USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1911 > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
This branch of the work is under the control of the Board of Public Works, and it is in their discretion to use water or other means of preventing dust and preserving the surface of the streets. No contracts have been let for watering during the past year owing to the increased use of tar and other preventatives.
The cost for the treatment of the streets for the past year was $4500, of which $1700 was raised by general tax, and the balance, $2800, by assessments on the abutters.
The assessment this year is 21/2 cents per front foot; last year it was 2 6-10 cents per front foot.
It would seem that a larger appropriation would be necessary in the near future, owing to the number of new streets and the demand for protection from dust by residents on streets not heretofore treated.
UNDERGROUND CONDUITS.
During the year the Boston Elevated Railway Company peti- tioned for permission to lay underground conduits in Massachu- setts Avenue from the Cambridge line to Water Street, and in Water Street to property of the Company; also from Massachu- setts Avenue about three hundred fifty feet in Broadway; and in Medford Street about two hundred feet. These conduits were to be laid for the purpose of taking care of the heavy feed wires of the Company to connect with the new transformer station on Water Street. Permission was granted for the laying of these conduits, and the work done to the satisfaction of the Town Engineer.
Later a petition was received from the same Company for per-
196
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
mission to lay conduits for the same purpose through Henderson Street to connect with similar lines in Somerville. This, the Board did not grant, Henderson Street being in first-class condition, and the laying of said conduits being of no direct benefit to the Town.
GRAY STREET EXTENSION.
As reported by this Board last year, the Board had voted its intention to lay out this street. Hearings in accordance with law were given in the early part of the year. All abutters having been notified, and no one appearing in opposition, it seemed to be the unanimous opinion that this improvement should be made. The matter then came before the Town Meeting of March 20, 1911, at which meeting it was voted to accept and establish as a Town way the extension of Gray Street, in accordance with the plans approved by the Board of Survey authorizing the assessment of betterments; said plans being on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
It will be necessary that some action be taken toward establish- ing this street during the coming year in order to retain the rights which the Town now has under said vote.
The estimated cost of this extension, including takings, building of the street, sidewalks, etc., is about $35,000.00, meaning that the net cost to the Town after deducting the betterments would be in the neighborhood of $20,000.00.
The building of this street will greatly relieve the congested con- dition of Massachusetts Avenue by automobile traffic and more rapidly develop, for residential purposes, one of the most desirable sections of the Town. The cost of the undertaking will be vastly more than offset by the increased value of the property through which it passes.
SUMMER STREET EXTENSION.
Early in the year the urgent necessity of extending Summer Street, so as to relieve in a measure the congestion on Massachu- setts Avenue, was manifest. The committee appointed from this Board has held conferences with the State Highway Commission with an idea of having the State build and maintain this street as a state highway. Under this arrangement the Town would be liable only for the damages for the land taken.
The proposition is a large one, necessitating the appropriation of a large amount of money, and should be thoroughly investigated
197
REPORT OF JOINT BOARD
before any definite action is taken. There is at the present time a Committee, appointed by the Town, to make a topographical study and survey of the territory lying between Massachusetts Avenue and Winchester and it would seem advisable to defer further action until this Committee has reported.
NEW STREETS LAID OUT OR CONSTRUCTED.
Wellington Street, Magnolia Street, Belknap Street, Marion Road, Harvard Street, and Norfolk Road were laid out by the Joint Board under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments.
The estimated cost of the construction of these streets by the Engineering Department was $14,000.00, but owing to the large amounts appropriated for other purposes last year, but $9,000.00 was appropriated for the construction of these streets. This amount allowed for the construction of Norfolk Road, Magnolia Street, Marion Road, Belknap Street, and the installation of paved gutters, storm drains, catch-basins, in the other streets. It also provided for brick sidewalks on some of the streets.
POLE LOCATIONS.
Fifty-three petitions for pole locations have been granted during the year, twenty-nine to the New England Telephone and Tele- graph Company, and twenty-four to the Edison Electric Illumi- nating Company of Boston, on all of which hearings were given as required by law. Sixty-three poles have been replaced on the highways during the past year by the various companies owning the same. These poles were unsafe or unsuitable to support a new construction. Nineteen petitions have been received and granted to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company to attach wires on the poles of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, on all of which hearings were given and notices sent as required by law.
Under Chapter 506, Acts of 1911, hearings are no longer neces- sary for the attachment of wires and fixtures to poles of any one company on petition of another company. All that is required is a permit from this Board for such permit. The Act, however, makes it still necessary for hearings to be given where a new pole location is to be granted.
198
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
STREET LIGHTING.
During the past year thirty-seven 40 c. p., seventeen 60 c. p., seven 100 c. p. and three arc lights were installed. Eight 40 c. p., one 80 c. p., and six arc lights were removed, making a net total of forty-nine new lights installed for the year. The total number of lights in service December 31, 1911 is as follows:
Incandescent Lights, 40 c. p., 278
Incandescent Lights, 60 c. p., 17
Incandescent Lights, 80 c. p., 3
1
Incandescent Lights, 100 c. p.,
Incandescent Lights, 100 c. p., burning all night,
6
Arc Lights, 1200 c. p., 82
Total, 387
As stated in the report of this Board last year a petition was re- ceived from the Arlington Business Men's Association for better street lighting in the center of the Town.
On May 13 of this year the new system, as recommended by the Superintendent of Wires, was put in service in the center of the Town, and seems to meet the general approval of the public. The new system consists of seven 100 c. p., seventeen 60 c. p., and five 40 c. p. Tungsten incandescent lights. Six of the seven 100 c. p. lights installed in the center of the Town are burned all night. By this system the business section of the Town is amply lighted from sundown to sunrise, and has proven a vast help to the patrolmen in covering this most important beat.
For further details of the work done, we refer you to the Report of the Superintendent of Wires.
PERMANENT SIDEWALKS.
Three thousand five hundred (3500) dollars was appropriated in March for the construction of permanent sidewalks, not less than fifteen hundred (1500) dollars of said sum to be used for extensions carried out under the sidewalk act, Section 13 of Chapter 49 of the Revised Laws.
Ten applications have been received for sidewalks, eight of which have been granted. The policy of the Board has been, and continues to be, to install permanent sidewalks whenever peti-
199
REPORT OF JOINT BOARD.
tioned for, when the appropriation made for the purpose will allow.
Brick or granolithic walks are laid wherever possible, as, in the opinion of the Board, sidewalks constructed of these materials are of a more permanent and economical character.
By a special appropriation the brick sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue, constructed last year, has been extended from Schouler Court to Mt. Vernon Street. The value of this permanent side- walk is fully appreciated by the residents of the upper section of the town and should be extended each year, thus providing one permanent sidewalk the entire length of the town. For details and cost of this work reference is made to the reports of the Town Engineer and Superintendent of Streets.
DISCONTINUANCE OF LIGHTS ON PRIVATE WAYS.
On April 1 all lights located on private ways and maintained at the expense of the Town were ordered discontinued. This action of the Board was made necessary by the large number of petitions received from residents of streets not as yet accepted by the Town, and the increasing number of such streets.
In all such cases the lights may be installed and paid for by the residents of such ways at the same price as paid by the Town, i.e., $15.14 net for 40 c. p. incandescent lights, and $64.91 net for arc lights per year.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TERRITORY.
During the year numerous petitions have been received by the Board for approval of plans for the opening up and development of land in different sections of the town. In each case the policy of the Board has been to approve only such plans as are acceptable to them and to the Town Engineer, looking toward the develop- ment of all contiguous property, rather than a desire to accom- modate any individuals or further the interests of any financially interested parties in such development.
In this position the Board feels that it should have the strong support of every citizen of the Town, who looks to the future development and maintenance of our Town.
All petitions for approval of plans are submitted and acted upon under the provisions of the "Board of Survey Act" of 1897. If there be anything in this Act that in any way deprives your
200
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Board of Survey of the powers supposed to be contained therein, the Act should be amended and that power conferred, thus en- abling the Board of Survey to prevent the development of property within the town in any way contrary to the plans of such develop- ment as approved by the Board. This would secure the future from the manipulations of all parties whose interests might be termed personal rather than municipal.
PLANS APPROVED.
Petitions were received from various persons, asking for ap- proval of plans of proposed streets. Hearings were given in each case and the Board, sitting as the Board of Survey, approved the following plans: Wildwood Avenue, Fountain Road, Buena Vista Road, Spring Avenue, Wyman Terrace, Farrington Street, Robbins Road Extension, Cedar Avenue, Chester Street, Eustis Street, Fayette Street, Bellington Street, Arlmont Street, Glenburn Road, Extension of Norfolk Road, Davis Avenue, Fairmont Street, Thorndike Street, Hillside Avenue Extension, Frances Avenue (Norfolk Road), Oakland Avenue Extension, Florence Avenue Extension, Charlton Street, Prospect Avenue Extension, Renfrew Street, George Street, Rhinecliff Street, Waverly Street, Inver- ness Road, Lorne Road, Profile of Appleton Street.
MEDFORD STREET RELOCATION.
As reported last year the Selectmen, as authorized by the Town, petitioned the County Commissioners to relocate Medford Street. A number of hearings were held and the Commissioners seemed to be of the opinion that the entire length of the street from Massa- chusetts Avenue to the Medford line should be widened. Plans showing the proposed takings were exhibited at the hearings. If the plans as shown are carried out the street will be seventy feet wide from Massachusetts Avenue to Chestnut Street, and seventy- five feet wide from Chestnut Street to the Medford line. No decree has, as yet, been returned by the Commissioners. This Board is, therefore, unable to give, at this time, the cost of the work.
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE WIDENING.
During the year a petition has been presented to the County Commissioners asking for the widening of Massachusetts Avenue,
.
201
REPORT OF JOINT BOARD
from Water Street to Academy Street, and at a point near the Lexington line. Hearings have been held on said petition and while the Commissioners have not returned a decree, there is little doubt but that the decree when it comes will be in accordance with the desire of the petitioners. It seems particularly desirable that the widening between Water Street and Academy Street should take place as soon as possible, in view of the fact that all the land to be taken is on the southerly side of the Avenue and belongs to the Town. Also, that the location of the proposed new Town Hall has been established on the lines of the proposed relo- cation. If this relocation is established the width of the avenue at this point will be eighty feet instead of sixty-six feet as at present. The only cost to the Town will be for rebuilding the street.
CHANGE OF CROSSING AND CAR STOPS AT PLEASANT STREET.
Many complaints have been received from pedestrians and patrons of the surface cars, of the danger from automobiles and. other vehicles, at the corner of Pleasant Street and Massachusetts Avenue. To obviate this danger a new crosswalk has been in- stalled opposite the entrance to the Post-Office Building, leading to Pleasant Street. The Boston Elevated Railway Company were requested to change the stopping place of both inbound and out- bound cars from the old stop at the southerly corner of Pleasant Street to the new stop at the northerly side of the same street, and the request has been complied with by the Company.
SETTLEMENT OF LEXINGTON PEAT COMPANY CASE.
After numberless delays covering a period of years, the Board is pleased to be able to report that through the efforts of the Town Counsel this case has been settled to the entire satisfaction of the Board. The Company has paid all indebtedness with interest amounting to $3967.44. As per vote of the Town, $3237.30 of this amount has been placed to the credit of the Sinking Fund. The work of the Town Counsel in this case is worthy of and receives our commendation.
MATTERS NOW PENDING BEFORE THE BOARD.
The following important matters are now pending before the Board:
202
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Award of damages and assessment of betterments on Medford Street.
Relocation of Mystic Street near the Winchester line.
Award of damages and assessment of betterments on Mystic Street.
Establishing the boundary lines between Winchester and Ar- lington.
Alewife Brook assessments.
Henderson Street Extension.
Summer Street Extension.
Topographical survey of Sucker Brook.
Abolishment of grade crossings.
POLICY OF THE BOARD.
The following votes indicating the policy of the Board have been passed:
(a) Width of Streets. At a meeting held October 14, 1907, it was
Voted, That it was the sense of the Board of Survey not to approve of plans for the laying out or construction of streets less than forty feet wide.
(b) Crosswalks. At a meeting held October 28, 1907, it was
Voted, That whenever a sidewalk is changed by the construction of a new street the sidewalk, including the new crosswalk, must be relaid in as good and permanent a form as before the change, the cost to be a charge against the party constructing the street. In case the Town desires a higher cost walk than existed before the change was made the additional cost must be made by the Town in case of permanent sidewalks only.
(c) Rough Grading of Private Streets. At a meeting held Decem- ber 9, 1907, it was
Voted, That after January 1, 1908, no water or sewer pipes shall be laid in streets approved by the Board of Survey until such streets, including sidewalks, have been brought to subgrade satisfactory to the Town Engineer.
HERBERT W. RAWSON, WILLIAM N. WINN, JACOB BITZER, HENRY W. HAYES,
FRANK V. NOYES, RODNEY T. HARDY,
Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works.
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL.
ARLINGTON, MASS., January 1, 1912.
To the Honorable, the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report as Town Counsel for the year 1911. During the year no large claims were presented against the Town and the work was largely routine. Every case against the Town has been disposed of with the exception of a petition for the abatement of taxes which was filed against the assessors during December.
The following claims against the Town were disposed of:
THOMAS CORMAY.
This was a claim against the contractor of the Crosby School for wages due. The Town was made a party to this suit under the statute but the matter was disposed of by the contractor without expense to the Town.
GEORGIANNA HOBBS.
This was a claim for damages done to land by reason of the excavation of the gravel pit on Grove Street. The encroachment was very small and the matter was settled by the payment of $15 to Mrs. Hobbs and her release of all demands taken.
WILLIAM S. MORRIS.
This was a claim for damages to a dwelling house caused by blasting on Park Avenue Extension. Suit was brought in the sum of $1000 and the case was disposed of by the payment of $30 damages and actual cash disbursements, which amounted to about $8 more.
MRS. A. T. MARSTON.
This was a claim for personal injuries caused by Mrs. Marston being dropped into a manhole on Academy Street which had been left unfastened by workmen. No suit was brought and the matter was adjusted by the payment of $150.
203
204
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT ยท
GEORGE L. LOCKE.
This was a claim for property damage caused by the wheels of a wagon sinking into a trench on Massachusetts Avenue. The work was being done by the Boston Elevated Railway Company and the Town was protected by an agreement and a bond of indemnity. This claim was paid by the Hugh Nawn Contracting Company under their agreement with the Boston Elevated Rail- way Company without expense to the Town.
A. M. THOMPSON.
This was a case which was pending in the Superior Court for some time and was for personal injuries caused by a manhole cover slipping from its place on Pleasant Street. The case was settled by the Travelers' Insurance Company under their policy, although there was some question as to whether the liability was on the Town by reason of a defect in the highway.
ROBERT F. HERRICK, TRUSTEE.
This case is a petition for the abatement of taxes on two lots of land on Prescott Street. The assessors valued it at nine cents a foot and Mr. Herrick's contention is that it should be valued at about five cents. This case is now pending and is the only case now pending against the Town.
The following claims, in behalf of the Town, were prosecuted to a final settlement :
KENNY BROTHERS.
Claim for $111 for manure sold from the Town's stables. This was settled by Messrs. Kenny by the payment of the full amount.
LEXINGTON PEAT COMPANY.
This was a claim for $3270.30 for balance due under a contract with the Town for the cleaning of the reserve water supply basin in the Great Meadows. This was settled by the Boston Fertilizer Company, who secured the contract of the Lexington Peat Com- pany, under foreclosure of the bonds by the payment of the sum of $3964.44, being the face of the claim with accrued interest to the date of settlement.
The Town was represented in five matters before the County Commissioners as follows:
205
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
MEDFORD STREET.
Petition for widening from Massachusetts Avenue to the Med- ford line. This petition has had a number of hearings both in Arlington and in Cambridge and adjudication of common con- venience and necessity has been made. The final laying out by the County Commissioners has not been made.
MYSTIC STREET.
This was a petition for the re-location and widening near the Winchester line. A number of hearings have been held on this matter at Winchester and Cambridge and no adjudication has been made.
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE.
There were two petitions filed here, one for a widening on the southerly side between Water and Academy Streets, and one, near the Lexington line. Both of these were formal matters and the adjudication of common convenience and necessity has been made but the final laying out by the County Commissioners has not been made.
HUTCHINSON ROAD.
Petition for re-location of the lines which were done in con- junction with Winchester, which was laying out that territory up to the Arlington line. Hearings were had and the matter has gone to the adjudication of common convenience and necessity.
A number of minor matters have been attended to and the Town has been represented before the Legislature on such bills as affected its interests.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP A. HENDRICK, Town Counsel.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF WIRES.
ARLINGTON, January 22, 1912.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works.
Gentlemen: I have the honor to submit herewith my twelfth annual report as Superintendent of Wires for the year ending December 30, 1911.
INSPECTION OF WIRING IN BUILDINGS.
The work of inspecting interior wiring in buildings for electric lighting, heat and power has increased materially during the past year. More trouble was experienced enforcing department re- quirements than ever before. The large increase in building dur- ing the past year, with the fact that this new construction was principally done by out-of-town contractors, made it necessary that careful attention should be given to the inspection of electrical construction in these new buildings to the end that all local re- quirements should be complied with. All assistance possible is given to electrical contractors who are reliable and who intend to do work in a thorough manner. The so-called cheap contractor who attempts to "get by" with poor work receives a warm recep- tion. Electrical construction installed in past years has been done in a substantial and safe manner, no fires having occurred from this source, and no permits will be given for service attachment or use of any electrical device that does not conform to safe working requirements.
The following tabulation of interior inspections, etc., for the years 1910 and 1911 are submitted, showing increase for the past year over the year 1910.
TABULATION OF INSPECTIONS OF INTERIOR WIRING, ETC.
1911
1910
Number of inspections made
536
391
Contractors' applications received
434
340
Incandescent lights wired for
4664
3397
Motors wired for 12 to 15 horse power
18
6
206
207
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF WIRES
1911
1910
Total horsepower motors wired 12 to 15 rating 41.5
163
Stereopticon arc lights wired
2
1
Stereopticon arc lights installed
2
1
Service permits issued for light and power
414
395
Incandescent lights supplied with service: New installations, 4307; old, 2011; total, 6318
4817
Horse power of motors installed, 50.75
63
POLES AND WIRES.
Sixty-three poles were replaced on the highways during the past year by the various companies owning same. These poles were unsafe or unsuitable to support new construction. Fifty-three (53) new poles were set on the highways in accordance with petitions filed by companies and approved by the Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works, as follows:
New England Telephone and Telegraph Company - Cleveland Street (joint location), 4 poles; Appleton Street, 17 poles; Highland Avenue (joint location), 8 poles.
Edison Electric Illuminating Company - Paul Revere Road, 6 poles; Bow Street, 1 pole; Franklin Street, 6 poles; Highland Avenue (joint location), 7 poles; Pond Lane, 1 pole; Magnolia Street, 3 poles.
UNDERGROUND CONDUITS.
The Boston Elevated Railway Company have placed under- ground conduits on the following streets in accordance with the petition granted September 1, 1911: Massachusetts Avenue from Cambridge line to corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Court Street; Medford Street from Massachusetts Avenue to a point 150 feet toward Chestnut Street; Broadway 550 feet southeasterly from Massachusetts Avenue; Water Street from Massachusetts. Avenue to Transformer Station.
These conduits were built for installing wires to the new trans- former station being built for the above company on Water Street. With the completion of this new transformer station all aerial cables supplying current to the trolley wires will be removed from the streets throughout the center of the town and underground connection will be made to the trolley wires. No report has been made by the Boston Elevated Railway Company as to number of
208
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
feet of conduit built or underground wires installed. This infor- mation will be furnished at a later date on completion of this new service. All construction of installing underground conduits was supervised by Acting Town Engineer Mr. George E. Ahern.
The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company have installed branch conduits in various locations on Massachusetts Avenue for pole connections as per their petition as granted. Branch conduits were built by the Telephone Company for the Wire Department, for the Fire Alarm and Police Signal as re- quired by this department.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.