USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1908-1909 > Part 13
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To the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works, Town Hall, Arlington, Mass.
GENTLEMEN :- The suit of George Lothrop, to recover a portion of the Great Meadows, on the ground that the Town had abandoned the same, has been settled without expense to the Town by an entry of judgment for the Town.
Under authority of a vote of the Town, on March 7, 1908, a contract was entered into with the Lexington Peat Company whereby the Town is to receive the sum of $5737.30 for the right to excavate peat from Great Meadows, East Lexington, during the next fifteen years. This agreement was entered into by the Town because of the recommendation of the Board of Public Works and for the purpose of the improvement of the Great Meadows area as a reserve water supply.
The claim made by Frank I. Whittemore for damages to per- sonal property because of a defect in the highway has been set- tled for $50.00.
The claims of Mary F. Rockeray and her husband for severe personal injuries received by her on or about June 15, 1908, while a traveller on Henderson Street, by reason of falling into a man- hole, improperly covered, has been settled for $425.00.
The claim of Catherine Hammall for injuries received at or about the same time and place and under the same conditions has been settled for $40.00.
The petition by the Selectmen to abolish the grade crossing at Whittemore Street and Avon Place is still pending.
There are no suits pending against the Town.
The legal work of the different departments has been attended to.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE D. HARDY,
Town Counsel.
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS.
ARLINGTON, MASS., Jan. 21, 1909.
To the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works :-
GENTLEMEN :- Herewith is respectfully presented a report con- cerning work under my charge for the year 1908.
The organization and character of work has been the same as last year.
ENGINEERING. There is no separate appropriation for engi- neering, therefore the expense is charged each week to the De- partment or Appropriation for which services are rendered.
The classification is shown in the same form as in previous years, so that comparison can easily be made.
Highway Division : For marking all lines and grades, making plans, profiles, estimates, locations, and records of work done and in contemplation by the division $508.90
Sewer Division : For all surveys, plans, profiles, lines, grades and records, including superintendence on 4 cleaning and flushing sewers. . 371.66
Superintendence and inspection on sewer con- struction 34.34
Superintendence and inspection on particular sewer construction 156.68
Water Division: For all lines for new mains and locations and records of gates, hydrants, specials, service boxes, work on registration data and office records, and reading meters.
556.54
New Streets: For all engineering work required in the construction of new streets by Highway Divi- sion under Special Appropriations. 87.04
Sidewalks: For all lines, grades, measurements of edgestone, concrete, brick and artificial stone walks, data for assessments, etc.
Board of Survey : For all surveys, plans and profiles of streets laid out by the Board, and studies in con- nection with the street locations under considera- tion by the Board.
83.77
103.97
154
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
Cemetery Trustees : For all plans, surveys, grades, etc., in connection with new travelway construction, grading and locating additional areas. Miscellaneous : Copying plans and deeds from Regis- try at East Cambridge, description of real estate, and tax titles, street numbering plans, work for Park Commissioners, and all miscellaneous work for the various boards and committees.
71.97
117.05
Total $2,092.12
It should be understood from the above classification, that a large part of the expense charged to engineering is for superin- tendence in the Sewer Division, and for office work in the Water and Highway Divisions.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORK: For details of work under the direction of the Board, concerning costs, quantities, etc., refer- ence is made to the statistical tables contained in their report.
HIGHWAY DIVISION. The principal work in this Division is the maintenance of streets and sidewalks, and all matters relat- ing thereto. As explained in former reports, it is the aim of the Division to keep the streets in as good a state of repair as the available funds will permit.
The main through streets are very heavily traveled; conse- quently, they require the first attention, and the large mileage of sidewalks, which are constructed almost entirely of local ma- terial, also require constant attention in the attempt to keep them in a reasonably fair condition.
It is always the case in those sections of a town or city, where development of property is under way, that there is a constant interruption to street surfaces, due to laying of sewer, water, gas pipes, wire conduits, etc., with the result that many sections of the streets which would otherwise be in good condition, require frequent repairs and resurfacing. There seems to be no economi- cal way that this expense can be avoided, until a permanent pave- ment is constructed, which can be easily repaired where trenches have been excavated.
There were 16,191 sq. vds. of Macadam resurfaced at a cost of about $0.48 per sq. yd. Of this amount, 13.366 sq. yds. were on Massachusetts Avenue ; 800 sq. yds. on Mystic Street ; 1,278 sq. vds. on Palmer Street; 747 sq. yds. on Bacon Street. This amount does not include the area of streets where miscellaneous repairs were made, nor about 4,000 sq. yds. of gravel resurfacing on Irving Street, Ravine Street, Gray Street, and Kensington Park.
155
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
In the process of resurfacing Macadam streets this year, a ma- chine known as a Scarifier was used with excellent results. This machine is on the principal of a harrow and is drawn by the steam roller. The advantage lies in the fact that only the top of the street is loosened, and the foundation of the street is not dis- turbed as would be the case if steam roller picks were used. This results in a decreased cost of the work by reason of time and ma- terial saved; also a more permanent construction, because the strength of the foundation is not impaired. At least twice as much street surface can be prepared for resurfacing with the Scarifier as could possibly be done with the roller picks in the same time.
In a portion of the resurfacing work, a preparation known as Tarvia was used to obtain approximately a Tar-Macadam con- struction. The advantages are: greater durability, a more uni- form surface, and most important of all, a surface which will not loosen under automobile traffic; also a very considerable lessen- ing of the dust nuisance. There were 1,350 sq. yds. of street re- surfaced in this manner, and at the present writing gives evidence of being very satisfactory.
There were 5,007 tons of stone crushed during 1908. In the early part of the year two steam drills were operated at the ledge. As a consequence, very little steam drill work will be required next year, because the amount of stone drilled (but not blasted out), including stone obtained from excavations for other work, etc., will probably be sufficient for the season's work.
In 1909, the following sections of streets,-now of Macadam construction,-should be resurfaced : Massachusetts Avenue, from Pleasant Street to Lake Street, on the Northerly side ; from Pleas- ant Street to Avon Place, on the Southerly side; on both sides, near Park Avenue, and on both sides, near Lexington line. On Mystic Street, near Winchester line; and on the South side, near Glen Avenue; also parts of Water and Warren Streets, and Broadway.
Portions of Franklin Street, Brattle Street, Tufts Street, Hill- side Avenue, Claremont Avenue,-now of gravel construction,- should be Macadamized.
Pleasant Street, from Addison Street to Belmont line, at least, should be resurfaced. It is possible that the State Highway Com- mission may favorably consider aiding in the cost of construction under authority of Chapter 279-Acts of 1908-in this particular case.
The relaying of the Boston Elevated Railway Tracks on Massa- chusetts Avenue west of Water Street will be necessary at an early date. As suggested in former reports when this work is done the grade of the tracks should be raised six or seven inches
156
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
to secure proper dainage of surface water and so reduce the cost of maintenance on this portion of the street.
STORM DRAINAGE. There has been no extension to the storm drainage system during the year, with the exception of two catch basins on Lake Street, near the Railroad crossing ; miscellaneous repairs, etc. Therefore, I repeat the recommendations made last year which are: that provision be made for the construction of a drain on Academy Street, from Massachusetts Avenue to Maple Street ; a drain on Massachusetts Avenue, from Barnes Lane to Tufts Street ; and a storm drainage system, for Hutchinson Road, near Old Mystic Street.
PAVED GUTTERS AND CROSSWALKS. Seven hundred twenty- five sq. yds. of new paving in gutters were laid on Appleton Street, between Florence Avenue and Park Avenue; on Mill Street, West Side, near B. & M. R. R .; Claremont Avenue, near Appleton Street, and Massachusetts Avenue, near Appleton Street. Also 65 sq. yds. of paving were relaid on Massachusetts Avenue, at B. & M. R. R. crossing.
One hundred ninety-four sq. yds. of crosswalks were relaid on Massachusetts Avenue, and at the corner of Mill and Bacon Streets. Crosswalks were removed at Junction of Academy Street and Massachusetts Avenue; also at Jason Street and Massachu- setts Avenue,-the Tar-Macadam construction at these points taking their place, and making their continuance unnecessary. It was also possible at these points,-owing to the system of storm drainage which had been installed during previous years,-to do away entirely with the very annoying gutters across these streets at their intercessions with Massachusetts Avenue.
I believe that the placing of granite crosswalks in any Macadam road to be undesirable; that these walks are an annoyance, at least, to all kinds of vehicles, and unless given close attention they may result in a serious defect in the highway.
New concrete crosswalks were laid at the corner of Jason Street and Irving Street ; Ravine Street and Irving Street ; and Walnut Street and Massachusetts Avenue ; and general repairs were made to others where necessary.
The setting of edgestone was finished on Bacon Street. Other edgestone set during the year was in connection with new street construction and sidewalk construction, and will be given in detail in the work under those headings.
SIDEWALKS. Tar concrete sidewalks were resurfaced on por- tions of the following streets : Bacon, Gray, Jason and Medford Streets, Massachusetts Avenue and Park Avenue, amounting to about 2000 sq. vds. not including miscellaneous repairs.
157
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
Brick sidewalks were laid on Massachusetts Avenue, West from Brattle Street, on the Northerly side of the Street. On Brat- tle Street, Easterly side, between Massachusetts Avenue and Dud- ley Street. On Water Street, Westerly side, from Massachusetts Avenue, and on Gray Street, near Ravine Street, amounting to 1050 sq. yds., at an average cost of $1.34 per sq. yd., including grading and resetting of edgestone.
An artificial stone sidewalk was laid on Massachusetts Avenue at the corner of Winter Street, amounting to 164 sq. yds. One- half the cost of brick sidewalk construction is paid by the Town, and 55c per sq. yd. toward artificial sidewalk construction is al- lowed by the Town.
I again recommend that the Town extend the permanent side- walk construction, especially along the avenues of through travel. Permanent sidewalks at the present time are urgent, on the North- erly side of Massachusetts Avenue, from Bartlett Avenue to Brat- tle Street ; and on one side of Mystic Street, from Russell Street to Old Mystic Street.
NEW STREETS. Under a Special Appropriation made by the Town in March, 1908, Summer Street, between Grove Street and Brattle Street, was widened to 50 feet, and sub-graded to be later constructed as a Macadam road. In this work 1030 feet of storm drain were laid. Four catch basins were built and edgestone set at the corners of Grove, Pine and Brattle Streets. About 450 cu- bic yards of ledge were excavated, fences set back to the new lines of the street, etc. The gross cost of the work was $3,654.78, which gives a net cost of $2,999.76, after deducting the credits for loam and rock.
Also under a Special Appropriation, the portion of Sawin Street, between Henderson and Teel Streets, was widened to 40 feet and constructed as a Macadam road. Edgestone was set on both sides of the street, and the sidewalk surfaced with stone dust. The subsoil on this street was largely sand, and so it was neces- sary to use several inches of rock ballast to hold the Macadam. The net cost was $1,226.38.
The acceptance and construction of this street completes a plan for the improvement of Henderson and Teel Streets which has taken five years to execute.
Wollaston Avenue,-from Tanager Street to Wachusetts Ave- nue,-was likewise accepted and constructed under a Special Ap- propriation. This portion of street was a connecting link between the accepted portion of Wollaston Avenue and Tanager Street, accepted in 1907. The street was cut down to grade, necessita- ting the removal of some large boulders, loam and blue gravel. The entire length of the street was surfaced with gravel in a
158
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
similar manner to Tanager Street. Edgestone was placed at the corners of Wachusett Avenue and West Street. The net cost was $469.67.
STREET WATERING. The street watering routes are similar to those of 1907. They are arranged for six carts, for six months' service, from May Ist to November Ist. The routes are too long to give proper service. The total length'is about II I-2 miles, or about 2 miles per cart.
On Mystic Street, from East of Summer Street to the Winches- ter line; on Medford Street, East of Lewis Avenue; and on Lake Street, from Cross Street, Easterly, the surface of these streets was beginning to loosen or unravel, and therefore, required imme- diate attention. Sections of the steets named were difficult to care for with water, on account of being located on the extreme limits of the watering routes, and a remedy of this condition had to be found at once to prevent serious and expensive injury. The trouble was caused largely by automobile traffic, and it seemed best to use a method of repair which would withstand this traffic; accordingly, a preparation known in the market as Tarvia-B was used. This material was put on the surface of the streets in the locations mentioned,-with a covering of sand over the Tarvia to prevent the material from adhering to vehicles. The result was : the surfaces of these streets were held intact throughout the sea- son, and no further injury ensued, and are in a good condition at the present time. I am of the opinion that this method more than repaid the cost of application, for certainly these streets would have been ruined without attention.
From the nature of the material, Tarvia is not an absolute dust layer, but as already stated, the binding qualities possessed by this preparation are most to be desired, and in this respect it is certain- ly a success. The cost per sq. yd. of the treatment, including cost of preparing streets and application on about 23,500 sq. yds. was 2c per sq. yd., 6,898 gallons of Tarvia being used.
On some sections of Mystic and Medford Streets which had been treated with Tarvia, an application of Terrecolio was used as an additional dust layer. On these sections of street the water- ing service was discontinued, after July 15th, and the streets re- mained practically dustless, with only a light application of the material about once in three weeks. On one section of Mystic Street Terrecolio exclusively was used with good results, the street remaining hard and free from dust. The cost of the Terre- colio application was 6-10c. per sq. yd. on 19,420 sq. yds. with 660 gallons of material.
On the Northerly side of Broadway, from North Union Street to the Somerville line, oil was tried as a dust layer. Results were
159
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
not satisfactory, because the oil disintegrated the road surface. After the oil had dried out to a large extent, water-gas tar was tried as a combined binder and dust layer, with very fair success.
The results obtained in Arlington and vicinity during the sea- son just closed show that the surfaces of Macadam streets can be preserved by treatment, and that the dust nuisance can be avoided. Also that the cost of these treatments is reasonable and that the results obtained are far more satisfactory than by the use of watering carts.
The cost of street watering for 1908 was about 2 3-10c. per sq. yd. on 210,000 sq. yds., including the value of water used.
Therefore, I am led to believe and to recommend that the Town do away with the sprinkling of streets with water altogether as soon as practical. Street watering is now obsolete, is expensive, and at best unsatisfactory ; and is a decided injury to the streets.
SEWER DIVISION. Very little sewer construction was done dur- ing the year. The Brattle Street sewer was' put in commision by the installation of an electrically driven pump. This system has proved to be satisfactory and economical,-the cost of electricity ranging from 76c. to $1.60 per month. The plant has not been accepted by the Department, owing to changes in the electrical equipment which are yet to be installed. Short sewers were laid in Warren Street, at the Junction of Medford Street, and on Westminster Avenue, near Park Place. There has been a less number of sewer connections than in any year since the system was built. Applications for several extensions to the sewerage system are now on file.
EQUIPMENT. The equipment of the Department is in good shape. with the exception of the stone crushing plant. It is a question, whether the present plant should be repaired and re- modelled, or whether the further use of the ledge should be dis- continued.
The ledge is located near a growing section of the town and in a few years will be a detriment to the community. The present crushing plant is inadequate, the storage bins being entirely too small, the crusher itself is worn out, and is not the proper size to handle stone economically.
A large factor in the cost of producing crushed stone at present is the labor item of reducing the ledge stone to a size which this crusher can handle. It is obvious, therefore, that a large amount of labor could be saved with a machine of greater capacity. The town has appointed a Special Committee to consider the purchase of land for the use of the Town Departments, and the question of the best method of obtaining crushed stone should be carefully
160
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
considered in connection with the recommendations of the com- mittee.
A considerable expenditure will be required in the event of the present plant being remodeled. If the Town votes to purchase land for use of the Departments it may prove best to buy stone and erect new storage bins on this land. The Town could then handle what stone is procured from excavations by the several Depart- ments, with a portable crusher, or if a large job in ledge was being carried on, a portable plant could be set up near the site of the work and a large amount of teaming expense saved.
COLLECTION OF OFFAL AND ASHES. Early in 1908, by the building of a new one-horse offal wagon, the collection of offal was placed in the hands of two men, working independently. This method employs the same number of men and horses as formerly. The results have been satisfactory and show the wisdom of the change.
The ashes have been handled in the same manner as heretofore.
About 450 cords of offal ; 2700 loads of ashes and 500 loads of paper were collected.
BOARD OF SURVEY. Twelve plans were examined on which hearings for locations and grade were held by the Board. Of this number, five were not approved.
Under section III, of the Board of Survey Act, studies were authorized to be made for the locations of streets through the C. N. Bacon estate between Pleasant and Jason Streets, which the Board approved.
Studies were also made for the development of land in the rear of Tanager Street, and South of Wollaston Avenue. One hearing only has as yet been given, the final plans not being completed.
Three years ago the Board gave a hearing for an extension of Henderson Street to connect with Stockton Street, Somerville, and thus make an inter-Town way between East Arlington and North Somerville. Public necessity and convenience both in Ar- lington and Somerville demand a connecting street at this point, particularly so that residents may have convenient access to the Boston Elevated Railway lines on both Broadway and Massachu- setts Avenue. Recently a committee,-composed of members from the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works of Arlington and the City Government of Somerville,-have been appointed to consider the matter, and make recommendations.
Studies have also been authorized for a location of the exten- sion of Summer Street to Forest Street, on which hearings will be given early in the year.
GENERAL. The various highway bridges are in good condi- tion. The River Street bridge was strengthened and replanked.
161
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
The placing of soft coal ashes on sidewalks for drainage pur- poses was continued and a few years more of the same treatment will show a great improvement in sidewalks not of artificial con- struction.
Fifty-four permits were given to the various public service corporations to open streets for repairs and extension of sevice.
I again recommend that the question of a permanent pavement on Massachusetts Avenue be considered so that the maintenance of our streets may be carried on economically.
Since my last report, options have been taken by the Metropoli- tan Park Commission for land on both sides of Alewife Brook from the Mystic River to Spy Pond, for the proposed improve- ment of the brook, and adjoining lands. It is expected that dur- ing the present year the proposed work will be commenced.
New tar concrete walks have been laid across Russell Park from Mystic Street to Chestnut Street, and the surface drainage of the park improved.
At the Town House site, IIO loads of loam from the construc- tion of Summer Street were put on the lot. No other work was done with the exception of mowing, cleaning, etc.
A path across the lot with a small fountain near the centre is under contemplation.
May I again refer to the need of beginning a set of Assessors' Plans, which will show the lines and areas of all real estate in the Town. These plans would be of great value to all departments of the Town service, and if a small appropriation were made for the work each year, the plans could be systematically completed in a short time.
ROBERT W. POND,
Town Engineer and Superintendent of Streets.
162
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT.
TABLE SHOWING THE LOCATION, LENGTH AND WIDTH OF ACCEPTED AND PRIVATE STREETS.
$ LENGTH.
NAME.
LOCATION.
Width.
Date of Acceptance.
Accepted Private
Aberdeen rd.
Sutherland rd. easterly
40
320
Academy st
Mass. av. to Irving st
40
1,520
Acton st.
Appleton st. to Gravel Pit
51
510
Addison st.
Pleasant st. to Spy Pond
40
800
Aerial st
Forest st. easterly
40
450
*Alpine st.
Park av. ex. northerly
40
535
Appleton st.
Mass. av. to Lexington line
7,840
Laid out by County Commissioners, Mass. av., Paul Revere rdl., Old Town way named Appleton st., Nov. 9, 1846.
Appleton st. pl. .
Appleton st. southerly
400
Apr. 9. 1875.
*Amsden st
Mass. av. to Laurel st.
45
950
Arnold st
Dundee rd. to Hibbert st
40
723
Argyle rd
Dundee rd. to Aberdeen rd.
40
750
Ashland st
Appleton st. to Florence av
50
832
Avon pl.
Mass. av. westerly
30
428
Avon pl. ex
End of accepted st. to Spy Pond.
15 & 40
500
Bacon st.
Central st. to Mill st.
30
345
Mar. 4, 1872.
Barnes lane
Mass. av. to Brooks av
20
800
Bartlett av
Mass. av. to Irving st.
45 & 40
1,350
Nov. 6, 1888; Mar. 14, 1892; June 1, 1896 ; Nov. 8,1897.
Bartlett av
Irving st. to Gray st
40
370
Nov. 8, 1897.
Bartlett av
Gray st. to Woodland st.
40
412
Beacon st
Warren st. to Coral st
40
1,447
Belknap pl.
Mass. av. to Belknap st.
20
270
Belknap st
Linwood st. to Belknap pl.
40
480
*Blossom st
Bow st. to Lennon rd
40
428
*Bloomfield av
Summer st. northerly
40
400
+Bow st.
Forest st. to Lowell st.
40
1,930
Old Town Way named Bow st., Nov. 9, 1846; Decree of Superior Court, June 30, 1899. Nov. 8, 1897.
Brantwood rd
Kensington pk. to Jason st.
40
2,265
*Brantwood rd ..
Kensington pk. to Pleasant st.
40
578
*Brattle av
Brattle st. east and west
40
730
Brattle st.
Mass. av. to Summer st.
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