USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 60
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In 1967, residential development proceeded at a faster rate than industrial development. Hence, industry paid a slightly smaller percentage of the Town's taxes in 1968. The erection of several plants in the southern section of Andover should reverse this trend noticeably in 1969.
The Gillette Toiletries Company plant will open in 1969. A $1 Million building permit for of- fice and cafeteria has been granted in October of 1968 in addition to the $3.9 million permit which was granted in 1967 for the warehouse and fac- tory. The Town of Andover's road, sewer and wa- ter installations, approved for $1 Million in 1967, are nearly complete.
The Service Warehouse Company plant, 100,000 sq. ft., straddling Andover and Wil- mington, is practically finished and has been in operation for several months in 1968.
On motion by the Planning Board, supported by the Industrial Commission, an area of 5.89 acres in Ballardvale was re-zoned from Residen- tial B to Industrial G by unanimous vote of the August 1st Special Town Meeting. The Shawsheen Rubber Company has been granted a permit to erect a $70,000 addition to its present plant,
The Commission proposed an article in the March Regular Town Meeting to create an author- ity to issue tax-free municipal bonds for financ- ing the construction of industrial facilities in line with recent State Legislation. The Article car-
ried, but the authority was never activated be- cause the Federal Treasury refused shortly there- after to approve the tax-free status of such bonds.
In a hearing before the Planning Board, the Commission opposed a soil removal amendment because it appeared to hinder industrial con- struction without creating commensurate bene- fits to the residents of the Town, but withdrew its opposition when the Planning Board produced a revised version.
The Commission is opposed to suggestions to zone land along Route 495 for industry - first, because access to Route 495 would require travel over long stretches of Town roads in residential zones, and, secondly, because the land on both sides of Route 495 west of Route 93 is watershed for Haggetts Pond.
The Commission continued its work with the Planning Board and Adams, Howard and Opper- mann, Planning Board consultants, to up-date and tighten the industrial zoning regulations, pri- marily to achieve better compatibility with abut- ting residential properties.
Board of Appeals
Board of Appeals during the year 1968 heard 38 petitions.
As provided by Section 14, Chapter 40A of the General Laws, the Board of Appeals during the year 1968 heard 38 petitions which were dis- posed of as follows :
25 petitions granted
6 petitions denied
1 petition withdrawn
6 petitions pending
A total of $525 for advertising fees was col- lected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
18
Council on Aging
The highlight of the year was establishment of the drop-in center, Andover Haven.
The Council has continued in its efforts to assist the senior citizens of Andover.
A regular program of monthly luncheons held at the Greater Lawrence Vocational and Technical High School provides an average of 80-100 citizens with an inexpensive good hot nourishing meal eaten in the congenial atmos- phere which the pleasant companionship of fel- low citizens provides. It has proven to be most popular.
An offshoot of the luncheon groups was the establishment from among their number of a trip committee, a small number who plan with the Council trips and outings of interest. These acti- vities included bus rides to the beaches, shopping
centers, movies, foliage tours, all at minimum cost.
Unquestionably the highlight of the year was the establishment of the drop-in center, An- dover Haven, on Barnard Street. This was the direct result of the survey conducted last year by the Council. The center is open every week day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is staffed by senior citizen volunteers. The coordinator of the volun- teer staff and Council right arm is Mrs. Natalie Stokham. Furnishings for the Haven were made possible through generous grants from The Ray- theon Company, and the Fund for the Home for the Aged. The Andover Police Club presented the Haven with a color TV. Many other private citi- zens and local businesses cooperated in making our grand opening on November 22 a success.
The Haven now offers a bowling group for men and women, art classes under the direction of a talented senior citizen, Mr. John Reid, a spe- cial men's day, plus opportunities for useful cha- ritable activities. A group at the Haven assisted the Lion's Club Eye Fund Drive by stuffing en- velopes. The ladies of the group have held bake sales which paid for their Christmas party, which was held at the Junior High School. Under the guidance and sponsorship of the Council the Ha- ven has become a center of meaningful activity for Andover's "over-60" population.
In cooperation with the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, the Council on Aging has made identification cards available to our older citizens entitling them to a percentage dis- count off all purchases and services offered by participating merchants.
The Council applied for matching state funds to assist in the program, but were unsuc- cessful, although some assurance was given that such help would be available. The Council feels that the Director of the Haven and coordinator of the volunteer staff should be a part-time paid position.
An additional service provided by the Coun- cil will be a booklet now in printing published by the Council containing information relative to services, organizations, and items of concern and interest to the senior citizens of Andover. It will be distributed early in 1969.
The Council is especially indebted to the town Recreation Director, Mr. Leslie Bartow, for his cooperation and assistance in the work of the Council.
19
Public Safety
Police Department
During the year 1968, the police cruisers travelled a distance of 320,679 miles.
The following is a report of police activities for the year 1968 and a comparison with the year 1964. In 1968 the police force consisted of 34 men, a Chief, 5 Sergeants and 28 Patrolmen. There were also 2 Reserve Officers, 2 civilian em- ployees and 10 women Traffic Supervisors. This made a total of 46 regularly paid employees as against a total of 40 in 1964.
In 1968, 3,820 miscellaneous complaints or details requiring police action were recorded as against 2,507 in 1964. This represents an increase in five years of 1,313 or more than 50%
During the year 1968 there were 643 arrests or court appearances made of which 464 were traffic violations, 150 non-traffic violations and 29 juvenile cases. Of the 464 traffic violations, 237 were for speeding. The 643 court cases in 1968 represents an increase of 449 over the 1964 figure of 194 or about 230%
In the year 1968 there were 128 cases of breaking and entering as against 87 in 1964. This
is an increase of about 45%. Also in 1968 there was an increase in the crime of larceny over 1964, 247 cases reported as against 182, or about 35%. Of the 247 cases reported in 1968, 147 were for larceny under $50 in value and 100 were for lar- ceny over $50 in value. In 1964, 97 were under $50 and 85 were over $50 in value.
Another large increase is shown in the num- ber of cars reported stolen, 40 in 1968 and only 17 in 1964, about a 135% increase.
During 1968 a total of 632 accidents were reported which is an increase of about 235 over the 397 recorded in 1964. This is an increase of almost 60% .
For the year 1968 the breakdown of acci- dents is as follows: (1964 in parentheses) Fatal -5 (4), Personal Injury - 283 (192), Property Damage - 344 (201).
In 1968, 249 motor vehicle warnings were sent to the Registry of Motor Vehicles which is 96 less than the 1964 figure of 345. However, this drop can be attributed to the change in the me- thod of issuing warnings which was brought on by the no-fix law.
In 1968 the police department issued 3,938 parking tags, an increase of 2,012 over 1964 when only 1,926 tags were issued. In 1964 Ray- theon had laid off many of the working force and the parking lots were able to accommodate the cars.
During the year 1968 the police cruisers traveled a distance of 320,679 miles, an increase of 99,668 over the 1964 mileage, 228,011.
Of the more serious crimes in 1968, the po- lice department recorded 2 cases of rape, 6 cases of robbery, and 15 cases of assault.
POLICE STATISTICS
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
Breaking and Entering
128
94
104
79
87
Larceny :
Over $50.00
100
113
74
72
85
Under $50.00
147
175
190
84
97
Stolen Cars
40
56
21
19
17
Motor Vehicle Violations
464
486
425
132
345
Motor Vehicle Accidents
632
562
441
389
397
Motor Vehicle Injuries
283
252
200
189
192
Motor Vehicle Deaths
5
4
4
2
4
20
/
Fire Department
Objectives of fire protection are to prevent fire from starting.
The Fire Department is established and maintained by the municipality to provide pro- tection to the public against injury, loss of life or property by fire, explosion or other causes. Be- cause of the importance and the hazardous na- ture of this work, the firefighter engaged in it must possess stamina and courage of the highest order. In addition, however, he must possess cer- tain specific knowledge concerning his work if he is to perform his duties efficiently and with minimum of risk ti himself and to his fellow firefighters. He should have detailed knowledge of the dangers arising from heat, smoke, explo- sions, etc., caused by fire; of the hazards pre- sented by new industries, processes and materi- als developed by science; of the construction of buildings and the hazards involved in the materi- als used or stored in them; and of the dangers in- herent in the use of water at high pressures.
Objectives of fire protection are to prevent fire from starting, to prevent loss of life and pro- perty in case fire starts, to confine fire to the place of origin and to extinguish it.
From the point of view of Town Govern- ment, this involves the services of fire preven- tions and fire fighting. Fire fighting, because it requires positive and dramatic action, has a far greater appeal for people than have fire preven- tion measures which involve restrictions, prohibi- tions and administrative "interference" with what are termed "individual rights".
The Fire Department installs, repairs and maintains a coded fire alarm system comprising some three million feet of wiring, both aerial and underground, and associated street boxes and sta- tion equipment for controlling the system. The Department operates from three stations-Cen- tral, Ballardvale and West Andover. Its fifty-one men use six pieces of firefighting equipment.
Quarterly inspections of nursing homes, hos- pitals and inns, as required by State statutes, were conducted and the necessary reports filed with the proper authorities. Public and private school fire drills and inspections required by law were conducted. Mercantile, industrial, church, garage and service stations were inspected and reports filed. Findings and recommendations were sent to owners and/or occupants of dwelling houses of three or more apartments. In-service in- spections were conducted from all stations using radio-controlled fire trucks and a full complement of firefighters.
As in past years, the major causes of fire were carelessness, the use of smoking materials, children and matches and faulty electrical appli- ances and wiring.
Fire Department Activities
1968
1964
Service Calls
2,159
1,879
Fires
520
466
False Alarms
21
6
Mutual Aid Calls
17
8
Approximate Assessed Value of
Buildings where fire
occurred
$19,660,580
$2,902,075
Approximate Loss from fire $68,637
797
725
Non-Residents Billed
140
80
Open Air Fire Permits Issued 2,946
2,800
Open Air Burning Violations
68
52
Fuel Oil Heat Installation
Permits
101
146
Explosive Use Permits
27
38
Building Inspections
909
714
Fire Drills
116
92
Fatalities from Fire
0
0
$180,650
Ambulance Calls
for Ambulance Service
21
Civil Defense
Shawsheen River caused con- cern as it neared flood level.
The State and Federal governments seem to be still concentrating on a program to find and stock more Fallout Shelters. This program was quite in evidence this past summer when the townspeople either received a form to be filled out and returned or were contacted personally by a team of people assigned to do this. The town had about an eighty per cent return of the form which was quite gratifying.
In this area, the town received an award for an outstanding Stocking Program. This award was presented by the new Region representative to the State of Massachusetts, Mr. Raymond LaRosa, a resident of Andover.
This past Spring, the Shawsheen River caused concern as it neared flood level and did overflow its banks in some areas. With State help, some 500 sand bags were procured which helped to contain the river in areas where dam- age might have occured.
With the help of the town manager and a local architect, a planning report on the feasibility of placing an Emergency Communica- tion Center in the new Public Safety Center was completed. The report has been accepted by both the State and Federal Government. This had to be done to aid the town in applying for Matching Funds, should the townspeople see fit to install a new E.C.C. in the Safety Center.
The Auxiliary Police and the Communications Group held meetings and drills. As in the past, help was rendered the town at various times. These two groups put in some 2500 hours of volunteer time.
John Guild, a long time active member of the Communications Group, passed away this past summer.
In the area of surplus property, with the help of several people, two generators which were ac- quired will be of great help to the town.
As in the past, thanks go to all who have helped make the year easier for the Director and also a reminder that the Director is available to answer any questions on C. D. More volunteers in every phase of Civil Defense are needed !
Animal Inspection
Number of Cattle Inspected :
3
Registered Grade
86
Number of Sheep Inspected
30
Number of Horses Inspected
83
Number of Goats Inspected
5.
Number of Swine Inspected
1,282
Number of Barns (dairy) Inspected
4
Number of Dogs Quarantined
84
Number of Dogs with Rabies
0
Electrical Inspection
During the year 1968 there were 535 electrical permits issued.
During the year 1968 there were 535 elec- trical permits issued and categorized as follows :
155 New Structures
170 Oil Burners
130 Temporary Services
80 Remodeling
535
Total fees turned over to the Town Treasurer were $2,831.00 for 1968.
22
Weights and Measures
The Department sealed 203 weighing and measuring devices.
A total of 14,755 items were inspected for proper labeling, weight, count and volume con- tent. 8,651 items were found to be correct, while 2,558 items were found to be deficient in either weight or volume. 3,546 items inspected for weight and volume content were found to contain an amount in excess of declared quantity.
The Department sealed 203 weighing and measuring devices, adjusted 17, attached NOT SEALED labels on 2 units and condemned 2 units.
Sealing fees for 1968 amounted to $365.90. Fees collected thru December 31, 1968 amounted to $353.40 which have been paid to the Town Treasurer.
Animal Control
Dog complaints, 260.
Dogs reported lost
158
Dog picked up
77
Dogs returned to owners 36
Dogs disposed of
11
Dogs ordered restrained
45
Dog complaints
260
Dogs Sold
9
Dogs sent to Harvard
21
Dead Dogs removed 8
Money to Town Treasurer for dogs sold Owners contacted to License Dogs 195
$27.00
This report for the year 1968 does not in- clude the running around that the dog officer and his Deputy did while they were on duty as police officers.
Building Inspection
Fifteen gravel pits were care fully supervised.
The purpose and scope of the Andover Building Code is to provide for safety, health, and public welfare through structural strength and stability, adequate egress, proper light and ven- tilation, and protection of life and property from fire hazards incident to design.
Enforcement of the Town Building Code is the responsibility of the Building Inspector. He is also the enforcing officer for the Town zoning by-laws, with his rulings subject to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
All Board of Appeals applications are re- viewed and processed through this officer, and in addition copies of its definitive action on all peti- tions are kept for the convenience of the general public.
Electrical permits are also issued by this department with approval of the Electrical In- spector. Related records, fees and reports are also maintained by the Building Inspectors Depart- ment.
Fifteen (15) gravel pits were carefully su- pervised and detailed reports were filed with the Board of Selectmen; also, the department, in con- junction with the Town Engineer, was respons- ible for the issuance of several other soil remov- al permits in the amounts of 500 and 2000 cubic yards as allowed under Article VII, Section VI, Earth Removal of the Town By-Laws.
Numerous building and zoning violations were investigated and corrected without incident.
A total of 513 building permits were issued during the year 1966.
The following is a tabulation of the building permits for the years 1964 through 1968.
23
1964
Est. Value
Fees
175
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,146,828.00
33
Other Buildings
3,512,142.00
237
Additions & Alterations
542,028.00
29
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.) 77,451.00
474
$ 7,260,449.00
$ 9,060.50
1965
155
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,181,168.00
28
Other Buildings
3,831,323.00
269
Additions & Alterations
891,062.00
106
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.) 97,634.00
558
$ 8,001,187.00
$ 9,098.00
1966
150
Dwelling & Garages
$ 2,871,500.00
15
Other Buildings
4,709,000.00
267
Additions & Alterations
533,797.00
92
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.) 127,397.00
524
$ 8,270,594.00
$ 8,051.00
1967
144
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,299,350.00
10
Other Buildings
6,472,850.00
273
Additions & Alterations
666,249.00
85
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.) 127'875.00
512
$10,566,504.00
$28,903.00
1968
148
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,748,028.00
$ 9,715.00
27
Other Buildings
5,768,530.00
10,496.00
251
Additions & Alterations
802,590.00
3,167.00
87
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.) 295,425.00
994.00
513
$10,614,753.00
$24,372.00
13
Soil Removal
39.00
(1968 Grand Total
$24,411.00
24
Highways
Some of the Broken Cement Squares in Shawsheen were re- placed.
The year began with a snow accumulation in the months of January _ 13.50", February - 2.25", and March - 9.00". During the year 40 miles of streets were treated with MC3 asphalt and sand as well as being honed. This was in addition to regular maintenance such as patching roads, cleaning streets, cleaning catch basins and drain- age. Approximately 90,000 gallons of asphalt were applied.
Sidewalks were constructed of Type D13 and Type I Bituminous material on the following streets :
Locke Street entire length
Shawsheen Road 5.00'
Stevens Street 300'
Summer Street 550'
Some of the broken cement squares in Shaw- sheen were replaced.
All bridges under the supervision of the De- partment were inspected periodically and som e repairs were required especially the North Main Street railroad bridge. Sweepings from the streets are taken to the landfill and used in the program to keep debris covered.
Drainage construction was completed on Lovejoy Road, 700' of 6" pipe installed, also 400' of 12" pipe laid on Cross Street and 80' of 12" pipe on Wildwood Road. Approximately 350' of curb was set at the Town parking lot to make an island to protect the meters, also set curb in front of the Town Hall where grass has been planted.
The Highway Department reconstructed and supervised the paving of more than one half mile of Burtt road base course of bituminous concrete. The parking Town area, Bancroft Road and Mo- raine Street were resurfaced with bituminous concrete. The Department also made a new exit going out of the Town Municipal Parking Area. During the year the Public Works conducted two clean up periods. The Highway Department also provides men and equipment for all other depart- ments when in need.
In the past five years over 35 miles of new roads were added to the Highway Department and approximately two miles of drainage.
Parks
Park Department assumed add- ed duties.
In the year 1968 the Park Department as- sumed added duties involving the care and main- tenance of 28 acres of grass, 2 regular baseball diamonds and the new football field. All of this at the new High School area had some loam, seed and fertilizer applied. The Department also maintained two regular sized baseball diamonds at the Playstead and seven Little League Fields that are ready for every game.
The backstops at all baseball diamonds, both regular and Little League were repaired.
The Department also cared for and main- tained some 15 grass plot areas within the Town.
The portable bleachers were loaned to North Andover for the Thanksgiving Day game with Andover High.
Trees
Tree removal hearings were held.
Responsibility for planting, maintaining, preserving and removing public shade trees which lend character and beauty to Andover rests with the Tree Department. Routine duties include work scheduling and supervision, supply and equipment purchasing, and maintaining and submitting accurate reports and records. Rou- tine work consists of planting, low limb removal, pruning, cabling, spraying, dead and dangerous tree removal, fertilizing and supervision and in- spection of utility wire trimming.
Tree removal hearings were held and con- siderable time spent in 1968 supervising and in- specting underground electric and telephone in- stallations on streets and the Rogers Brook con- struction project in the park area. Excessive cut- ting of tree roots and tops cannot be allowed or permanent tree damage will result. Alternate methods include tunnelling or relocating instal- lations away from trees. Electric and telephone companies have been cooperative in locating wires and cables with minimum damage to tree tops and roots. A shade tree planting program
25
was continued during the planting season with 155 shade and ornamental trees being set out and maintained. Varieties include Maples, Syca- mores, Lindens, Flowering Apples, Plums, Cher- ries and Dogwoods. The business area planting was continued and trees set out in sidewalk areas devoid of trees. This project will continue where it is possible to plant and maintain trees.
The annual spray program designed to pro- tect trees from insects and diseases was carried out. State and Federal approved pesticides and application methods were used. A poison ivy and brush control spray was continued along road- sides, at playgrounds and recreation areas.
Dutch Elm disease infected 75 public elms this year. These trees will be removed and dis- posed of at the landfill site. An additional 60 dead and diseased elms were removed with as- sistance of men and equipment of the Massachu- setts Department of Natural Resources. A num- ber of dead and hazardous trees over utility wires were removed jointly by the Massachusetts Elec- tric Company, the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Andover Tree De- partment. Approximately 75 stumps were chipped out with the Tree Department stump chipper and the areas loamed and seeded or black topped. Over 35 Sugar Maples died in 1968 and were removed. These beautiful trees succumbed to either an unknown disease or pathological factors. This condition of Sugar Maples is pre- valent in all New England States.
The Tree Department worked in cooperation with other Town departments in tree removal, brush chipping, poison ivy control, land clearing, and selective land clearing. Tree Department personnel worked during all snow storms operat- ing trucks and plows, also salting and sanding streets and sidewalks.
Sewers
Two sewer projects were voted by the Townspeople.
The South Industrial sewer construction voted in August 1967 was completed this year. 13,386 feet of 24" main was extended from Pomps Pond into the Lowell Junction Area. The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District was formed making it possible for the Town to obtain a permit from Natural Resources to extend sewers. The District
Commission has been recently appointed - the first step towards making final plans as required by law. Two sewer projects were voted by the Townspeople, $1,581,000 for a sewer main run- ning from a large trunk in South Lawrence into a portion of the West Andover Industrial Area, and $170,000 for a force main from a new indus- trial zone created to enable Raytheon to build substantial construction near Route 93, Lowell Street and Osgood Street. Both articles require evidence of major construction before any expen- diture may occur. The South Lawrence outfall and Haverhill Street main required repairs again.
With the expansion of the system, demands for services and general expenses have increased. This years budget was not great enough to fill all needs. The department recommends consideration of having house services maintained by the own- er with the department maintaining the laterals and drunks. This would reduce the amount of equipment needed.
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