USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1953 > Part 6
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Constant use of the facilities of the State Depart- ment of Public Health, and the South Metropolitan Divi- sion of the State Department of Public Health was em- ployed. Their ready and willing co-operation in all mat- ters have been most helpful and appreciative.
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Sewer Department
Commissioners
BERNARD R. ANDREWS, Chairman
CHARLES C. TEMPLE EARL D. GILLIATT
GEORGE F. BROUSSEAU, Superintendent
New Construction :
A total of 3.1 miles of new sewers, including 1.7 miles in Braintree Highlands, were added to the sewerage sys- tem. The following tabulation shows the extent and dis- tribution of the year's work.
Street
From
To
Pipe Size Inches
Sewer Length Feet
Bowditch Street
Front
Summit Washington
8
621
Brewster Avenue
Arbutus
8
1,940
Easement
Old Road
Wyman
8
150
Nickerson Road ExtNickerson
Tingley
8
251
Old Road
Washington
Easement
12
302
Park Avenue
Standish
Wildwood
8
1,100
Reed's Hill
Franklin
Easterly
8
254
Sheraton Avenue
Wildwood
Brewster
8
480
Standish Avenue
Washington
8
1,464
Sterling Park
Sterling
Williams
8
341
Sterling Street
Easement
Weymouth
8
462
Stetson Street
Bellevue
Faxon
8
688
Tingley Circle
Tingley
End
8
251
Tingley Road
Nickerson
Tingley
8
172
Tremont Street
West
Hobart
8
1,679
Washington Street
Easement
Standish
12
962
Wildwood Avenue
Standish Park
Easterly
8
528
Wilkins Road
Easement
Summit
8
555
Williams Street
Sterling
Weymouth
8
342
Wyman Road
Shaw
Webster
8
1,033
Wynot Road
Stadium
Washington
8
438
Total
16,395
Total 1953 Construction 3.1 Miles
Previous Construction
39.7
Total Constructed to Date 42.8 Miles
63
8
239
Walnut
Sterling
12
1,294
Main Sewer
Plymouth
10
849
The sewers in Nickerson Road Extension, Tingley Circle, and Tingley Road were constructed by, and at the expense of, the developer.
The sewer in Reed's Hill was installed by the Sewer Department. The remaining 15,467 feet were done under a unit price contract by D'Alessandro and Crognale, Inc., the lowest of nine bidders. The contract work was started on May 7 and completed December 16.
The total cost of the year's work amounted to $208,- 438, or an average of $12.70 per linear foot. This work made the sewer available to 240 additional buildings. Of the nearly 7,000 houses and stores in the town, the present sewer system can serve 3,726, or about 53 per cent of them. During the past year 234 new buildings were erected or under construction in the town. This year marks the first extension of the sewer into Braintree High- lands and accounts for about 61 per cent of the total expenditure.
Assessments :
Sewer assessments amounting to $78,085.42 were levied against 295 properties. Assessments against pror- erty where the sewer was constructed at the expense of the developer were levied at 60 per cent of the normal rate in accordance with the present policy of the Sewer Board.
House Connections :
There were 199 sewer connections, totaling 10,006 feet, made by the department during the year, at a total cost of $39,535.70. There were 36 applications for coll- nection on file at the end of the year, that will have to wait until spring before work can be started.
Upon application of the owner, the department will make a sewer connection. The whole cost of the work is charged to the owner, but the Town will finance it at 4 per cent, over a maximum period of 10 years, if desired.
Maintenance:
During the winter months all the main and lateral sewers were cleaned. There was a stoppage in the main siphon and in the River Street sewer, and a number of streets had root growths that would have caused trouble
64
if the regular cleaning had been omitted. A number of the lateral sewers were treated with copper sulphate in an attempt to discourage root penetration.
Twelve sewer connections became blocked with root growths, two of which had to be partly dug up and relaid. All connections where trouble with roots had been ex- perienced in the past were inspected and rodded out.
A total of 12 manholes were raised to conform to new street grades on Washington Street, Edgehill Road, and Beechwood Road. One damaged frame on Washington Street was entirely replaced.
To make room for a Little League Baseball field, the sewer pipe yard at the corner of Union Street and Cleve- land Avenue was rearranged and all the pipe moved to one side.
For several years, now, the load on the Common Street Pumping Station has been steadily increasing as more houses and sewers have been developed in this drainage district. The change-over of motors and switch gear from 15 to 25 horse power together with larger impellers was completed this year. At the Brookside Road pumping station it was necessary to replace two small solonoid valves and one large check valve.
Wiring Inspector
ARTHUR F. LUCAS, Inspector GEORGE W. CHARLESWORTH, Deputy
Permits Issued-1953
New Houses
229
New Schools
2
Alterations of Schools
1
Miscellaneous
965
Total permits issued 1197
Fees collected from April 15 to December 31, 1953 $1,57.75
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Resuscitator, Inhalator, Aspirator Do- nated to Braintree Police Department by Kiwanis Club of Braintree.
Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1953.
ARRESTS
Whole number
504
Male
474
Female
30
Male
Female
No. 1-Crimes Against Person
Assault and Battery
13
0
Assault with Dangerous
Weapon
4
0
Kidnapping
1
0
Rape
1
0
Robbery
3
0
22
.0
No. 2-Crimes Against Property
B and E and Larceny
6
0
Concealing Leased Property
1
0
Uttering Forged Instruments Larceny and Attempt
3
0
Larceny of Automobile
2
0
Malicious Mischief
1
0
Using Motor Vehicle w/o Authority
1
0
16
0
No. 3-Crimes Against Public Order
Contributing to Delinquency of Minor
1
0
Default
1
0
Delinquency
6
0
Drunkenness
157
2
Escape from Prison
1
0
False Alarm
1
0
Fugitive from Justice
1
0
2
0
67
Illigitimancy
2
0
Indecent Exposure
1
0
Lewdness
1
0
Neglect-Non-Support
6
2
Non-Payment of Wages
2
0
Operating Motor Vehicle under
Influence
35
0
Operating Motor Vehicle so as
to Endanger
13
0
Probation Violation
1
0
Town By-Laws Violation
4
1
Traffic Rules Violation
41
14
Tramps
1
0
Truancy
1
0
Unnatural Act
5
0
Violation of Motor
Vehicle
Laws
132
10
Arrests for Out of Town Police
22
0
Arrests for State Police
1
0
436
30
COMPLAINTS, Etc.
Ambulance Trips
419
Buildings Found Open
544
Cat Complaints
122
Car Trips
132
Dog Complaints
599
Drunk Releases
78
Fire Alarms Answered
123
Holes in Street Reported
64
MR
7
FR
7
MNR
0
FNR
1
Lanterns put Out
20
Lodging
10
Miscellaneous Complaints
2760
Missing Persons
MR
65
FR
24
MNR
11
FNR
5
Messages Delivered
145
Night Lights Found Out
18
Permits to Labor
11
Permit to Purchase Firearms
27
Insane Persons
68
Stolen Autos, Braintree
13
Recovered
13
Street Lights Reported Out
152
Sudden Deaths
MR
10
FR
6
MNR
0
FNR
2
VacantHouses Checked
340
Wagon Trips
104
Code: On Missing Persons, Sudden Death and Insane Cases
MR-Male Residents
FR-Female Resident
MNR-Male Non-Resident
FNR-Female Non-Resident
Personnel: 40 Police Officers
1 Clerk
1 Custodian
During 1953 we installed a time clock in the cell block for the protection of both the officers and the prisoners. We also added tear gas equipment and the officers have been instructed in its use. We also instituted the system of 'Roll-Call' in the department.
Through the generosity of the Kiwanis Club of Brain- tree we are now equipped with a duplex Emerson Resus- citator. The men have been instructed in the use of this apparatus. The presentation of this equipment to the department has saved the taxpayers $600.00.
I have recommended the appointment of two Ser- geants and four patrolmen this year. We plan to cover the Highlands section from 8.00 a. m. to midnight daily.
The Auxiliary Police are still functioning in a most helpful manner to this department, membership now totals 105.
During the year we have made many Safety Sugges- tions and received splendid co-operation from the Select- men and the Highway Department in carrying them out.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others who have shown a spirit of co- operation toward my department.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief of Police
69
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department with regards to Traffic for the year ending Dec. 31, 1953
Accidents :
Minor
191
Serious
151
Fatal
4
Cases Prosecuted in Court
Male
Female
Operating M V so as to Endanger
13
0
Operating M V under Influence
35
0
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
132
10
Violation of Traffic Rules and Regulations
41
14
Violation of Parking and Meter
430
78
651
102
Cases reported to Registrar for action on Licenses
Unlawful Speed
34
0
Driving after Drinking
17
0
Other Causes
20
0
71
0
Violation of Traffic and Motor Regulations
1-Vehicle on Crossing
26
2-Too close to Hydrant
7
3-Parking without Lights
15
4-Wrong side of Street
75
5-Motor Running
1
6-Restricted Place
333
7-Defience of Corner Law
23
8-Right Wheel not at Curb
32
9-Double Parking
37
10-Meter Violations
Meter Expired 647
Failing to Deposit Coin 43
70
Regulation
11-All Night Parking
90
12-All Other Violations 87
1421
Violations committed by :
Residents 695
Non-Residents 726
Fire Department
HARRY T. SEARS
Chief of Fire Department Superintendent of Fire Alarm
In 1953 out of a total of 796 calls of all descriptions, 54 fires resulted with a fire loss totaling $28,067.31 with a property valuation involved by fire of $2,464,875.00 leaving the Town of Braintre in the lower fire loss bracket with a $1.12 per capita loss.
Fire prevention is considered one of the most im- portant duties of the Fire Department. A special effort has been made to increase the number of inspections of all classes of buildings. In 1953 a total of 1,003 inspections were made. Fire prevention should be carried out the entire year. With your help we can still lower our fire losses.
The apparatus is in very good condition except for a 28 year old pumping engine that I have recommended to i eplace this year.
The addition to the Highlands Fire Station and Li- brary has been completed and both are occupied. This station can house two pieces of fire apparatus and 6 men which should take care of additional fire protection need- ed in this district. We welcome visitors to our fire sta- tions.
The Central and East Braintree Stations are in very good condition. The fire alarm system is in very good condition with 10 new fire alarm boxes added this year making a total of 147.
71
All members of the Braintree Fire Department are qualified in rescue and first aid.
Due to the increase in population and buildings in the Town it is necessary to recommend an increase in per- sonel for the East Braintree district, this will add a 4th man to cover two pieces of apparatus.
Mutual Aid plays a very important part in the pro- tection of life and property. We are grateful to have automatic Mutual Aid with our neighboring city and towns.
Our two way radio purchased in 1951 with one mo- bile unit added each year until all apparatus are radio equipped provides instantaneous and reliable communica- tion between fire headquarters and fire apparatus, also from one piece of apparatus to another, a quick means of dispatching and expiditing movement of apparatus and men contributing to the efficiency of the Fire Service.
By making funds available our new Schools are pro- tected by sprinkler systems and automatic fire alarm, in the event of a fire the sprinklers should check or ex- tinguish the fire and automatically call the fire depart- ment.
I have requested that the sprinkler program should continue until all second and third class School buildings are protected by automatic sprinkler and Fire Alarm Systems.
STATE LAW-Upon the approach of any fire ap- paratus which is going to a fire or responding to an alarm, every person driving a vehicle on a way shall immediately drive said vehicle as far as possible toward the right-hand curb or side of said way and shall keep the same at a standstill until such fire apparatus has passed. No per- son shall drive a vehicle over a hose of a fire department without the consent of a member of such department. No person shall drive a vehicle within eight hundred feet of any fire apparatus going to a fire or responding to an alarm, nor drive said vehicle or park or leave the same unattended, within six hundred feet of a fire or within the fire lines established thereat by the fire department. Vio- lations of any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dolars.
Fuel oil in excess of ten gallons shall not be kept in a structure without a permit having been obtained from the head of the Fire Department. In 1953 there were 383 inspections of fuel oil burner installations. These installa- tions are increasing each year. A person, firm or corpora-
73
Braintree Highlands Fire Station and Library.
tion shall not make nor alter a fuel oil burner installation until a certificate of competency has been obtained from the State Fire Marshal.
A permit is required from the head of the Fire De- partment for the installation and storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas systems. Fourteen permits were issued in 1953 for such installations, also twelve permits for blast- ing and three hundred and fifty permits for fires in open air.
Supervised drills and schooling in the Department are carried out the entire year. In 1953 the entire fire de- partment completed a nine weeks course in rescue and first aid work given by the American Red Cross.
Harbor Master
The following activities came under the jurisdiction of the Harbormaster during the past year, 1953.
All moorings in the river were in use. Each boat owner was required to obtain a new mooring permit and thirty-two (32) such permits were issued.
A boat was reported stolen and another, which was found in the fall of 1952, was claimed by the owner.
In August a boat was sunk during a flood tide and was refloated by the owner who found a hole had been punched in the bottom. The owner requested help in getting his boat to a boat yard where it could be repaired. The Braintree Sea Scouts boat towed him to North Wey- mouth.
In October a boat was set adrift from the floats at the Braintree Yacht Club. The Harbormaster was called by the Police Department at 5:00 a. m. and the boat was towed back to the yacht club.
Very truly yours, EARL F. CONNORS
for Seward W. Taber, Harbormaster
75
ʻ
Building Inspector
JOHN C. PAFFORD, Building Inspector DANIEL A. MALONEY, Deputy
Permits Issued
Estimated Values
Dwelling's
229
$1,427,600.00
Garages (Private)
33
21,675.00
Stores
3
30,000.00
Warehouses
2
12,000.00
All other new construction
9 11,294.00
Additions, Alterations and Repairs
190
837,382.00
Razing
10
Estimated value of construction .. $2,339,951.00 Fees received for permits 2,183.00
Total permits issued 476
Braintree Housing Authority
ERNEST J. JANSSEN, Chairman
WILLIAM H. GUSTAFSON
Vice Chairman
JOHN E. MALONEY Treasurer
MATTHEW W. HANSCOM
Assistant Treasurer
PAUL P. FOLEY Member
HAROLD C. PEARL Executive Director
Mr. Frank L. Heaney, who served as chairman since the Authority was organized, tendered his resignation ef- fective May 1, 1953 due to business reasons. This was reluctantly accepted, as Mr. Heaney's knowledge and leadership was of great value to the Authority and to the Town of Braintree.
Mr. Fred E. Hanson, who served as Executive Director during the entire construction period, tendered his resigna- tion as of February 6, 1953 so as to enjoy his remaining years in retirement. The Authority was fortunate to se- cure a full time Director of Mr. Hanson's ability to handle the various details during the construction period.
Mr. George A. Hitchcock, one of the original mem- bers of the Braintree Housing Authority, passed away on October 8, 1953 in his 79th year. Mr. Hitchcock, although
76
in retirement, gave practically all his time to the Authority. He served as the Authority's first Secretary and fulfilled numerous assignments requiring considerable time and ef- fort. On request of the Authority, he served as Executive Director during the interim upon resignation of Mr. Han- son. His thoughtful and considrate judgment was always sought by the members of the Authority.
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12
CHAPTER 200 PROJECT
With the exception of possibly a day between rentals, the 90 single houses comprising 50-four room and 40-five room dwellings, have been in continuous occupancy, al- though there have been a number of changes in tenants. It is imperative that the management see that the non- occupancy periods are held to a minimum, so as to meet fixed charges and operating expenses. By the same token, the Authority must insist on payment of rent when due. If the tenant does not meet his lease obligations, the Au- thority, under State directives, has no alternative other than eviction proceedings, which needless to say are not a pleasant task.
The exterior of all dwellings were painted during the fall of 1953 and through regular inspections, the houses have been kept in good repair. In this connection, it may be well to state that repairs due to ordinary wear are made without expense to the tenant; however, repairs to damage caused by tenant negligence, are chargeable to the tenant.
Again in 1953 some tenants have, through their own initiative and improved financial status, moved to their own homes and in so doing, have made it possible for a less fortunate veteran and family to secure accommoda- tions in the project.
UNION VILLAGE PROJECT
The Authority, recognizing the wishes of the 1952 Town Meeting, have removed buildings as fast as condi- tions permitted. As of December 31, 1953 eight build- ings have been removed with four remaining that are fully occupied ; when this report was written, there was a waiting list for admittance.
The remaining buildings will be removed when con- ditions permit.
77
Engineering Department JOHN J. DRINKWATER, Town Engineer
Lines and grades were furnished to the Highway De- partment for the following: ROAD CONSTRUCTION- Foster Road 365 feet; Sagamore Street 50 feet; Berwick Street 340 feet; Thayer Road from Atlas Road 250 feet east; Audubon Avenue from Vinedale Road to Spencer Street 1640 feet; Vinedale Road from Arborway Drive to Edgehill Road 520 feet; Elliot Street from Stetson Street to Birchcroft Road 500 feet; Porter Avenue from Glendale Road to end 250 feet. SIDEWALKS-Nickerson Road both sides; Storrs Avenue from Windemere Circle to Park- side Avenue; Bickford Road from Quincy Avenue to New- ton Avenue. DRAINS-Audubon Avenue 775 feet; Vin- ton Avenue from end to river 225 feet; Reservoir Avenue 205 feet; Marshfield Road 135 feet; Plain Street at No. 300, 120 feet; Hobart Street to Oakland Street 250 feet: Wildwood Avenue at House No. 196, 185 feet.
Plans were prepared for : Layouts of Azel Road (Ext.) and Walnut Stret (Ext.) ; Drain Easements-Wildwood Avenue at No. 196, Elm Street at St. Thomas More Church.
Miscellaneous projects : SCHOOL DEPARTMENT- Line for fence at Foster School; Location of drive at Noah Torrey School; Location of baseball diamond at Lakeside School. POLICE DEPARTMENT-Accident survey and plan of Washington Street at Hill View Road ; Relocation of parking meters at Washington Street and Elm Street : Location plan corner Mill Lane and Shaw Street; Location plan corner Elm Street and Adams Street. ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT-Pole locations staked on Bel- mont Street, Lakeside Drive, Middle Street, Nickerson Road, Colby Road, Mill Lane, Union Street, Faulkner Place. PARK DEPARTMENT-Topographical survey. grades for baseball field, location and grades for drain at Faxon Park; Staking softball diamond at Hollingsworth Park; Topographical survey of portion of Watson Park cast of softball field ; Staking baseball diamond at French's Common; Line for fence at Adams Street Playground; Staking girls' hockey field at Hollis Playground.
All deeds and subdivisions were checked and plotted accordingly on Assessors Plans, together with one hundred and seventy five new houses, forty-seven other buildings and one hundred ninety additions and alterations.
78
Civil Defense Agency
In spite of an almost total lack of interest on the part of the general public, the Civil Defense Agency made satisfactory progress during the year 1953.
The Fire Department has continued to train and equip auxiliary firemen and under the direction of the Fire Chief, has expanded the warning system. We believe the previous deficiencies in the warning system have now been corrected.
The Communications Department has continued to meet weekly and has added to the personnel and equip- ment during the year. Under the Communications Di- rector, classes have been held at the High School and a representative of the Federal Communications Commis- sion gave an examination at the completion of the courses for novice operator licenses. During the year, the Com- munications Department established and successfully worked out several communications problems.
The classes in the use of the Geiger Counters and other radiological instruments have been continued during the year by the Radiological Department.
Classes in first aid instruction were held under the Medical and Health Department and a blood typing team was organized and operated in the field in conjunction with the Department of Public Health Diagnostic Labor- atory.
All Town departments who were called on during the year to co-operate with the Civil Defense Agency did their utmost to make their phase of civil defense an active and vital one. This co-operation is appreciated by everyone connected with Braintree Civil Defense.
JAMES G. CARROLL,
Director of Braintree Civil Defense
79
Report of Veterans' Services GEORGE A. SHORTLE, Director.
Aid, by this Department, is rendered to veterans, their dependents, or dependents of deceased veterans under Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, as amended, under the supervision of the State Depart- ment of Veterans Services.
During the year we have assisted, with direct aid, 113. cases involving 235 people.
We have aided hundreds of persons in processing all forms affecting settlements, adjudications, claims, insur- ance, pensions, etc., establishing eligibility rights of vet- erans and widows and children of deceased veterans under both State and Federal Laws.
Hospital costs have risen from $10.00 per day to $14.00 per day. This will have a corresponding effect on the care of patients in Convalescent Homes. This type of aid is steadily increasing in this Department.
A free Notary Public and photostatic service is main- tained for the benefit of Veterans and their families.
Park Department
Edgar L. Copp, Chairman George H. Snyder, Jr.,
George F. Leben Elmer E. Raymond, Jr.
Vice-Chairman
Earl C. Hollis
Harry F. Vinton, Jr. Edward J. Rose
Recreation is a desirable municipal function and im- plies self expression of an individual to seek and partici- pate in that which is enjoyable and which truly refreshes the mind, spirit and body. The Commission is always striving to provide the opportunity for recreation to the children of Braintree by making available competant in- struction, clean, safe playing areas, good facilities and equipment.
We feel we are very fortunate in being able to pro- cure the services of the type of men we now have as Supervisor of Maintenance and Supervisor of Recreation. They are of inestimable value in maintaining the policy of providing the above mentioned recreational facilities.
80
ATTENDENCE CHART
(Playgrounds )
700
Daily
600
1953
Average
00 0000
00
FOR
500
1952
o 100000
1
Week 400
1
300 +
-
200
100
-
1ST and 3rd 4th 5Th 6th 7the 8th 9th
week
In the past year we have maintained and improved our existing facilities. We have enclosed the north side of the Adams Street Playground with a chain link fence, thus eliminating a serious accident hazard, also provided additional areas for basketball, tennis and Little League baseball. Work has been started on a new playground on land previously owned on Faxon Street and it is hoped that this will be completed and opened for use by next summer.
The swimming program continues to grow and a class in adult instruction, added this year, proved both popular and valuable.
The future presents a very serious problem in that as the Town's population increases, so also does the need for additional recreation areas. The situation is such, at the present, that if we do not move to procure these areas for future development we will soon find that all available space has been taken for housing development. This is
81
The
×
the reason we are seeking to procure sites in locations that are badly in need of playgrounds and where the areas suggested are the only available ones left that would be suitable to our needs.
The graph below will illustrate our per capita cost of our Organized Play Program which furnishes super- vised play and recreation to the children of the Town dur- ing the months when school is not in session.
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