USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1930 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
The plan itself need not show the location of every detail of future subdivisions, but should be ac- companied by a set of standard regulations for plat- ting and private construction which will ensure a high quality in the subdividers' work. This is simply the logical expansion of the powers already exercised by Boards of Survey under Massachusetts legislation. Other factors in the official plan may advantageously be outlined in the report accompanying the second stage, the general preliminary plan, but need not be elaborated further in the present initial program.
Briefly, then, the ultimate goal of the Braintree planning activity should be a comprehensive town plan, enforceable under enabling acts, to supply a binding guide for subsequent public improvements, protection of the plan from private encroachments, and the estab- lishment of standards to prevent unsuitable private platting and construction. The plan will include an effective financial program, and must fit into a regional
293
plan relating Braintree to the surrounding cities and towns. It may be approached in three stages-1, a pathfinder survey; 2, a preliminary town plan; 3, the official plan itself.
The following program sets forth a method of procedure in carrying out the first stage of Braintree's town plan : a pathfinder survey.
The Pathfinder Survey
Before considering surveys relating to particular aspects of the plan certain underlying factors should be presented :
1. Adequate base maps are needed showing the topography of (a) the town at about 500 ft. scale, with 5 ft. contours (most of the town is already so mapped) . This is the map used as a base for further information, except where noted. (b) The vicinity, at about 2,000 ft. scale (enlarge U. S. topographic map, using 1/30,- 000 working sheets). (c) The town on a series of standard maps at about 200 ft. scale (this may proceed gradually, with other work).
2. Use of property should be graphically pre- sented, showing public and private property of dif- ferent types (this is already made, but should be periodically brought up to date). A series of old maps should be filed to show periodic changes.
3. Distribution of population should be shown by dots, one for every 10 or 25 people. Growth should be shown by a curve on the diagram.
4. Range in land values should be graphically shown, plotting typical assessed values (this may be done when actually needed for a specific project or in conjunction with modernizing assessment methods).
294
The surveys for the specific elements in the plan may be classified under circulation, public property, and private property. Circulation relates primarily to streets, utilities, transit, railroads, waterways, and air transport.
A. As a background for the major street plan the present imperfect system of main streets or thor- oughfares should be mapped, and all recent highway proposals by other agencies, both local and metro- politan, should be brought together on the map of Braintree and vicinity, and detailed maps showing set-backs of existing buildings made for each project that appears of present merit. This will assist in de- termining whether building lines may be utilized in securing future widenings. Prior to determining whether further counts of vehicular traffic are needed at any particular time all previous counts by various agencies should be correlated and plotted together. The traffic and parking regulations at present in force should also be shown graphically. A map should show by different colors or designations the widths of all streets likely to be used as parts of future major streets. All street grades of 3% and over should be shown (this may be done when actually needed for specific projects). As a part of a street tree program a map and card catalog of existing trees will be useful. Other accessories to streets, such as lighting fixtures, may call for study to secure high standards.
B. Utilities, while somewhat less prominent ele- ments of the town plan, are closely inter-related with other elements in it. Distribution and collection sys-
295
tems are related to circulation, supply and disposal areas are types of public property. Water supply in- volves large open spaces with various possible sec- ondary uses. Sanitary sewers must usually follow streets, whether well suited to them in location or not. Storm drains may be kept inexpensive if open water courses can be preserved in parks. There should be filed a brief statement of the future adequacy of the present water supply or of contemplated future sup- plies, related to the probable population and resulting demand (the Water Department already has data for this). Maps of the successive stages of the proposed sanitary sewerage system should be filed and examined to see where they overlap other town planning fea- tures, such as low level trunk sewers in park lands along streams. Similarly, general requirements of future storm drainage should be worked out, and their economic relation to open water. courses established. Other utilities have a less vital relation to the town plan, except for example where existing transmission lines practically dictate the economic location of nearby streets. These lines should be shown on the town base maps.
C. Transport includes local or street transit and railroad transportation. Bus and street car routes should be shown on one map. On another the volume of traffic over these lines should be shown. Similarly, railroad passenger service should be plotted and the relative number indicated of through passengers to Boston by rail and by bus. Freight stations and all
296
other railroad property should also be mapped. Any changes already proposed should be included on these maps, particularly the approved grade crossing elim- ination plans. All grade crossings, including those the elimination of which has not been provided for, should be plotted and studies made of traffic condi- tions about the latter particularly.
D. Commercial waterways in Braintree, while limited in extent, should be studied with the aid of a map to be sure all practical wharfage is made capable of full use.
E. Air transport is strictly a regional matter. On a map of the vicinity existing airports should be plotted and notes made as to size, facilities, and type of service provided for. Proposals for other airports may also be noted on the map, with some indication of the like- lihood of action in each case.
Public property may be subdivided for city plan- ning purposes according to function, as administrative (including safety : fire and police), utility, education, and recreation. Property pertaining to each of these elements may advantageously be shown on separate maps, as well as on the general use of property maps already noted.
F. Present groupings of civic buildings may be mapped as a background for whatever future civic centers are to be developed. The adequacy of police and fire stations to cover the town may be noted.
Utilities have already been dealt with under B, above.
G. The school system is a vital part of the city plan. Present schools and the areas served by each,
297
as well as the proposals of the School Department for meeting future needs may be shown on a map, and any future residential areas not served noted.
H. Similarly, parks and playgrounds should be plotted, with the areas served by each, thus indicating all areas not served. Proposals by others for future recreation areas should be checked to see how far they meet future needs. As noted above, parks should be correlated with trunk sewer and open drainage needs. Future parks which include roadways will be related similarly to the street system. Regional aspects of the park system are important. Existing parks should be plotted on a map of the vicinity, also any proposals hitherto made. Golf courses, public and private, should be plotted on these maps. Another type of public open space with somewhat similar problems is the town or state forest. Land unsuited for any other use may be noted as a part of the park survey.
Private property is subjected in any town to various types of control, which may be classified un- der zoning, housing, and nuisances.
I. Previous zoning proposals should be filed and the map of existing uses of property, kept up to date, checked to ascertain what uses occur not conforming to the latest plan. For the needs of industry sites available may be plotted on a separate map. Needs for business areas may also be studied.
J. A housing survey of selected blocks and dwellings with bad conditions might bring to light tendencies, as yet slight, which could be stopped by amendments to the building code or in a zoning
298
scheme. Model housing of relatively low cost may be promoted by publicity of specific good examples and methods used. Architectural standards may similarly be raised for business buildings, pending the time when some form of control is exercised.
K. Among nuisances closely related to town planning may be mentioned the legal regulation of billboards and removal of wires. Photographs may be taken of bad examples. Any scheme for reduction of mosquitoes may involve acquisition or drainage of the large meadows and swamps within Braintree's town limits, but this problem is likely to involve regional action for success.
In these and other details the pathfinder survey may bring to light facts needed in the preparation of actual plans for the town. To be of full value it should be followed promptly by the next stage in Braintree's town plan, the preliminary general plan.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR C. COMEY.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Engineering Department
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
Dec. 31, 1929 to Dec. 31, 1930
.
Printed by Order of the Town
HINCORPO
MOI
EE
·1640.
T
Printed by PRATT & PRATT The Braintree Observer Braintree, Mass. 1931
300
Cemetery Department
At the request of the Superintendent, we have made new plans of the Plain Street Cemetery.
Town Survey
The Town Survey, covering the greater part of the Town, which the assessors have had made by a private engineer, is nearing completion. The results of this survey are beneficial not only to the assessors, but to the several departments of the town. It must be remembered the conditions in the Town are changing constantly, and if the plans are not kept up to date, they will soon lose much of their usefulness. A survey of the remainder of the Town should be made without delay.
I feel that, as the Town now has an Engineering Department of its own, all work of an engineering character for the various departments should be done through this office, and I have included in my budget for the coming year, sufficient funds to provide for an extra field party, which will devote their time toward the completion of the Town Survey.
Bench Marks
In all engineering work where it is necessary to determine differences in elevations by spirit levels, and especially where it is desired to co-ordinate the work of various surveys, it is necessary that a uniform datum
301
be used. It has frequently happened that different engineers working in the same locality have used con- flicting bench marks, which has led to much confusion. I intend to remedy this condition by establishing a series of bench marks throughout the town, using the same datum as used by the Metropolitan Sewer Com- mission.
During the year 1911 the Town Hall was de- stroyed by fire and many valuable records were de- stroyed. We do not anticipate having a second fire, but should this happen the records of this department, if not burned, would be destroyed by water, as the Engineering Department's Office is located in the base- ment.
The estimated value of the plans and note books which we now have, together with the original plans and note books of the Town Survey, which the asses- sors plan to turn over to this department about the first of next June, is about $50,000.00. It is very es- sential that these records should be kept in a fireproof and waterproof vault, and I have included in my budget for the coming year, sufficient funds to con- struct a vault adjacent to this office.
Details of the financial statement will be found in the report of the Town Accountant.
Before closing my report I wish to thank the Se- lectmen and my associates in all the town departments for their courtesy and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE N. WATSON,
Town Engineer.
302
Stone Bounds
Permanent bounds were set on the following streets :
Bellevue Avenue 4 bounds
Bower Road 2 bounds
Burroughs Road 4 bounds
Dewey Road 7 bounds
Edgehill Road 8 bounds
Fairview Avenue
5 bounds
Kew Road 3 bounds
Liberty Street 1 bound
Strathmore Road 8 bounds
Walnut Street
1 bound
Monatiquot School Grounds
1 bound
Total
44 bounds
Lines and grades were furnished for drainage, curbing and the resurfacing of the following streets :
Street
From
To Length
Bellevue Ave.
Washington St.
Phillips St. 350
Bower Rd. Elm St. 645
Burroughs Rd.
Public Portion
Perry Rd. 260
Commercial St.
Adams St.
Shaw St. 4450
Dewey Rd.
Pond St.
Cedar Ave. 590
Edgehill Rd.
Argyle Rd.
Vinedale Rd. 1207
Edgemont Rd.
Public Portion
186
Fairfax Rd.
Pond St.
Private Way
530
Union St.
1280
Walnut St.
Hollis Ave.
Storrs Ave. 856
Total Length (1.96 miles) .
. 10,354
303
Upon the following named streets, grades have been established, street lines defined, record plans drawn, and estimates made for the Board of Select- men, for the acceptance under the Betterment Act:
Street
From
To
Length
Cedarcliff Rd.
Quincy Ave.
Shaw St.
1582
Edgemont Rd.
Public Portion
Shaw St.
330
Newton Ave.
Shaw St.
Bickford Rd.
1550
Miller St.
Union St.
Marshall St. 670
Total Length
4132
CURBING LAID DURING 1930
Street
From
To Tremont Street
Length 1363
Academy Street Allen Street Bellevue Road
Quincy Avenue
20
Commercial Street
Stetson Street
1538
Bower Road .
Elm Street
1174
Cedar Street
Elm Street
Thorndike Street
1114
Charles Street
Elm Street
Park Street
460
Dewey Avenue
Pond Street
Cedar Avenue
1169
Edgehill Road
Argyle Road
Vinedale Road
2148
Edgemont Road
303
Fairview Avenue
Pond Street
Private Way
1009
Frederick Road
Washington Street
Hancock Street
527
Front Street
Hobart Street
Commercial Street
1367
Hawthorne Road
Elm Street
Home Park Road
2756
High School Grounds
Washington Street
1020
Liberty Street
Union Street
Lincoln Street
1657
Mt. Vernon Avenue
Washington Street
Mt. Vernon Street
842
Pond Street
Noah Torrey School
Glendale Road
1125
Shaw Street
Norfolk Square
Mill Lane
946
Storrs Avenue
Washington Street
Abbott Street
715
Stedman Avenue
Elm Street
School Street
545
Tremont Street
Academy Street
Lakeview Avenue
593
Union Street
Liberty Street
The Culvert
1182
Walnut Street
Hollis Avenue
Storrs Avenue
1543
Washington Street
Wynot Road
St. Francis Church
3313
Total Length (5.384 miles) ..... 28,429
304
Washington Street
SIDEWALKS BUILT DURING 1930
Street
Length
Sq. Yds. of Asphalt
Sq. Yds. of Granolithic 42.0
Academy Street
1,688.0
1.264.0
Bellevue Road
1,698.0
1,180.0
Cedar Street
1,211.0
912.0
Charles Street
496.0
281.0
15.0
Edgehill Road
330.0
131.0
Front Street
1,498.0
1,061.0
Frederick Road
595.0
440.0
Liberty Street
1,748.0
1,109.0
32.0
Mt. Vernon Avenue
1,051.0
632.0
94.0
Pond Street
1,578.0
1,131.0
Quincy Avenue
632.0
494.0
138.0
Shaw Street
1,076.0
950.0
Stedman Avenue
702.0
562.0
Storrs Avenue
880.0
691.0
Tremont Street
652.0
466.0
10.0
Union Street
1,920.0
1,560.0
Washington Street
3,736.0
Washington Street
887.0
801.0
Totals
22,378.0
13,534.0
3,501.0
or
Sq. Yds.
Sq. Yds.
4.24 miles
Respectfully, submitted, GEORGE N. WATSON, Town Engineer.
.
305
3,039.0
306
PLAIN STREET CEMETERY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Braintree :
The first annual report of the Superintendent of the Plain Street Cemetery, for the year ending Dec. 31, 1930, is respectfully submitted as follows:
There were nine burials under my supervision, eight adults and one infant. In the early part of the year, I spent considerable time and effort trying to locate lots and their respective owners. I had the records at Dedham and locally searched, but to no avail. I found people who had deeds which had ap- parently been recorded in the Town records, but could not be located by the Town Clerk; therefore, it will be necessary to have it surveyed which can be ac- complished by using an old plan which was found among local records-this I hope to have completed by early spring,-together with knowledge gathered from lot owners will give as complete records as can be given under the circumstances. This will allow sale of lots for which I have had numerous inquiries.
Much attention was given to flowers and shrubs which with the co-operation of lot owners can be greatly improved next year thereby beautifying the Cemetery.
I also hope with the assistance of Mr. Irving Hol- brook to get markers for the balance of the G. A. R. members buried there.
I would recommend a combination tomb and tool house be built suitable size to care for such needs.
Yours,
H. PINAULT, Superintendent, Plain St. Cemetery.
307
ANNUAL REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
Dec. 31, 1930.
To the Citizens of the Town of Braintree.
I herewith respectfully submit the report of the Tree Department for the year Dec. 31, 1929, to Dec. 31, 1930.
Appropriation $1,325.00 Expenditures :
Removal of ten trees on the fol-
lowing streets: Commercial,
Front, Hollis Ave., Quincy Ave., Spruce and Washing- ton $452.92
Trimming trees and brush on the following streets: Arborway Drive, Cherry, Common, Elm, Elmwood Park, Faxon, Front, Hollis Ave., Hillside Rd., Liberty, Maple, May Ave., Middle, Quincy Ave., River, Robinson Ave., School, Spruce, Stetson, Tremont, Vine, Washington 792.54
Special calls for supervising
Electric Light Dept. trim-
ming 64 trips. 64.00
Miscellaneous emergency calls
broken limbs, etc.
15.54
Total expenditures vs. appropriation $1,325.00 $1,325.00
In addition, many personal and telephone calls have been made pertaining to the department. Also
308
several permits have been issued for trimming and removal of trees on private property but under jur- isdiction of this department.
The department has endeavored to conserve and promote the natural beauty of our shade trees, at the same time co-operating with the other departments of the town and with public utilities, as well as bear- ing in mind the safety and welfare of the public.
It is regrettable that the department has been unable to set out any new trees for several years, but the limited appropriation is not sufficient to even ac- complish the current years work, leaving no balance for reforestation. It is to be hoped that the citizens of today will follow the example of our forebears in setting out the many beautiful shade trees that we enjoy today.
Yours in citizenship,
C. R. BESTICK, Tree Warden.
309
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Braintree :
The Trustees of Thayer Public Library submit herewith their report for the year 1930.
The accounts relating to the expenditures of the appropriations made at the 1930 Town Meeting for the support of the Library may be found in the report of the Town Accounting Officer, and the accounts relating to the several Trust Funds held by the Library Trustees are appended hereto.
We desire particularly to call to your attention the remarkable increase in the circulation of books in 1930 as compared with 1929. In 1930 the total circulation was 77,744 as compared with 57,838 in 1929, an increase of approximately 20,000.
The circulation from the main Library was 41,902, as compared with 36,525 in the previous year ; from the Braintree Branch, 16,228 as compared with 8,212; from the Jonas Perkins School Branch 10,547 as compared with 6,478; from the Quincy Avenue Branch 9,067 as compared with 6,623.
In our opinion, the above increase in the use of the facilities of Library and Branches is due entirely to the fact that the additional appropriations at the 1930 Town Meeting made it possible to increase substan- tially the number of hours which the Library is open each week and to purchase more books with which to meet the requirements of the borrowers. 2,773 new books were added in 1930, compared with 1,591 in 1929 and 1,234 in 1928. The total number of books owned by the Library on December 31, 1930 was 22,600.
310
In view of the unusual results of the past year, we feel fully justified in recommending and urging a moderate increase in the appropriation for 1931 for the purchase of new books and the services of an addi- tional Library assistant.
The Trustees wish at this time to call attention to the fact that $600 was paid last year for rental quarters for two of our Branch Libraries. The equip- ment in these two Branches is meager and the facilities inadequate.
The time is at hand, the Trustees believe, when the citizens of the Town of Braintree should give serious consideration to the wisdom of replacing these rentals with two inexpensive but carefully planned Branch Libraries advantageously located at Braintree and East Braintree.
It is to be hoped that this suggestion of the Trustees will be made a full and frank discussion by the citizens during the coming year, and that a warrant will be drawn up for consideration and action at the Annual Town Meeting in the spring of 1932.
Respectfully submitted,
STACY B. SOUTHWORTH, Chairman. ALBERT E. AVERY MABEL S. ROGERS CLARA G. WETHERBEE JOHN W. HARDING
Secretary and Treasurer.
311
FINANCIAL REPORT of the TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY For the Year Ended December 31, 1930
RECEIPTS
Cash on Deposit, January 1, 1930 $1,219.02
Income from Foundation Fund . 500.55
Income from Caleb Stetson Fund. 130.00
Income from Rachel R. Thayer Fund
8.60
Interest on Bank Balances
26.25
Refund
6.00
Gift-Braintree Teachers Association
25.00
Miscellaneous 7.35
$1,922.77
EXPENDITURES
Repairs, removing iron stairway $ 149.66
Rent Safe Deposit Box
10.00
Books
24.00
Travelling Expenses
25.00
Treasurer's Surety Bond
12.50
Glass Table Tops
98.00
Wages
13.60
Supplies
8.10
Cash on Deposit, December 31, 1930
1,581.91
$1,922.77
312
FUNDS AND ASSETS of the TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY As at December 31, 1930
FOUNDATION FUND
Principal Account : $7,500 Fourth Liberty Loan 4 14 % (at cost) . $6,479.09
Deposit, Quincy
Savings
-
Bank
1,000.00
Deposit, Weymouth Savings
Bank
2,520.91
$10,000.00
CALEB STETSON FUND
Principal Account :
Deposit, Quincy
Savings
Bank
$1,000.00
Deposit, Braintree Savings
Bank
1,500.00
$ 2,500.00
RACHEL R. THAYER FUND
Principal Account:
Deposit, Home Savings
Bank, Boston
$172.50
$
172.50
We have examined the account of John W. Hard- ing, Treasurer of the Trustees of Thayer Public Library and find it correct.
313
We have also examined the assets and income ac- counts of the Foundation Fund, Caleb Stetson Fund, and Rachel R. Thayer Fund, and find them correct. CHARLES W. EVANS, RALPH W. ARNOLD, HERBERT W. CURTIS, Auditors, 1930.
January 14, 1931.
NATHANIEL H. HUNT TRUST INCOME ACCOUNT
JOHN W. HARDING, Treasurer
INCOME
Cash on Deposit, January 1, 1930. $ 751.13
Income received for year 1930 1,152.57
$1,903.70
EXPENDITURES
Books and Papers $ 426.67
Cash on Deposit, December 31, 1930 1,477.03
$1,903.70
We have examined the account of John W. Hard- ing, Treasurer, showing income and disbursements of Nathaniel H. Hunt Trust, Income Account, and find it correct and properly vouchered.
RALPH W. ARNOLD, HERBERT W. CURTIS, CHARLES W. EVANS, Auditors, 1930.
January 14, 1931.
315
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Police Departmnet
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE
FROM
Dec. 31, 1929 to Dec. 31, 1930
Printed by Order of the Town
TOWN.
EE
..
MA
1640.
Printed by PRATT & PRATT The Braintree Observer Braintree, Mass. 1931
316
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT - 1930
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the Police Depart- ment for the year 1930:
Whole number of arrests
368
Residents
160
Non Residents
208
· Male 357
Female
11
Crimes Against Persons-No. of Arrests 49
Non Res. Total
Assault and Battery
Male 12
1
12
1
13
Adultery
1
1
1
1 2
Bastardy
4
0
1
3
4
Breaking and Entering
4
0
4
0
4
Incest
2
0
2
0
2
Indecent Exposure
2
0
1
1
2
Lewd and Lascivious Cohabitation
1
1
1
1
2
Manslaughter
1
0
0
1
1
Rape
2
0
2
0
2
Robbery
6
0
0
6
6
Suspicious Persons
8
0
0
8
8
Stubborn Child
0
1
1
0
1
Threats-intimidation
2
0
2
0
2
2. Crimes Against Property-No. of Arrests 39
Larceny
35
0
22
18
35
Leased Personality
Concealing
1
1
2
0
1
2
Malicious Injury to Buildings
1
0
1
0
1
Female
Res.
317
Trespass 1 0 1 0
1
3. Crimes Against Public Order-No. of Arrests 280
Town By-laws Violated
1
0
1
0
1
Default
5
0
4
1
5
Disturbing Peace
10
0
8
2
10
Drunkenness
126
2
65
63
128
Evading Fare
1
0
0
1
1
False Fire Alarms
1
0
0
1
1
Idle and Disorderly
4
0
3
1
4
Liquor Laws Violated
3
0
3
0
3
Lottery-Promoting
8
1
6
3
9
Motor Vehicle Violated
82
2
7
77
84
Operating under the Influence.
23
0
3
20
23
Neglect or Desertion, Non-support of Family
9
1
6
4
10
Violation Fish-Game Laws.
1
0
1
0
1
Out of Town Arrests.
18
0
13
5
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.