USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1960 > Part 6
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
SO VOTED (9:11 P.M.)
76
Comes now the question on the motion by Mr. With- ington as thus amended.
The Moderator ordered a teller count. Vote and count were taken and the tellers reported 143 votes in the affirmative and 32 votes in the negative. There being more than the necessary two-thirds vote in the affirma- tive the Moderator declared the motion by Mr. With- ington as thus amended.
SO VOTED (9:14 P.M.)
ARTICLE 42. Flood Control in Smelt Brook and/or Monatiquot River Watershed.
SO VOTED (9:15 P.M.): That Article 42 be tabled. ARTICLE 43. Sites for public off street parking.
MOVED by Mr. Withington:
No action.
Under Article 2 Mr. Gawlowicz presented the follow- ing report of the Parking Area Committee:
The Parking Area Committee was appointed by the Moderator in accordance with Article 11 of the War- rant for the November 17, 1959 Special Town Meeting.
Article 11 is as follows: "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the appointment of a committee of five to be appointed by the Moderator to study and report to the next annual meeting on the necessity for and land available for additional public parking areas in the Brain- tree business districts, or take any other action relative thereto".
The Committee studied the problem and found the need of more public off-street parking areas in the Brain- tree business districts. The Committee recommends that the town initiate a program to take land for future public off-street parking areas as suggested on attached plans No. 1, 2 and 3.
Presently, there are three unmetered off-street pub- lic parking areas in the Town. South Braintree has 53 parking spaces, Braintree Square has 77 spaces, and East Braintree has 116 spaces. There are 70 street parking meters in South Braintree, 45 in Braintree Square, and 36 in East Braintree. This is a total of 397 existing parking spaces metered and unmetered. In our suggested schemes, we have 120 new parking spaces for South Braintree, 86 for Braintree Square, and 114 for East Braintree-for a total of 320 new parking spaces.
The family car has become an important part of the living habits of the Town meeting members and other Braintree residents. As you all know, Braintree has an extremely serious parking problem in Braintree Square, South Braintree Square, and East Braintree.
77
Many automobile drivers can remember when parking space at the curb was not particularly difficult to find. There were more parking spaces and fewer cars. Fewer persons used their cars for daily trips into the business districts, primarily because they either walked or used the bus to get to these areas. Moreover, in those days, the automobile was operated many less miles per year, more for pleasure driving and less for business and other necessary trips. Now the family car is the logical trans- portation vehicle. This change in daily travel habits and the explosive growth of the Town increases the de- mand for parking space in the business districts.
From the motorist's point of view, the ideal park- ing space is generally one at the curb immediately in front of his destination. But he has long ago ceased to expect such convenienct in the business districts.
The irritation of searching somewhat hopelessly for a parking space each time a driver enters the business districts is not measurable in minutes or in dollars and cents. But the repetition of this exasperating experience has probably driven many patential buyers out of the business districts.
This is evidenced by the many shoppers who are willing to drive extra miles to outlying business estab- lishments where ample parking space is available and much traffic congestion is avoided. The extra miles cost money and time, but it is willingly spent for the added convenience.
Anticipated growth of traffic surely will not improve the situation and the parking problem of the business dis- tricts will never be solved at the curb. In the business districts the number of curb parking spaces, reduced by requirements for space for loading zones, entrances, bus stops and moving traffic will even on a time-limit basis, handle only a relatively small proportion of the potential demand.
The provision of off-street parking areas is an im- portant step which should be taken to help preserve the utility and value of the business districts. This step should be taken as soon as possible.
When property values in a business district decline, it is obvious that tax revenues must also decline. Inac- cessibility due to inadequate parking facilities is one im- portant factor contributing to the decline in business property values in many communities. The Citizens of Braintree should have a real interest in the maintenance and upbuilding of the economic health of the business districts.
Business districts are perishing out of sheer apathy and the result may well be the death of our business dis- tricts. Further decay and stagnation can be expected un- less community elements support parking area programs.
78
It is not just a retailer's problem; banks, restaurants, the- atres, professional offices, and many other segments of Braintree's economy depend or healthy, active, prosper- ous business districts.
We wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the Town Engineering Department and other Town depart- ments.
Respectfully submitted, Edward D. Cahill Charles R. Furlong Mitchell W. Gawlowicz R, Stanley McConnell John J. Cusack, Chairman
SO VOTED (9:19 P.M.): That the report be ac- cepted with thanks and that the Committee be continued.
MOVED by Mr. Arthur Boynton:
To authorize the selectmen to purchase plot No. 22 and 22A on assessors' plan No. 3005 containing approxi- mately 36,663 sq. ft. and being located on Brookside Road
for a municipal parking area, to remove the buildings therefrom and to grade and surface area and that to accomplish said purpose the total sum of $30,050.00 be raised and appropriated of which $24,500.00 is appro- priated for purchase price; $400.00 for removal of build- ings and $5,150.00 for grading, surfacing and prepara- tion of parking area.
Discussion ensued involving Mr. Withington, Mr. Maitland, Mr. Morton, Mr. Connolly and Mr. Arthur Boyn- ton.
Vote was taken and the Moderator being in doubt a teller count was ordered. Vote and count were taken and the tellers reported 100 voters in the affirmative and 81 votes in the negative. The Moderator then declared the motion by Mr. Withington.
SO VOTED (9:38 P.M.)
(Recess from 9:38 P.M. to 9:52 P.M.)
ARTICLE 44. Fire alarm systems in various schools.
That there be raised and appropriated the sum of $16,800.00 to replace fire alarm systems, install fire detection systems, and sprinkler systems in various schools, all to be expended under the direction of the School Committee with the approval of the Fire Chief.
$ 16,800.00
Mr. Withington spoke on the motion.
SO VOTED (9:55 P.M.)
ARTICLE 2.
Mr. Bean presented the following report of the Thayer Birthplace Memorial Committee.
79
This is the final report of the Thayer Birthplace Me- morial Committee appointed by the Moderator as the re- sult of a vote at the Special Town Meeting in the Fall of 1957 to recommend what action should be taken to save the 1720 homestead where Sylvanus Thayer was born. This committee was continued in existence at the Annual Town Meeting of March 1958 to supervise the expendi- ture of $15,000 appropriated at that meeting toward the cost of moving and restoring the house. You will recall that the same Town Meeting gave a 99 year lease to the Braintree Historical Society, Inc. for the lot of land opposite Town Hall so the house could be located in the Town Center as a Community Historical Center and Me- morial to General Thayer.
The restoration work is completed. The last paid workman has left the job and a dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 1960. The interior painting and papering is being finished by volunteer workers in preparation for that event. The Boston Army Base, the Army Engineers and Fort Devens all have in- dicated their desire to cooperate in making this a me- morable occasion. The Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lt. General Gar- rison H. Davidson will be here and will give the dedi- catory address. One hundred West Point Cadets will also participate.
Invitations have gone out to many Army and Govern- mental dignitaries to be present on that day. The dedi- cation will take place on the grounds of the Birthplace or, if inclement weather, in this hall. Everyone will be wel- come and may examine the house after the ceremony. De- tails for a full day of activities are being worked out and will be announced well in advance.
The funds appropriated by the Town were spent for the following:
Foundations and Drains
$4,987.00
Waterproofing the Foundation
85.00
Sewer Connection
193,59
Plumbing Removal and Storage
134.50
Gravel Fill
450.00
Materials for Restoration Contractor
925.55
Moving
4,500.00
Masonary preparation to the move and Location
at New
3,000.00
Subgrading
688.25
Wrought Iron Sign Bracket
35.66
$15,000.00
The $15,000 appropriated by the Town actually con- stituted 17% of the total $91,000.00 cost, a cost far ex- ceeding the most extreme estimate received and one which posed a financial problem well beoynd the expecttd ca- pacity of the Historical Society to meet. When your
80
Committee first made its appeal to Town Meeting in 1958 for financial help we assured you that we would not be back for more public money. Difficulties en- countered in the project have led some to feel that such a request for further funds was justified. However, your committee kept its word and has not asked the town for additional funds. Nor will there be any such request.
In addition to the $15,000 public funds appropriated, the townspeople and businesses contributed private funds of $9,453.50 to our first drive in 1958 for conditioning and exterior restoration costs, and $3,218 to our second drive in 1959 for interior restoration costs. Persons outside of Braintree contributtd a total of $5,464.59 to these two drives. Walworth Company had, of course, given the project a fine sendoff by giving the house to the Brain- tree Historical Society and $7,500 towards its moving. The remainder of the costs involved were provided by the Historical Society and its members including borrow- ing and other emergency financing. However the costs and all debts are fully paid except for a private, interest free, mortgage on which the Society will pay $9,500 in $500 installments over the next 19 years.
The old house provides a real addition to our com- munity center, and its use will provide an enrichment of our community life worth many times the Town's invest- ment. Your farsightedness in supporting the project has the admiration of leaders in many surrounding communi- ties. The worth of such a Community Historical Center, We are sure, will become increasingly appreciated as the decades pass. Moreover we have created in Brain- tree a national military shrine.
Your committee expresses its deep gratitude to the Braintree Historical Society for the burden it has as- sumed, to the many public spirited citizens who have lent their financial support and to the many more who have contributed materials and services. Having completed its assignment, the Thayer Birthplace Memorial Committee requests that it be discharged or acceptance of this report.
John J. Canavan Richard A. Hunt Joseph M. Magaldi Archie T. Morrison Howard J. Rose Paul H. Young Gilbert L. Bean, Chairman
That the Committee's report be accepted with thanks and appreciation and congratulations for the job that they have done and by their request that they be dis- charged.
Mr. Littlejohn spoke on the motion.
SO VOTED (10:08 P.M.)
81
ARTICLE 2.
Mr. Strathdee presented the following report of the Flood Control Committee:
The Army Engineers have very recently started an investigation of the Monatiquot River situation, but we expect no definite recommendations or report for some months.
After further study of the Smelt Brook problem, our recommendation remains essentially the same as in the previous report. These recommendations are that we follow fundamentally the program as outlined in the Metcalf & Eddy report of 1956. This involves enlarging the culverts and making stream improvement from the outlet at Weymouth Landing to Pond Meadows. In addi- tion, a pipe should be installed under the New Haven Railroad tracks above high water level to take off all sur- face water in parking area in times of flood conditions.
The cost of the culvert and stream improvement work has not and cannot be definitely ascertained until such time as money is provided for an investigation of build- ing damage and replacement in the shopping areas of Weymouth and Braintree. However, an estimate would be somewhere around $600,000-$650,000. This work would be done under Chapter 91 with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts bearing one-half the cost and Wey- mouth and Braintree one-fourth of the cost each. Thus an estimate that Braintree's final cost would be between 150,000 to possible 200,000.
Your committee definitely recommends that the sum of $75,000 be appropriated this year as a start of a pro- gram to provide funds for flood control work and that additional funds be provided in like amounts in 1961 and 1962. When sufficient funds have been accumulated both by Braintree and Weymouth, that corrective action be taken in conjunction with the Public Works Department, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, under Chapter No. 91 to correct the Smelt Brook situation.
Of the sum to be appropriated this year, we feel that $15,000 should be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and in conjunction with the Public Works Department of the Town of Weymouth for the in- stallation of a 42" pipe under the New Haven R. R. for surface drainage. The total cost of this work will be approximately $30,000, with Braintree and Weymouth sharing alike in the expenditure.
It is the Committee's opinion that the installation of this pipe will act as an outlet for the excess water which the existing culvert, under the business section in Wey- mouth Landing and the parking area, cannot take. This excess water now ponds in the parking area due to the existing New Haven Railroad embankment and the defi-
82
cient existing culvert. This pipe will release and re- duce the ponding, thereby substantially reducing damage to properties in this area.
Respectfully submitted,
BRAINTREE FLOOD CONTROL COMMITTEE
W. B. Strathdee, Chairman Joseph D. Guertin, Secretary John Chelluk John Q. Wentworth Harold C. Pearl Richard A. Hunt
SO VOTED (10:04 P.M.): That the Committee's report be accepted with thanks and the Committee con- tinued.
SO VOTED (10:04 P.M.): That Article 42 be taken from the table.
ARTICLE 42. Flood Control in Smelt Brock and/or Monatiquot River Watershed.
That the sum of $15,000.00 be raised and appro- priated for the purpose of a flood control project in the Smelt Brook Watershed to be used in conjunction with matching funds by the Town of Weymouth, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Select- men, who shall be authorized to negotiate for an purchase necessary easements therefore.
$ 15,000.00
Mr. Withington spoke on the motion.
SO VOTED (10:10 P.M.)
ARTICLE 45. Heating systems in various schools.
That there be raised and appropriated the sum of $11,000.00 for the purpose of improving or replacing heating systems in public school buildings, said sum to be spent under the direction of the school committee.
11,000.00
Discussion ensued involving Mr. Withington and Mr. Malcolm.
SO VOTED (10:14 P.M.)
ARTICLE 46. Construction of Junior High School.
That there be raised and appropriated the sum of $2,447,795.00 to be expended under the direction of the 2,447,795.00 High School Addition Committee together with the sum of $100,000.00 previously appropriated by the Special Town Meeting of 1959, for the purpose of constructing a Junior High School on the Arnold Farm Site and for orig- inally equipping said school and that to meet said ap- propriation, $47,795.00 be raised in the tax lexy for 1960 and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select- men be and hereby is authorized ti borrow the sum of
83
$2,300,000.00 under authority of Chapttr 645 of the Acts of 1948 as most recently amended and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefore payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of issuance of the first bond or note or at such earlier time as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, may determine.
Under Article 2 Mr. Ainsleigh presented the fol- lowing report of the School Study and Site Committee:
Report of the School Study and Site Committee created by vote of the Town Meeting Members sitting in session at the Annual Town Meeting April 21, 1952.
Interim reports were presented to the Town Meet- ing Members during the Annual Town Meeting held in March 1953, the Special Town Meeting held November 23, 1953, the Annual Town Meeting held in March 1954, the Special Town Meeting held June 28. 1954, the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting held April 2, 1956 and the Ad- journed Annual Town Meeting held March 31, 1958.
The following sums of money were appropriated to help us in our studies,
Under Article 4 of the Special Town Meet-
ing held Nov. 23, 1953 $2,000.00
Under Article 34 of the Adjourned Annual Town Meeting held March 27, 1957 3,000.00
Total $5,000.00
Disbursements:
in 1955, Warren Cuff $ 25.00
Homer Melville 175.00
in 1956 Downer Root 1,487.00
Schuyler Clapp Co. 1,200.00
in 1957 Cambridge Consultants 3,000.00
in 1958 Homer Melville 100.00
Total $4,987.00
in 1959 returned to E and D $ 13.00
In summary, the recommendations of this committee, accepted bf the Town Meeting Members, are,
Buildings, Remodeled and added to the Hollis School, now called the Hollis Junior High School. Perkins School Area Annex built, now named the Eldridge School. Con- structed the South Junior High School, and the Liberty Street School. Added to the Colbert School. The Watson School was added to with extensive remodeling of the older portion of the school. Addition to the Senior High School, now under consctruction. Preparation of plans and specifications for a new Junior High School, to be located on the Arnold Farm.
84
Future sites for school purposes: About 16 acres of land with frontage on West and Granite Sts., control of which was transferred from the School Fund Commit- tee to the School Department. Control of approximately 14 acres of land on Plain Street, acquired by the Town through tax title foreclosure was placed in the hands of the School Committee.
This being the final report of the School Study and Site Committee, we humbly request that this report be accepted by the Town Meeting Members here assembled, and further, that the School Study and Site Commit- tee be discharged.
Respectfully submitted,
Jack Ainsleigh John F. Harkin
Almeda W. Cain
Edward J. Rose
Leonard Alves
Ronald W. Scott
Robert J. Barrett Ovidio D. Chiesa, Chairman
SO VOTED (10:20 P.M.): That the report be ac- cepted with thanks and the Committee be discharged with regrets.
Mr. Withington spoke on the motion under Article 46.
UNANIMOUSLY VOTED (10:21 P.M.)
ARTICLE 47. Construction of tennis courts at French's Common.
SO VOTED (10:22 P.M.): No action.
ARTICLE 48. Sunset Lake parking and swimming areas.
That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $10,180.00 for the purpose of removing curbing, fill, $ 10,180.00 trees, etc. from the Sunset Lake parking area, replacing same with macadam and curbs, fencing in the Sunset Lake swimming area and providing the area with a gate attendant, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Parks and Playgrounds Commission with the ap- proval of the Water Commissioners.
Discussion ensued involving Mr. Withington, Mrs. Pennock, Mr. Herget, Mr. Richardi and Mr. Oakman.
SO VOTED (10:35 P.M.)
ARTICLE 49. Gentral Storage and Service Building for Park Department.
No action.
Under Article 2 Mr. Leben presented the follow- ing report of the Park Department Building Committee:
At the 1959 Annual Town Meeting a Committee of eight members were appointed by the moderator to ex- amine into the need and construction of a general storage and service building for the Park Department. This is a report of that committee:
The committee made a thorough survey of the pres- ent Park Department facilities and the equipment stored in these facilities.
It was determined that the Park epartment has an estimated $30,000 worth of equipment, none of which is
85
covered by insurance, stored and garaged at two locations. The first location is a rented barn at 144 Franklin St., the property of Mr. Babaian. The yearly rental is $480.00 The building is neither fire proof nor waterproof and is overcrowded and inadequate. The Chief of the Fire De- partment has threatened to condemn this building for the last three years. The other storage site is in the base- ment of the present Golf Course Club House. This again is small and not waterproof. The committee unanimously agreed that the Park Department need a general storage and service building. The next step was to investigate several locations and constructions to meet the need.
The first location studied was a site on the Golf Course along Jefferson Street. This was abandoned be- cause of the difficulty in obtaining a zoning variance in this neighborhood. The second possibility studied was enlarging the present basement of the Golf Course Club House. This was also discarded because of the inacces- sibility, too much traffic across the Golf Course, and the general contour of the land. The final possibility investi- gated was an addition onto the present Highway Depart- ment Garage. It was felt that this possibility was the best because of the central location as well as the fact that eventually all Town Departments may be centrally located in this area. The building recommended would be a permanent addition to the Town barn 48'x65' in size. An addition of this type, with necessary facilities, would cost approximately $30,000. The committee does not feel that it could recommend such an expensive item to this Town Meeting. We then studied the possibility of enlarging the building to include both the Park and Sewer Depart- ments. The Sewer Department has inadequate storage facilities also, but we found that they required at least 6,000 square feet. A building to serve both departments would be prohibitively expensive.
Due to the pressing need at this time for facilities for the Park Department plus the fact that there is a very great fire hazard involved, this committee feels that it should recommend facilities for this coming year, not the year after or the following year.
After a good deal more discussion and investigation the committee would like to recommend the construction of an aluminized steel building, 40"x60'x14'. This build- ing to be constructed adjacent to, but not a part of the Highway Department Garage. A building of this type with the necessary facilities would cost $15,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Sears, Fire Chitf John Pafford, Building Inspector Stanley McConnell, Finance Committee Robert S. Hall, Fiance Committee Howard L. Baker, Finance Committee Fred Klay Stanley Parker George F. Leben, Chairman
86
SO VOTED (10:41 P.M.): That the report be ac- cepted with thanks.
MOVED by Mr. Klay:
That there be raised and appropriated $15,000,000 for the purpose of constructing a general storage and service building for the Part Department, said sum to be expend- ed under the direction of the Park Commissioners.
Discussion ensued involving Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Pinault and Mr. Leben.
SO VOTED (10:45 P.M.)
ARTICLE 50. South Shore Mosquito Control Project.
(No action necessary. Refer to Article 15, Item 60.) ARTICLE 51. Dutch Elm Disease.
(No action necessary. Refer to Article 15, Item 27.) ARTICLE 52. Insect Pest Control.
(No action necessary. Refer to Article 15, Item 27.)
ARTICLE 53. Reopening of Old Elm Street,
That the Selectmen be requested to take the necessary steps to re-open "Old Elm Street" so-called, and to fur- ther provide the necessary safeguards outlined by the State Department of Public Works, Engineering Depart- ment.
Discussion ensued involving Mr. Withington, Dr Lento, Mr. Hollis, Mr. Littlejohn, Mr. Anastos and Mr. Pinault.
SO VOTED (11:00 P.M.)
ARTICLE 2.
SO VOTED (11:02 P.M.): Be it resolved it is the sense of this Town Meeting that the Personnel Board be instructed to study the salaries of other elected town officials in light of salary changes made at the 1960 Town Meeting, and to report back to the next annual Town Meeting with their recommendations.
ARTICLE 2.
SO VOTED (11:03 P.M.): Be it resolved that a com- mittee of five be appointed by the Moderator to review the regulations and control of the Town Cemeteries and report back to the next Special or Annaul Town Meeting and insert in the Warrant any Article or Articles they deem necessary.
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.