USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1923 > Part 15
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ARTICLE 3. Single Residence District.
In District 3, except as herein otherwise provided, no building shall be used, and no building shall be erected or altered which is intended or designed to be used for a store or shop, or for manu- facturing or commercial purposes, or any other purpose except one or more of the following:
1. Residence for a single family.
2. Church.
3. Public school or other municipal building.
183
ZONING BY-LAW
1923]
4. Private school, library, museum, or other building of an edu- cational character.
5. Club, except a club which carries on a business or is in the nature of a business.
6. Park, playground, or community purpose.
7. Farm, market garden, nursery, or greenhouse.
8. Private garage with provision for not more than two motor vehicles.
9. Private stable with provision for not more than two horses.
10 Such accessory purposes as are customarily incident to the fore- going purposes, and are not injurious to a neighborhood as a place for single family residences, but such accessory purposes shall not include any business, industry, trade, manufacturing, or commercial purpose.
ARTICLE 4. Business Districts.
In those areas in District 2 and indicated on the accompanying map in solid black, buildings may be used for business purposes pro- vided that, in each case, after a public hearing of which fourteen days' notice shall be given in such manner as the Board of Select- men may prescribe, said Board shall determine that the purpose for which the building is sought to be used will not be substan- tially detrimental to the use of property in the vicinity thereof.
ARTICLE 5. Existing Buildings.
Any building or part of a building which, at the time of the adoption of this by-law, is being used for a purpose forbidden by the provisions of articles two and three may continue to be used for the same purpose or for a purpose not substantially different in character. Any such building or part of a building and any ad- dition thereto made by permission of the Selectmen as hereinafter provided may be structurally altered or added to at any time pro- vided the alterations or additions do not substantially enlarge the part of the building used for such purpose; and any such building or part of a building or such addition which is partially or wholly destroyed by fire or other casualty may be repaired or replaced by a structure of substantially the same size and character and used for the purpose for which it was formerly used or for a purpose not substantially different in character.
Any such building may be added to or enlarged at any time and such addition or enlargement used for the purpose for which the original building may lawfully be used under the provisions of the foregoing paragraph of this section provided, in each case, that, after a public hearing of which fourteen days' notice shall be given in such manner as the Selectmen may decide, the Selectmen shall determine that such addition or enlargement and the use to be made thereof will not to any substantial degree be detrimental to the use of other property in the vicinity thereof.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
ARTICLE 6.
Zoning Map.
The Zoning Map, prepared by W. W. Pratt, town engineer, dated January, 1924, bearing the signatures of the Zoning Committee and showing the boundaries of each district and the designation of each district by means of a numeral is declared to be a part of this by-law.
ARTICLE 7. Setback Distance in General Residence District.
In District 2 no new buildings except those described in Article 4 shall be constructed and no building shall be altered, enlarged, ex- tended, reconstructed, raised, or moved so that any external wall is located nearer than ten feet to any street line.
ARTICLE 8. Setback Distance in Single Residence District.
In District 3 no new building shall be constructed and no build- ing shall be altered, enlarged, extended, reconstructed, raised or moved so that any external wall is located nearer than twenty feet to any street line.
ARTICLE 9. Enforcement.
Whoever violates any of the provisions of this by-law shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty dollars for each viola- tion. Upon any well founded information from any citizen that this by-law is being violated, or upon his own initiative, the Inspec- tor of Buildings shall take immediate steps to enforce the by-law.
ARTICLE 10. Validity.
The invalidity of any section or provision of this by-law shall not invalidate any other section or provision thereof.
SALE M
CEMETERY
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PHILLIPS
ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN ยท OF ~
SWAMPSCOTT
MASSACHUSETTS -LEGEND-
BLANEY
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TO ACCOMPANY REPORT OF ZONING COMMITTEE 1924.
1 Unrestricted, except Building Lows.
2 General Resident District.
Scale af fort
3 Single Resident District.
BEACH
WHALES
Districts now occupied and hereafter reserved for
business purposes shown thus
KINGS
NAHANT
BAY
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MARBLEHEAD
BEACH
MASSACHUSETTS
185
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1923]
Report of Board of Selectmen
General Remarks.
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
Although more than five years have passed since the Armistice, the nations of the world are still struggling to adjust themselves to a condition of normal peace. Progress has been made in the reconstruc- tion of cities, towns and industries in the war-torn areas, but the tremendous problems of reparations and payment of war debts still remain unsolved. Great efforts are being made by those in Govern- ment throughout the world to relieve the burden of taxation which is not only interfering with friendly and economic relations between nations, but is hindering the normal and natural progress of our affairs.
For the first time, even though unofficially, the United States is taking part in a movement to budget Germany's expenses and to de- termine how much she can pay. In our own country the Coolidge ad- ministration has undertaken a revision of taxes, which, if ac- complished, will work to the great benefit of all classes of people.
A program of retrenchment has just been announced by Governor Cox, which indicates a possible saving in expenditures for 1924 of over $9,000,000.00. In the light of these real efforts which are being made for the benefit of the taxpayer, it is clearly the duty of every municipality to do its part.
For a number of years it has been the policy of the Board, in pre- paring its annual report, to budget all regular items of expense, thus making it possible to see, at a glance, what each department plans to do in the coming year, and, in the main, how money is to be spent. The Town has been fortunate in having intelligent and efficient Finance Committees, which have yearly done their best to study the financial problems of the Town by considering departmental estimates together, and making logical recommendations for reductions in vari- ous items of expense where these seem warranted.
Given a carefully prepared budget and a good Finance Committee, the Town has the necessary machinery to work out the details of tax reduction and readjustment to bring about normal conditions.
With the high standards of living which obtain in the Town of Swampscott, the present tax rate is not excessive. It is, however, steadily rising, and care must be exercised in order to maintain the healthy financial condition of our Town.
In 1924 Swampscott is called upon to pay $96,027.80 as her share of the Tuberculosis Sanatorium, at Middleton, together with a mainte- nance assessment for 1923, amounting to $3,876.37. With payments
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
on principal and interest, the hospital will this year cost the Town over $12,600. The principal can be borrowed for twenty years which simply means that the hospital will cause a heavy draft for many years to come. Reference will be made to this subject elsewhere in the Report.
If the Finance Committee, after carefully studying the budget, can recommend a reduction of 10% in the amount to be raised by taxation, and if their report is accepted by the voters, it will mean a substantial reduction in the tax rate.
The Board will co-operate with the Finance Committee to this end, and at the same time strongly urges all citizens to carefully read and study the Town Report. This book, the publication of which is re- quired by statute, contains the reports of all Departments, together with complete information regarding the finances of the Town. This must be distributed seven days before the opening of the annual meeting. It is the duty of every citizen to endeavor to prepare for intelligent action at the annual meeting, and its adjourned sessions, as this is the safeguard which is provided by the Town meeting form of government, to regulate the amount of expenditures and, there- fore, the rate of taxation for the ensuing year.
ADMINISTRATIVE.
Bonds of Town Officers.
Bonds of the following officers are given by the American Surety Company of New York, in the amounts stated:
James W. Libby, Town Treasurer
$30,000 00
James W. Libby, Treasurer Trust Fund
10,000 00
Philip E. Bessom, Collector of taxes
20,000 00
George D. R. Durkee, Water and Sewer Commissioner
6,000 00
Harold G. Enholm, Water and Sewer Commissioner
6,000 00
Charles E. Hodgdon, Water and Sewer Commissioner 6,000 00
Ralph D. Merritt, Town Clerk
1,000 00
Licenses.
Auctioneers:
George W. Foster
1
$2 00
Used car dealers' license
4
$140 00
Bowling alley : James D. Bentley
1
$2 00
Carriages:
Harry Tirrell
J. E. Burns
W. H. Carroll
J. W. Bruley
Charles F. Bradstreet
5 $7 00
Innholders:
E. R. Grabow Company
J. A. Sherrard Daisy A. Perkins, Hotel Bellevue
1
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1923]
Express : N. Zletz W. H. Carroll W. E. Shepherd J. W. Bruley
4
$4 00
Junk dealers:
Louis Zletz
Nathan Zletz Jacob Goldberg
3
$225 00
Pool and billiards:
James D. Bentley
1
$2 00
Victuallers :
Mabel F. D. Bibb, 1008 State Road.
Blaisdell Confectionery Co., 131 Humphrey Street.
John H. Bryson, 29 Essex Street.
Edward M. Gerould, State Road.
George F. Grant, 410 Humphrey Street.
Mary A. Smith, Corner Humphrey and Marshall Streets.
George B. Watts, 60 Humphrey Street.
Deer Cove Inn, Puritan Road.
Nellie O. Carey, 1016 State Road.
Peter Caracosta, 260 Humphrey Street.
J. W. Himburg, 257 Humphrey Street.
S. Sloan, 29 Essex Street.
H. M. Macomber, 237 Burrill Street.
Permits Granted.
Under Chapter 5, Section 4, of the Town By-laws. To sell material and to do work for the Town.
George D. R. Durkee, James T. Lyons,
Loring Grimes, M. D.,
Archibald Miller,
C. W. Horton,
Stuart P. Ellis,
Everett P. Mudge
Frank E. Morrison.
Contract for Coal.
Liberty Coal & Supply Company:
Soft coal: $9 75 per ton.
Hard coal: $14 95 per ton.
Printing Town Reports.
Proposals for printing the Town Reports for the current year were advertised on the basis of 30 square inches to the page, 300 pages, and 2,500 copies. The following bids were received :- 1,000 sq. in. 4,000 sq. in. Balance
6 point 8 point
Page
North Shore Press
$0 10
$0 06
$1 80
Frank S. Whitten 10
08 2 00
The contract was awarded to the North Shore Press, the lower bidder. The reports were delivered promptly and in a satisfactory manner.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Public Buildings.
The following is a list of rents received from public buildings:
Town Hall
$253 50
Tenement, 82 Burrill Street: 144 00
Although the Town Hall is used by citizens for many purposes, it will be seen that the amount of income from this is comparatively small. This is due to the policy of the Board, which has been carried out for a number of years, that no charge should be made when the hall is used for patriotic, religious, charitable or purely social purposes. The Town Hall is certainly a place where various organ- izations of the Town should be able to meet from time to time for purposes which have to do with the welfare of the community. On the other hand, a regular charge is made whenever the hall is used for private entertainments and profit.
The following contracts were received for painting the Grand Army Hall:
Foote Bros.
$495 00
Henry B. Falls
425 00
J. E. Ralph
390 00
George Lampard
290 00
The contract was awarded to George Lampard, the lowest bidder.
In carrying out the vote of the Town to paint the Grand Army Hall, the Board specified the best materials obtainable. The light color scheme, which was adopted, gives a pleasing result, not only improv- ing the Hall but the general appearance of the vicinity.
Contracts for Walks and Edgestones.
Proposals for granolithic walks and edgestones were advertised in accordance with chapter 5, section 1, of the bylaws, and the following bids were received:
M. McDonough D. J. Sheehan M. Kelley Company
Company
Straight curb, lin. ft. $1 47
$1 70 $1 80
Curved curb, lin. ft. 1 98
2 55 2 60
Granolithic sidewalk, sq. yd. 2 46
2 89 3 80
Parking, sq. ft. 15
15
32
The contract was awarded to M. McDonough Company, the lowest bidder.
CONTINUOUS SIDEWALKS.
Middlesex Avenue:
329.8 lin. ft. curbing. 416.0 sq. yd. granolithic. 1,041.4 sq. ft. parking.
New Ocean Street:
166.4 sq. yds. granolithic.
246.2 sq. ft. parking.
Burrill Street:
136.2 sq. yds. granolithic. 315.8 sq. ft. parking.
Puritan Road: 27.2 lin. ft. curved curbing.
Maple Avenue : 276.2 lin. ft. curbing.
1
1
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1923]
Hampden Street:
Engine House:
99.3 lin. ft. curbing. 38.3 lin. ft. curved curbing.
108.0 sq. yds. granolithic.
Elmwood Road:
Hardy Road:
16.0 lin. ft. curbing. 21.8 lin. ft. curved curbing.
56.0 sq. yds. granolithic.
161.0 sq. ft. parking.
Corner of Burrill and Paradise Road: 36.5 sq. yards granolithic.
In the opinion of the Board it is wise to extend the construction of granolithic sidewalks and edgestone by a certain amount each year, under the continuous sidewalk Act. The amount of $7,000 is, there- fore, recommended for this purpose.
In addition to the regular amount for continuous sidewalks, the Board feels that it would be advisable to make a special appropria- tion to cover the construction of granolithic sidewalk, parking and edgestones on Stetson Avenue between the railroad bridge and Es- sex Street. This is a much used and important thoroughfare, leading directly to Essex Street and the cemetery, and it would be desirable to make this improvement on one side at least during the present year.
Town Engineer, W. W. Pratt, estimates that it would cost $6,405. for the purpose of constructing granolithic walks, parking and edge- stone on the east side of Stetson Avenue, for a distance of about 1,701 feet, commencing at the railroad bridge.
Street Lighting.
The following is a list of street lights for the year 1923:
Arc lights 107
Incandescent lights 350
Floodlights 2
The actual cost of all street lights for the year 1923 was $16,969.10. The contract between the Town and the Lynn Gas & Electric Com- pany provides for all-night every-night street lighting, on the basis of $90.00 per annum for each arc lamp, and $20.00 for incandescent lamps. This contract continues in force until July 1, 1927.
It is recommended that the sum of $18,000.00 be appropriated for street lighting for 1924.
Traffic Control.
The Town of Swampscott, being located in a place of great natural beauty and directly in the path of motor travel along the North Shore, must give special attention to the problem of motor traffic. This has been done by the Board for a number of years, in authorizing the Police Department to place traffic officers at important crossings of the main arteries of travel at such times of the day and night as condi- tions required. This policy has insured not only the safety of our citizens, but also of motorists, no serious accidents having occurred
190
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
at street crossings. In addition, floodlights and signal lights have also been provided to guide traffic when officers were not present.
During the present year, unfortunately, a controversy was brought about by the Chief of Police in placing two flashlights, of great weight, size and cost, at the so-called "S" curve, without legal author- ity. This matter has been thoroughly discussed and will not be reviewed. The lights were removed by order of the Board, and have not been replaced.
Recently, however, a claim has been made by the manufacturers of the lights against the Town for payment, on the ground that they were authorized by the Special Town Meeting of July 24. As the action taken by this meeting was illegal, and as no money was actually appropriated for the purpose of buying lights, the Board advised the American Gas Accumulator Company, of Elizabeth, N. J., of the facts.
Owing to the objectionable features of the gas traffic lights for this crossing, together with the high cost of installation, amounting to some $600 for the two lights, a letter was written the Lynn Gas & Electric Company, under date of July 16, suggesting that they supply electric flash traffic signals to the Town wherever desired, on the same basis as illuminating lights, which are used throughout the Town, and without charge for the lamps and bases. This plan they agreed to in writing, quoting a price of $32.50 per annum for cur- rent. Responsibility for the care and replacement of the posts and lamps would rest with the Lynn Gas & Electric Company.
It is clear that should traffic flashlights be required at any future time in the Town, that this plan should be adopted, as it would mean a saving of hundreds of dollars in first cost, and would insure a re- liable light, which would not require the attention of the employees of the town.
Sign Posts.
Acting under Section 1 of chapter 85 of the General Laws the Sur- veyor of Highways has, with the approval of the Board, placed sign posts at all highways entering the town. These show to the tourist the State and also the name of the city or town on each side of the post, with suitable directional arrows. These are not only convenient for those using motor cars, but with the great increase of traffic on our highways and the police problems involved in the apprehension of offenders against the law, sign posts of this kind are considered necessary to protect the interests of the town.
The signs are artistic in design, and of cast iron, painted black, with raised white letters, which can be repainted when necessary. The signs are supported on heavy iron posts, set in cement, and will add much to the convenience of the safety of our citizens.
Ten sign posts were installed. These were made by the Lebanon Machine Company, and cost the town $223.00.
Test of Road Oils and Asphalt.
During the year the town buys large quantities of dust-laying oils and asphalt for use on the roads. Proposals are advertised each year, and the contract is awarded to the lowest bidder for the various grades
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1923]
of oil and tar. As no means have been available in the past to insure that the material purchased is the same as contracted for, the Board conferred with the Surveyor of Highways, and arrangements were made, to have each lot given a complete test and analysis by the firm of Messrs. Skinner, Sherman & Esselen, of Boston, chemists, with whom Mr. G. J. Esselen, of Swampscott, is connected.
The necessary number of tests were made and certificates issued, based upon which the material was accepted and paid for.
The Board considers this a very important step in advance, as the Town is not only assured of full value for the amount spent, but also avoids serious difficulties which frequently follow the use of improper oils and tar in road construction.
Rule to Limit Opening of Streets in Winter.
On December 14, 1923, the Board adopted the following rule:
"That no openings in streets shall be made, except in case of an emergency, before April 1, 1924."
The object of this regulation is to prevent, except in cases of emer- gency, the excavation of our streets and sidewalks while there is frost in the ground. By a little forethought and planning on the part of citizens, work of this kind can be done during the warm months, thus avoiding much trouble and expense to the departments of the Town in filling and resurfacing work done when the ground is frozen.
The Board finds that this is a provision adopted by most well- regulated towns and cities.
Zoning.
In the last report of the Board, on Page 193, the subject of zoning the Town was discussed briefly, and it was recommended that a com- mittee should be named for the purpose of studying the proposition and reporting at a later meeting. A committee was named, consist- ing of: H. S. Baldwin, E. M. Folger, C. E. Humphrey, M. L. Quinn, J. W. Santry, J. L. Taylor. Mr. Clarence B. Humphrey was later chosen chairman, and Mr. Ernest M. Folger clerk.
A full report on this very important subject will be found elsewhere.
Burpee Road.
Proposals were advertised for the construction of a portion of Bur- pee Road, and the following bids received :-
Leighton & Marino $4,987.00
M. McDonough Company 5,175.00
Contract was awarded to Leighton & Marino, the lower bidder.
This is a matter which has been before the Town for some time, and completes Burpee Road, which was laid out and developed at the time the Machon School was built in 1920.
The Board found it possible to blast out the much-discussed ledge and give a straight roadway of uniform width within the appropria- tion. This is an important improvement and gives an access to the Mountain Park section from Essex Street and is also of great con- venience for the children attending the Machon School.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The work was carried out promptly, and in a satisfactory manner by the contractors.
Middlesex Avenue.
In accordance with the vote of the Town, the long delayed work of closing that part of Middlesex Avenue, lying between the Clarke School and the Abbott playground, was carried through. An amount of $1,200.00 was appropriated by the Town.
The proposals were advertised, and the following bids received :-
P. J. McDermott
$1,320
J. T. Lyons
1,480
M. McDonough
1,700
O. Marino
1,875
M. Kelley & Company Mayo Construction Company 2,739
2,687.50
Bid was awarded to P. J. McDermott, the lowest bidder.
The work was commenced in September, and completed in Novem- ber.
When the matter was first proposed serious objection was raised by some of the residents in the neighborhood. As time went on, how- ever, this objection diminished, and it is felt that the improvement and the greater safety to school children will offset any resulting incon- venience. The citizens living on Middlesex Avenue will at least be relieved of some of the heavy motor traffic which heretofore passed their doors.
The amount of the appropriation being insufficient, the Board re- quested the Finance Committee to transfer the sum of $541.46 from the emergency fund, which was done.
Essex Street Improvement.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Board, the Town appropriated $24,000 at the last annual meeting for the purpose of reconstructing that part of Essex Street between the freight yard and the Salem line. It was, however, voted that no work should be undertaken unless the State and County would contribute an equal amount, and with the additional provision that the City of Salem should construct a cement-concrete road of the same kind from the Swampscott line to Loring Avenue, at Vinnen Square.
The State and County stood ready to do their part, but although the Board urged the matter repeatedly before the Mayor and Coun- cil of Salem, and was assisted by the County Commissioners, it was impossible to obtain favorable action. The Board, nevertheless, en- deavored to have the State and County proceed with the work to the Salem line. This effort also failed, as the State did not consider it advisable to do part of the work, leaving a connecting link unfinished.
In view of these circumstances, it was necessary to abandon the project for the year, but arrangements have been made by the Board, in writing, with the State and the County so that the work can be done in 1924, if Salem will do her part in this important improvement, which is of the greatest interest and value, not only to Swampscott
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REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1923]
and Salem, but to all through-traffic, particularly for commercial trucks doing business between Boston and the North Shore.
Owing to the change in the statute affecting appropriations it will be necessary to rescind the former vote, and to insert a new article in the Warrant for the next annual meeting. This article is of par- ticular interest to citizens living on the State Road, as it is expected that at least a part of the heavy motor trucking will be diverted to the Essex Street route when completed.
It is recommended that the amount of $24,000.00 be appropriated for the purpose of cement-concrete construction of Essex Street from the freight yard to the Salem line.
New Streets.
On November 9 the Board of Selectmen, acting as a Board of Sur- vey, held a meeting at Orchard Circle relative to the matter of ac- cepting this street. All abutters were notified in the usual manner, and waivers signed.
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