USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 7
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Throughout 1963, the Central Merrimack Valley Regional Planning Commission has been very active. Among the items on its 1963 program, a comparative analysis of zoning and subdivi- sion regulations in the four communities, was of direct concern to Andover. During Mrs. Hammond's summer absence, Mr. John Cole, 2nd. ably served as alternate delegate to the Commission. During the fall months, several of the members of the Andover Planning Board met with the Commission, to consider the Subdivision and Zoning Report, (of value in providing perspective on and critical analysis of current Andover regulations).
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The Planning Board met with the Recreation Director Bartow to plan joint policy regarding future playground sites in new subdivisions.
Drainage problems of mutual concern to the Board of Health and the Planning Board have led to joint conferences of the two Boards and increasing cooperation between them.
Chairman Harold T. King was elected a Director of the Massachusetts Federation of Plan- ning Boards in 1963.
In its administration of the Subdivision Control Law, during 1963, the Planning Board en- dorsed ninety-four (94) plans containing one hundred and twenty two (122) lots under Form A (plans not requiring subdivision control procedure). Fourteen (14) subdivision plans with a total of three hundred and forty four (344) lots were submitted in 1963. Of these, eight (8) were approved, with a total of eighty two (82) lots; six (6) plans with a total of two hundred and ninety two (292) are still pending.
Harold T. King, Chairman Virginia H. Hammond, Secretary John N. Cole, 2nd. James H. Eaton, III James T. Trenholm
72
Board Of Appeals Report
The Board of Appeals, under the Zoning By-Law of the Town of Andover, has the following members: Alfred W. Fuller, Chairman, term expiring April 1, 1965; Edmond E. Hammond, Secre - tary, term expiring April 1, 1966; and Harold A. Rutter, Jr., term expiring April 1, 1964. Also there are three associate members who are as follows: Robert S. Zollner, term expiring April 1, 1965; Harris Sanfilippo, term expiring April 1, 1964; and Sherley M. Sweet, Jr., term expiring April 1, 1966.
During the year 1963, the twenty-eighth year of the Zoning By-law, the Board heard 39 cases which were disposed of as follows:
29 petitions granted
8 petitions denied
1 petition pending as of December 31, 1963
1 petition withdrawn that had been heard
A total of $344. 00 was turned over to the Town Treasurer for advertising fees for the year ending December 31, 1963.
Alfred W. Fuller, Chairman Edmond E. Hammond, Secretary Harold A. Rutter, Jr.
Gravel Removal Hearings
The Board of Selectmen, acting under the Town By-Law as as adopted at the Special Town Meeting of October 7, 1957, and approved by the Attorney General on October 17, 1957, heard 23 petitions during 1963 for permission to remove sand and gravel for sale. These hearings were disposed of as follows:
l new petition was granted 22 petitions for renewals were granted.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
James D. Wilson, Chairman William Stewart, Secretary Philip K. Allen Paul D. Cronin Robert A. Watters
73
School Building Committee
The School Building Committee was organized in the late fall just prior to meeting with the School Committee to be apprized of, and discuss school construction needs. A comprehensive study had been made of the problem by the School Committee over the previous year.
The most pressing need is at the secondary level where both High and Junior High facilities are virtually filled to or over capacity. Thus, action is necessary in the immediate future. The Building committee has been considering alternate plans for eventual construction and, since early December, has been interviewing architects interested in these projects. It is expected that an architect will be engaged in early February and a final decision, on which construction plan to follow, will be made by the first of March.
The Building Committee will request an appropriation for architect's fees, to prepare pre- liminary plans, at the Annual Town Meeting and call for a Special Town Meeting in late Spring or early Fall, at which time, actual funds for construction of the new secondary facilities will be re- quested. A target date of September 1966 has been selected for the proposed opening of the new construction for use by the town.
Robert B. McIntyre, Chairman Mrs. Dudley Fitts, Secretary Benjamin O. Chase C. Lincoln Giles Frederick A. Higgins William E. Moriarty Walter N. Webster
Land Acquisition Committee
The Land Acquisition Committee has to its credit on the Town books as of December 31, 1963, $86, 946. 57 from previous appropriations.
During the year 1963, the Boy Scout land and building near Pomps Pond was acquired for $15, 000. Additional land adjoining the Boy Scout Property, known as the "Manning land", was also acquired and the sum of $10, 000. was allocated for its purchase.
Under active consideration in 1963 were sites for schools in West and South Andover, a site for a fire station in West Andover, and additional land adjacent to the present Town Dump.
The Committee will insert an article in the 1964 Town Warrant requesting a further appro- priation which, when added to the sum already at its disposal, will be used to acquire the parcels mentioned above.
Joseph F. Adams, Chairman Richard W. Brooks John N. Cole Henry L. Hilton Robert B. McIntyre
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Development And Industrial Commission
The year 1963 brought extensive changes in the composition of the Development and Indus - trial Commission. Early in the year, chairman Wallace M. Haselton found it necessary to termi- nate his long and effective association. In ensuing months the resignations of members Geoffrey Glendinning, Robert A. Watters and George B. Westhaver were also regretfully accepted. The Commission is indebted to all these former members for their willing and dedicated efforts.
In order to make most effective use of the individual capabilities of the essentially new mem- bership, the Commission was reorganized and a number of sub-committees were established. Un- der a public relations chairman, the Andover industrial brochure was updated, a program of sending personal letters to selected executives was instituted, and plans are being formulated to obtain broader exposure of Andover's industrial and commercial advantages. A chairman responsible for local contact work has begun the job of regularly contacting existing enterprise to offer the Com- mission's services wherever needed. Plans are also being formulated to contact and become better acquainted with local industrial landowners.
A chairman in charge of land utilization studies is actively reviewing blocks of industrial land to determine what land takings or facility installations the Commission should recommend. It is felt some of this may be necessary to protect the interests of both the Town and the various pro- perty owners involved. Included in this study will be proposals for industrial park arrangements.
Another special sub-committee has been established to make a study as to how Andover may reasonably expect to benefit from further industrial development. It is hoped that a definitive analy- sis will both resolve some of the conflicting views that have been expressed in the past and also pro- vide the Commission with information regarding the most suitable types of industry to seek.
While the Commission is as yet unable to report that its activities have resulted in any con- struction in the Andover industrial areas, efforts are continuing along the lines outlined above. In addition, all prospects that come to the Commission's attention are being evaluated and followed wherever appropriate.
C. W. De Bell, Chairman
H. M. Poynter, Secretary
W. Berthold
D. Duncan
G. Grubbs
H. Haller
J. R. McLeod
R. Phinney
R. M. Sullivan
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Building Inspector
There were 577 permits of all kinds issued during the year and broken down as follows:
165 New Dwellings -garages
Value: $ 2,970,944 31 Other Buildings 874, 325
305 Additions & Alterations
463, 242
7 Swimming Pools
13,000
12 Sign Permits
5,560
32 Raze Permits
16 Renewals
3 Moving Permits
Total Fees-$6, 036 Total Valuation - $ 4,342, 071
Elevators were inspected regularly. There were 52 inspections and safety certificates issued, and 6 elevators were repaired.
There were 87 Certificates of Occupancy issued.
A great number of Zoning and Building violations were received, investigated and followed Most of the violations were corrected amicably and quickly.
Gravel pits have been under constant inspection throughout the Town.
All electric wiring permits are issued and records kept in this office.
ARTHUR PEATMAN Building Inspector
Wire Inspector
I hereby submit my report for wire inspection permits for the year 1963:
172 Permits @ $5.00 (New) for $ 860.00
373 Permits @ $1. 00 (Add) for
373.00
1 Permit @
2.00
2 Permits voided
548 Permits-Turned in to Treas:
$1235. 00
There have been at least three (3) inspections on all New work and one (1) inspection for all others. In addition, Nursing Homes and Day Nurseries are inspected regularly.
ALEXANDER RITCHIE, Jr. Inspector of Wires
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up.
6 Elevator Repair Permits
15,000
Weights And Measures
The Department of Weights and Measures hereby submits its annual report relating to in- spections, reweighings and sealing activities for the year ending December 31, 1963.
The following items were checked for proper weight, per marking.
Item
Number weighed
Correct
Under weight
Over weight
Bread
512
247
81
184
Butter
136
118
18
Oleomargarine
114
114
Confectionery
63
7
5
51
Fruits - Vegetables
896
716
93
87
Liquid Commodities
270
185
14
71
Meats
1406
1003
287
116
Fish
244
201
40
3
Fowl
537
433
104
Potatoes
165
30
135
Milk
581
411
69
101
Cheese
463
443
20
Cereals
135
92
43
Cookies-Crackers
387
86
301
Flour
46
46
Soap
73
26
47
Totals
6028
4082
761
1185
Inspections were made on the following:
Paper or fibre cartons (content)
14
Pedlers license
26
Milk bottles (contents)
5
Clinical thermometers (Mass. App. )
38
Marking of bread & food pkgs.
785
Gasoline pump retests after sealing
6
Inspection-fuel oil delivery
48
A total of 137 reweighings covering municipal food purchases were made by this department.
The Department sealed 665 weighing or measuring devices, adjusted 61 and attached NOT SEALED labels on 7 units.
Sealing fees amounted to $259. 10. Receipts amounting to $254. 20 were turned over to the Town Treasurer, whose receipt I hold.
NEWTON A. JONES Sealer of Weights and Measures
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Trustees Of Spring Grove Cemetery
The Trustees of Spring Grove Cemetery submit their Annual Report for the year of 1963.
During the year the Cemetery sold 25 new lots and had 83 interments. There were 4 less lots sold than in 1962 and 4 less interments. From the perpetual care payments on the lots sold and from payments made by 4 lot holders placing lots previously purchased under perpetual care a total of $4, 091. 50 was given the Town Treasurer to be added to our Perpetual Care Funds. This fund now totals $146. 131. and income amounting to $5, 799. 40 was received from it in 1963. This income is available for the reduction in the operating cost of the Cemetery.
A total of $4, 568. 99 was received from the sale of new lots, interments, vault sales, foundation installations and for the care of lots not under perpetual care. These general receipts and the income from the Perpetual Care Fund totalled $10, 368. 39 which was turned over to the Town Treasurer. The 1963 Cemetery appropriation was $31, 773 but only $27, 759. 40 was expen- ded. Consequently after crediting the monies given back to the Town the actual cost of operating the Cemetery was $17, 391.
A total of 640 feet of hot top road was added during the year making 6, 961 feet of perma- nently surfaced road in the Cemetery. This has substantially reduced maintenance costs and we plan to continue this improvement as rapidly as possible.
We regret to report the death of William D. McIntyre during the year. Mr. McIntyre had been a Trustee since 1952 and was of great help to the Board during his years of membership. Edward P. Hall has been appointed as a Trustee in his place.
TRUSTEES OF SPRING GROVE CEMETERY
Fred E. Cheever, Chairman Albert E. Curtis, Secretary Edward P. Hall Malcolm E. Lundgren Irving J. Whitcomb
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Central Merrimack Valley Planning District
Mr. Richard Alexander, of The Planning Services Group of Cambridge, began his work as part-time resident planner for the District in February. Through the courtesy of the Methuen Planning Board, Mr. Alexander used its office in the Methuen Municipal Office Building on Tues - days and Thursdays. The telephone, listed under Regional Planning, is 686-0361.
Mr. Alexander has divided his time among a series of three projects in the federally- assisted planning program, in dealing with current planning problems of a regional nature, and in implementing the planning program as mapped out in 1962.
The federally-assisted ("701") program has three items: a comparative study of zoning laws and subdivision control regulations in the four communities, a regional bibliography of all planning literature and reports dealing with the region and a proposed regional fiscal program for the purpose of establishing realistic means of financing previous planning recommendations for the region. Of these three items the zoning-subdivision study and the bibliography have been completed and are available for use to all interested persons. The fiscal program is still pending.
During the spring and summer, when the Commission reviewed with Mr. Alexander and Mr. Justin Gray of The Planning Services Group the reports concerning zoning and subdivision regula - tions, and the memorandum entitled "Techniques of Guiding Land Development", various members of the four local planning boards and boards of appeals participated in the often lively discussion. Several members of the Andover Board joined in reviewing the memorandum "Andover and Region- al Planning Recommendations".
Staff members of the Boston Regional Planning Project (BRPP), which includes represen- tatives of the (federal) Bureau of Public Roads, the ( federal ) Housing and Home Finance Agency, and the (Mass. ) Dep't. of Public Works, the (Mass. ) Mass Transportation Commission and a non- voting member of the (Mass. ) Division of Planning, attended a number of Commission meetings during 1963, in the interest of assuring liaison and cooperation between our region and theirs. The BRPP region includes all the cities and towns within the arc of Route 495, plus a one-town ring out- side this arc, an area of 2200 square miles. Mr. Julian Steele of the BRPP requested signature by qualified representatives from each of our four communities of a Memorandum of Agreement re- garding federally-assisted road building in Massachusetts.
In April the Commission voted to oppose House Bill 2180, which would have authorized the Mass Transportation Commission to study and establish regional planning districts in the Common- wealth. This bill was in direct conflict with previous legislation. The Commission also felt that the MTC is improperly constituted for this work, having no local representation. The bill was defeated.
In the fall, the Commission concerned itself with certain proposed changes in the Regional Planning Law, Chapter 40B, and attended several meetings with representatives in the State Divi- sion of Planning and other regional commissions, to iron out differences. A bill has been filed to amend 40B. The Commission will favor parts of it and oppose others.
Study of the floodplains withing our region by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, originally scheduled for 1963, was postponed for lack of funds and will not be undertaken until 1965. Follow- ing meetings with Commissioner Graf of the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission and with the Army Corps of Engineers in Waltham, some interim action will be taken. A bill filed by Sena - tor Wall for the 1964 legislative session provides the necessary authorization for the Water Re- sources Commission to follow up the Army Corps of Engineers study, when made. Data from previous flood work done by the Corps in our region has been forwarded to us, to serve as a guide to local Planning Boards, Boards of Appeals and Building Inspectors when reviewing subdivisions and other development withing floodplains.
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Mr. Alexander has ably represented the Commission in a number of matters of regional import during 1963, including the proposal to build a marina on the Merrimack River, pollution control of the Merrimack, and the proposed access road from Route 93 into Lawrence.
At the instigation of the Commission a conference with Lawrence officials, including Mayor Buckley and two Aldermen, City Engineer Nicolosi, Redevelopment Director Sirois, Louise Four - nier, and a press representative was held in December to air the problems implicit in Senator Wall's legislative bill authorizing state funds to improve Marston, Garden and Prospect Streets in Lawrence for access from Route 495 into the city. Our Commission strongly urged a better alter - native: Marston, Garden and Canal Streets, to provide ready access into the Central Business District, threatened with strangulation by present and proposed traffic patterns.
Various means of effectuation of the multi-facted regional Development Plan deeply concerned the Commission during 1963. A Community Action Committee has been proposed; the Commission also sought means to appoint an alternate member from each community to attend meetings regularly. Presentation of the proposed regional plan to be made in the spring of 1964 will probably be done through the newspapers. After publication and discussion meetings, the plan will be subject to modi- fications arising from local criticism.
Late in 1963 discussion began concerning the future work program and staffing arrangements for the District. The Commission hopes to be able to finance a full-time Planning Director with a staff and office in Lawrence. All members agree that the most important work to be undertaken in 1964, with federal assistance, will be study of the impact of about-to-be-completed Route 495 on the traffic circulation and land use patterns of the region and its economic development.
Mr. Donald Dow of Methuen was replaced on the Commission by Mr. John E. Leone in the spring of 1963. Mr. Donald MacNeil of Lawrence resigned during the summer and was replaced by Mr. Jean B. Ippolito. During Mrs. Hammond's summer absence Mr. John N. Cole of Andover served as alternate delegate.
In May officers were rotated making Mrs. Hammond Chairman (replaced by Mr. Bannan tem- porarily during the summer months), Mr. MacNeil Vice-Chairman (now held by Mr. Ippolito), Mr. Bannan, Treasurer, and Mr. Leone, Secretary.
The Commission welcomed the presence of representatives of the Andover League of Women Voters at most of its 1963 meetings.
Virginia H. Hammond Jean B. Ippolito James M. Bannan John R. Leone
VIRGINIA H. HAMMOND, Chairman
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Merrimack River Valley Pollution Abatement Commission
Following is my report as the representative of the Town on the Merrimack River Valley Pollution Abatement Commission. The Commission was formed as a result of Chapter 85, Resol- ves of 1962. Included are one Senator, 3 Representatives, representatives of various State Boards, and one each from the 18 cities and towns which might discharge into the Merrimack River. I was appointed by the Selectmen on August 7, 1962.
The Commission was directed to study the pollution of the river from domestic sewage and industrial wastes, to determine the sources of pollution, to present plans for treatment, and to prepare proper legislation. The Commission received an appropriation of $80, 000 for engineering studies, to include reference to the Senate Document 550 of 1946 on the river, which reported on pollution and presented plans for abatement. These were rejected by referendum.
Following frequent meetings of the Commission and engineering studies, general plans were presented in September, 1963, for a district treatment plant for Lawrence, Andover, Methuen and North Andover; another plant for Greater Lowell; a plant for Haverhill and adjacent towns; and separate plants for the towns and cities down stream. In the meanwhile, Newburyport has begun to build a separate plant, and Amesbury is making its own plans for treatment outside the area of the Commission plans.
In October, 1963, the engineers presented definite cost plans to the Commission. For the Greater Lawrence district, it was shown that joint treatment for the four communities would be about 25% cheaper than separate action. Following a progress report, a joint meeting was held for the four communities, attended by three Selectmen and the Manager, and at this definite cost figures and plans were presented. The figures included an estimated contribution of $2. 4 million from Federal sources, which has been set up, but not appropriated to date.
On the basis of present estimates, the cost of individual plants would total $40 million, as against $31. 2 million for a joint plant. The cost of a separate plant for Andover would be $3, 120, - 000, and our share of a joint plant would be $2, 430, 000. Retirement of this amount, with 40 year bonds and an estimated 3. 6% interest, would be $135, 000 annually. Cost of operation of a separate plant would be $177, 000 per year, and for a joint plant, $126, 000.
The total cost for the Town would be $261, 000 per year, or about $2. 65 per thousand on our present valuation, and about $2. 30 on the "real" valuation. The Commission has recommended that the cost of construction should be met from general taxation, and the cost of operation should be largely met by a sewage tax, based on water consumption.
The Commission, as directed by the Legislature, has prepared enabling legislation. The act proposed calls for the formation of a Board, with two representatives from Lawrence and one each from the towns, with authority to build a treatment plant, located under present thought in North Andover, and to construct the necessary lines to conduct the sewage from the communities to the plant; to operate the plant; to employ necessary personnel; and to assess the costs on the communities. The usual powers for land taking, right-of-way, etc., have been included.
The proposed act will be submitted to the 1964 Legislature for hearings, amendments, and final passage. If passed, the act calls for submission to the voters of the four communities at the State Election in November, 1964. The act would take effect if approved by a majority of the town and city voters in total.
Copies of the proposed act and cost figures have been presented to the Town authorities, and a final report of the engineers, who are Camp, Dresser and McKee, of Boston will be available.
JOSEPH A. MCCARTHY
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Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School District
To the Citizens of: City of Lawrence, Town of Andover, Town of Methuen, Town of North Andover
In the November 6, 1962 election, the City of Lawrence voted and in the March 4, 1963 town elec- tions, the three towns voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 330 of the Acts of 1960 as amended, for the establishment of a regional school district for vocational training in accordance with the Agreement filed with the City Council and the Selectmen of the Towns. As provided for in Chapter 330, the District was duly established upon the acceptance of the Agreement.
The Agreement provides for an Interim Committee of seven members to serve until the next elec - tions following the establishment of the District. In accordance with the Agreement, three of the members were appointed by the Mayor of the City of Lawrence, two by the Moderator of the Town of Methuen, and one each by the Moderators of the Towns of Andover and North Andover. The three members from Lawrence were duly elected for a two-year term in the November 5, 1963 election to serve until January 1, 1966. The towns will vote on candidates for District Committee in the March, 1964 elections.
The District Committee had a preliminary meeting on April 15, 1963 to discuss organization and procedure and met in thirty-four official meetings during the remainder of the year. In addition, the Committee members visited other vocational schools, and had conferences with the School Building Assistance Commission, the Division of Vocational Education and the Emergency Finance Board.
The Committee kept the municipalities advised of their plans and progress by distributing copies of the minutes of the meetings to the Mayor and the City Council of Lawrence, to the Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen of the Towns, the Superintendents of Schools and other interested people.
A schedule was adopted which proposes to have the new school ready for occupancy by the Fall of 1965. In accordance with this schedule, action was taken on the following items:
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