USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1950-1954 > Part 25
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Petition of John E. Myatt, decided on June 23, 1952, for a variance from the Zoning By-Law to permit the continu- ance of the location of a house owned by him at 219 High- land Road on a lot with a frontage of less than 75 feet and with a side yard on the north of only two feet. Granted
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Petition of John E. Myatt, William J. Myatt, and Mary Lavang, decided on June 23, 1952, for a variance from the Zoning By-Law to permit the continuance of the location of a house owned by them as the heirs of Norman P. Myatt at 221 Highland Road on a lot with a frontage of less than 75 feet and with a side yard on the south of only 10 feet.
Granted
Petition of Giocchino J. Cavallaro and Concetta Cavallaro, decided on July 2, 1952, for permission to erect and maintain a roadside stand on property owned by them on the east side of South Main Street for the purpose of selling poultry and eggs. Denied
Petition of Emil Sigouin and Lucinda Sigouin, decided on July 2, 1952, for permission to construct and operate a building to be used as a sanitarium and convalescent home in the rear of property owned by them at 10 Argilla Road. Denied
Request of Oscar R. Hoehn, granted on July 2, 1952, for approval of the subdivision into three lots of the property owned by him at 53-55-57 High Street in accordance with the provisions of decision of the Board of May 26, 1947, giving permission to erect a four-apartment house on the property. Granted
Petition of Donald B. Look, decided on August 6, 1952, for permission to convert a one-family house owned by him and other heirs of Dr. Percy J. Look at 115 Main Street into a four-apartment house. Granted
Petition of Giocchino J. Cavallaro and Concetta Cavallaro, decided on August 6, 1952, for permission to erect and main- tain a roadside stand on property owned by them on the east side of South Main Street for the sale of poultry and eggs produced on the property and farm produce raised thereon. Granted
Petition of Esther W. Smith, decided on August 6, 1952, for permission to subdivide land owned by her on the north side of Shawsheen Road. Granted
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Petition of Charles and Ellen Danna, decided on August 6 1952, for a variance from the Zoning By-Law for permission to operate a dog kennel on the By-Pass. Denied
Petition of Raymond L. Furneaux, Frances A. Furneaux and Rita F. Furneaux, decided on October 6, 1952, for per- mission to sell antiques on property owned by them on the north side of Lowell Street. Denied
Petition of the Trustees of Phillips Academy, decided on October 10, 1952, for permission to subdivide property owned by it on the southeast side of Woodland Road.
Granted
Petition of Albert A. Rooney and Agnes E. Rooney, de- cided on October 14, 1952, for permission to construct and maintain a house on property owned by them on the east side of North Main Street near Balmoral Street, with side yards of less than 15 feet. Granted
Petition of M. T. Stevens and Sons Company, decided on November 24, 1952, for permission to subdivide property owned by it on North Main, Stevens, and Cassimere Streets resulting in frontages, side yards, areas, and rear yards in numerous instances which are less than the requirements of the Zoning By-Law. Granted
Petition of W. R. Hill, decided on December 29, 1952, for permission to convert a one-family house owned by him at 23 Central Street into a two-apartment house. Granted
Petition of Marguerite L. Botsch, decided on December 29, 1952, for permission to convert a one-family house owned by her at 8 Dumbarton Street into a two-apartment house.
Denied
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. EASTHAM, Chairman ROY E. HARDY, Secretary EDWARD P. HALL
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Report of Planning Board and Board of Survey
The following Public Hearings were held by the Planning Board during the year 1952:
Feb. 8-There were five hearings on this date as follows:
1-Relative to a proposed amendment to the Town Zoning By-Law changing the zoning from a single Residence District to a Business District a parcel of land on Main Street, known as the "Shaw Estate" and owned by the Town of Andover.
The Board voted in favor with limitations reserving a strip of land of at least 50 feet on the west side.
2-Concerning a re-zoning of the properties at #9 and #13 Chestnut Street by changing to a Business District from a single Residence District.
The owner at 9 Chestnut Street withdrew his petition. The Board is opposed to the change requested at#13 Chest- nut Street for following reasons: (1) no need of a change was presented; (2) the neighborhood has desirable resi- dential property which would be adversely affected; (3) expansion of business district to include this one property would not serve any existing need or be good planning.
3-Proposal to amend the Town Zoning By-Law in refer- ence to the removal of earth, etc.
The Board is not in favor of this amendment. It is of the opinion that this matter requires further study and that the wording of the amendment would result in confusion as to the operation of the existing gravel pits.
4-Relative to a proposal to amend the Zoning By-Law by altering the wording in Section 4 of Section XII for a two- family or apartment house.
The Board is in favor of the amendment and suggests the following wording: "4. Permit conversion of a one-family or a two or more family house if existing at the time this By-Law is adopted into a two-family or apartment house."
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5-A proposed amendment to the Town Zoning By-Law: Any structure for living quarters hereafter erected to have a first floor area of at least 400 square feet.
The Board is in favor of this amendment because it is de- sirable from a health standpoint and would serve to prohibit home trailers which the Board regards as detrimental to the best interests of the Town.
February 15-Petition relative to a proposed amendment to the Zoning By-Law concerning a change from a Residen- tial to a Business District the property known as the "Duck Inn" on Lowell Street.
The Board is opposed to this amendment. The adjacent properties are residential and would be adversely affected by the change requested. Public convenience does not re- quire the change and the majority of neighboring owners are in opposition. Further the proposed change would be spot zoning and therefore illegal.
A proposal to amend the Zoning By-Law by re-zoning from Single Residential to a Business District a parcel of land located between 291 and 295 North Main Street.
After consideration on all factors the Board is opposed to the proposed change. Highly desirable residential properties abut this property. There appears to be no public need of expanding the Business District to encompass this area.
February 20-A proposed amendment to the Zoning By- Law concerning a change from a Residential to a Business District of property located at the corner of Poor and Lowell Streets on Petition of Mr. Donald McNeil.
By a majority vote the Board is opposed to this re-zoning for the following reasons :
(1) The surrounding properties would suffer in prop- erty values.
(2) Enlargement of the commercial use would con- tribute to the existing traffic hazard.
(3) Dangers to the many children in the vicinity from school and Hussey's Pond both in winter and summer.
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(4) The proposed change would further adversely af- fect the parking facilities in the immediate vicinity.
April 4-For approval of a plan of land located east of Virginia Road for the purpose of subdivision and opening for public use on petition of Carl H. Stevens. This plan was approved.
June 13-1 A petition by Karl Killorin for approval of a plan on Porter Road for purpose of subdivision and open- ing for public use.
2-Request for approval of a plan of land for purpose of subdivision and opening for public use a way known as Judson Road.
3-A petition for approval of a plan of land at the junc- tion of Lowell Street and Bellevue Road for purpose of sub- division only.
All three foregoing plans were approved.
July 7-A request for approval of a plan of land on the southerly side of Lowell Street formerly part of the Ward Estate for the purpose of subdivision and opening for public use.
Approval was withheld until the petitioner Mr. T. Grasso furnished a bond in the amount of $10,000.00 to cover the cost of constructing necessary drainage from Lincoln Street through the property. Mr. Grasso later constructed this drainage system and the plan was approved forthwith.
October 20-Petitioner Fred Smith requested approval of a plan of land east of Highland Road and Adjacent to High- land Avenue for purpose of subdivision and opening for pub- lic use.
A modified plan eliminating certain lots not adjacent to the proposed way was approved.
December 8-George F. Dufton requested approval of a plan of land located at the junction of Shawsheen Road and Stevens Street for the purpose of subdivision and opening for public use a private way known as "Beech Circle".
This plan was approved.
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December 22-M. T. Stevens Company requested approval of a plan of land located off Stevens Street for the purpose of subdivision and opening for public use a private way known as "Cassimere Street".
This plan was approved.
A petition was made for approval of a plan of land lo- cated between Walnut Avenue and Elm Street for the pur- pose of opening for public use a private way known as "Lockway Road".
It was the unanimous decision of the Board that the fore- going street layout should not be approved until steps are taken to put the road in proper condition and arrange for proper drainage.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER C. TOMLINSON, Chairman LEON A. FIELD, Secretary FREDERICK E. CHEEVER KIRK R. BATCHELLER RICHARD C. SIMMERS
EDWARD R. LAWSON, Clerk
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Report of Recreation Committee
The Andover Recreation Committee submits the following annual report for the year 1952:
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Five playgrounds were operated during the past season with a personnel of fourteen instructors and one supervisor. Handicraft work, which was carried on a reduced scale the past few years, was extensively reactivated this year due to the fact that we had two excellent instructors in this art. We hope to enlarge upon this field of recreation which is one of the most beneficial and noteworthy in our program. The usual Field Days, Twilight Baseball League, and Annual Picnic were carried as in the past. For the first time in three years Central Playground will be located in the regular spot on the Central School grounds and not in the make-shift location in the Park. West Center Playground will be moved to the new West Center Elementary School Grounds.
POMPS POND
Personnel consisted of a supervisor, matron and five life guards. The hot dry summer increased the attendance at the beach and the number of children and adults enjoying this form of recreation was far above the average. This year, an extensive Water Safety and Life Saving Program will be in- augurated. The pond will be under our supervision for ten weeks. A complete Red Cross Water Program will be carried on taking in children from the age of five and up and in- cluding adults. We hope to see large classes in the age five group as Beginners and also in the Swimmer, Intermediate and Advanced classes, leading up to Junior and Senior Life Saving instruction. These Life Saving classes will be held for any adults who wish to learn or have a refresher course in the new swimming and life saving methods. The oppor- tunity is provided for everybody to enjoy the recreational features at Pomps Pond and at the same time learn to swim and possibly save a life some day.
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WINTER ACTIVITIES
We had only one skating area in Ballardvale this past season, as Central was closed because of the Central School construction. This year both areas will be in use and kept in condition during the skating season. This means plowing and proper spraying.
EASTER AND HALLOWEEN PARTIES
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt was held on Easter Sat- urday with approximately 1200 children participating with their parents witnessing the spectacle of seeing 14,000 pieces of candy scooped up in less than one minute.
Halloween Parties were held in Ballardvale, West Center, North District with two at Central. Those under Junior High School age celebrated in the Memorial Auditorium and the Junior and Punchard School students enjoyed their fun in the new Elementary School gymnasium. The Recretaion Committee provided ice cream, candy, cookies and tonics for 1,600 children. Half of the expenditures were met by gener- ous contributions from the following organizations: Ameri- can Legion Post No. 8 and the Ladies Auxiliary ; all Women's Post of the American Legion; V.F.W. Post No. 2127 and the Auxiliary ; Police and Firemen's Relief Associations; And- over Service Club; Andover Youth Center; Andovver Boost- ers Club ; Andover Teachers Association ; Andover PTA-Stu- dent, Andover Elementary, and Shawsheen PTA Associa- tions; St. Augustine's School Guild, and Miss Carmelina Cristaldi.
PENDING IMPROVEMENTS TO GROUNDS
This year we are sponsoring a special article in the Town Warrant for $600.00 to be spent in conjunction with the special appropriation of $2,300.00 approved at the 1950 Town Meeting to improve and resurface a portion of Central Playground for year round recreational purposes. This will be a hot top job in an area 74 x 180 feet for skating in the winter and other activities in the summer. We also hope to install a few lights at both skating areas so that adults may enjoy skating in the evening.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To all organizations - veteran, civil and social - whose generosity and cooperation did so much to make our year successful, we extend our sincere thanks and apprecia- tion.
STAFFORD A. LINDSAY, Chairman FRANCIS P. MARKEY, Secretary ALAN F. DUNLOP GEORGE A. STANLEY, JR. ALCO E. TAYLOR
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Report of The Special Committee On Water and Sewerage
This committee, appointed at the annual Town Meeting of March 1941, submits the following as its report for the year 1952.
WATER
The completion of the new water line from Phillips Street to Bancroft Road during the past year brings to com- pletion practically all of the major improvements recom- mended for the Low Service System by your Committee in its 1945 report. The new pump at Haggetts Pond together with the four miles of 16" pipe installed in the past seven years proved capable of meeting the extremely heavy draft during the greatest demand of last summer.
The lining of the force main from the High Service Pump- ing Station to the High Service Reservoir has enabled the new pumps at Bancroft Road to maintain a reasonably sat- isfactory level in the reservoir. The capacity of this reser- voir, however, is only a little over half a million gallons, and this is definitely insufficient for the constantly increasing demand on our High Service System. Your Committee has several times reported that the distribution lines in this sys- tem are inadequate, and the continual increase in building and demand makes this steadily more significant. No ex- penditure is recommended now, but the Town should keep in mind the inevitable expense to be met in the future.
The total annual use of water by the Town is rapidly ap- proaching the quantity available from Haggetts Pond. In our 1945 report, it was stated that the safe yield was about 1 1/3 million gallons per day under dry weather conditions, and not over 1.85 millions per day with normal rain. Our present demand must be considered as at least 1.5 millions per day and we are definitely approaching the limit of safe yield. The Board of Public Works has spent money wisely in cleaning the edges of the pond, but this will not give any
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important additional yield. We must soon increase our avail- able supply by raising the level of Haggetts Pond, as sug- gested in 1945, by developing nearby areas, or by some other means not now in sight.
SEWERAGE
Since 1945 your Committee has continued to advise the necessity of sewerage construction in Ballardvale. Constant growth of this part of the Town, with increased water usage, has brought about conditions in the center of the area which cannot longer be tolerated. The Massachusetts De- partment of Public Health has strongly recommended to the Local Board of Health that immediate action be taken to remedy conditions in parts of this area.
Your Committee has considered several methods of allevi- ation. One would involve the construction of a gravity sewer line from the center of Ballardvale to meet the upper end of the Town system at Abbott's Bridge. This was suggested in our report of 1945. Investigation this year shows that the cost of this extension would approach $100,000.00 without any local intercepting sewers, would present considerable difficulty in construction because of the very slight difference in grade available, and would add a significant amount of sewage to that which now must be pumped daily in our rather antiquated pumping station.
A second method would be the construction of a force main from the center of Ballardvale to the present sewer. This would cost a little less than the gravity line, and might be somewhat easier to install, but it would entail continuous pumping and maintenance which means a fairly high annual cost.
Your Committee has also investigated the possibilities of utilizing a separate system for Ballardvale, with a local treatment plant to discharge into the Shawsheen River. One separate system plan which was considered could take care of the immediate pressing needs of about twenty dwellings. Some of these dwellings are on River Street and the others are in the general area of the Post Office. It would cost $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 to construct collecting sewers which would serve these houses, and others situated on the line
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which the laterals would follow. Probably 150 persons would be tributary to this system. The necessary treatment plant to handle the sewage collected under this scheme would cost about $25,000.00
An alternate and more desirable separate system would consist of a type of treatment plant which could be expanded when needed, with an integrated system of laterals which can be made to fit in with an overall development of the district.
To extend the collecting sewers to serve most of the re- maining area in Ballardvale would increase the cost of sewer lines to not over $45,000.00 total. This would serve a popu- lation of about 350 now, and could be later extended to near- by areas. It would be advisable to construct a treatment plant to furnish capacity for about 600 persons, to allow for increase in population, increase in water consumption, and later extensions of the sewers. The estimated cost of such a plant, including the cost of land and approach and dis- charge sewer lines, is about $40,000.00. If necessary later, additional capacity could be added at relatively low cost.
This alternate plan seems to your Committee to be much more economical and farsighted, and we therefore recom- mend that the Town appropriate $80,000.00 this year, to build the treatment plant, and to construct collectors to take in the worst areas and for extensions as far beyond as funds will permit. The eventual return to the Town from sewer assessments would be about $30,000.00.
Your Committee calls your attention to other areas in which sewerage is now inadequate, and where extensions must be made immediately or in the near future. These areas include upper Salem Street, Appletree Lane, Holt Road, Bancroft Road, Wildwood Road, Orchard Street and other sections off South Main Street. Upper Summer Street is also a critical area and it is understood that an article for sewer construction there will be included in the 1953 war- rant. In considering these problems the Town should be prepared to make the necessary expenditures in the near
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future and should make the necessary engineering studies at once.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MCCARTHY, Chairman WILLIAM R. EDWARDS SIDNEY P. WHITE
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Andover Town Infirmary
January 1, 1953
Board of Selectmen, Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
The annual report of the Town Infirmary for the year 1952 is hereby given.
We have given shelter to eleven persons during the past year, four of whom are no longer here. One was a transient World War I veteran who needed a place to stay for the night, as he had come from Togus, Maine on his way to Brockton after an operation, and whose funds had run out. Two others were ill and had to be sent to a rest home and another institution, and our oldest resident died the 5th of December after a two weeks' illness. Although the general health of the folks in the home is good, increasing age brings on sickness which cannot be resisted so well as when they were young, and we have had several bouts with colds and other ailments which have required the presence and advice of doctors.
During the year we acquired a deep freeze unit which makes it possible to buy quantities of food at a time and get wholesale prices. Three floors in the back part of the house were relaid with new linoleum and two new mattresses were bought. Bids were received for painting the house on the outside, but it was getting too cold to do the work, so this has been put over as a project for this year.
We were given a fine rating by the state inspector, Mrs. Doyle, who came in May to see is.
A new entertainment for the folks has been given the past year in the form of moving pictures furnished by the Salva- tion Army of Lawrence once a month.
Mrs. Mary C. Edmands, who has been matron for the past five years, resigned in April of 1952, and her daughter, who has been assistant during that time took her place. Mrs. Edmands is at the Infirmary for the present.
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The Christmas season was made merry as different or- ganizations and individuals in town remembered the shut-ins here at the home with gifts and cards. The folks had fine Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and every birthday a cake is baked by the matron for the special occasion. The Abbot Academy Christian Association, The King's Daugh- ters, the November Club, the Sacred Heart Sodality, groups of carolers and friends of the family are especially thanked for the interest they took in the Infirmary during the year.
Number of Inmates, January 1, 1952 10
Number admitted during year
1
Number discharged during year
3
Number died during year 1
Number of Inmates, Januray 1, 1953
7
Number between 60 and 70 years of age
1
Number between 70 and 80 years of age 4
Number between 80 and 90 years of age 2
Respectfully submitted,
JEAN E. WEEKS, Matron
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Fire Department
February 9, 1953
Board of Selectmen Town Hall Andover, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit my twelfth annual report as Chief of the Andover Fire Dept.
During the year 1952 the department answered the fol- lowing alarms : 62 Bell; 226 Stills ; 2 False; Total 288.
Assessed value of buildings where fires occurred was $1,- 311,550.00.
Loss in buildings where fires occurred was $34,136.76.
Ambulance calls for the year totaled 634.
Power burners inspected 266, range burners 79, liquefied petroleum systems 84, fire prevention inspections in public and mercantile buildings 170. Total inspections 569.
The new American-LaFrance 1000 gal. pumper, author- ized by the Town Meeting in March, was put in service August 25, 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
C. EDWARD BUCHAN, Chief Andover Fire Dept.
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Police Department
January 15, 1953
To the Board of Selectman,
Andover, Massachusetts
GENTLEMEN :
I hereby submit my report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated 491
Bicycles stolen in Andover 19
102
Bicycles recovered in Andover
16
Automobiles stolen in Andover
4
Breaks in Camps and Dwellings
23
Automobiles recovered in Andover
4
Doors in Business District found open and secured 153
Runaway children returned to parents or institutions 17
Lost children returned to parents 16
Dogs killed by automobiles 33
Dogs gassed by Police 4
Street Lights reported out to Lawrence Gas Co. 329
Dogs lost and returned to owner 80
Board of Health and animal Inspector notified on dog bites 33 Number of persons bitten by dogs 33
Cattle lost and returned to owners
5
Dead bodies cared for by police
2
Suicides reported and investigated by police
1
Attempted suicides
1
Tramps put up for night in lock-up
1
Dwelling houses inspected while owners away
217
Articles found and returned to owners
20
Summons served on local complaints in Andover 27
Fires discovered by Police 3
Missing persons reported, located and returned 11
Highway conditions reported to B. P. W. 18
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Persons notified for out of town police 29
Summons served for out of town police
Tree Dept. notified of limbs and trees down in streets 9 Persons taken to Danvers State Hosp. by Police 7 Persons taken to Hospital by Police in Cruisers Hens killed by dogs, investigated by Police False alarms of fire investigated by Police Burglar Alarms set off and investigated by Police Articles Lost
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