USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1954 > Part 13
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A recommended procedure for street ac- ceptance, which can be made part of the Town By-Laws, was also submitted.
Sidewalks and Curbing: Central Street
Lines and grades were established and granite curbstone and granolithic sidewalk were installed between Jasper Street and Webb Place. This work, supervised by the Engineering Department, was installed by a contractor.
Nason Road and Lincoln Avenue
Granite curbstone was installed by the Public Works Department as laid out and supervised by the Town Engineer.
Main Street
Plans and a cost estimate were submitted for the installation of a sidewalk and grass strips from Forest Street to the Lynn Fells Parkway. The curbstone along this section was installed in 1953.
Lincoln Avenue and Morton Avenue
Plans were prepared for the proposed installation of granite curbstone at the in- tersection of Lincoln Avenue and Morton Avenue and a cost estimate was compiled for similar work to be done on Lincoln Avenue from Sunnyside Park to Bristow Street.
Hooper Square
A design was submitted for the beautifi- cation of Hooper Square. This work will include the installation of sidewalks, curb- ing, grass strips, and a monument as a memorial to this war hero.
Hurricane Damage:
Many sidewalks were damaged by up- rooted trees during the two hurricanes, which struck Saugus last year. The re- placement of these sidewalks was super- vised by the Engineering Department.
Privately Installed Sidewalks:
To assist those property owners who wished to install their own sidewalks, the Town Engineer furnished the location of the street lines and grades.
Traffic Design:
Monument Square ..
Because of traffic conditions, it was pro- posed that the area in Monument Square be revamped. A study was made and plans drawn showing the present and proposed layouts.
The proposed layout advocates rounding off a corner of the existing monument is- land, providing a wider curve into Woodbury Avenue, widening Woodbury Avenue, and installing a small island on Central Street in front of the Town Hall to help channel the rotary traffic.
Walnut Street and Water Street
A survey was made and plans drawn for the relocation of curbstone and street lines to improve the traffic conditions at North Saugus Square.
WATER
Water Main Extensions
Water main extensions were laid out and their construction supervised by the Engin- eering Department for a total length of 5,422 feet at the following locations: Alfred Road, Broadway (near Collins Avenue), Broadway (near Mandarin House), Buena Vista Street, Davis Court, Donna Road, Fiske Avenue (from Essex St.), Fiske Ave- nue (from Wilbur Avenue), Fiske Road, Gilway, Greenwood Avenue, Herbert Ave- nue, Holland Street, Lynn Fells Parkway, Main Street, Pearson Street, Pillings Road, and Stone Street.
In addition, 1,360 feet of new water lines on Bristow Street and Adams Avenue, and 3,470 feet of replaced water mains at Vine and Essex Streets were installed under contract.
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Fire Hydrants
To insure more adequate fire protection throughout the town, the department lo- cated and supervised the installation of nine new hydrants and the relocation of four present hydrants.
Westford Street
A report, plan, and cost estimate were submitted for the proposed installation of a water main which would tie two dead-end water mains together thus giving cleaner water and better fire protection to the resi- dents of this area.
DRAINS
Elm Street
This new 152-foot, 30-inch reinforced con- crete pipe culvert replaced two inadequate culverts under Elm Street and Palmetto Street thereby providing proper drainage for this area, which includes the proposed Lynnhurst school site. A survey was made, deeds checked for land ownership, ease- ment plans drawn and recorded, plan and profile prepared, line and grade established, pipe, manhole and headwalls installed, and construction closely supervised by this de- partment during the entire project.
Main Street and Auburn Street
Engineering services and supervision were provided by this office on drainage jobs on these streets. Completion of the work on Main Street, necessitated by new home construction, connected the Main Street drainage system directly to the brook which runs along the Oaklandvale School property.
Completion of the Auburn Street work tied the Auburn Street and Jasper Street drains into a manhole which empties into Shute's Brook by way of an open ditch. Dustin Street
A temporary catch basin and drain pipe was installed and plans drawn for future construction to provide a permanent outlet for surface water in this area.
Fairmount Avenue and Hesper Street
Two reports were submitted relative to the drainage conditions in this area. One included details for the replacement of the culvert under Hesper Street and proposed the relocation and piping by stages of the ditch along Sumner Street to Hamilton Street.
The job of replacing the culvert is under contract and will be completed this year. The second report dealt with improving the drainage condition at the intersection
of Hesper Street and Fairmount Avenue. This new drain, also laid out to be con- structed in stages, would connect into the Hesper-Sumner Streets system.
Anna Parker Playground
The drain between Anna Parker Play- ground and Anawan Avenue was cleaned of much debris but still did not function properly because of lack of grade. A study was made and recommendations submitted to correct this problem.
Bristow Street and Salem Turnpike
The installation of the tide gate at Bris- tow Street by the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Works has been the cause of the poor drainage conditions prevalent in this area. Information and our proposals to remedy this situation were forwarded to them for their consideration.
Bayfield Road and Felton Street, and New- hall, Vincent and Wendell Streets
To alleviate the poor drainage conditions in these areas, recommendations were made to replace the broken and inadequate size pipe with larger size pipe.
Central Street
A layout for a drainage system, neces- sitated by the running springs and surface drainage coming from surrounding higher elevations, was submitted. This new system would run from Adams Street to Fiske Brook.
Edison Street, Newcomb, Cleveland and Harrison Avenues
A report of existing conditions in this area was filed, in which recommendations were presented to correct the drainage problem here by means of installing a drain and reshaping the roads.
Central Street Culvert
Plans and information concerning inter- cepting drains were supplied to the engin- eering firm engaged by the Massachusetts Department of Public Works designing the new Shute's Brook culvert to be located under Central Street at the Boston and Maine Railroad crossing.
BROOKS
Shute's Brook, Fiske Brook, and Crystal
Brook
To assist the town counsel in legal action relative to the legal phases of the work in- volved in the widening, straightening, and regrading of these brooks, this department checked the deeds of the abutting property owners at the Registry of Deeds at Salem,
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prepared easement and land taking plans, and wrote descriptions.
PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION AREAS
Lynnhurst School Yard
Plans were drawn, grades were set, debris excavated, gravel brought in and graded, and the entire yard surfaced with bitumin- ous concrete. Swings, see-saws, and other recreation equipment were relocated and a chain link fence was installed on three sides of the property.
This work greatly improved this site, which is the only playground for the chil- dren of this area.
Bristow Street Playground
A corner of this playground was brought up to finish grade and paved with bitumin- ous concrete so it may be used for basket- ball, roller skating and other games requir- ing a hard surface. The remainder of the area was brought to subgrade with gravel.
Relocating the recreation equipment and resetting the chain link fence on the prop- erty line was also completed as part of this project.
Stocker Playground
This play spot has long been in the need of attention. After plans were drawn, a large section of this area was brought to subgrade and loamed.
Lynnhurst Skating Rink
At the request of the Board of Playground Commissioners, a skating rink was staked out and construction supervised by the En- gineering Department. The rink was con- structed so that it could be flooded or drained by diverting the water to or from the brook which runs parallel to it.
Grandview Park
This land, dedicated for recreation pur- poses, has long been hazardous, as well as an eyesore. A survey was made, plan and profile drawn, cost estimate compiled, and a report submitted which shows that this area can be converted to a useful and de- sirable recreation spot for a reasonable sum of money.
This report also contained information relative to the construction of sections of Glendale Avenue which abutts this site.
LAND SUBDIVISIONS Spring Lane, Gilway, Locke Lane and
Conrad Terrace
As these roads were built by land devel- opers, the function of the Engineering De-
partment was to make sure the ways were built according to the plans and specifica- tions filed by the developer with the Plan- ning Board.
At the request of the Planning Board, we inspected these ways and filed a report which included the following information: Drainage conditions and installations, road- way construction and grades, sidewalk con- struction and grades, grass berm loam depth and seeding, and recommendations regard- ing the acceptance of these developments. Alfred Road, Donna Road, Fiske Road, and Pillings Road
As consultant to the Planning Board, the Town Engineer discussed with them, the problem and made suggestions regarding agreements for the above developments.
Alfred Road Development
This department worked in cooperation with the developer of this area relative to drainage problems, street lines and grades, and easements. In conjunction with this de- velopment, a study was completed of the drainage from Pranker's Pond along the Saugus River into North Saugus.
MISCELLANEOUS
Proposed New Cemetery
A topographical survey and map was made, the base line for construction estab- lished, boundary lines of the entire property located and existing streams and drainage ditches located at this site on upper Main Street.
Riverside Cemetery
A survey was made, plans and profiles drawn, and cost estimate compiled for the proposed expansion of Riverside Cemetery. These plans and cost estimate include in- formation regarding the necessary fill, loam, seeding, water extension, trees, shrubs and roadways, and statistics on the possible available burial space.
Also submitted was a plan and cost esti- mate for the reconstruction of the damaged section of the retaining wall.
Work Relative to the new Saugus High School
In addition to assisting other engineers working on the new High School, this office conducted two studies relative to this new construction. One study was made to deter- mine the best location for a new access route for those students who will approach the school from the Essex and Vine Streets direction.
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The other study was concerned with the question of the removal of the buildings adjacent to this site.
High School Fence
A report, plan, and cost estimate were submitted for the continuation of this fence to East Denver Street. This installation would prevent the students from trespassing on town owned, as well as private, property.
Betterment Assessments
After the installation of new sidewalks and curbing, computations were made and betterment assessment sheets drawn. These assessments were determined by subtracting half of the total cost as the amount to be paid for by the town, and dividing the re- mainder to be paid proportionately by the abutting property owners.
Traffic
At the request of the Police Department, distances were measured and locations es- tablished for the installation of traffic con- trol signs in conformance with the town traffic regulations. The annual traffic report was prepared in cooperation with the Police Department and submitted to the Federal Traffic Commission.
This report included various statistics about Saugus - such as the number of miles of streets, the number of miles of streets with parking spaces, the number of painted crosswalks, the length of traffic lines, the number of stop signs and traffic signals, and other similar information which is used by the commission to compile national traffic statistics.
Assessors Plans
Assessors plans showing lot subdivisions were brought up to date and all current subdivisions and real estate transfers were noted on assessors plans and filed with the Assessors Department. This work, involving much detail, often required an investigation of deeds at the Essex County Registry of Deeds in Salem.
Saugus-Melrose Boundary Line
Completion of a survey in this area estab- lished the exact location of the boundary line between Saugus and Melrose, which had long been in doubt, and added nine new ad- ditional pieces of property to the town's assessed valuation.
Public Utilities
The office fulfilled many requests from residents, contractors, and public utility companies to locate sanitary sewer man-
holes, main lines, laterals, service connec- tions, water mains and water main gates. The locations of these public utilities, with ties to important points to insure adequate reference, were indexed and filed.
In addition to completing these specific projects, the Engineering Department was called upon many times to furnish informa- tion of various natures to the citizens of the town and to assist or advise several of the other town officials and groups, such as the Planning Board, Board of Playground Com- missioners, High School Advisory Building Committee the Industrial Development Com- mission and the Building Superintendent.
To aid thoughtful consideration of future projects, preliminary cost estimates were submitted for the following jobs:
ROADWAYS: Atlantic Avenue, Davis Street,
Forest Street, Hesper Street, Hurd Ave- nue Extension, Lewis Lane, Magnolia Street, Old County Road, Round Hill Road, and Saugus Avenue.
SIDEWALKS: Ballard Street, Bristow Street, Chestnut Street, Dudley Street, Dustin Street, Intervale Avenue and Stone Street intersection, Jackson Street, Lincoln Avenue, Pleasant Ave- nue, and Walnut Street.
CURBSTONE: Ballard Street, Dudley Street, Dustin Street, Stone and Dreeme Streets intersection.
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS: Essex Street from Eustis to School Street, Lincoln Avenue from Emerson School to Washington Square, and Lincoln Avenue from Cliftondale Square to Sweetser School.
SEWER: Winter Street.
DRAINS: Bayfield Road and Felton Street,
Fairmount Avenue, Harrison and Sher- man Streets, Lincoln Avenue, Staaf Road and Grove Street, Walnut Street, Woodbury Avenue and Hesper Street. BROOKS: Crystal Brook, and Brook through Penny and Staples property.
The innovation of various new procedures and the purchase of some new equipment greatly aided the accomplishment of the many engineering services provided by tthis department. Of the new systems now em- ployed, one of the most useful is the over- lay map system. Using a basic town map, conforming overlays were made which re- veal important information such as the overall location of water mains, the sewer
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system, fire hydrants, water ways, includ- ing brooks, streams and ponds, accepted and unaccepted streets, paved and unpaved roads, and the distribution of population.
Such a system enables quick compilation of vital statistics and existing conditions relative to the town or any portion, and allows detail considerations to be made in the light of a comprehensive picture of the whole.
New equipment purchased last year was a wise investment. The purchase of a small printing machine has proved to be a profit- able venture, as it has allowed the staff to work with direct copies of plans with no chance of damage to the tracing original, which would be expensive and time con- suming to redraw, and it has eliminated the waste of many man hours spent making trips to Lynn to have prints made.
In addition to this convenience and con- servation of man hours, the actual cost of making a print on our machine is approxi- mately 12 cents for a six square foot print, an amount considerably less than the price of 90 cents we previously had to pay to have the same size print made elsewhere.
By the use of this and other new pieces of equipment, we have been able not only
to cut costs considerably but also to render more rapid and efficient service.
The following personnel and expenditures have been requested by the Town Engineer and recommended by the Manager and Board of Selectmen as necessary for the continued progress of this department.
ENGINEERING PERSONNEL
Town Engineer, Assistant Civil Engineer, three Junior Civil Engineers, three Engi- neering Aides, and Senior Clerk.
RECOMMENDED ENGINEERING EXPENDITURES
Salaries Expenses
$33,550.00 2,475.00
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the engineering staff for their hard work and cooperation during the year, resulting in an efficiently operated department keyed to the increased demands of the town. I also take this opportunity to thank town officials, department heads, and their em- ployees, and all citizens of Saugus, whose time and effort assisted the Engineering Department in attaining a year of recog- nized success.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY B. GOLDBERG, Town Engineer.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Dear Mr. Town Manager:
Your request for a report of the activities of the Saugus Chamber of Commerce is a typical example of the interest and coopera- tion you have shown in the past. It is indeed most gratifying.
Throughout the year the Chamber has enjoyed many harmonious contacts with other town officials as well as other service groups. One outstanding example was the highly successful results of the cooperative efforts of the Town Beautiful Committee with the Chamber on our annual Christmas festivities, the children's party, and the tree decorations and lighting. Andrew J. Boyn- ton deserves a special commendation for a well done job.
Several thousands of dollars of the peo- ple's money is being saved annually as the
result of the Chamber's "Solicitor Screen- ing System." It should be emphasized that this is a public service, offered not only to Chamber members but to Saugus residents as well. Everyone can and should take ad- vantage of this service by refusing to sub- scribe or contribute to any questionable cause unless the solicitor presents a letter from the Chamber of Commerce endorsing his or her worthiness.
Business in Saugus is good. For the four years that the Chamber has been in ex- istence, retail merchants have annually re- ported substantial increases. This applies to 1954 as well, despite the fact that it was considered an "off year" nationally. Twice annually, in February and July, the mer- chants of the town ran "Saugus Sales Days", offering exceptional money saving
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values. Residents are rapidly coming to realize the advantages of shopping in Saugus. The increasing prosperity of our local merchants reflects this attitude.
Likewise, most trades have reported a banner year, especially those people who are associated with the building business. Pros- pects are equally bright for the future in view of the inevitable continuation of the building boom.
The people of Saugus are very fortunate in having a group of professional men and women in the town of outstanding ability and high ethical standards. They are all supported well not only by Saugus people, but by residents of surrounding com- munities.
The reports we are receiving from our many small industries are very encouraging. Probably no one knows better than you, as Town Manager, the important part these shops play in the community's economic structure. We hope vigorous efforts will be made to encourage more of this type of business into our town.
The future holds much in store for Saugus as well as its businesses, provided, of course, that we apply a progressive and realistic approach to our many problems. We are confronted with a parking problem in our shopping centers that must be overcome if local business is to progress.
To neglect this problem would be an in- justice to the citizens of Saugus who should receive the same services and conveniences as citizens of any other city or town. The one hour parking restriction in Saugus Centre has relieved the situation to some ex- tent. However, the parking problem in Cliftondale is extremely serious and will
continue to become even worse unless án adequate public parking space is provided.
Saugus is in an enviable geographical location, with facilities for attracting either light or heavy industry. We have large land areas necessary for such businesses and we are blessed with skilled labor of the highest calibre.
The strategic advantages of excellent main highways; the fact that a railroad traverses the town; the possible waterway and harbor facilities; all these, plus the proximity of a large available market, such as Boston; affords Saugus an opportunity few other cities or towns possess.
The revenue derived from the proper de- velopment of these areas would contribute substantially to the solution of the town's financial burdens.
The nation's leading economists predict that we are on the threshold of an era of prosperity never previously experienced. We, as a community, should utilize every re- source and all of our ingenuity to obtain for our people their rightful share of this prosperity and happiness.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. I. Lawrence Halpert, President
Robert Simeone, Vice-President
Harold Hanson, Treasurer Lillian Warner, Secretary Robert Braid John Siegelman Mary L. Deveney Paul Gibbs Carl Surabian
Herbert White Wesley Gage
Joseph Norton Directors of The Saugus
Chamber of Commerce.
SAFETY COUNCIL
Dear Mr. Manager:
The Saugus Safety Council has made con- siderable progress in safety education dur- ing the past year. The Council has written and submitted to the newspapers many ar- ticles on fire, its causes and prevention; guns, and their use and safe handling; auto driving and how to prevent accidents.
In the opinion of the council, these ar- ticles have been helpful in bringing safety into the minds of many of our citizens.
The Safety Council has also been success- ful in having several safety hazards in the town eliminated with the co-operation of you as Town Manager. One of the hazards eliminated was the method of parking buses
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at the corner of Central Street and Wood- bury Avenue. This condition was corrected through the co-operation of the council and the Manager.
Another hazard at the junction of River- bank Road and Woodbury Avenue was eliminated by the erection of a "Keep Right" sign. During the two severe hurricanes many visual hazards were created by fallen trees. Tree Warden Joseph Vatcher, when notified of the dangers involved, responded imme- diately with his crew of workers and quickly eliminated them.
The Council has suggested several other hazards to the Town Manager and he has always, when possible, had conditions elimi- nated. The Council has under study bad conditions at several cut-overs on the New- buryport Turnpike. It is studying the num- ber of accidents, the cars involved, and the number of persons injured at these cut- overs. The Council hopes to have the most dangerous ones eliminated.
During the past year the Safety Council has received many letters of commendations for its work. The State Department of Pub-
lic Health has commended us for a drive to keep Saugus free from accidents involv- ing firearms. Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rudolph King has complimented efforts to stimulate safe driving.
The Town was awarded a plaque for ex- cellence in pedestrian protection, with no deaths in Saugus in 1953 as reported to the American Automobile Association Pedestrian Protection Contest.
This coveted award was presented to Saugus by Registrar King personally with appropriate exercises. We are of the opinion that our articles on safety were in part responsible for such a splendid record.
During the 325th Anniversary of the Town of Saugus, the Safety Council played an im- portant part with our valued member Walter Elsmore as chairman of the Anni- versary Safety Committee.
As during last year, Police Safety Officer Walter Elsmore should be commended for his untiring work in school safety. Officer Elsmore, a member of the Safety Council, has given many spare hours to bringing the School Safety Patrol to high standards.
Visitors at the Saugus Ironworks Restoration look on as guides describe the operation of the forge paddle wheel. This 18-foot water wheel is one of seven which provide the power for the ironworks blast furnace, forge and rolling and slitting mill.
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With the co-operation of many citizens, merchants, and Service Clubs, he has been able to equip nearly all members of the patrol with rubber clothing for rain and snow and through the generosity of our Service Clubs, he plans to purchase and erect wooden signs at the different schools in the town. The Council has unanimously voted to recommend to the Director of Safety Education, of the Massachusetts Safety Council, that Patrolman Elsmore be nominated as Safety Officer of the Year in the Commonwealth. He has also been rec- ommended for that award by the School Committee and the Saugus Parent Teacher Association Council. We also believe that Police Chief Roland E. Mansfield should be commended for his many contributions, suggestions and advice to the Safety Council.
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