USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Waltham > Town annual reports of Wayland Massachusetts 1960-1962 > Part 10
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These figures are the result in most cases of interviews with one adult in each household; a different adult in the same household might have given a different answer to some questions. Full or partial data were obtained from 2,211 households, representing 8,769 of the town's population, or 86% of the town's estimated population of 10,200 at the time of the survey. The other 14% include those who could not or would not for various reasons (such as illness) provide information and those who could not be contacted after several attempts. The latter households possibly average smaller in number of persons, with fewer children; however, the number not contacted is sufficiently small not to alter significantly the data obtained.
The number of persons in Wayland households ranges from 1 to 16 persons, the average being 3.9 persons per household. Three percent of the households have one persons, 73% have children, 5% have 5 or more children. The population of the town is composed of nearly as many children as adults-45 children per 55 aduits. The sexes are almost evenly divided, females having a slight majority, as is true of the general population.
Where did the adults in Wayland come from? Less than half grew up in Wayland or the Boston area. In fact only nine percent are Way- land natives. Nearly three-fourths, however, did grow up in New England. The remaining 27 percent came from all sections of the U. S., chiefly the Middle Atlantic states (11 percent), plus 37 foreign coun- tries (6 percent). Thus the population retains its New England orienta- tion, but with a sizeable segment having broad backgrounds.
When did the adults come to Wayland? A staggering 70 percent of the present residents over 21 have moved to Wayland in the last 10 years.
Why did people come to Wayland? The appeal of country living ranked first among reasons for settling here, being mentioned by 29 percent. Such associated factors as large lots, wooded and water areas and small town living were also frequently mentioned. Most house- holds gave only one reason for coming, but in many instances it should probably have been a combination of factors, nearness to work, for example, being one of a combination of reasons for choosing Wayland specifically rather than one of the surrounding towns. Twenty-eight percent said they came here because of the nearness to work. Twenty percent said they found suitable housing here. Five percent were attracted by favorable reports of the schools or town government. Only two percent voluntarily said they came here to be near Boston,
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but when later asked specifically if nearness to Boston influenced their decision to live in Wayland, 42 percent answered affirmatively. Among those not influenced by Wayland's proximity to Boston, over half said nearness to work determined their decision. Many of these jobs, how- ever, are within MDC Boston.
Living patterns in Wayland
Eighty-six percent of the households reported one or more persons commuting out of town to work or school, totalling 2,320 persons. Where do they go? Altogether, 72 cities and towns in Massachusetts were specifically mentioned. Among the nine percent whose destination varies are some travelling large areas beyond the state. Nearly one out of four goes to Boston proper. The five bordering towns (Framingham, Natick, Weston, Sudbury and Lincoln) draw 18 percent and MDC towns other than Boston, Framingham, Natick and West account for 40 per- cent of the commuters.
In addition to the 47 percent of all adults in town who commute elsewhere to work, seven percent said they work in Wayland. This, however, is possibly understated since the question was asked in terms of "commuting" patterns and many respondents may not have con- sidered Wayland workers "commuters."
Ninety percent of the 2,320 commuters leave the town by car. The East and West routes 20 and 30 carry far more out of town than the North and South routes 27 and 126, reaching peak loads - east between 7:30 A. M. and 8:00 A. M. and west between 6:00 P. M. and 6:30 P. M. These 2,025 car and truck commuters may not all go in different cars, These 2,025 car and truck commuters may not all go in separate cars. Altogether, 97 percent of the households in Town have at least one car, half having two or more.
Where do people shop, go for professional services and have fun? Ninety-nine cities and towns in Massachusetts were mentioned. The few towns most frequently used, Boston, Wayland, Framingham, Waltham, Natick, Newton, Sudbury, Wellesley and Weston were separately tabu- lated. Only seven percent of the households mentioned towns other than these for food shopping, nine percent for other shopping and twelve percent for professional services. Recreational habits were the most varied, 21 percent naming towns other than these nine.
Answers to these questions were weighted according to the amount done in each town. Interestingly, though there were, at the time, no large supermarkets in town, Wayland ranked second only to Natick in the food shopping habits of its residents. Forty-six percent said they do at least part of their grocery shopping in town, one third of whom do nearly all of it locally. Framingham and Waltham ranked third and fourth for grocery buying.
Although very little food shopping is done in Boston (only four percent mentioned it at all) the city ranks second for other shopping, being mentioned by one third of the respondents. Only 16 percent named Wayland for other shopping, ranking it sixth in this respect. Framing- ham far outranked all other towns for shopping other than food, nearly two-thirds mentioning it, of whom one in five do all of it there. Wal- tham, Wellesley and Natick ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in this category.
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Most people (54 percent) stay in town for at least part of their professional service needs, while Natick ranks second. Boston ranked third in this category, being named by one in four. Framingham and Weston were fourth and fifth.
For recreation, again Wayland was most frequently mentioned (by almost half of the households) in spite of the fact there is no commercial recreation except golf. One-third named Framingham, and one-third go to Boston part of the time, ranking these towns second and third for recreational purposes.
Which (shopping, professional services, recreation) would people prefer to do in town if they could? The timing of the survey was unfortunate from this standpoint. New services have since been made available which might alter the results - one service frequently specified but still not in town is a "five and ten cent" store. In the recreational category, one out of five would like more facilities, movies, tennis courts, and bowling alleys being frequently named. One in four house- holds is apparently satisfied with the status quo - many specified they do not want commercialization of the town. Three out of four do want additional services most of whom (53 percent) mentioned more food supermarkets. Some qualified their answers to the effect that prices would have to be comparable.
Telephone Service
Wayland enjoys the peculiar situation of being a community divided into three telephone exchanges, each of which includes a different toll- free calling area. (Two of these exchanges within the town are not even toll-free to each other.) Elmwood exchange has approximately 1,500 subscribers. Olympic exchange (primarily Natick) serves 1,250 Way- land subscribers and a small group of 50 are in the Trinity (Framing- ham) exchange. Several persons answering the survey question as to which towns they call and receive calls from the most were in doubt as to whether Wayland Olympic calls should be designated "Wayland" or "Natick" - hence some "Natick" replies may actually represent Way- land calls. Ninety-eight percent of the homes surveyed have at least one telephone.
A little over half, 56% of the persons having telephones, when asked if they had any comments on the service, had none. Of the 44% who did, 6% had favorable comments, such as "liked the new directory," and "good service." Thirty-eight percent had unfavorable comments, such as "wish a larger toll-free area" (305), "wish to be in Metropolitan Boston telephone district" (215), "wish one exchange for Wayland" (44), and "rates too high" (81).
Towns most often called: Wayland, 46% of those who answered, other toll-free areas 23%, Boston exchanges 25%, and other 6%.
Towns from which calls are most often received: Wayland 49%, other toll-free areas 21%, Boston exchanges 24%, and other 6%. People were more exact about the calls they made than those they received.
Thirty-one percent of the subscribers who answered did not name Wayland at all among the top three towns either in calls placed or received. One out of four named a Boston exchange, for which they pay toll, as the place most often called.
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Planning Board Questions. The Planning Board was particularly interested in the following questions and answers: (2,211 questionnaires answered).
Do you favor the Town's acquiring land for recreation and/or wild land?
Households
Percent
Yes
1,589
72
No
413
19
Do not know
58
2
Did not answer
151
7
Would you favor a certain amount of tax money being used for this purpose each year?
Households
Percent
Yes
1,346
61
No
548
24
Do not know
81
4
Did not answer
286
11
Do you think there should be sidewalks in town?
Households
Percent
Yes
1,159
52
No
871
39
Do not know
86
4
Did not answer
95
5
If so, where? Along main highways, near schools (within a mile), in housing developments, around shopping areas. Bicycle paths were also suggested.
Would you like to see :
a) More industry in Wayland?
Households
Percent
Yes
877
40
No
1,164
52
Did not know
75
3
Did not answer
95
5
b) Apartment housing?
Yes
452
20
No
1,566
71
Did not know
78
4
Did not answer
115
5
c) Old Age housing?
Yes
940
43
No
949
43
Did not know
158
7
Did not answer
163
7
d) More individual housing above $20,000?
Yes
1,264
57
No
654
30
Did not know
108
5
Did not answer
183
8
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e) More small house development?
Yes
484
22
No
1,519
69
Did not know
57
2
Did not answer
151
7
f) More rental property?
Yes
595
27
No
1,353
61
Did not know
101
5
Did not answer
162
7
Why would people leave Wayland? Thirty-one percent said they could think of no reason for leaving. Among possible reasons for leav- ing, change of employment ranked first (mentioned by 35 percent), high taxes second (17 percent) and growth and overcrowding, third (5 percent).
Where would people go if forced to move? In spite of its "growing pains" and in spite of the fact that 70 percent of the adults have lived in town less than 10 years, most apparently consider it a good place to live. Forty-eight percent of those who answered said if forced to move, they would try to stay in Wayland. One out of six did not answer this question, many considering themselves so permanent it was impossible to answer. One adult in five now living in town has lived elsewhere in Wayland, bearing out the fact many do stay in town when they find a move desirable or expedient.
On the question of where they would go, if they had to leave Way- land, an even greater number (one out of four) could not answer. One-third would go to a similar town. Only 10 percent would move to Boston, indicating there is no trend back to the city. Weston was most popular of the surrounding towns for hypothetical moves from Way- land, with Lincoln and Sudbury second and third. (A question as to where previous occupants went when they moved, however, shows Framingham and Natick rank higher among actual moves.)
Where would you say you are from if you were in New Hampshire? In California? These questions were included at the recommendation of professional planners. Only 15% related themselves to Boston in answer to the first question, but 45% mention Boston answering the second question. An interesting 15% answered "Cochituate" rather than "Way- land" to the New Hampshire part of the question. Forty percent of the answers were the same to both questions.
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WAYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS
March, 1960
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM
This Committee, having consulted with experts and authorities in the field, and having acquainted ourselves with some of the voluminous scientific and popular literature available, submit the following report:
The major problem is that of weighing the comfort of the towns- people on the one and against the possible hazards of a spraying pro- gram on the other, and in order to do this, some understanding of the present control program is necessary.
Wayland is a member of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission along with thirteen other towns (including Arlington, Bed- ford, Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, Framingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Weston, but excluding Sudbury) The program is conducted by Sup't. Robert L. Armstrong, a graduate entomologist, and his staff of 9-15 men. Mr. George Bogren is Wayland's representative member of the Commission.
Mr. Armstrong and his staff have carefully mapped out the area and know not only where the mosquitos are breeding, but are also aware of every fish pond, bird sanctuary, hayfield and cow in town. The whole town is not sprayed, by any means. Let us look at the yearly schedule :
The first, and in many ways the most important, step is in com- batting the spring hatch, those larvae which winter over from the previous season, since they are the parents of all subsequent broods. For this purpose, a hand dusting of DDT is carried out in mid-winter on ice and snow covered water. This is the major application of DDT and is applied at the rate of 1 lb. per acre. If the mid-winter treatment cannot be made, 3-4 tenths of a pound of DDT per acre is applied in April by hand and by airplane. Mosquitos are hatching in April, so this treatment is not as effective as the mid-winter one. The summertime adult mosquitos are a different problem, and are treated with spot spraying of DDT where necessary, and with other spraying compounds including malathion and pyrethrum, either from helicopters, in fogging machines or by hand. The effects of these treatments are of shorter duration, since, unlike DDT, these toxins break down in a few days, but this factor makes them safer to the human and bird population. Dieldrin, far more toxic than DDT, is used in alternate years with oil in the catch basins. The Commission uses less than 1/10th gallon per acre of DDT or malathion when spraying or fogging the adult mosquito.
Wayland has a considerable acreage of water within its town limits including lakes, ponds, rivers, permanent and temporary swamps and seasonal wet areas. The Committee was interested to learn that the marsh of the Sudbury River is not the major culprit in mosquito breeding, although the reason for this is not clear. The mosquitos in Wayland reside mainly in higher marshland, ponds, streams and back- yards. Our problem is further complicated by the fact that mosquitos drift in from Sudbury which is not a member of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission and conducts a limited control program, primarily concentrated on the more populous areas of town.
The Committee could find no positive evidences of danger to human beings from this program. These chemicals are known to affect wildlife
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adversely but the long-term results cannot be measured in Wayland at the moment.
This program is not necessarily the ultimate answer to mosquito control. The possibility of insect resistance to the toxins must be faced and other potential means of control examined. More expensive but more permanent means of control might include drainage of marshy areas, introduction of water impoundment laws, cleaning of streams, and creation of controlled recreation areas. The role of the householder is of prime importance, particularly against the adult mid-summer mos- quito. Gutters, children's toys which collect standing water, tire swings, wheelbarrows - all these are potential breeding grounds for the most annoying household mosquito.
As a result of our study, the Committee makes the following recommendations :
1. We recommend the continuance of the present spraying pro- gram as being the safest and most efficient for the money expended.
2. We recommend individual property sanitation carried on by the alert householder to eliminate breeding places on his own property.
3. We recommend that the town and the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission provide for public education concerning the pro- gram we now have and specific steps the householder can take to com- bat the nuisance of the home-grown mosquito.
4. We recommend that Wayland initiate regional planning with Sudbury regarding this problem.
5. We recommend consideration of the use of some appropriate wet-lands for recreational purposes, which might also result in a decrease of mosquito-breeding areas.
And finally, the Committee would like to reiterate that it is our strong impression that the mosquito control program as administered by Mr. Armstrong is being handled with all consideration of the potential dangers to wild life, and is cognizant of any pertinent developments in the field of toxicology. We feel confident that Wayland is getting the very best and safest protection available for the money spent, and recommend continuance of the program at no less than the present appropriation.
Signed :
JOHN PRATT JOHN G. FREYMANN DEWITT MITCHELL ALLEN MORGAN LEAH LIPTON, Chairman
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REPORT OF THE ROAD COMMISSIONERS
Under reconstruction of existing Town roads the first phase of the reconstruction of School Street was completed as scheduled. The remainder of the reconstruction will be completed over a period of three years including a bituminous concrete surface.
Under Chapter 90 construction the relocation of Route 30 (Old County Road) was constructed as scheduled. The final bituminous con- crete surface and miscellaneous details on this section of Route 30 will be completed in 1961.
The reconstruction of Wallace Road, South and Center Streets, and Winter Street were completed as betterments. The reconstruction of Maiden Lane #2 was started as a betterment.
Approximately 1,000 feet of sidewalk was constructed along the East side of Old Connecticut Path in the vicinity of the new High School together with reconstruction of drainage in this same area. A bituminous concrete surface will be placed on this section of sidewalk in 1961.
A new Road Grader with snow plow wing was purchased enabling; the Highway Department to provide more efficient road construction and maintenance as well as snow removal.
The Highway Department in its equipment renewal program feels, that in addition to the replacement of trucks, the Michigan Front End Loader will require replacement within two years.
The Road Commissioners would again like to thank the Highway Superintendent and all department employees for their diligence and cooperation during the past year on all phases of our program. We would also like to express our appreciation to the various Town Boards and Citizens for their cooperation on matters of mutual interest and concern to the Town.
ROBERT M. CARSON, Chairman CHARLES H. PETERS, Clerk HORACE MEGATHLIN, JR. Board of Road Commissioners
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
The following is the Plumbing Inspector's Report to the Town of Wayland for the year 1960.
There were 197 Permits issued and the amount of $1,709.00 was collected and turned over to the Town Collector.
All violations of the Plumbing Code have been corrected.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL C. HOOPER, Temporary Plumbing Inspector.
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT For the Year Ending December 31, 1960
Alarms Answered - 1960
Number of Alarms for Fires:
Residential Buildings
38
Non-Residential Buildings 18
Grass or Brush
99
All Other Fires (Motor Vehicles, Machinery, Rubbish, etc.) 55
Mutual Aid
3
Number of Alarms for Non-Fires:
Rescue, First Aid, Emergency Calls and Investigations .. 165
Mischievous and Malicious False Alarms 29
Smoke Scares, Honest Mistakes and Accidental Alarms 7
Total
414
Permits Issued
Fires in the Open Air 1,352
Installation or Alteration of Oil Burning Equipment 132
Installation of Liquified Petroleum Gas 25
Blasting 15
Remove and Transport Gasoline Storage Tanks
2
Gasoline Storage
1
Miscellaneous Flammable Liquids
1
The above total figure for alarms answered is a new record high, however, in direct contrast is the modern record low fire loss for the year of $11,571.21 or approximately $1.11 per capita. In all cases where fire broke out damage was held to a minimum.
At the annual town meeting in 1960 three major proposals were accepted in the development of a strong fire defense for the community.
First, 24 hour coverage was extended to Station #2 providing an immediate response to any alarm.
Second the purchase of a ladder truck was approved under the Fire Department's long range plan for the purchase and replacement of apparatus. Bid proposals were received on May 16, 1960 and the contract for the apparatus was awarded on May 24, 1960 to American LaFrance of Elmira, New York. American LaFrance was low bidder with a price of Twenty-eight Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($28,975.00). The new apparatus was delivered on November 23, 1960 and after inspection, service and training of personnel the piece was placed in service on November 29, 1960. Engine #1, a 35 year old American LaFrance pumping engine, and Truck #6, a 1941 Cadillac utilized for carrying rescue and salvage equipment were taken out of service at this time.
Third, the Building Code was amended to provide an ordinance requiring nursing homes, rest homes, hospitals, etc., to be protected by an approved sprinkler or fire detection system by March 1, 1961.
Fire prevention activities were broadened in 1960 as this depart- ment utilized the medium of the press, radio and television in an effort
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to carry an educational safety program to the greatest number of individuals possible.
The department training program for the year consisted of 10-2 hour sessions in the Spring and 10 -2 hour sessions in the Fall. In addition two regular men attended the State of Connecticut Fire Academy for one week and six call men attended a firefighters training school at Fitzwilliam, N. H.
The department razed several condemned buildings during the year. The razing of these buildings served a double purpose as they were first used for training then demolition was carried out at a fraction of the normal cost for such work.
The regular firefighters on duty during the day completed two fine projects during the year. First one piece of apparatus was stripped to the chassis and completely rebuilt and painted. Secondly the entire interior walls, doors and woodwork of Station #1 in Wayland Center were redecorated.
The municipal alarm system was extended by the department on Rich Valley Road, Hayward Road and Sylvan Way. Materials were also purchased for an extension on School Street. However, this installation is being delayed until highway construction is complete and final loca- tion of poles is ascertained.
The fire alarm systems as installed by contractors on Sears Road, Lundy Lane, White Road, Jeffrey Road and Loblolly Lane were inspected, tested, approved and tied into the municipal system. The fire alarm board at Station #2 is being remodeled as recommended in the 1958 survey by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association. The work is being done over a two year period (1960 - 1961) through the fire department Alarm System Maintenance account.
Many citizens are not acquainted with the various departments on which they depend for service in their community. At this time I wish to present a brief outline of your Fire Department to consider when the Finance Committee's Recommendations and Budget for 1961 are published. This department operates from two very adequate modern stations. Fire Headquarters is at Station #1, Millbrook Road, Wayland Center. Station #2 is on Main Street. The Chief's car and four pieces of apparatus are quartered at Fire Headquarters. Three pieces of apparatus are quartered at Station #2. There is also a boat at each station. Fire alarm control, Chief's office and department shop and garage are also at the headquarters building. Department personnel totals forty (40) members. Seven men are full time and thirty-three are part time or call men. The regulars work the day shifts in bry houses. The call men and the regular men work the night shifts on a reduced rate basis. The personnel working the night shifts do so on a prearranged schedule, some working one night and some two nights per week. The municipal alarm system is comprised of modern central alarm control, one hundred and sixty alarm boxes and seventy miles of wiring. All department apparatus is equipped with two way radio.
Apparatus is maintained and repaired in the department shop by department personnel and the alarm system is also maintained and repaired by department personnel. The department buildings are main- tained principally including painting by department personnel.
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