USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1930 > Part 21
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I2I
Total number of treatments
.
5
Total number of permanent extractions 4
Total number of patients treated 636
Refused treatment, three. 2 Respectfully submitted,
D. ROGER P. BECKMAN.
343
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1930]
Report of Planning Board
The Planning Board submits its annual report to the citizens of the Town of Saugus.
The Board organized March 4th with the following members : Herbert L. Robinson, Chairman, Charles H. L. Kahler, Secre- tary, Washington L. Bryer, Charles N. Wormstead, Charles E. Thrasher.
Regular meetings are held the Ist and 3rd Mondays of each month and special meetings and hearings as may be necessary.
WHAT IS ZONING ?
Over thirty-five million people, or more than one-quarter of our population, are living under zoning regulations, which fact bespeaks its merits.
What, then, is zoning under which so many people live and which we hear so much about at the present time? Divested of its legal and technical phraseology, and stated briefly, it is con- trol by the state, or by the city and town under the authority of the state, through police power of the uses to which property or dwellings may be put.
A vast economic loss has resulted annually in the United States from invasions of residential sections by stores, garages and apartments. Those who are financially able to move when such an invasion comes have moved, but the less fortunate finan- cially have been forced to remain in their old homes due to the fact that they have been unable to sell their property for any- where near the sum they paid for it, or think it worth, yet are unable to purchase a new home.
To obviate this difficulty of invasion, in the past the only means has been by private deed restriction when the property was first marketed. However, these deed restrictions are limited usually to a period of from twenty to twenty-five years. When they expire the property may be used for any purpose which any individual property owner desires.
By knowing definitely in advance the uses of property logical development occurs. Factories are not placed next to residences and the value of the residence depreciated. High apartments
344
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
do not stand next to low residences and rob them of their light and air. Filling stations, stores and disquieting and obnoxious commercialism do not invade residence districts and cause the endless turnover of uses of property and the continual migration of residents from the older residential sections outward into new quarters.
NEW BUILDINGS
The necessity for a new High School building seems to persist, although there is divided opinion as to whether a new and expensive unit should be constructed, and the proper loca- tion for it. Some are of the opinion that an addition to the High School or the Sweetzer School could be made to advantage and a considerable saving effected. In either case this would mean the taking of adjacent property at considerable expense and the School Housing Committee leans entirely towards the site on the Town Farm at the corner of Newburyport Turnpike and Main street. This is very likely the best physical location in town and is the geographical center. It is by no means the center of population at the present time, but it is very certain that the growth of the town will extend in that direction and that the erection of a new High School on the Town Farm property would speedily advance growth toward that section.
As to a new fire station, there is no question but what one is needed, but there is grave doubt as to whether it should be erected on the site of the old station in the rear of the Town Hall. There are two sound reasons against this location. First-It is not strategic to a successful get-away in answer to an alarm nor as central to the larger property values and popu- lated area as a site should be. Second-The old fire station lot in the rear of the Town Hall might well be reserved to meet the deficiency, which will have to be provided for before many years, in Executive and Administration offices. The space in the Town Hall building is far too small to accommodate the departments that have offices there at the present time, to say nothing of the fact that there is not even room for all of the existing departments. The Board of Health, important as it is, has no office whatever in which to transact its business.
Consideration should be given the appropriation of $8,500, which the Trustees of the Public Library desire for the purpose of an addition to the library building. This arises because there is a lack of space in the present building to properly take care
345
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1930]
of the library requirements. The service which the institution renders entitles the trustees to a hearing without prejudice.
A MAJOR PROJECT
Another project of even greater magnitude than the erection of buildings mentioned in this report is that of sewerage. The principal reason for delay in commencing this undertaking seems to be the settlement of the question of out-fall disposal. Two avenues are apparently open to consideration. One is an entrance into the Lynn Sewerage System and the other connect- ing with the Metropolitan Sewerage System. Although many technical questions are involved in the selection, no doubt the relative cost and continued up-keep of the two sources of disposal will have a considerable bearing on the final decision.
As the construction of the new High School building and the sewerage system will involve the largest expenditure ever under- taken by the town, it has been argued that the present time is propitious, inasmuch as a bond issue can be floated at a very low rate of interest. A second argument is that the cost of building materials is as low as can reasonably be expected for some time and the carrying out of these two enterprises this year would relieve the unemployment situation. The general financial condition of the town, being the best of any munici- pality in the state, would also contribute to a low interest rate, thereby keeping the increase in the tax rate at a minimum.
SOCIAL. SERVICE WORKER
In view of the demands which are being made upon the Department of Public Welfare and the State Aid and Soldiers' Relief, this Board recommends that a paid social service worker be secured to work in conjunction with these departments.
Under normal conditions such a step would be logical, but inasmuch as the present conditions will cause a large amount of money to be appropriated and expended there should be no hesi- tation as to the adoption of this suggestion at the present time and its subsequent continuance as a permanent policy. Investi- gation of cases will result in the saving of very much money and the preservation of records is of great importance. The Wel- fare Board and Director of State Aid and. Soldiers' Relief do not have the time to give to this work, which is of so much importance to the town not only financially but from the stand-
346
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
point of real service and relief administered under approved methods.
So strong is our feeling on this subject that an article has been inserted in the warrant to bring it before the Limited Town Meeting.
NEW TOWN BY-LAWS
A special committee has been revising the present By-Laws and drafting new ones, which will be presented to the coming annual town meeting for adoption. No revision or additions have been made for twenty years, and in view of the growth of the town and the changed conditions new By-Laws are needed.
Recommendation is made that the new adopted By-Laws together with the Zoning By-Law and the rules and regulations of the Board of Health and the Water Department be combined in a printed pamphlet, a copy of which will be available for each of the Limited Town Meeting members and the citizens generally.
STREET LINES AND TRAFFIC
The traffic condition at Cliftondale square presents a serious problem to which much thought must be given. Your Planning Board believes that in order to alleviate this condition that Lincoln avenue should be widened between Jackson street and Central street and we intend in the near future to have a pre- liminary survey made so as to determine just what amount of land should be added to make a street wide enough to care for the traffic. As to the cost, we believe that the sooner this im- provement is made the less will be the expense. At present the situation can be taken care of by moving the stores back from the present street line, especially on the westerly side.
This is in line with the recommendations made in our report last year in which it was suggested that action be taken to estab- lish building lines on our main thoroughfares and squares. The object of this at the present time is to prevent further encroach- ment upon certain of our ways, thereby creating a condition that will be very expensive to remedy in the future when the traffic will have increased to such an extent as to demand the widening of these ways.
Jackson street presents another condition that should be remedied, otherwise it will be a continuing liability for acci- dents. The sharp corner on the easterly side of the elbow should
347
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1930]
be straightened as much as the distance between the street line and the adjacent property will allow and the trees removed. Parking on this street on either side from the approach from the square up as far as the property of Sarah E. Raddin should be eliminated in the interest of public safety. With a line of cars on either side there is not room enough for two machines to pass and the present angle in the street makes a precarious situation.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS
The installation of traffic signal lights in Cliftondale square would control traffic at this point on Lincoln avenue, Essex street and Jackson street and would not only do away with pres- ent confusion but would be a preventive measure against acci- dents in a congested area. The value of traffic lights at the in- tersection of some of the town's main thoroughfares with the Newburyport Turnpike cannot be overestimated. Whatever effort is being made at the present time to secure the assistance of the State Highway Department in this respect should be con- tinued as a contribution to public safety.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Parking should be restricted to one side of the street in con- gested sections along Lincoln avenue and Essex street as a pre- ventative measure against accidents.
GENERAL TOWN PLAN
Recognizing that the lack of a Town Plan is a handicap, the Planning Board has sponsored an article in the Town Warrant asking for an appropriation of a sum not exceeding $5,000 for the purpose of employing an engineer to prepare a plan for the town which will cover the needs for main traffic ways, main secondary ways, schools, parks and playgrounds, and any other needs that such a study may disclose.
This will be of great value when the time comes for the plot- ting and laying out of some of our undeveloped areas and will prevent a recurrence of the unsatisfactory experience which the town has had due to the impossibility of a proper check on pri- vate plans submitted by individuals.
A JOINT COUNCIL
The very favorable result, which has been the outcome of con- ferences of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Appeals and
348
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Finance Committee in conjunction with the Planning Board, leads us to believe that such conferences should become a fixed policy of procedure.
We recommend that all officials of the town and members of all appointed committees and heads of departments meet together at least once a month during the busy part of the year in a joint council for the purpose of giving consideration to any subject or problem concerning the town's interests which may be brought up from any source. This will tend to the closer cooperation and coordination of all departments and should be of great benefit. Many an idea suggested by an individual official, board or com- mittee goes begging for support simply because its merits are not brought out and discussed in advance of town meeting action, where it is often defeated for this same reason.
The officials of any business corporation would not think of placing any project of magnitude before its Board of Directors or Trustees without first holding conferences to consider its worth to the organization, the expenditure of money involved, any saving that it might effect, and the final result of its adop- tion. The officers of a municipal corporation should be guided by the same wise procedure, and we believe the length of town meeting sessions will be minimized and the town greatly bene- fited by such joint sessions.
Given a clear understanding of any subject, it is believed that the town meeting members will welcome less needless debate and act promptly, rather than waste a whole evening on an article that is not entitled to so much time.
STREET NAMES AND SIGNS
Your Board has previously called attention to the duplication of street names in the town, and believe this should be corrected. Signs should be erected at all street corners throughout the town.
SIDEWALK AND CURBING
Your Board is in favor of the continuance of the construction of granolithic sidewalks and curbing and believes that an appro- priation of $6,000 should be made to continue this service.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Mosquito control continues to be of vast importance to the town. The Board has been represented by delegate at the State House hearings and various conferences on this subject and has
349
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1930]
submitted all available information to the Board of Selectmen. A report will soon be submitted to the State Legislature on the Survey of the Reclamation Board on this subject.
PLAYGROUNDS
On the matter of playgrounds and parks the Board heartily recommends that an appropriation be made for this purpose and large enough to enable the Playground Commissioners to carry out their present plans.
THE TOWN'S WATER FRONT
There has been more or less agitation for the last year or two regarding the development of Saugus marshes, especially adja- cent to the Saugus river. Any project of this nature should be carefully considered, inasmuch as the town has a most valuable asset and unless its value and the future advantage to the town is fully realized a false step might mean disaster from more than one standpoint.
Considering that extension of present industries on the Lynn side of the river must naturally come to the Saugus side is in itself a controlling reason why care should be exercised, so far as the town can do so, to prevent the water front from being utilized with anything but most desirable enterprises and we believe the Dock and Harbor Commission, recently created, should have full support.
It is very important that the proposed Pines river bridge be constructed with a draw wide enough to accommodate the largest vessels coming into Boston, in anticipation of serving present and expected industries along our water front.
STREET LIGHTING
The members of the Planning Board, realizing that the town of Saugus is one under-lighted spot in a chain of well-lighted cities along the North Shore, approached the Lynn Gas and Electric Company asking for recommendations which would bring the lighting of the town on a par with that of other surrounding cities.
In accordance with our suggestion the Lynn Gas and Electric Company requested the General Electric Company to make a survey of the streets, traffic conditions and adjacent property. This survey was made and as a result there is no question but what greatly improved lighting is needed. Not only does
350
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
modern street lighting offer protection from crime-a recognized agency has said that one street light is worth two policemen -- and traffic accidents but it also does something which appeals to everyone ; it increases property values and stimulates home trade and business. A nearby city has offered recently a splendid example of this fact. About five years ago Lynnfield street in Lynn, a public highway, was lighted as such. This type of lighting, while not adapted to residential streets, so enhanced property values that two months ago it was necessary to change from highway lighting to residential lighting because the street has become settled with many beautiful homes. Moreover people flock to well lighted centres to transact their business and seek their places of amusement.
Members of the Planning Board, the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen have met with the engineers of the Lynn Gas and Electric Company and the General Electric Company to discuss the survey and a comprehensive plan for the town of Saugus. An inspection was made of the types of lighting and the types of fixtures which it is proposed to use in Saugus. They have learned that better illumination can be had by using a few large lamps rather than a myriad of small lamps. The Town of Saugus can obtain 16 times the amount of light that any section now has for only five times what it now costs to light the same section. For the lighting of Cliftondale square, East Saugus, Saugus Centre and North Saugus the level of illumination will be on a par with that in Wyoma square, while the lighting along the streets connecting the squares will correspond to that along Lynnfield street. Such logic must appeal to every citizen interested in the town, for not only will there be 16 times the present amount of light on the street but under the proposed plan this light is most efficiently utilized and consequently the visibility is immeasurably increased.
While on the streets one sees by having objects silhouetted against the lighted background, and the larger the lamp the better the silhouette and the greater the visibility. Consequently, the use of large units of 10,000 lumens (1000 candle power) is recommended on all the main thoroughfares. In Cliftondale square, East Saugus and Saugus Centre lamps of equal power will be used with ornamental fixtures more closely grouped. It cannot be too strongly urged that such a program be immediately adopted in the squares and on the highways connecting these squares. Traffic along Lincoln avenue, Ballard street, Essex
351
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1930]
street, Jackson street, Chestnut street, Winter street and Central street is so heavy as to make driving extremely hazardous unless these arteries are properly lighted. And not only is it hazardous to traffic along these streets but it is extremely dangerous to walk along them, because a pedestrian is seen by silhouette rather than by headlights. When lamps of low candle-power are used, the background is not sufficiently lighted to obtain this silhouette and headlights of automobiles are insufficient to back up the pedestrian. If these lighting recommendations are adopted, they will result in a well-lighted background which will greatly enhance visibility.
With these considerations in mind, this recommendation is believed by the engineers to be the most advantageous to the town of Saugus. It is economical. It is attractive. It com- pares favorably with the lighting of surrounding cities. It is what the town needs immediately.
At the suggestion of the Planning Board the Lynn Gas and Electric Company has consented to erect three or four large units of 10,000 lumens each on Central street, just northerly at the Town Hall, in the early part of March and keep them lighted for two or three weeks. This will give the limited town meeting members and the citizens generally a chance to view them during the period when the town meetings are in session and thus compare them with the old type of lamps now in use in Saugus Centre square and other parts of the town.
In accordance with the request made at the aforesaid confer- ence, the following tabulations have been made, showing the additional cost to the town of Saugus for the proposed street lighting, together with the credits covering the removal of the present street lighting in the same areas. The summaries are attached.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT L. ROBINSON, Chairman, CHARLES H. L. KAHLER, Secretary, CHARLES N. WORMSTEAD, WASHINGTON L. BRYER, CHARLES E. THRASHER.
352
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
STREET LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TOWN OF SAUGUS
January 12, 1931.
These summaries have been made in three groups :
Group I consists of-Cliftondale Square Saugus Centre East Saugus Square North Saugus.
Group II consists of-Lincoln Avenue (in two parts) Winter Street Chestnut Street Central Street Essex Street Jackson Street.
Group III consists of-Ballard Street Salem Turnpike.
(Group 1)
Cliftondale Square
Type of Lamps
Number Lamps
Cost Year per Lamp Installed
Total Cost
Credit Lamps Removed
Net In- crease Annual
1930]
Proposed new installation
.
10,000L. (1,000 CP) Ornamental
1 7
$IIO
$1,870
Proposed removal
.
400L. (40 CP) 2,500L. (250 CP)
3
16
$ 48
5
45
225
$1,497
Saugus Centre
Proposed new installation
· 10,000L. ( 1,000 CP)
18
IIO
1,980
Ornamental
7
16
II2
Proposed removal
· 400L. (40 CP) 2,500L. (250 CP)
6
45
270
1,598
East Saugus
Proposed new installation
10,000L. (1,000 CP)
6
IIO
660
Ornamental
Proposed removal
2,500L. (250 CP)
2
45
90
570
North Saugus
Proposed new installation
. 10,000L. (1,000 CP)
5
100
500
Proposed removal
Bracket Type 400L. (40 CP)
2
1 6
32
2,500L. (250 CP)
I
45
45
423
PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
Net Increase, Total of above four items ( Annual)
$4,088
353
.
.
23
Squares
(Group 11) Lincoln Avenue from North Revere Line to Cliftondale Square
Street
Type of Lamps
Number Lamps
Cost Year Per Lamp Installed
Total Cost
Credit Lamps Removed
Net Increase Annual
Proposed new installation 10,000L. (1,000 CP)
6
$100
$600
Bracket Type
Proposed removal
400L. (40 CP)
7
16
II2
$488
Lincoln Avenue from Cliftondale Square to East Saugus Square
Proposed new installation
10,000 L. (1,000 CP)
29
100
2,900
Bracket Type
Proposed removal
400L. (40 CP)
2 I
16
336
2,500L. (250 CP)
5
45
225
2,339
Winter Street from Chestnut Street to Central Street
Proposed new installation
10,000L. (1,000 CP) 19
100
1,900
Proposed removal
Bracket Type 400L. (40 CP)
1 5
16
240
1,660
Chestnut Street from Lincoln Avenue to East Saugus Square
Proposed new installation · 10,000L. (1,000 CP)
6 100 600
Proposed removal .
1 Bracket Type 400L. (40 CP) 2,500L. (250 CP) 6
16
.
45
286
314
[Dec. 31
354
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
Bracket Type
.
1930]
Central Street from Lincoln Avenue to Railroad Crossing
Proposed new installation
.
10,000L. (1,000 CP)
16
100
1,600
Bracket Type
Proposed removal . 400L. (40 CP)
16
16
256
1,344
Essex Street from Cliftondale Square to Railroad Crossing
Proposed new installation .
10,000L. (100 CP)
6
100
600
Proposed removal
Bracket Type 400L. (40 CP)
5
16
80
2,500L. (250 CP)
I
45
45
475
Jackson Street from Miss Raddin's Property to Central Street
Proposed new installation
10,000L. (1,000 CP)
4
100
400
Bracket Type
Proposed removal .
400L. (40 CP)
4
16
64
336
NET INCREASE, Total of above seven items (Annual)
$6,956
PLANNING BOARD RAPORT.
355
356
(Group III)
Ballard Street
Street
Type of Lamps
Number Lamps
Cost Year per Lamp Installed
Total Cost
Credit Lamps Removed
Net In- crease Annual
Proposed new installation
.
10,000L. (1,000 CP) Bracket Type
1 2
$100
$1,200
Proposed removal
400L. (40 CP) 2,500L. (250 CP)
IO
16
$160
I
45
45
$995
Bristow Street at Salem Turnpike
Proposed new installation
10,000L. ( 1,000 CP)
I 100
100
Proposed removal
Bracket Type 400L. (40 CP) I
16
16
St
Salem Turnpike at Fox Hill Bridge
Proposed new installation
10,000L. (1,000 CP)
2
100
200
200
Bracket Type
Net Increase, Total of above three items (Annual) NOTE : L. · Lumens CP - Candle Power
$1,279
TOTV DOCUMENUT.
[Dec. 31
357
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1930]
Report of Public Works Department
JANUARY 30, 1931.
To the Board of Selectmen, Town of Saugus :
GENTLEMEN,-The office of the Superintendent of Public Works was established in accordance with Chapter 85 of the Acts of 1916, and in compliance with the provisions of said act, I herewith submit my first annual report of the operations of this department for the financial year ending December 31, 1930.
The Superintendent of Public Works, as established under said act, subject to the authority and direction of the Selectmen, performs the duties of the Selectmen in respect to the construc- tion, maintenance, and repairs of streets, ways, bridges, side- walks, drains, water mains, and services. In short, he has the care, custody, and management of the Highway and Water Department of the town, and in addition thereto, performs such other duties as the Selectmen from time to time require with relation to other public improvements. There has never been maintained in this Department an Engineering Division. The engineering work which has heretofore been required, to carry on the work that comes under the direction of the Public Works Department, has been performed by private engineers, and paid for, from the appropriation for which the work was done. This past year a departure was made from that custom, and the engineering work required for the prosecution of work in this department was carried on by this department. An Engineering Assistant was employed from the first part of May through the balance of the year, with exceptionally good results. All lines and grades necessary for construction work in the various divisions of this department were furnished through this assistant, and the necessary inspection of work carried on by him.
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