USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1939 > Part 13
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Of the Three Hundred Dollars appropriated for the expense of the department, only One Hundred Eighty-seven Dollars and Twenty-five Cents were expended. This was for emergency work removing dan- gerous trees, limbs and doing surgery work on the following streets: Presidents Rd., School, Staten Rd., Washington, Hollis Ave., Towne, Arborway Drive, Sterling, Wellington, Central, Elm, Lemoyne, Tremont and Commercial. This work was done while the W.P.A. project was held in abeyance and required immediate attention. In turning back a good portion of the appropriation, I have followed the Town's policy of economy.
Respectfully yours,
CLARENCE R. BESTICK,
Tree Warden.
149
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Fire Department
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FOR THE YEAR 1939
150
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit to you the annual report of the Fire Depart- ment of the fiscal year ending December 31, 1939.
Total number of calls during the year-568, divided as follows:
Box Alarms
Month
Still Alarms
8
January
28
4
February
18
2
March
33
9
April
75
2
May
55
1
June
19
16
July
52
3
August
33
3
September
23
5
October
44
5
November
69
6
December
55
64
Total
504
TOTAL CALLS IN EACH PRECINCT
Month
Precinct One
Precinct Two
Precinct Three
Out of Town
January
18
6
12
February
12
7
3
March
12
10
13
April
29
22
33
May
19
20
18
June
7
3
10
July
21
20
26
1
August
16
12
8
September
10
7
9
October
12
15
22
November
30
26
18
December
22
20
19
Total
208
168
191
1
151
TOTAL CALLS THAT EACH PIECE ANSWERED
Month
Chief's Car
Engine No. 1
Engine No. 3
Ladder No. 1
Squad A
Squad B
January
34
, 7
9
16
23
33
February
21
3
6
11
10
16
March
28
2
8
6
17
28
April
68
8
11
12
38
68
May
51
7
1
7
21
48.
June
17
3
0
1
9
15
July
56
12
6
16
32
52
August
32
2
4
6
9
25
September
23
2
2
5
11
18
October
41
8
3
11
23
31
November
67
5
7
9
28
62
December
57
6
7
15
29
38
Total
495
65
64
115
250
434
Month
Hose Laid (Feet) (2 1/2 )
(1 1/2 )
Booster Ladders Used (Gals.)
Used (Feet)
Engines Pumped Water (Hrs.) (Mins.)
January
2250
300
1320
200
2
5
February
1250
840
50
1
35
March
2075
25
3
10
April
2050
1700
5255
65
10
May
600
4350
6045
40
9
15
June
2635
30
3
20
July
2250
1700
4630
215
6
30
August
1050
2000
3390
5
September
1650
2200
2620
10
2
45
October
1650
3150
4530
144
6
15
November
3950
3800
6405
200
9
25
December
800
3550
230
5
55
Total
17500
19200
43295
1209
65
15
152
Month
False Alarms
Buildings
Woods, Grass, Dumps,
Bonfires
Investigations
Wires, Trees, Poles
Automobiles
Dog in river
Call for inhalator
Locked ( in ) of house
(out)
Out of town
Horse in swamp
Accidents
Boat
4
12
11
5
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
36
January
2
11
1
3
1
3
1
0
0
C
0
0
0
22
February
2
or
24
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
35
March
3
9
71
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
84
April
2
6
45
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
57
May
0
2
15
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
20
June
6
7
47
1
2
3
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
68
July
2
5
25
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
36
August
1
2
18
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
26
September
1
6
30
2
2
2
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
49
October
1
10
59
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
74
November
1
6
35
7
1
3
1
1
1
0
0
2
0
61
December
Total
25
87
381
22
9
26
2
3
00
1
1
4
1
568
153
Month
Valuation of Buildings
Insurance on Buildings
Damage to Buildings
Insurance Paid on Buildings
January
$81,000.00
$77,200.00
$2,884.24
$2,884.24
February
79,850.00
76,750.00
4,204.41
2,994.41
March
30,100.00
29,000.00
105.00
100.00
April
52,525.00
46,500.00
10,751.00
10,726.00
May
30,600.00
28,000.00
185.00
185.00
June
26,800.00
20,700.00
84.25
84.25
July
44,400.00
36,500.00
2,535.00
2,515.00
August
17,200.00
16,000.00
500.75
500.75
September
18,000.00
12,750.00
849.68
849.68
October
146,250.00
137,200.00
1,120.50
1,120.50
November
51,850.00
48,350.00
555.00
355.00
December
23,340.00
18,840.00
1,537.00
1,537.00
Total
$601,915.00
$547,790.00
$25,311.83
$24,851.83
Month
Valuation of Contents
Insurance on Contents
Damage to Contents
Insurance Paid on Contents
January
$22,900.00
$15,450.00
$3,540.75
$3,020.75
February
59,100.00
57,600.00
2,623.50
2,623.50
March
9,500.00
8,000.00
95.00
95.00
April
18,694.94
17,194.94
3,825.19
3,825.19
May
11,000.00
11,000.00
325.00
325.00
June
1,500.00
1,000.00
July
58,000.00
56,500.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
August
4,500.00
4,000.00
148.26
148.26
September
23,000.00
120,000.00
6,399.29
6,399.29
November
16,000.00
14,500.00
310.00
310.00
December
7,200.00
4,700.00
135.00
135.00
Total
$358,394.94
$309,944.94
$19,401.99
$18,881.99
PERMITS GRANTED DURING THE YEAR
Inspected and granted for range oil burners. 130
Inspected and granted for heating apparatus burners 198
Inspected and granted for fireworks 13
Granted to set fires in open air
367
Total
708
October
127,000.00
154
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE STORAGE OF LIGHT FUEL OIL FOR RANGE BURNERS IN THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE
1. Not more than 10 gallons of light fuel oil shall be stored in any building or structure, unless, in a 16 gauge galvanized steel tank, labeled and approved.
2. Storage tanks for light fuel oil which are not directly connected to an oil burner shall be equipped with an approved faucet of the self- closing and lock type.
3. Tanks within building or other structure for the storage and keep- ing of light fuel oil in excess of 10 gallons shall be installed on or below the lowest floor of the building or structure.
4. No storage tank shall be nearer than 7 feet from any open fire or flame
5. All necessary support for tanks shall be of substantial masonry or metal construction.
6. No light fuel oil tank shall be equipped with a glass gauge or any gauge, the breaking of which shall allow the oil to escape from the tank.
7. A bucket of sand and a scoop shall be kept with each light fuel oil burner located in a position accessible for use.
8. In excess of 10 gallons an application for a permit must be filed and a permit must be obtained from the Chief of the Fire Department for the keeping and storage of light fuel oil in any building or structure.
STATE LAW
A State Law was enacted regulating the passage of Fire Apparatus responding to fires. The law requires the driver of a vehicle to drive to the right hand curb and stop until the apparatus has passed. To remain at a distance of (300) feet behind apparatus and restricting the parking of a vehicle within (600) feet of a fire.
In conclusion : I wish to extend my thanks to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, to the members of the Finance Committee, and to the Police Department for their co-operation and interest in the welfare- of the Department.
To all others that have volunteered their services or assisted the Department in any manner, The officers and members of the Depart- ment have my commendation and sincere thanks for the efficient and. faithful manner in which they have performed their duties.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED A. TENNEY,
Chief of Fire Department ..
155
REPORT OF THE FIRE ALARM DEPARTMENT
1 Gentlemen:
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit to you the annual report of the Fire Alarm System for the year 1939.
The Fire Department has the supervision of the installation, re- pairs, equipment and maintenance of the Fire Alarm Signal System.
WORK DONE DURING THE YEAR
Painted all fire alarm boxes and bands.
Replaced all poor bands on poles.
Put new back boards on fire alarm boxes where needed.
Checked all circuits daily and cleared the same of grounds.
Inspected and tested all fire alarm boxes monthly and after a severe storm.
Weekly box test at noon on Saturdays.
Renewed 238 cross arms.
Installed 2 six inch gongs.
Renewed 18,000 feet of line wire.
There were 2 open circuits during the year caused by falling trees and wires.
Installed a Master fire alarm box No. 321 at the corner of Cleveland and Harrison Avenues connected to the sprinkler system in the Penniman School.
Installed 3 new fire alarm boxes at new locations:
No. 124. Beechwood Road Extension.
No. 152. Brewster Avenue.
No. 322. Corner of Marshall and Miller Streets.
Installed 154 cross arms and ran 33,000 feet of line wire for Mutual Aid with Holbrook and Braintree.
Installed 2 registers and 2 six inch gongs for Mutual Aid.
Mutual Aid between Braintree and Holbrook is now in service. Holbrook Engine No. 1 to Braintree on first alarm : Boxes 53-54-151-152-531.
Coverage on second alarm :
Holbrook Engine No. 1 to Central Station.
Braintree Engine No. 1 to Holbrook on first alarm: Box 71. Coverage on second alarm:
Braintree Engine No. 1 to scene of fire.
In conclusion: I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our Tree Warden for the valuable assistance rendered in allowing us to trim trees through which Fire Alarm wires pass, to the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company and to the Braintree Electric Light Department for their co-operation and assistance rendered.
Respectfully submitted, FRED A. TENNEY,
Superintendent of Fire Alarm.
157
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
Police Department
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FOR THE YEAR 1939
ยท 158
BRAINTREE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1939:
Whole Number of Arrests
373
Male
370
Female
3
Residents
224
Non-Residents
149
No. 1. CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
20
Non-
Offences
Male Female Resi. Resi. Total
Assault and Battery
8
-
8
-
8
Assault-Intent to Kill
2
1
1
2
Assault-Dangerous Weapon
1
1
1
Rape
7
4
3
7
Robbery
2
2
2
20
16
4
20
No. 2. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
40
Arson
2
2
2
Breaking and Entering
10
1
9
10
Larceny and Attempts
15
2
3
14
17
Larceny Automobile
5
3
2
5
Receiving Stolen Goods
2
2
2
Viol. Ch. 265-Sec. 2.
3
3
3
Using M.V. w/o Authority
1
1
-
1
38
2
12
28
40
-
-
-
159
No. 3. CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
313
Non-
Offences
Male Female Resi. Resi. Total
Delinquency
14
-
12
2
14
Dog Keeping, Unlicensed
2
-
2
2
Driving to Endanger
2
1
1
2
Driving Under Influence
14
7
7
14
Drunkenness
221
1
144
78
222
False Alarm of Fire
3
3
3
Idle and Disorderly
1
1
1
Illegitimate Child Act, Viol.
2
1
1
2
Indecent Exposure
1
-
1
1
Lewdness
2
-
2
2
Lottery Laws, Viol.
1
1
1
Motor Vehicle Laws, Viol.
26
10
16
26
Neglect, Desertion - Non-Sup- port
10
6
4
10
Non-Payment Wages
1
1
1
Tramps, Vagrants
2
1
1
2
Probation, Viol., Defaults
8
7
1
8
Health Laws, Viol.
1
1
1
Possessing Obscene Literature .
1
1
1
312
1.
197
116
313
RECAPITULATION:
No. 1. Crimes Against Person
20
No. 2. Crimes Against Property .
40
No. 3. Crimes Against Public Order, Etc. 313
Total
373
COMPLAINTS, ETC.
Ambulance Trips
252
Buildings Found Open
185
Cat Complaints
145
Dog Complaints
501
Drunk Releases
144
Fire Alarms Answered
93
Holes in Streets Reported
59
Insane Cases-MR
9
-FR -MNR
3
Lanterns Put Out
5
Lodging Given
26
Messages Delivered
240
-
5
1
160
Missing Persons-MR
-FR 23
-MNR 14
-FNR 1
Stolen Cars Reported-Braintree
6
Stolen Cars Recovered .
9
Street Lights Reported Out
64
5
Sudden Deaths-MR -MNR
5
Sunday Permits-Labor 56
Wagon Trips
90
Miscellaneous Complaints
1929
Subpoenas Served-Braintree 21
-Out of Town 4
Summonses Served-Braintree
36
-Out of Town 208
Accidents: Minor 105
Serious 77
Fatal 3
Inhalator Cases 17
Code: Auto Accidents:
Minor: Property damage only.
Serious: Injuries received-however slight.
Fatal: Death occurs.
Code: Missing Persons, Insane, Sudden Deaths:
MR-Male Resident. FR-Female Resident.
MNR-Male Non-Resident.
FNR-Female Non-Resident.
For the year 1940 I have recommended the purchase of two new Police cars. Also the purchase of two new Motorcycles to replace the 1932 Harley-Davidson and the 1937 Indian.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and all who have co-operated with my Department during the past year.
Respectfully, JOHN J. HEANEY, Chief.
50
161
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Highway Department
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FROM
December 31, '38 to December 31, '39
1
162
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPT. FOR 1939
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
All work that was allocated to the Highway Department for con- struction at the annual Town Meeting in March, has been faithfully executed to the best of our ability and with the least possible expendi- ture of the Taxpayers' money. Maintenance of our streets has been taken care of for the year, on streets which we felt needed attention.
General Maintenance costs will undoubtedly be on the increase each year rather than on the decrease. Each year the Town votes to accept new streets, install new drains, catch basins, manholes etc., which all odds up to increased maintenance. In the last two years the High- way Department has constructed under WPA alone: 8600 feet of new streets, 5691 feet of drainage, 45 catch basins and 12 manholes, not to mention drains and catch basins installed by the Highway Department. We also had the additional maintenance of 3.3 miles of WPA Roadways accepted by the Town in 1938.
New Construction by the Highway Department this year consisted of the following:
Removal of Car Tracks on Elm-Railroad & River Streets. This project was started in 1938, the money being allocated from the 1938 Gasoline Tax Refund Allotment from the State to the Town of Brain- tree.
Resurfaced a portion of Elm St. known as Drinkwater's Hill.
Installing curbing around Traffic Circle on Church St.
Resurfacing Traffic Circle & Church St.
Braintree Sq. Drain-520/ 12" pipe, 1 catch basin, 3 manholes.
Mill Lane Drain-370/ 10/ pipe, 2 catch basins, 1 manhole.
Hancock St .- 900' Asphalt Sidewalk.
Wildwood Ave. Highlands-1335' Asphalt Sidewalk.
Liberty Park Ave .- 250' Asphalt Sidewalk.
The following Sidewalks were improved with the aid of Welfare Labor:
Division St .- Gravel & Tarvia.
Smith St .- Gravel & Tarvia.
Stetson St .- Tarvia-between Brookside Rd. & Bellevue Rd. Bellevue Rd .- Stone Dust.
Hawthorne Rd .- Stone Dust.
Cedar St .- Stone Dust.
163
W.P.A.
During the Winter of 1938 the W.P.A. under the supervision of the Highway Department were working on a project proposal known as Sponsor's Proposal No. 104-W which included B. V. French St., Shep- pard Rd., Rose Ave., Oregon Ave., Arthur St., Veranda Rd. and Grove St. This project continued until about June 1st, 1939 with B. V. French St., Sheppard Rd. and Rose Ave. being completed; at which time the W.P.A. officials decided that Braintree was working on private ways without a proper vote of acceptance by the Townspeople or Town Meeting. Therefore work was discontinued until our Town Counsel could, after much red tape, and repeatedly trying to satisfy the W.P.A. officials from Washington to Boston to Brockton, we were finally per- mitted after acquiring releases from all property owners on each street within the project, to continue with W.P.A. street construction. This work was resumed on Nov. 1st, 1939, on Oregon Ave. which at the present time is passable but will have to be completed in the Spring. Work has also been started on Arthur St. and Veranda Rd. With a fairly open Winter we are anticipating getting the drainage in Ells- worth St., Wynot Rd. and Faulkner Place, with assurance that these streets will be completed in the Spring of 1940; which leaves the streets that were assigned to the Highway at the Annual Town Meeting of 1939 to be completed during the Summer and Fall of 1940, namely:
Putnam Ave., Perry Rd., Spencer St., Hayward St., Glenrose Ave., Wayne Ave., Atlas Rd. and Newport Ave. This proposal is No. 127-W and has been approved by the Federal Authorities. The releases have been or will be assured by the time the department is ready to construct.
At the present time there are about 100 men employed on drains, streets, curbs and roadside beautification under the supervision of the Highway Dept.
The following work was completed by the W.P.A. in 1939:
STREETS
Lin. Ft.
Sheppard Rd.
1,120
B. V. French St.
730
Rose Ave.
600
CURBS
Lin. Ft.
Monatiquot Ave.
524.2
Oak St.
674.6
Hollis Ave .- West
755.2
President Rd.
524.2
Ash St.
790.
Quincy Ave. Improvement
267.
SIDEWALKS
Lin. Ft.
Monatiquot Ave.
1,294.
Oak St.
776.6
Hollis Ave .- West
864.8
Hollis Ave .- East (base, only)
416.
President Rd. (sub-graded only)
633.1
Quincy Ave. (topped)
1,278.
Quincy Ave. Improvement (also 30 CY of wall erected)
254.
Allen St. (also 680 ft. of wall capped)
1,031.
Columbus Ave.
621.
Hunt Ave.
596.
164
DRAINS
Lin. Ft.
Fogg's-289 ft. relaid-3 Manholes 608.
Shaw St .- 6 Catch Basins 477.
Stetson St .- 13 Catch Basins-2 Manholes-75 ft. relaid. 1,300.
Commercial St. (Penn's Hill)-6 Catch Basins-8 ft. relaid.
575.
Middle St .- 4 Catch Basins 234.
Cedar St .- laid to 12/26/39
408.
Rose Ave .- 5 Catch Basins-2 Manholes
400.
Sheppard Rd .- flushed, repaired, relaid-6 Catch Basins, 2 Manholes
500.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
Rubbish has been collected each month since May and will be con- tinued through January, February and March, at which time the Town will have to decide whether or not they desire to continue with the monthly collections. Inasmuch as we do not know just how much the collections will cost during the Winter months, I have asked the Finance Committee, the privilege of changing my estimate at Town Meeting. I would like to suggest that more people would acquaint themselves with the rules and regulations governing the collection of rubbish which read as follows:
"Collections will be made in all Precincts of the Town of Braintree, starting at 8:00 A.M. the first Monday of every month. In the event that the first Monday should fall on a holiday, the usual collection will start on the following day.
"All rubbish must be placed in suitable standard ash or rubbish barrels.
"Rubbish must be placed on the curb line or property line of the public way or private way.
"The Department cannot, and will not, enter upon private prop- erty to make collections.
"Rubbish must be set out for collection before the time designated for the collection.
"No collections will be made out of order, or on a special call."
Large oil barrels filled with stones and broken bottles are much too heavy to be handled by two men, from the ground up on to a large truck. Our laborers are willing to do their work, but just cannot accom- plish the impossible. So please try and abide by the rules and regu- lations, and we will try to do our bit.
Listed below is the cost of collections per month for the eight months starting May 1st, 1939 through Dec. 4th, 1939:
May June July August September October November December 169.18 256.25 229.09 188.73 187.48 188.13 240.36 245.29
165
NEW EQUIPMENT
In 1939 the Town appropriated money for a new heavy duty truck, which was appreciated very much.
The Selectmen purchased a new Model BM Heavy Duty Mack which has proven very satisfactory.
However this is the first truck purchased for the Highway Dept. since 1934, at which time two 31/2 ton Whites were purchased. These trucks being the so called new trucks are six years old.
It is my contention that the Town should purchase a new truck each year for the next five years, at which time our 1934 trucks will be eleven years old and will also have to be replaced.
At the present time we have trucks listed as follows:
2 1927 5 Ton Whites
13 Years old used only on W.P.A. and light work
1
1931 31/2 Ton Sterling
9 Years old
2 1934 31/2 Ton Whites
6 Years old
1 1934 11/2 Ton Ford
6 Years old
1 1931 3/4 Ton Sterling
9 Years old
1
1929 Gen. Motors
11 Years old
used for compressor
1 1939 BM Mack
1 Year old
Our 1934-11/2 Ton Ford should be replaced this year.
Please refer to the Town Accountant's Statement for expenditures of the Highway Department.
In conclusion, I extend my thanks to the Selectmen for their co- operation; to my assistant and to the workmen for their loyalty and hard work.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN Q. WENTWORTH, Supt. of Highways.
167
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
Planning Board
OF THE
Town of Braintree FROM
December 31, '38 to December 31, '39
168
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD FOR 1939
To the Citizens of Braintree :
In order that there may be a clear conception as to just what a Planning Board is, we are incorporating in this report a copy of the statute governing the creation and duties of this board.
CHAPTER 41-GENERAL LAWS:
SECTION 70-Every city and every town having a population of more than ten thousand at the last preceding national or state census shall, and towns having a population of less than ten thousand, may create a planning board, which shall make careful studies of the re- sources, possibilities and needs of the town, particularly with respect to conditions injurious to the public health or otherwise in and about rented dwellings, and make plans for the development of the munici- pality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants. In cities the said board shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to con- firmation by the council, and in towns shall be elected at the annual town meeting.
SECTION 71-Every planning board shall make a report annually to the city council or to the annual town meeting, giving information regarding the condition of the town and any plans or proposals for its development and estimates of the cost thereof. Every such planning board shall file with the department of public welfare a copy of each report made by it.
SECTION 72-Cities and towns may make ordinances and by-laws for carrying out the purposes of section seventy, and they may appro- priate money therefor. The planning board of a town may be au- thorized by vote of the town to act as park commissioners therein, and may be vested with all the powers and duties of park commissioners in towns.
NEW PLANNING BOARD MAP
During the past year we have completed a new Planning Board Map of the Town of Braintree. This map shows all streets, street names, public and semi-public buildings, residences, natural waters and ten foot contours. It is drawn on tracing cloth at a scale of 1" = 600' and is about 44" x 56" in size. This map has already proved to be of considerable value to several town departments, and will be used by the Planning Board as a base plan for future studies.
STUDY OF TAX TITLE PROPERTY
We have also made during the past year, a study of the lands held by the Town through foreclosure of Tax Titles, in order to ascertain whether any of them could be put to any civic use.
In order to make this study we had all Town owned properties plotted on a copy of the new Planning Board Map. The properties controlled by the various Town Departments are shown in separate colors and the properties owned by the Town through foreclosure of Tax Titles are shown in red and each parcel numbered. An index of these parcels was made and from the number given on the map one may find the assessors number, area and assessed valuation of any parcel shown.
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We found that there were as of January 1, 1939, 472 parcels con- taining in the aggregate an area of 350 acres and an assessed valuation of $162,430.00 representing on the basis of the 1939 tax rate a possible income of $5,912.45 a year to the Town.
It is very desirable therefore that most of this property be put back into private ownership as soon as possible in order that the Town may not be deprived of this income. With the exception of some par- cels which are to be withheld by the Town for civic use, this land is for sale by the Selectmen.
Many of these parcels are fairly good building lots, some on sur- faced streets. There are a few accessible wood lots. Some of the parcels are of special value to the persons owning abutting property who many times are unaware that the Town has them for sale. There are, however, many parcels of no apparent value which constitute a problem which we will discuss later in this report.
Anyone desirous of buying land in Braintree may find it advan- tageous to look into these properties. The procedure is as follows :- consult our map at the Town Engineer's Office in the Town Hall, find possibly, a house lot or woodland lot in a desirable location, get all the pertinent data by reference to our index, then view the actual premises and if interested in buying apply to the Selectmen for the purchase of the parcel. The Selectmen then would advertise a public auction and the lot or parcel would be sold to the highest bidder, provided that this amount is not less than the amount of taxes, interest and costs out- standing on the lot or parcel.
As a result of our study we are recommending to the Selectmen that some of these parcels be kept by the Town for civic use.
On Faxon Street, East Braintree, a four acre parcel should be retained for park purposes. This parcel is particularly well adapted for use as a safe skating rink as it may be flooded very easily. During the summer it would make a very fine neighborhood park, and would increase the value of surrounding property.
Several parcels near Great Pond should be transferred to the Water Department in order to further protect the reservoir, also for possible future use as sites for additional source of water supply.
The many parcels lying in Cedar Swamp just south of Plain Street should be investigated as to their possible use for a town dumping ground.
Lots abutting on Gordon Road near Watson Park should be re- tained for Park purposes. They are at present of very low value, and if retained by the Town now would serve to enlarge the park at very small cost.
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