USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1931 > Part 27
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SPOT ZONING
Basic in a consideration of this question is whether or not a town should lay down a scheme of growth and adhere to it. Because of the excessive over-development and over-zoning for business a right scheme of growth generally requires a constric- tion, not an expansion, of business areas. The great need is for protected home areas. After a given district has the necessary business area, the worst thing that can be done is to increase the business area.
One method of upsetting the whole planning scheme is to secure a variance from the Board of Appeals. To allow a busi- ness in a residence district is not a variance, it is a violation of the law. If an applicant fails with the Board of Appeals he usually goes to the Town Meeting. If he gets what he wants here, he gets what is called spot zoning. Such variances, so- called, and such spot zoning are generally crimes against the law, against the purpose and intent of the zone plan, against the people who have built in conformity with the law and in expectation of the protection of the law, and against the welfare of the town.
Numerous appeals are constantly being made in Saugus to the Board of Appeals, and some cases have been reported to the Planning Board, taking exception to the "variance" that has been granted. The citizens of Saugus are urged to report all such cases in order that a strong public sentiment may be created in support of the Zoning by-law.
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
A SUGGESTED BY-LAW
The removal of loam, sand gravel and stone for sale is destroying large areas of residential possibility. The following by-law is suggested :
The removal, for sale, of sod, loam, sand, gravel or stone from single or general-residence districts shall be deemed nonconforming uses of premises. Such uses shall be permitted only under special permission of the Selectmen, as provided in Section 17, and under such conditions as the Selectmen shall impose. The Select- men shall grant no such permit as would, in their judg- ment, adversely affect the scheme of growth laid down in the zoning by-law or otherwise, or the economic status of the town, or tend to impair the beauty of the town or of the district most immediately affected. Conditions, deemed by the Selectmen as tending to pro- tect the town and the district, shall be imposed where needed, and made a part of the permit.
This is in conformity with U. S. and State Court decisions to the effect that municipalities, under the police power, have the right to protect the scheme of growth laid down in a zoning law, to protect the general plan, to protect people on adjacent lands from obnoxious noise, fumes, dust and fire, and that "the stability of the neighborhood and the protection of the property of others in the vicinity are important consideration."
The need of looking ahead, which is the essence of planning, is now felt by those who never felt it before. Planning boards are being formed for every conceivable kind of constructive and reconstruction work. Basic in all these is the chief factor in human life, the community. The planning, the organization, of this unit is in most areas a matter of acute importance. But no community can plan, or replan, without a careful taking of stock.
GENERAL TOWN PLAN
Last year the Planning Board sponsored an article in the Town Warrant asking for the appropriation of a sum not exceeding $5,000 for the purpose of employing an engineer to prepare a plan for the town which would cover the needs for
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PLANNING BOARD REPORT.
1931]
main traffic ways, main secondary ways, schools, parks and playgrounds and any other needs that such a study might disclose.
The Finance Committee recommended the appropriation of $2,000, but it was defeated in the Town Meeting. The Board feels that the project should not be given up, even though it may be necessary to pass it over the present year because of the necessity of adhering to only those things that are actually necessary.
NEW STREET LIGHTING
The Planning Board went into this subject quite extensively in its last report and the Town Meeting accepted its recom- mendations in so far as the four squares in the town were con- cerned, and new units of 10,000 lumens (1,000 candle power) went into use during the past summer.
The result of these new lights has been most gratifying, not only to the townspeople themselves but to all traffic visitors, and the comments on all sides have been favorable to the town's action. Notwithstanding that there is some increase in cost over the old lights, there is no question but what the town as a whole would make sacrifices in other directions rather than to forego the loss of the new lights and return to the old ones.
As conditions improve yearly additions should be made of the new lights along some of the principal streets leading from the squares that are not so brightly illuminated until the main arteries of the town are as well lighted as the squares.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS
The installation of traffic lights on the Newburyport Turnpike at the intersection at Essex street and Hawkes' corner, during the past year, was in keeping with the suggestion made a year ago. The cooperation of the State Highway Department was instrumental in bringing this about, and there is no question but what they will be a preventative measure against accidents.
390
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
THE ZONING BY-LAW
The Zoning By-Law, as adopted by the town, has been printed in pamphlet form and copies are available for all of those who desire it for reference.
The Board was instrumental in introducing a bill in last year's General Court to amend the Act of 1929, whereby all changes in the Zoning By-Law of a town might be referred to a Special Committee or the Planning Board, as the Moderator might determine, but this, like all other measures relating to Planning Boards, was laid over another year pending the report of a Special Commission which was appointed to consider Planning Board matters.
NEW BUILDINGS
An addition to the Public Library was voted at the last annual town meeting, but the vote, placing the proposed new high school building on the Newburyport turnpike, was referred by referenda to the people and rejected.
Subsequently the representative Town Meeting, in special session, voted for the Newburyport turnpike location, which was again rejected by the voters. If the new high school build- ing is to be placed where the people wish, it will not be erected on the Newburyport turnpike.
The referendums on this subject have been decried by some people, who seem to be obsessed with the idea that the citizens of the town have no right to disagree with the Town Meeting Members whom they have elected to represent them in the representative town meeting form of government. As the situ- ation stands at the present time, the $30,000.00 which was appropriated toward the building and included in the tax levy of 1931 was later transferred to the Public Welfare Department. Consequently the new school building is in approximately the same status as existed a year ago.
The continual rise in taxes and the financial conditions in which many towns and cities have found themselves in the past few months would seem to indicate that it was not an unwise move to hold the erection of a new building in abeyance until conditions generally are improved. Economy is now the watch-
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PLANNIG BOARD REPORT.
1931]
word in national, state and municipal governments, as well as in business, and Saugus should not be any exception.
Meanwhile, planning for this as well as a new fire station can go forward, so when the present economic condition has abated the town will be in a position to act wisely as to location and type of buildings.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT L. ROBINSON, Chairman, CHARLES H. L. KAHLER, Secretary, WASHINGTON L. BRYER, CHARLES E. THRASHER, LAURENCE E. WEEKS,
Planning Board.
392
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of the Board of Health
We are pleased to express satisfaction in having finally secured an office in the Town Hall, and find it has been of great benefit in the operation of this department. May we express our gratitude to those who helped to make this possible.
The Board has faced the same old problems this year; those of sewerage and piggeries, which at best are only temporarily solved.
A new regulation has been adopted which requires all milk to be pasteurized, or the milk herd certified.
The Schick Clinic for immunity against diphtheria, conducted by our Department Physician Doctor Myron H. Davis and assisted by the school nurse, has been unusually successful. This year 327 children have taken advantage of this. The most encouraging feature being the large number of infants brought to the clinic. Diphtheria has almost entirely dis- appeared from our child population.
The Board has cut the 1932 budget wherever possible.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. LIGHT, Chairman, HENRY O. WESTENDARP, Secretary, MYRON H. DAVIS, Department Physician.
May I express my personal satisfaction in the operation of the Board during the year. The helpful cooperation of the two new members, and having an office and clerk has relieved the burden of caring for that work at my home. In all, it has been such an improvement over the manner in which I have had to operate in the past that I wish to make record of the fact.
CHARLES E. LIGHT.
393
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
1931]
Report of Inspector of Animals
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
As required by the State Department of Animal Industry. I made a careful examination of all dairy animals and the places in which they were kept in January and February. All appeared healthy and kept under proper conditions. Number inspected at this time 426.
I have inspected and stamped as fit for food at time of slaughter :
Swine
19
Cattle
3
Calf
I Sheep
2
Of the many cases reported to me of persons bitten by dogs only one on examination proved a positive case of rabies. There were two other cases of rabies where the dogs had not come in contact with person or animals, which I ordered to be killed, with the consent of the owners.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HITCHINGS, Inspector.
Report of Plumbing Inspector
SAUGUS, MASS., December 31, 1931.
To the Board of Health:
GENTLEMEN :- In accordance with the requirements of the laws of Massachusetts, relative to plumbers and plumbing, I hereby submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The number of inspections made during the year, together with other inspections, will be found in the following table :
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TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Total number of inspections .
ยท 588
Permits issued for plumbing New buildings . 73
Old buildings
74
147
Cesspools inspected for New buildings . 73
Old buildings .
79
152
Complaints of violation 2
Reported one to Board of Examiners, who voted to place case on file; the other, I investigated and found no reason for complaint.
Fees paid to Treasurer for Plumbing permits $294 00
Respectfully yours,
THOMAS C. SUTHERST.
Report of Inspector of Milk and Dairies
To the Board of Health:
I have made frequent examinations of all dairies. Practically all of them are in excellent condition. Samples have been taken from all of the dairies and tests made at the Lynn Board of Health with satisfactory results. Nearly all are far above the Massachusetts standards.
Have issued 108 milk licenses and five pasteurization licenses. Total receipts amounting to $104.00. As all milk brought into town for sale is pasteurized certainly 90 per cent of our milk is treated in that way.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HITCHINGS, Inspector .
1931]
BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT.
395
Report of Supervisor of the Dental Clinic
Mr. Charles E. Light, Chairman, Board of Health, Saugus, Mass. :
DEAR SIR,-I herewith submit my annual report as Super- visor of the Dental Clinic.
The year of 1931 was a very successful year for the Dental Clinic and everything went along smoothly. The clinic was conducted as in previous years and a great number of children took advantage of the clinic to get their teeth fixed.
We take the children in the first and second grades. Emer- gency treatments of the children of other grades are also taken at the clinic.
We had the clinic room painted this year and a tablet was placed on the clinic door in memory of the late Mrs. Anna C. Parker who was instrumental in getting the clinic started in Saugus. Mrs. Parker did a great many things for the citizens of Saugus and I was glad to have the tablet placed on the clinic door in her memory.
I wish to thank the Saugus Board of Health for placing this tablet on the door also for their support and cooperation which I have received throughout the year. I wish to thank the School Committee for allowing us to place this tablet on the door and also for the use of the room in the Cliftondale School.
We are also very grateful to the Red Cross for the use of the car and driver for transporting the children under the very efficient supervision of Mrs. Lewis, Red Cross Worker.
A detailed report follows :
Total number of deciduous extractions 264
Total number of prophylactic treatments 282
Total number of fillings .
I34
Total number of treatments 7
Total number of permanent extractions II
Total number of patients treated 698
Twenty-five cents is the regular fee charged for each visit.
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER P. BECKMAN, D.M.D.
396
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Report of Public Works Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
GENTLEMEN, -I submit the annual report of the Department of Public Works for the year ending. December 31, 1931.
HIGHWAYS
The largest single project done by this division during 1931 was the construction of a granolithic sidewalk from Stocker street in East Saugus to a point 300 feet from the point designa- ted, the junction of Central and Winter streets. The project was done by 72 per cent unemployed help, most of them having but little knowledge of this type of work. The 28 per cent perma- nent labor were men regularly employed by the town. They raised or moved hydrants, service boxes and reconstructed catch basins. There were many types of extra work pertaining to the project. In most cases the old walk was below the center line grade of the road which called for much fill. Practically all of the old retaining wall had to be built one foot higher. At the Littlefield property it was necessary to remove about 80 feet of the old retaining wall and rebuild it. A large amount of new fence was required. This fence was not expensive, costing much less than a wooden one. The cemetery property was beautified by the new entrances. It was not practical to follow the lines of the wall so all curves were eliminated whenever possible. It was necessary to widen the grass plot to save shade trees. The portion of the sidewalk not completed at the Stocker Playground can be done at any later date when this area has been filled and allowed to settle. Winter street should be rebuilt at this point which will do away with most of the reverse curve which now exists. It is very evident as to the value of this project. It has eliminated the danger to school children and many others who formerly used the highway as a walk.
The following streets were treated with Asphalt or Colas and pea stone. This type of maintenance must be constructed each year.
397
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1931]
ASPHALT
Laurel street, 450 feet ; Hayden road, 375 feet ; "Essex street, 650 feet ; Endicott street, 750; Walnut street, 2,640; Spring street, 1,000 ; Blue Ridge avenue, 650 feet ; Fairmount avenue, 700 feet ; Cleveland avenue, 1,350 feet ; Richard street, 375 feet ; Garfield avenue, 300 feet ; Newcomb avenue, 150 feet ; Central street, 4,750 feet ; Elm street, 2,740 feet ; Jasper street, 300 feet ; Appleton street, 1,075 feet ; Woodbury avenue, 800 feet.
COLAS
Essex street, 760 feet ; Lincoln Avenue, 1,800 feet ; Water street, 2,930 feet ; Walnut street, 1,200 feet; Emory street, 550 feet.
It is with great regret that we were unable to give treatment to Winter street, Franklin square, Washington square and a portion of Water street to the Wakefield line. These roads are in bad need of attention.
We also made repairs to trenches opened up by the L. G. and E. Co., for which they paid the town $325.00. Pene- trating and sealing of these trenches is far better than tar patch, used for emergency.
Water trenches penetrated and sealed-asphalt : Central street, 3,160 feet; Taylor street, 750 feet ; Summer street, 1,584 feet.
Drainage trenches penetrated and sealed : Central street, 250 feet ; Appleton street, 300 feet ; Pleasant street, 400 feet.
It is hoped to remove much of the tar patch in our water service trenches and do penetration work which will greatly improve such roads as Lincoln avenue, Central street, and others of this type.
KNOWLES AVENUE
A $2,000 appropriation was asked for and $1,000 was voted. $1,500 was needed for the construction if a proper drainage system was installed, and $500 for road service. A $1,000 drainage system was installed and is so designed that it may be added to at any time. By the vote of the Selectmen the road
398
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
surface was given coarse gravel and rolled with an application of asphalt and sand, which is a good improvement at low cost.
RICHARD STREET
The Selectmen voted to give the surface of the road a coarse gravel, sand and asphalt from Ballard street to the macadam laid in 1930, making it much better for all concerned.
DUDLEY STREET
This street was accepted at the Annual Town Meeting. This road was scarralled, scraped and rolled, making a big improve- ment. The water now goes to the catch basins in the street. It also relieves traffic on Ballard street.
LAWNDALE AVENUE
This project was not started until fall owing to the fact that cool weather is preferred when using asphalt on a road built with a high percent of grade. Nevertheless the temperature climbed after the work was started which made it necessary to roll in the evening and early morning. This road is constructed of washed gravel asphalt and pea stone. It is 22 feet wide leaving each side for the construction of a curb which should be built on the grade.
FAIRMOUNT AVENUE
The Selectmen voted to apply coarse gravel, asphalt and sand. This was an inexpensive improvement starting at Walnut street, and extending for a distance of 700 feet-Appleton street drain. This project was started in 1930 and not completed. In 1931 two catch basins were constructed and additonal pipe laid across Central street and then through private land to the Saugus river.
PLEASANT STREET DRAIN
This is another 1930 uncompleted project. In 1931 two catch basins and a manhole were added but due to lack of funds for drains, this project is still unfinished.
CLIFTONDALE SQUARE
This project was done by contract, 80 per cent of labor to be Sangus employees. Simpson Bros., Inc., were awarded the contract and did an excellent job with their sheet asphalt at a
399
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1931]
cost of $1.50 per square yard. This type of work should be used where the road foundation is good. This type of con- struction should be continued on Lincoln avenue to Endicott street, and would be ideal for Main street from the Pike to Monument square at such a timc as a curb is constructed on this roadway.
MAIN AND HOWARD STREETS
This work was done by contract under the direction of the State Department of Public Works. The roadway between Broadway and the Lynn-Fells Parkway is near completion, only the finishing touches left. A new box culvert 5 feet by 8 feet has been constructed north of the Lynn Fellsway, under Main street. This will be of ample size to care for the large flow of water.
Howard street has the sub grade of stone in place, sealed with tar for protection through the winter months. The road is open to motor vehicles through to Melrose.
Without question signal lights will have to be installed at the junction of Main street and the Fellsway.
FOREST AND THOMAS STREETS
These streets have been resurfaced with gravel and much improved. Mr. Thomas Berrett helped in this project by removing the brush by the road side. Two of his men instructed the several men supplied the Public Works Department by the Welfare Department.
STREET CLEANING
One thousand dollars was voted for this purpose, which is a small amount for the size of this town. Gutters were cleaned on the main streets. A street cleaning cart was purchased in May and a street patrol was started. This work was carried on in East Saugus on Thursday, Saugus Center on Friday, and Cliftondale Center on Saturday. This work also included keeping the grass cut in each of the squares and received much favorable comment.
CATCH BASINS
Five hundred dollars was voted and expended. Basins were cleaned in the spring and fall.
400
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
TAR WALKS
Seven hundred and fifty dollars was voted and expended- Lincoln avenue, East Saugus ; Lincoln avenue, Cliftondale square : Vincent street, East Saugus; Essex street, Cliftondale Square ; Central street, Saugus Center.
STREET SIGNS
Three hundred dollars was voted for this project. There were 348 signs manufactured at a cost of forty-three cents each and fifty Private Way signs at twenty-five cents each. There were 117 sign posts purchased at forty-eight cents each. Street signs can be purchased on application for streets now not signed.
FENCES
Built, repaired and painted, 1931.
Central street, opposite No. 255, 160 linear feet, repaired and painted.
Central street, Pleasant street north, 375 linear feet, repaired and painted.
Central street at R. R. crossing, 208 linear feet repaired and painted.
Elm street at bridge, 90 linear feet, repaired and painted.
Stocker street, 187 linear feet, new and painted.
Riverside court, 153 linear feet, new and painted.
Ballard street, 1344 linear feet, new and painted.
Highland avenue, 221 linear feet, repaired and painted.
Vine street, 269 linear feet, repaired and painted.
Walnut street, 20 linear feet, reparired.
The type of fence used this year is durable and should last for many years, if painted at least once in five years. The wire is the 7 strand type having a total test of strength of 8,500 pounds. With two such cables 17,000 pounds will stop almost any motor
401
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT.
1931]
vehicle. All fences were painted white and given a second coat of aluminum paint which is easier seen at night.
DRAINAGE
Mountain avenue, Jackson street, Cliftondale square to Myrtel street. This drain was badly needed and will help conditions in this location. This work should be continued to the Revere outlet with a 20-inch pipe line replacing the present 12-inch which will not now take care of the water in a heavy rain. A survey and estimate have been made for the completion of this project.
JASPER STREET
A drain with three catch basins was built from Pearson street through private property to Jasper street, thence to the culvert under the B. & M. R.R. The railroad had a crew of men lower the grade one foot.
CENTRAL STREET
Drain opposite Denver street. This project was completed by extending same from East Denver street to a point near the top of the hill where a catch basin was built and a connection made with a covered brook.
ADAMS AVENUE DRAIN
The labor on this project was supplied by Welfare Depart- ment. The money by the Finance Committee, and supervised by this Department. This drain has been cleaned from the out- let on the north side of Adams avenue in and through Adams avenue to the land of Fred Swallow, at which point a new drain was constructed across land of said Swallow to Make- peace street. Much of the old pipe was replaced with new ; and new pipe was purchased for use across the land of said Swallow. This project had ought to do away with the past nuisance of flooding cellars in this vicinity.
MYRTLE STREET
The small catch basin was constructed to drain water stand- about 20 feet on the north side from Lincoln avenue.
26
102
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
SMITH ROAD AND LINCOLN AVENUE
A basin of ample size was constructed before the new asphalt surface was placed. The basin at Morrison's drug store does not function properly owing to the fact that the small 12 inch pipe at Myrtle street to Revere outlets is not able to take the water from the Jackson street-Mountain avenue drain, which is a 20 inch pipe, causing the water to back up at this point.
BRISTOW STREET DRAIN
Several lengths of new pipe were used to repair this drain which is functioning satisfactorily. The labor on this drain was furnished by the Welfare Department and the pipe taken from stock.
WILLIS STREET DRAIN
The old drain and brook crossing Willis street and private property to a catch basin at the corner of Willis street and Winter street. The old culvert was taken up and relayed with pipe, new and damaged, taken from stock. The labor for this project was furnished by the Welfare Department.
CENTRAL AND TAYLOR STREET
A new catch basin was constructed at this point as the old one was on the point of caving in.
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