USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1929 > Part 7
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Article 27. That Francis road as laid out by the Board of Select- men be accepted as a public way and that the sum of $600 be appro- priated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to put it in condition for public travel, to be expended under the direction of the Surveyor of Highways, on condition, however, that this vote shall not become effective until the Town Engineer has certified in writing to the Board of Selectmen that there has been a compliance with the By-Laws and that all property owners have signed and delivered waivers releasing the town from all damage in consequence of such acceptance and of any work that may be done thereon.
Article 29. That Bay View drive as laid out by the Board of Selectmen be accepted as a public way and that the sum of $3,500 be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to put it in con- dition for public travel, to be expended under the direction of the Surveyor of Highways, on the condition, however, that this vote shall
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1929]
not become effective until the Town Engineer has certified in writing to the Board of Selectmen that there has been a compliance with the By-Laws and that all property owners have signed and delivered waivers releasing the town from all damages in consequence of such acceptance and of any work that may be done thereon.
Voted, Article 37. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendation: That action under this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 38. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as amended:
That the Water and Sewerage Board be authorized to make, sign and deliver a contract in behalf of the town for the building of a drain from the present terminus of the culvert in Superior street to Essex street, in accordance with plans and specifications made by the Town Engineer; that all necessary easements be obtained by said Board, that all property owners sign waivers releasing the town from any damage resulting from any work that may be done thereon and that the sum of $13,000 be appropriated therefor by bonds or notes of the town. (Unanimous.)
Voted, Article 29. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That a six inch water main be laid in Dukes street, from Stetson avenue, a distance of about 400 feet, and that the sum of $1,850 be appropriated therefor from the revenue of the Water Department, but on the condition that the Town Engineer shall certify in writing to the Board of Selectmen that the street conforms in line and grade with the plan approved by the Board of Survey: that all abutters shall sign an agreement to pay six per cent interest on the investment until the water rates of the users equal the interest thereon, and that proper waivers without the payment of any money shall be obtained from all abutters if, in the judgment of the Water and Sewerage Board, waivers are necessary for the protection of the town.
Voted, Article 40. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That a six inch water main be laid in Plymouth avenue from the end of the present main in said avenue, a distance of 250 feet, and that the sum of $1,325 be appropriated therefor from the revenue of the Water Department, subject, however, to the conditions contained in the recommendations under Article 39.
Voted, Article 41. That action under this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 42. That action under this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 43. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations: That a fire alarm box be located near the corner of Kensington lane and Lewis road, and that the sum of $200 be appropriated therefor from the Excess and Deficiency Fund.
Voted, Article 44. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations: That a fire alarm box be located near the corner of Humphrey street and Harrison avenue, and that the sum of $200 be appropriated therefor from the Excess and De- ficiency Fund.
Under Article 48, the report of the Committee to investigate the taking of Black Wills Cliff for public park purposes was read by Henry S. Baldwin, Chairman.
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE TAKING OF BLACK WILLS CLIFF FOR PUBLIC PARK PURPOSES
To the Town Meeting Members:
Under Article 48 of the warrant of February 18, 1929, the Mod- erator appointed a committee of eight to investigate the taking of the land situated on the south side of Humphrey street lying between Kings Beach on the west and Blaney Beach on the east, known as Black Wills Cliff, for the purpose of a public park, with instructions to report at the adjourned meeting. Although the time allowed has been short, the committee has held a number of meetings, one public hearing and has conferred with the Metropolitan District Commission, and as a result submits the following report for your consideration.
The problem is one of much importance, not only to the present generation but to the future of the town of Swampscott, and before entering into detail discussion of the matter, it would be well to outline in a few words some of the underlying conditions which now exist in the town and which have important bearing on the subject.
Swampscott was set off from Lynn in 1852, and from that time until 1890 retained all the characteristics of a small sea coast town with fishing as its principal industry. In the summer months it was always a favorite resort for visitors on account of its beaches and natural advantages. In this period of thirty-eight years the tax rate increased from $4.60 to $10.50 per one thousand and the debt from $4,500 to $50,000.
In 1890, the town began to expand as a residential community and its present desirable development is due largely to the fact that con- siderable tracts of land were owned by individuals and were privately developed as such. This fact made it possible for us to enjoy the present excellent arrangement of streets. The eastern section of the town was owned by the Phillips Estate which was developed along broad lines, sites being sold only to friends and persons who were recommended. The Mudge Estate was developed along similar lines, the land being laid out by an eminent architect. The same is true of the Stetson Estate, Shaw Estate and a number of others until we have Swampscott of 1929.
In these years the tax rate moved up to $28.00 and the debt became $259,000, with an assessed valuation of $22,800,000. While these changes were taking place the citizens wisely provided themselves with all municipal improvements necessary for the protection of life, property, health and sanitation. They also provided liberally for education and charitable relief. Some provision was made for recreation, but the amounts expended have been small and the tracts which have been taken have never been developed. That portion of King's Beach, situated in Swampscott and now used by the public is a part of the Metropolitan Park System and under its control.
In the past twenty-five years, the Legislature has enacted various forms of social legislation, initiated for the most part by towns of the Commonwealth to prevent the exploiting of their communities by unscrupulous and undesirable development, and to prevent acts of individual citizens which would make the towns less desirable places in which to live. These acts had much merit and were generally ac- cepted by towns and cities. Among them might be mentioned Art Commissions, Planning Board, Board of Surveys, Tenement House Act and the Zoning Act.
The last three have been accepted by the town, indicating a policy not only to protect the interests of its present citizens but at the same time giving notice that Swampscott is a desirable place in which to build homes protected from encroachment by places of business, ga- rages or three family houses which would not only lower the value of property, but change the general character of the neighborhood. The
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policy established and carried out has done much to induce desirable residents to settle in the town and has materially added to its value.
The Zoning By-Laws themselves were first thought of in con- nection with the Mudge and Stetson estates where twenty and thirty year restrictions were gradually expiring permitting buildings to appear on street lines and business enterprises to creep in. The act is simple and workable, and is accomplishing its purpose of keeping the town strictly residential.
The remainder of the report will be devoted to the consideration of various plans by which Black Wills Cliff could be preserved for park purposes by the town or by the Commonwealth.
Viewing the matter from the standpoint of taking of land by the town, your committee has considered first, the entire area of Black Wills Cliff, and has then divided this into four groups of properties for your convenience. All data given has been obtained from the Assess- ors' Department and is correct as of 1928. The taking of the entire area will first be discussed:
The area involved, the value represented, and the location at the gateway to the town are such as to render the decision as to the development of Black Wills Cliff of the greatest moment to the future of Swampscott.
This property has a frontage on Humphrey street of 1250 feet, and on the ocean or Nahant Bay, of 1800 feet. It contains 260,810 square feet or about 6 acres of land which has an assessed value of $224,510.00, which amounts to eighty-two cents per square foot. It is owned by eighteen different groups, being individuals, families or trusts. There are twenty-six major buildings and five smaller structures. These buildings have an assessed value of $196,675. The Masonic block has an assessed value of $60,000, and the average assessed value of the remaining twenty-five buildings is $5,467. The portion of this property which lies within the business zoning district and extends from King's Beach to and including the Post Office has an assessed value of $75,375. The general character of this entire stretch of shore land has not materially changed during the last twenty-five years. What change is most noticeable is west of the Knowlton property. The total assessed value is $421,185, and in 1928, with a tax rate of $24 per one thousand, it paid $10,108.44 toward the cost of town government.
If this property is to be taken for park purposes it must be by eminent domain, the owners having already indicated that no settle- ment could be made on the basis of valuation plus twenty-five per cent. as allowed by law. This means damages awarded in each case by the Superior Court after prolonged trials and the total final award with expense is a matter of speculation. We believe, however, that the minimum amount would be $600,000, and have had this amount in mind in drawing our conclusions.
The total borrowing capacity of the town, as prescribed by the statutes, is $661,000, and if $600,000 were allowed by the Legislature to be borrowed outside of the debt limit and spread over a period of thirty years, it would mean a payment of $47,000 the first year, or an average payment over the same period of $32,000. This would mean about $1.40 per thousand on the present tax of $24.00. The amount added to the tax rate the first year would be approximately $2.00.
The cost of taking each of the four groups can easily be calculated in the same manner from the data given. While your committee is unanimously in favor of the entire taking, it is felt that the cost is too great to recommend at this time. The plan most favored from the standpoint of taking by the town is the area from King's Beach to the Masonic Club, which would mean an expenditure of about $300,000.00, or about one-half of the total already discussed. Before recommending this, however, your committee decided to confer with the Metropolitan
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District Commission, which was done; the following letter having been received stating their position :-
"March 22, 1929. "Mr. Henry S. Baldwin,
"141 Elmwood Road, Swampscott, Mass.
"Dear Sir :- Your letter of March 12, relative to taking of land on Black Wills Cliff, in Swampscott, for park purpose, was presented to the Commission at its meeting yesterday. The Commission considers that the acquirement of this land for park purposes would be a valuable addition to the Metropolitan Park System, but feels that there is somewhat of a question whether the expense would be justified. If the Legislature should provide the necessary funds, however, the Com- mission would be favorable to taking the land.
Very truly yours, (signed) "GEO. LYMAN ROGERS, "Secretary."
In many communities, large or small lots of land have been given by individuals for park purposes, and there is no reason why Swamp- scott should be an exception. We have residents who individually or as a group could afford to donate part or all of the land on Black Wills Cliff to the town. This plan is simply mentioned as a possibility. While your committee favors the ownership of this land by the town, it is felt that it is of such public interest to the entire Commonwealth, and, in fact, to the country at large, that the financial burden should not be borne by the town alone.
It is our recommendation, therefore, that the Selectmen and Park Commissioners be instructed to prepare a bill for the taking of this land by the Commonwealth, to be added to the Metropolitan Park Sys- tem and present it to the Legislature.
Table of Assessors' data for reference:
Group 1 :- Doane, Blaney, Bray, Blaisdell, Inglefinger, Post Office. Buildings
Land
$37,200.00 38,175.00
Total
$75,375.00
Area, square feet.
30,567
Total Tax
$1,809.00
Group 2 :- Knowlton, Godfrey, Bunting, Stuart.
Buildings
$49,225.00
Land
88,500.00
Total
$137,725.00
Area, square feet.
115,180
Total Tax
$3,305.40
Group 3 :- Masonic Building.
Building
$60,000.00
Land
15,950.00
Total
$75,950.00
Area, square feet
18,600
Total Tax
$1,822.80
Group 4 :- Wardwell, Titus, Colby, Foster, Blaney, Albree, Stanley. Buildings $50,250.00
Land
81,885.00
Total Area, square feet.
$132,135.00
96,463
Total Tax
$3,171.24
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1929]
Group 5 :- All land and buildings on Black Wills Cliff. Buildings Land
$196,675.00 224,510.00
Total
$421,185.00 260,810
Area, square feet.
Total Tax
$10,108.44
HENRY S. BALDWIN, Chairman,
JOSEPH ATWOOD, Clerk,
JAMES D. BENTLEY,
JAMES A. COOK,
GEORGE J. HARVEY,
ROBERT B. HEGARTY,
CLARENCE B. HUMPHREY,
EDWARD LACROIX,
Committee.
Voted, Article 48. To accept the report of the Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the Selectmen and Park Commissioners be instructed to prepare a bill for the taking of this land by the Commonwealth, to be added to the Metropolitan Park System and present it to the Legislature. (Unanimous.)
The report of the Committee, to consider the needs of a new Town Hall, was read by Howard K. Glidden, Chairman.
Voted, Article 49. To accept the report of the Committee on a new Town Hall, and adopt their recommendations as follows: That the Committee give the matter further study in order that it may be able to see built a more comprehensive report at the next annual town meeting.
Voted, Article 50. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
That the town construct a new vault at the Town Hall, under the direction of the Board of Selectmen in accordance with plans and specifications made by Charles V. Burgess, architect, and in pursuance of the provisions of the by-laws relating to the letting of contracts and that for this purpose the sum of $6,000 be appropriated, to be raised by notes or bonds of the town. (Unanimous.)
Voted, Article 51. Action under this article be indefinitely post- poned.
Voted, Article 52. Action under this article be indefinitely post- poned.
Voted, Article 54. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows: That the following unex- pended balances from sewers be transferred to the Emergency Sewer Fund, namely: Franklin avenue sewer, $3,851.36; Fuller avenue sewer, $605.97, and Eastern Intercepting sewer, $9.06.
The report of the Sewer Commissioners on the cost and assess- ments of sewers was read by Charles E. Hodgkins.
Voted to accept their report, and that a committee of five be appointed by the Moderator, to study the present method of making sewer assessments and report with their recommendations at any sub- sequent town meeting, said committee to include one member of the Board of Selectmen and one member of the Board of Sewer Com- missioners, and the Town Counsel.
Voted, Article 55. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows. Action under this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 57. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations. Action under this article be in- definitely postponed.
Voted, Article 58. To accept the report of the Finance Con- mittee and adopt their recommendations. That the sum of $163.97
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[Dec. 31
be taken from the Excess and Deficiency Fund and pay the contractor, P. J. McDermott, for work done in Swampscott Cemetery during the year 1927.
Voted, Article 59. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows: That the sum of $4,665.53 be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund to pay the assessment due the County of Essex under Section 1 of Chapter 66, Acts of 1929.
Voted, Article 60. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations: That further action concerning this article be indefinitely postponed.
Voted, Article 61. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows: That the $500 appro- priated for Memorial Day be apportioned by the Board of Selectmen among the G. A. R., Leon E. Abbott Post 57, A. L., and Joseph L. Stevens Post 1240, V. F. W.
Voted, Article 62. To accept the report of the Finance Committee and adopt their recommendations as follows:
For the purposes specified in Article 18 which relates to the appro- priation of four thousand ($4,000) dollars for laying a drain to care for surface water on Humphrey street; and for the purposes specified in Articles 30 to 36 inclusive, which relate respectively to the appro- priation of fifty-four thousand ($54,000) dollars to extend the eastern intercepting trunk line sewer, the appropriation of fifty-one hundred ($5,100) dollars for the building of a sewer in Phillips avenue from Estabrook road to Stanwood road, the appropriation of twelve thousand ($12,000) dollars for the building of a sewer in Bradlee avenue and Atlantic avenue southwesterly from Ocean avenue, the appropriation of fourteen hundred ($1,400) dollars for the building of a sewer in Humphrey street and Ocean avenue, the appropriation of forty-three hundred ($4,300) dollars for the building of a sewer in Bristol avenue and Stetson avenue, the appropriation of forty-five hundred ($4,500) dollars for the building of a sewer in Sargent road and Prospect street, the appropriation of nineteen hundred ($1,900) dollars for the building of a sewer in Barnstable street and Stetson avenue, and for the pur- poses specified in Article 38, which relates to the appropriation of thirteen thousand ($13,000) dollars for the extension of King's Brook Culvert, which appropriations aggregate one hundred thousand two hundred ($100,200) dollars; that the sum of six thousand ($6,000) dol- lars be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund and that the treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding the remainder, namely ninety-four thou- sand two hundred ($94,200) dollars and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, said bonds or notes to be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen and to be issued and payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and any Acts in Amendment thereof, or in addition thereto, and of Clause 1 of Chapter 324 of the Acts of 1928; so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than thirty years from the date of the issue of the first bond or note or at such earlier times as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen may determine. Said bonds or notes shall be denominated on the face thereof "Swampscott Sewer Loan 1929" and shall bear such rates of interest as may be fixed by the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen.
For the purposes specified in Article 50 which relates to the appropriation of six thousand ($6,000) dollars for added floor space in the town hall for a vault; and for the purposes specified in the report of the Stable Committee on Page 233 of the town report and the vote of the town thereunder which relates to the appropriation of seventeen thousand five hundred ($17,500) dollars for the erection of a stable for the Highway Department; which appropriations aggre- gate twenty-three thousand five hundred ($23,500) dollars that the
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treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, be authorized to borrow a sum not to exceed twenty-three thousand five hundred ($23,500) dollars and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor to be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen, and to be issued and payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and any Acts in amendment thereof or in addition thereto, and of Clause 3 of Chapter 324 of the Acts of 1928, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of the issue of the first bond or note or at such earlier times as the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen may deter- mine. Said bonds or notes shall be denominated on the face thereof "Swampscott Stable and Vault Loan 1929" and shall bear such rates of interest as may be fixed by the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen.
For the purposes specified in Article 9 which relates to the appro- priation of thirteen thousand ($13,000) dollars for resurfacing Franklin avenue from Stetson avenue to Paradise road, and for the purposes specified in our recommendations under Article 12, which relates to the appropriation of twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars for resurfacing Monument avenue and Walker road, which appropriation aggregate thirty-three thousand ($33,000) dollars, that six thousand ($6,000) dol- lars thereof be appropriated from the Excess and Deficiency Fund, and that the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, be author- ized to borrow a sum not to exceed the remainder, namely, twenty- seven thousand ($27,000) dollars; and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, said bonds or notes to be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by a majority of the Selectmen, and to be issued and payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and any Acts in amendment thereof or in addition thereto and of Clause 6 of Chapter 324 of the Acts of 1928, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than five years from the date of the issue of the first bond or note or at such earlier times as the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, may determine. Said bonds or notes shall be denominated on the face thereof 'Swampscott Street Loan 1929" and shall bear such rates of interest as may be fixed by the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen. (Unanimous.)
Voted, a note of thanks was given the Moderator, John R. Hurl- burt, by the Town Meeting members. (Unanimous.)
Voted to dissolve at 9:30 P. M. Attest:
RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
March 27, 1929.
John R. Hurlburt, Moderator, appointed the following committees on above date.
Revision of By-Laws
Harry D. Linscott, chairman
Guy N. Chamberlin,
Rufus W. Greene
Conrad P. Richardson
15 Beverly road 26 Walker road
Fourth of July Committee
Ralph J. Curtis John A. Holmes
Precinct 1 Precinct 2
George H. Knowlton
Precinct 3
Robert E. Blood
Precinct 4
George B. Learned
Precinct 5
Nathaniel F. Bartlett
Precinct 6 Precinct 7 Precinct 8
Frank H. VanBlarcom Fred A. Hale
78 Greenwood ave. 25 Sheridan road 78 Millett road
Edward S. Underwood
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[Dec. 31
Committee on Sewer Investigation
Philip W. Blood
George D. R. Durkee
Howard K. Glidden
Edward LaCroix
Harry D. Linscott
33 Rockland street 4 Upland road 49 Rockland street 58 Orchard road 78 Greenwood ave.
300th Anniversary Committee
Kendall A. Sanderson, Chairman Henry S. Baldwin
Dr. Charles H. Bangs Attest:
Bay View ave. 141 Elmwood road 293 Humphrey street
RALPH D. MERRITT, Town Clerk. April 2, 1929.
John R. Hurlburt, Moderator, appointed the following committee under Article 7 of the warrant, to select a suitable site for the new High School.
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