USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1931 > Part 12
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With the original surveys made for this study are : also filed several maps previously prepared by other agen- cies, chiefly in the nature of base maps upon which the present survey maps have been drafted.
A. Maps prepared by other agencies.
1. Metropolitan District of Boston, 1923, by Metro- politan Planning Division. This is the best available topographic map of the entire region.
2. Metropolitan Parks, 1921, by Metropolitan Dis- trict Commission, Parks Division. Shows extent of Met- ropolitan Parks District and park holdings.
3. Map of Braintree, 1931, by Town Engineer. Up- to-date street map.
4. Map of Braintree, 1931, by E. W. Branch. Simi- lar to No. 3, but shows certain additional minor streets, . : transmission lines, etc.
5. (Bound in printed report) Braintree Sewerage
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System (proposed), 1929, by Sewerage Committee. Shows more accurate contours over all except extreme west and extreme south portions of town, also proposed sanitary sewerage system.
6. Zoning Map (proposed), 1930, by Arthur C. Comey. Shows proposed Industry, Business, General residence and Single Family districts.
7. Flow of Vehicular Traffic in Massachusetts, Au- gust, 1930, by Massachusetts Department of Public Works. Shows volume of Wednesday and Sunday traf- fic over main travelled automobile routes.
8. Flow of Vehicular Traffic, Vicinity of Metropoli- tan District, August, 1930, by Massachusetts Department of Public Works. Same data as map No. 7, replotted for better use in Metropolitan District. Note: When these counts were made Route 28, through Milton and Ran- dolph, was under construction and therefore carried less traffic than usual.
9. Plans for Grade Crossing Elimination in Brain- tree, 1912, by N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. These are the latest available plans to show the approximate scheme proposed by the railroad company.
B. Maps and Graphs Prepared for the Present Survey.
10. Population Curve of Braintree. The growth in the past gives some indication of growth to be expected in the future.
11. Population Curve for the Boston Metropolitan District. Growth of the entire district of which Brain- tree is a small part has a bearing on Braintree's growth.
12. Population Curves for Selected Municipalities in the 6 to 8 and 9 to 14 Mile Belts. Braintree is in the
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belt of towns which lie 9 to 14 miles from the center of Boston. The growth of the belt of population in the district which lies just inside that which includes Brain- tree is more directly informative of the growth to be ex- pected in this outer belt as the wave of rapid growth reaches out to it.
13. Population Curves for Braintree, Whole and Various Portions of Boston Metropolitan District on a Ratio Scale. By bringing together the curves shown on graphs 10, 11 and 12 on a single graph with a ratio scale for population instead of an arithmetical scale simi- lar rates of growth are easily compared. After some further analysis Braintree's population for 10, 20 and even 30 years hence may be predicted with fair accuracy.
14. Population Distribution, 1930. Each dot repre- sents 20 people. This map was produced by plotting the six enumeration districts into which Braintree was divid- ed by the United States Census Bureau and by distribut- ing the correct number of dots within each district ac- cording to the distribution of dwellings as shown on the use map, No. 16. This map is directly useful in es- timating the volume of traffic, much of which originates from residences, the number of people served by parks, playgrounds, etc., roughly the number of school children to be served by each school, the need of local store cen- ters and the size of each one, and in similar ways.
15. Distribution of Predictable Ultimate Popula- tion. This map was produced by extending the density of population which results from complete occupation of each available block by dwellings over the entire town, omitting areas already used for other purposes or likely to be so used, omitting swampy and very rocky lands and reducing the density in other unfavorable areas. While it offers no clue as to when each area is likely to
274
be completely built up it does offer a guide for the ulti- mate saturation point, which experience shows does occur and has occurred in the inmost portion and successively in belts farther out from Boston's center. A change in- type of dwelling and consequent density of occupancy would very materially alter this map, but it seems un- likely that any increased density in population such as in apartment houses will ever spread over a large enough area to affect radically the application of this data in de- termining future school and playground sites and capaci- ties, parks, store centers, etc. The total future popula- tion thus arrived at, 75,000, is not far from the point at which other towns of similar area in the district have ceased rapid growth. More apartment houses may swell this figure; on the other hand, various causes may hold back certain areas indefinitely.
16. Use of Property. The use map previously pre- pared for zoning studies has been brought up to date, re-checked and amplified by the addition of swampy and rocky areas. This important data for swamps and ledges was entirely gathered by the chairman of the Planning Board and has greatly increased the value of this map and the accuracy of studies based upon it. Detailed knowledge of existing occupancy is invaluable for fur- ther zoning studies, location of thoroughfares, establish- ment of parks and nearly all city planning proposals. The swamps and ledges indicate lands cheaply acquir- able for parks and adapted to little other use. Residen- tial building during the past six years is shown on this map and is a useful indication of the present immediate trend of growth.
17. Regional Thoroughfares, Parks and Airports. The traffic data from Maps 7 and 8, the parks from Map 2, and certain additional data are here shown in some
275
detail on Map 1, as a base, including an extension to the south so as to place Braintree in a central position. The amount of through traffic which Braintree must provide for becomes apparent, also the degree to which park areas outside the town, present and future, will serve the town's needs, and the large gaps in this type of large open space. By adopting a standard spacing for air- ports, the optimum position for one serving Braintree and towns to the east can be fixed.
18. School District Map. This shows the number of pupils and the approximate areas from which chil- dren attended each of Braintree's ten grade schools in 1931. While the precise limits may change slightly each year, this map, in conjunction with Map 14, and others, furnishes a guide for location of schools and school play- grounds.
19. Areas Served by Playgrounds. This shows the areas well served (within one-quarter mile) and fairly well served (within a half-mile) of each playground now in existence, and the average summer attendance of those grounds that were supervised in 1931. This map, in con- junction with Map No. 14, shows the population not now served by playgrounds and furnishes a base for planning a complete playground system.
20. Vehicular Traffic Data. On this map are plot- ted to a uniform scale all the discoverable vehicular traf- fic data for Braintree. In addition to showing the vol- ume entering and leaving Braintree by each of the prin- cipal highway gate-ways, the turning movements at three
276
important intersections are given, thus assisting in de- termining the direction in which traffic desired to go. This map also forms the basis for Map No. 21.
21. Vehicular Traffic Flow. The data on Map No. 20 are here shown adjusted to a common scale for six- teen hours of a mid-week day in 1930. While this shows primarily through traffic it does demonstrate the need of greater width of pavement on certain sections now and in the future. In conjunction with Map No. 17 a basis for a major street plan is provided.
22. Passenger Travel Map. The number of patrons of the railroad commuting service between Boston and each station in Braintree is shown by a circle (on the final map, to be substituted later for advance sheet). Mass transportation must continue a vital concomitant to private automobile travel, especially between sizable centers and between Braintree and Boston. This map gives the necessary existing conditions data prior to re- planning of facilities.
23. Existing Street Paving. The type of surface on each street is shown: paved, gravel (that is, often simply graded). or for a considerable mileage existing on paper only. A useful map in any construction pro- gram to show how far existing improvements might af- fect future plans.
24. Street Width Map. Here data as to width are shown graphically in colors so that the few wide streets may be readily picked out and the deficiencies in width visualized. Particularly useful when a major street plan
277
is to be made, as it will show the degree of alteration in width that must be made to meet traffic needs as routes are established. (Note: data along north edge of town is to be added as soon as available).
In addition to the preparation of this series of sur- vey maps inquiries were directed to ascertaining, so far as possible, the situation in regard to Metropolitan and State Highway planning, park and open space planning, so as to adjust plans for Braintree's future needs with these larger aspects. No current plans were discovered, materially affecting Braintree, other than those for devel- oping the various facilities shown on the accompanying survey maps.
In conclusion, I cannot do better than refer to my report of a year ago for a statement of the procedure appropriate to be pursued henceforth in securing an authoritative town plan (from the middle of Page 290 to the top line of Page 293 of the Town Report for 1930) .
"The second stage in town planning for Brain- tree will be the preparation of a general preliminary plan, presenting in broad outline each phase of the plan properly related to every other phase, and pre- senting in more detail than can this tentative pro- gram the steps necessary to secure actual results. This general plan will be an indication to many dif- ferent agencies, both in Braintree and outside, of how their particular portion of the physical make- up of the town is related to its remaining elements, and may be utilized by each such agency in its own
278
future planning, to the benefit of both the particu- lar agency's work and to the town as a whole."
(There follows in the 1930 report a statement of the third and final stage.)
There is now in hand the data needed prior to em- barking on the general preliminary town plan. The soon- er this is undertaken the fresher will be this underlying information and the more effective will be the plan itself. Now, while Braintree is just beginning to feel the main wave of Metropolitan growth, is not a moment too soon to begin to control and guide Braintree's future by a comprehensive town plan.
ARTHUR C. COMEY, City Planning Consultant.
December 31, 1931.
ZONING REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1931
Much has been accomplished by the Zoning Commit- tee during the year past. In accord with the vote of the Annual Town meeting a year ago, the committee has been enlarged to fourteen members, including, beside the members of the Planning Board, three citizens from each precinct of the Town, as follows: from the first precinct (North) : Kenneth G. Blodgett, Merton L. Emerson, Law- rence S. Joslin ; from the second (South) : Peter Magazu, Thomas Murphy, Dr. C. A. Sullivan; and from the third (East),: Homer Melville, Charles O. Miller, Archie Mor- rison.
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Eight meetings of the Committee were held during the year. Mr. E. T. Hartman, State Planning Consultant and Mr. Arthur C. Comey, Planning Engineer, gave two evenings to your Committee with valuable constructive suggestions on Zoning to meet the changes that have taken place in the town.
With the rapid growth of Braintree in the recent past, with the expectation of a still more rapid expansion in the immediate future due to the construction of our sewer system, the question of Zoning becomes more per- tinent to the interests of the citizens of our town.
Since it has been found impossible to complete the work on hand in sufficient time to place before the Town for vote in March, 1932, the Town is asked to accept the Committee's report of Progress and to continue the Zon- ing Committee carrying over last year's appropriation in order to complete the Zoning By-law for submission to the Annual Town meeting in March, 1933.
KENNETH G. BLODGETT, Chairman, J. CALEB JUSTICE, Secretary.
280
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Braintree:
The year 1931 has witnessed a large increase in the number of books circulated from the Library and its branches. The total circulation was 102,433 as compared with 77,744 in 1930 and 57,838 in 1929. The Main Libra- ry circulation was 55,110, an increase of 13,208 over the previous year ; Braintree Branch-23,231, an increase of 7,003; Jonas Perkins School Branch-12,434, an increase of 1,887; and Quincy Avenue Branch-11,658, an in- crease of 2,591.
On December 31, 1931, there were 25,414 books in the Library and its branches. During the year, 3,864 books were purchased and 1,050 were discarded.
In October, the Braintree Branch was removed from inadequate quarters to its new location at 409 Washing- ton Street. This new branch is conveniently located and the rooms have an attractive appearance. That the change has the approval of the reading public is evi- denced by the fact many more people are making use of the facilities provided and by the fact the circulation is constantly increasing.
At the Main Library, improvements have been made to the charging desk and the lighting system which add to the general efficiency.
281
We wish at this time to express our appreciation of the loyalty and conscientious efforts which the librarian and the staff are giving to the public who use the library and its branches. This year, due to economic conditions; it will be necessary to keep expenditures at a minimum, but we hope that the service rendered to the citizens of the town will not be seriously impaired.
Respectfully submitted,
STACY B. SOUTHWORTH, Chairman, ALBERT E. AVERY, MABEL S. ROGERS, CLARA G. WETHERBEE, JOHN W. HARDING,
Secretary and Treasurer.
January 20, 1932.
FUNDS AND ASSETS
of the
TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY As at December 31, 1931
FOUNDATION FUND
Principal Account :
$7,500 Fourth Liberty Loan 41/4% (at cost) $6,479.09
Deposit, Quincy Savings Bank .. 1,000.00
Deposit, Weymouth Savings Bank 2,520.91
$10,000.00
282
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. Harding, Treasurer of the Trustees of Thayer Public Library and find it correct.
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, 1931.
January 18, 1932.
283
FINANCIAL REPORT of the
TRUSTEES OF THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY
For the Year Ended December 31, 1931
Receipts :
Cash on Deposit, January 1, 1931 $1,581.91
Income from Foundation Fund 479.85
Income from Caleb Stetson Fund
112.50
Income from Rachel R.Thayer Fund 7.74
Interest on Bank Balances
13.45
$2,195.45
Expenditures :
Repairs
$452.24
Rent Safe Deposit Box
10.00
Books
258.84
Electric Lighting Fixtures
85.35
Treasurers Surety Bond
12.50
Transporting Books to Branches
60.00
Supplies and Furniture
61.20
Cash on Deposit, December 31, 1931
1,255.32
$2,195.45
284
NATHANIEL H. HUNT TRUST INCOME ACCOUNT
Income :
Cash on Deposit, January 1, 1931
$1,477.03
Income received for year 1931 1,117.71
$2,594.74
Expenditures :
Books and Papers
$1,073.42
Cash on Deposit, December 31, 1931 1,521.32
$2,594.74
We have examined the account of John W. Harding, Treasurer, showing income and disbursements of-Na- thaniel H. Hunt Trust, Income Account, and find it cor- rect and properly vouchered.
RALPH W. ARNOLD, HERBERT W. CURTIS, CHARLES W EVANS, Auditors, 1931.
January 18, 1932.
285
ASSESSORS' REPORT
The past year has been marked by a greater num- ber of hours consumed in actual work by the assessors department than ever previously, but from results ob- tained the assessors feel that they were amply repaid for their increased efforts, in the amount of added serv- ice rendered to the tax payers. Workable use of the Plan and Block system for the first time, together with the equalization of valuations, enabled the assessors to keep the tax rate to the figure as in 1930 despite the change in the law regulating the use of cash from the Excess and Deficiency fund depriving us the of $30,- 512.00 also an increase of $24,923.68 over the amount raised by taxation in 1930 and a reduction of $19,704.34 in Income and Corporation tax, which amounts would have reduced the tax rate approximately $3.00. The as- sessors changed the system of writing the books there- by eliminating the individual precinct assessing by one assessor. And have written the books in alphabetical order. This met with the hearty approval and commen- dation of the State Tax Commissioner. The assessors intend to create a system whereby the work of equaliza- tion will be further carried out by securing an advisory board from each precinct, to work with the board in de- termining land valuations. This Board will hold a gen- eral meeting this Fall or Winter, for an open discussion with the residents, and it is the intention of the asses- sors to get the advice and counsel of the townspeople in arriving at the basis of land valuations. There are some sections of the Town where plans are not completed but the engineering department expect to have them ready by April 1932. When the equalization is completed, the assessors will not have a general increase in valuations
286
to meet appropriations for municipal activities and the ยท rate will be determined by the voters. The assessors feel that the tax payers of Braintree enjoy a very fair valuation as compared with surrounding Towns and Cities.
The valuations as of April 1st., 1931 were $25,486,- 025.00. Of this amount $1,589,150.00 was tangible per- sonal property, and $23,896,875.00 real estate. The num- ber of persons, partnerships and corporations assessed on property was 4,679. The total number of cars assessed was 5,557 and the valuation $1,758,550.00. The amount committed to the collector for motor excise was $43,- 256.51.
The assessors have been aided materially by the co- operation of the public, and especially by the efficient service of the three clerks in the office, Olive Bean, Dor- othy Trott and Mr. Frank Walker.
The following is the 1931 recapitulation :
Town Appropriations $985,957.97
Annual Town Meeting $929,305.22
Special Town Meeting 26,140.75
E. & D. Fund (Not Allowed) 30,512.00
State Assessments
99,445.36
State Tax $24,225.00
State Highway Tax 1,962.38
Metropolitan Parks Tax
17,657.51
Charles River Basin Tax
3,042.29
Metropolitan Planning
98.32
Municipal Lighting Plants
90.87
Auditing Municipal Accts. .. 2,060.67
Southern Traffic 9.93
287
. Old Age Assistance Tax . ... Abatement Smoke Nuisance . Metropolitan Sewer-South . Metropolitan Sewer-South . Veterans
4,679.00
404.29
16,041.73
11,909.19
85.00
Ways in Malden, Braintree . Weymouth & Hingham (1)
260.83
Ways in Malden, Braintree . Weymouth & Hingham (2)
16,685.56
Brookline Parkway 28.33
Revere Beach Parkway
192.03
Canterbury St. Highway
12.43
County Tax
29,500.19
Deficit in balance of 1927 overlay
230.48
Deficit in balance of 1930 overlay
1,481.18
Overlay (of current year)
4,743.52
Total charges $1,121,358.70
Estimated Receipts $322,352.13
Income Tax
$82,495.22
Motor Vehicle Excise
43,527.46
Corporation Tax 34,658.88
Bank Tax
2,767.24
Licenses
1,380.50
Fines (Court)
863.83
Special Assessments
7,529.50
(Moth-375.25)
(Betterment-Highways- 7,154.25)
General Government 3,627.63
Protection of persons & prop- erty
1,070.36
Health & Sanitation
1,397.14
Highways
117.25
288
Charities
5,240.00
Soldiers' benefits
1,056.59
Schools (Education)
3,445.31
Libraries
531.32
Veterans' Exemption
118.38
Highways (Chap. 123-Acts 1931)
8,445.68
Cemeteries
159.00
Interest on deposit
2,482.33
Interest on taxes and assess-
ments
11,188.51
Water Dept .- Receipts
78,757.90
Water Dept .- Surplus
31,492.10
Amount to be raised by taxation on polls and
property
$799,006.57
Old Age Assistance Taxes-4679
@ $1.00 .
$4,679.00
Poll Taxes-4679 @ $2.00
9,358.00
Total Valuation 25,486,025.00
@ $30.80
784,969.57
$799,006.57
WALTER.B. SKINNER, NORRIS H. PINAULT, Clerk, Assessors of Braintree.
289
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS PARKS AND RECREATION
The season of 1931 was one of the best since the playground movement was taken over by the town. All playgrounds were well patronized especially by the or- ganized play, and records for attendence were broken. There was a change for the better in the work at the playgrounds; a new supervisor and two new teachers were appointed and great results were received through this change. Various sports were held at all play- grounds, and the grounds were kept up in fine shape.
French's Common
The grounds were mowed and raked-each week the base line was repaired. The tennis court was in con- stant use and a new one is being considered. Gravel for a new court has been dumped and when levelled off will make a second court. The Tremont St. entrance has been mowed each week and shrubbery kept in condition. A new wire fence on the Central Ave. side of the Com- mon was installed and a new wire backstop at the tennis court erected. Dead trees and limbs were removed and all playground apparatus and entrance from Washington St. painted.
Hollingsworth Park
This park has been raked and put in condition for playing games and at present is being used as never before.
Washington Street Playground
This has been mowed and cleaned and a new wire backstop placed and is continually used, especially by the younger children of this district.
Hollis Field
The past season 1931 was one full of activities. The Ball Field was used most every afternoon and evening.
290
The High School Baseball and Foot-Ball Teams used the field for practicing; also played all their home games there.
The left and center fields have been extended about 150 feet.
The Tennis Court, one of the finest, was in use every hour of the day.
The Summer School was largely attended.
The Field has been mowed and cleaned every week and kept in good condition.
November 30, 1931.
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES INCURRED DURING THE PAST YEAR AT THE ADAMS ST. AND WATSON PARK PLAYGROUNDS
Adams Street
Cutting Grass $75.00
Clearing out dead trees
20.00
Extending and rewiring backstop Total
96.00
$191.00
Watson Park
Tennis courts equipment $55.70
Labor, material and eqpt. of above 290.43
Cutting grass and upkeep
363.50
Grading and banking skating pond 350.00
Two new cement sand boxes . .
50.00
Resurfacing basket ball court ...
35.00
Water bill and upkeep of drink-
ing fountain 14.00
Total
$1,158.63
2 Parks Total $1,349.63
This is a copy of work done in East Braintree, for the year of 1931.
WILLIAM C. MITCHELL.
291
Organized Play
Supervisor and Teachers
$760.00
Labor
23.92
Equipment
77.84
Miscellaneous
35.70
$897.46
Appropriation
$900.00
Expended as stated above
897.46
Unexpended Balance
$2.54
Parks and Playgrounds
Labor and Hauling
$2,329.45
Equipment
805.98
Material
61.28
Trees
20.00
Water
6.00
$3,222.71
Appropriation
$2,275.00
Hollis Fund
500.00
Thayer Fund
450.00
$3,225.00
Expended as above
$3,222.71
Unexpended Balance
$2.29
JOHN ROGERS,
Treasurer.
;
292
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SEWER COMMISSIONERS BRAINTREE, MASS.
To the Citizens of the Town of Braintree:
We respectfully submit the first annual report of the Sewer Commissioners for your consideration. This report comprehends the activities of the first construc- tion period and the work done in establishing a system of sewers for the Town. Included herewith is a tabula- tion showing the location, size and length of all the sewers constructed and appended hereto is a statement showing the financial condition of this department. .
By authority of State legislation and vote of the Town the construction of a comprehensive system of sanitary sewers was undertaken and it was decided to do all work by contract. The following tabulation shows the contracts let :
Contract Date of No. Opening
Number of Name of Successful Bids Rec d
Bidder
Amount of Bid
1
Feb. 11, 1931
3
Woodsum Coal Company
$73,684.53
2
Feb. 11, 1931
6
LeBaron Foundry Company
2,634.00
3
Feb. 11, 1931
4
Warren Foundry Company
9,428.25
4
Feb. 11, 1931
16
Louis Balboni
97,152.50
5
March 18, 1931 12
Zoppo & Civitarese
107,707.00
6
March 18, 1931 13
A. C. Trojano
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