aircraft services 646.00
Insecticides 481.50
Field operations, equipment, etc. 1,091.95
Office costs
542.22
Office rent (credit Cambridge)
47.00
Subtotal
$3,994.92
Credit from Bedford
57.60
Net Expenditure
$3,937.32
Balance on December 8, 1956 $2,963.93
Reserve for drainage $1,500.00
Reserve for midwinter dusting,
April spraying and overhead
costs to May, 1957 .
$1,300.00
$2,800.00
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission has requested an appropriation of $6,500 for 1957.
Respectfully submitted:
Robert L. Armstrong Superintendent
82
Planning and Public Works
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board was organized at its first meeting with E. A. Black, Chairman and Alan McClennen, Clerk. This year the Board has had to spend a relatively small amount of its time on subdivision development. This is in strong contrast to the work of the Board in recent years and is undoubtedly the preliminary result, at least, of our two acre zoning by-law. Within the last month two fairly sub- stantial subdivisions have appeared in their initial stages.
Route 2 Relocation
A subcommittee consisting of Mrs. White and Mr. Bogner made a thorough and practical study of four possible routes which a reloca- tion of Route 2 might take through the Town. These ranged from a route which would go from Route 128 northerly to near the boundary of Hanscom Field, then rejoining Route 2 near Crosby's Filling Sta- tion, to one which would go from Route 128 along the existing Route 2, thence south of Tracy's Filling Station along the north side of Sandy Pond and rejoining Route 2. The route unanimously preferred by the Planning Board is one which runs from Route 128 generally mid- way between Routes 2 and 2A and rejoins Route 2 near Crosby's Filling Station. It is felt that this route is least detrimental to the Town, from the standpoint of physical division and the condemning of valuable property. It is slightly longer than some of the other routes, but might be no more expensive to the State. The Planning
Board strongly urged a serious consideration of this route to the Department of Public Works. We were assured it would be carefully studied. At this date, no decision has been made, but it is believed that the Department of Public Works still favors a route substantially following Route 2, then passing south of Tracy's and rejoining Route 2 between Sandy Pond Road and the Concord line.
Industrial Zoning
Intermittently, since 1946, the report of the Planning Board has recommended expanded business or light industrial zoning. No action has ever been taken. Whether this is because of a genuine disapproval on the part of the Town or a lack of aggressiveness on the part of the Planning Board cannot be determined. Because of the rapidly increas- ing demands on the Town's finances for schools and other expanded faci- lities, and more recently the substantial encroachment by Hanscom Field, consideration of such zoning becomes more and more urgent. A majority of three members of the Board would recommend an area south of Route 2A and west of Mill Street. This area becomes less and less
83
PLANNING BOARD
attractive for housing os the traffic and activity at Hanscom Field expands. For some types of research and light industry, its value increases for the very same reasons. Industrial zoning carefully done would have the effect of substantially broadening the tax base and at the same time creating such an increase in economic values that the Air Force would be forced by high costs of land-taking to look elsewhere for space for their continuing expansion.
Two members of the Board are not ready to join in the recommenda- tion that an industrial zone be established for the following reasons: There exists no assurance that a gain on the tax-base may not be greatly offset by losses in the amenities this residential community now offers; and there is no reason to feel sure that an island of industrial development in North Lincoln will act as an effective deterrent to the expansion of Hanscom Field by the Federal Government. Therefore, before such a decisive step is taken, it appears necessary to present the voters with all obtainable information on the immediate and long-range consequences of such a move. Also, this problem has again brought into focus the Town's need for basic facts on the other problems facing the Town. In order to do this, the minority of the Planning Board recommends the development of necessary factual data by a planning consultant. Federal aid toward such planning is now
available.
During the year members of the Planning Board have discussed purely office building developments with several substantial companies. In each case it was felt that the personnel problems created by the location overcame the desirability of low cost, pleasant country surroundings. This is due largely to the fact that operations of this kind employ a large percentage of women and transportation becomes a paramount problem. It appears that operations of a research or light industrial nature might be much more readily attracted.
South Lincoln and Fire Station
During the year the Planning Board has made an intensive study of the business district in the area of the Station. There is increas- ing pressure for commercial expansion here because of the growth of the Town. Parking facilities are rapidly becoming inadequate, if they are not already. The existing pattern of commercial zoning and its relation to Lincoln Road does not present an opportunity for a practical or attractive expansion of the parking and shopping facili-
ties. Mr. McClennen has made an extensive study of the area and the problems and has presented a plan which is wholeheartedly endorsed by the Board. This plan involves the relocation of Lincoln Road, starting at Codman Road and going some 275 feet to the west at the midpoint, then rejoining Lincoln Road. The present Lincoln Road would be closed as a through street and the grade crossing relocated. This would then provide an ample integrated shopping area, all east of the through traffic and isolated from it. Substantial parking
84
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
facilities would be available and a genuine carefully planned com- munity shopping center would result.
At the same time that this study was in progress, the Fire Station Site Committee was making its studies. Several meetings were held between representatives of the two groups and it was found that there was no conflict between this long term plan of the Planning Board and that of the Fire Station Site Committee.
There are a number of problems to be resolved before such a plan can be instituted and it is not recommended that the Town take steps at this time to acquire land or relocate the road. It would be desirable if the relocation of the road could be accomplished under Chapter 90, but at this time it is by no means clear whether the State and County would approve. The relocation of the grade cross- ing presents another problem and the extent of this expense is not known. Some time will be required to resolve these various problems and determine the entire practicality of the plan. The Planning Board will actively pursue the determination of these unknowns so that it can eventually present the Town with an accurate picture of the costs involved and the benefits to be derived. In the meantime, this remains as a long range plan to guide the Planning Board in the orderly development of the general area.
Respectfully submitted:
E. A. Black, Chairman Alan McClennen, Clerk Arthur T. Howard Katharine S. White
Walter F. Bogner
85
BOARD OF APPEALS
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 Francis Umbrello for permission to build a road- side stand on his property on South Great Road, less than 40 feet from the line-of-way, denied.
Application of James DeNormandie for permission to remove surplus loam on Trapelo Road and also on his property on Route #117, granted.
Application of Hope Hunt for permission to build on non- conforming lot on Conant Road. granted with restrictions.
Application of Harriet L. Hardy, M. D. for a variance of the Zoning By-Law to permit the construction of a tool shed on her property on Weston Road, granted.
Application of David Todd for permission to relocate septic tank or cesspool in front of former telephone exchange on Lincoln Road, denied.
Application of Manley Boyce for permission to remove surplus loam from his farm on Old Sudbury Road, South Lincoln, granted.
Application of Thomas Mix for a variance of the Zoning By-Law to permit division of his property on Lincoln Road into two lots, the first of which would conform in all respects to the Zoning By- Laws and the second of which would be non-conforming in that the shortest distance through an existing single family dwelling house thereon, from side lot line to side lot line, will be 217 feet, and (under an alternate plan) this lot would contain 59,886 square feet, denied.
Application of Richard E. Powers of Old Bedford Road for per- mission to build a garage and breezeway less than thirty feet from the side lot line, denied.
Application of Gardner Tucker for permission to build a dwelling on Lincoln Road, South Lincoln, less than 30 feet from the side lot
86
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
line, granted.
Application of S. Y. Lee and Yao Tza Li of Watertown, Mass. for permission to alter lot line between lots #22 and #23 on Huckleberry Hill, granted.
Application of Walter Barthel for permission to divide a 6.8 acre lot at the corner of Virginia Road and Old Bedford Road into four building lots, denied.
Application of Nicholas Lindsay for permission to install another gasoline tank on service station premises at the intersection of Route 2A and the Turnpike by-pass, granted.
Application of John Tew for St. Anne's Church of Lincoln, Mass. for permission to build an addition to the present parish house which is located on a non-conforming lot, granted.
Application of Anthony Cassis for permission to sell all vacant land owned by him off the Cambridge Turnpike (Route 2) ex- cept an area of approximately 40,750 square feet on which a dwelling house now exists, marked Lot "A" on plan entitled "Lincoln Charm Acres" dated December 27, 1954, plan of S. Albert Kaufman, denied.
Application of John A. Carley for permission to alter dwelling on non-conforming lot on MacIntosh Lane, granted.
Application of G. A. Wiley for permission to divide land on Lexington Road under terms of old Zoning By-Law of the Town, allowed with certain restrictions.
Application of Paul F. Shepard for permission to divide his land on Old Bedford Road into two lots not conforming to the present Zoning By-Law, denied.
Application of Antonio DiGiovanni and Jean DiGiovanni for per- mission to remodel a garage into a dwelling on premises on South Great Road, granted.
Application of Manley B. Boyce for a license for not more than 1 one year to receive, store, sort and send out vegetable boxes and crates on his property on Old Sudbury Road, granted for one year, conditionally.
Application of Edward Boyer for renewal of temporary license to allow the sale of new and used cars at his garage on South Great Road, granted until December 31, 1957, subject to restrictions.
87
BOARD OF APPEALS
Application of Henry and Eleanor Pallotta of Winter Street for permission to allow a trailer on their property to be occupied by and for the convenience of Gabrielle Coignat until June, 1957, with- out further extension, granted with certain stipulations, until June 15, 1957.
Application of George R. Harrison of 24 Oakley Road, Belmont 78, Mass. for permission to remove surplus material from his property on South Great Road, granted under the provisions of Section 51 of the Zoning By-Law.
Application of Quincy W. Wales for permission to remove surplus soil from his property on Weston Road, granted under the provisions of Section 51 of the Zoning By-Law.
Application of Charles and Katrina Jenney for a variance to allow them to rebuild a damaged garage on their Bedford Road property which does not conform to present Zoning By-Laws, granted.
Application of Thomas T. and Stella A. Giles for a variance to allow a subdivision of their land at South Great Road to create a lot containing 40,600 square feet more or less which will not conform to the present Zoning By-Laws, denied.
Respectfully submitted:
Thomas B. Adams William M. Dean Henry B. Hoover Hans Van Leer John White, Chairman
88
PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Board held thirteen meetings during the year.
No subdivisions were submitted for formal action, but in a number of instances members of the Board sat in on preliminary hearings be- fore the Planning Board. Board members are always willing to be consulted by developers or subdividers to assist them in planning the installation of water mains according to the regulations.
Customers on Brooks Road and Old Concord Turnpike were frequently without water last summer, and as a serious emergency developed, the Town was asked to vote to borrow $60,000 to renew these. mains.
Coffin & Richardson prepared specifications from the use of State Road plans and on the ground surveys, which proposed an 8" main from the corner of Brooks Road and Route 2A along Brooks Road, across Route 2, thence along the remaining section of the Old Concord Turn- pike and along Route 2 until it reaches and joins a six inch pipe below the Leslie Farm, a total of 5,200 linear feet.
Greenough Bros., as low bidders, were awarded the contract. They performed the work speedily and satisfactorily. The complete job, including materials and engineering, cost $48,018.08 of the $50,000 which was borrowed. The Superintendent and the assistant performed a very excellent job in inspection.
The Director of the Water Division of the Metropolitan District Commission advises that there are at present no definite plans for extending M. D. C. mains toward Lincoln. However, with increased demands due to housing, construction, Government facilities, etc., consideration may be given at some future time.
The chlorinator operates well, but the sodium hypochlorite corrodes some of the fittings, causing leaks which damage the floor. The supplier is endeavoring to correct this trouble, although he claims the problem is very difficult.
The Board desires to keep the inhabitants conscious of possible pollution of Sandy Pond. It relies on the Water Works personnel, the DeCordova and Dana Museum personnel, the abutting land owners, and the police to prevent trespassing on, in, or near the pond. If these efforts are not successful, the Town could consider the erection of a fence on the lands where the offences are hardest to control.
The Commissioners wish to record their appreciation to the Super- intendent and his assistant for the interest they exhibit in their work, and for their general efficiency and cooperation.
89
INSPECTORS
Water Department Statistics, January, 1957
Pipe in use
31.0 M.
Number of hydrants in use
239
Number of stop-gates in use
Number of blow- offs in use
Range of pressure on mains
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