USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1928 > Part 21
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Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Wires additional lights have been placed at points in the Town which hitherto had not been adequately illumined.
FIRE AND POLICE BOXES
It has been the policy of the department each year to place additional fire and police boxes at suitable points to properly protect the new sections under development, and the report of the Superintendent of Wires will give in detail the location of such new boxes.
NEW STREETS
The construction of new streets is still far behind the building program, and if the Town is to keep abreast of or gain on the rapid growth of our residential sections a more liberal policy will be needed in regard to expenditures for street construction.
The past year the following streets were built under the Betterment Act:
Chandler Street, Churchill Avenue, Egerton Road, Gardner Street, Gloucester Street, Lafayette Street, Maynard Street, Melrose Street, Milton Street, Newland Road, Overlook Road, and Varnum Street.
Of seventy-six streets recommended by this Board during the past five years, forty-six have been constructed. This shows progress and is gratifying as far as it goes. The Board, however, is of the opinion that this coming year, particularly, the Town should concentrate upon street construction, and that the necessary appropriation be made to accept and construct all of the streets to be recommended by this Board.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
SIDEWALKS AND EDGESTONES
In former years, prior to the World War, it was the usual practice of the Town to accept and construct new streets without constructing the sidewalks.
There are today, therefore, many accepted streets without permanent sidewalks. To correct this condition it has been the policy of the Town to appropriate each year a sum of money for the construction of sidewalks and the installation of edge- stones. For several years the sum of ten thousand ($10,000) dollars was appropriated. In 1927 twelve thousand ($12,000) dollars was appropriated; last year the amount was increased to sixteen thousand ($16,000) dollars; and as these amounts have been inadequate to meet the growing demands from the residents of such streets, twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars is asked for this year.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
This year several large tracts of land in desirable sections of the Town have been laid out for development, and this Board sitting as a Board of Survey has approved plans for such improvements. The following is a list of the areas under development and the Board of Survey streets thereon:
Arlington Acres, formerly Winn Farm, corner Mystic and Summer Streets; Brookdale Road, Edgehill Road, Johnson Road, Radcliffe Road, Richfield Road, and Victoria Road.
Jason Heights, formerly Hill Farm, off Pleasant Street; Brunswick Road, Hillsdale Road, Jason Street, Pleasant View Road, Stony Brook Road, and Venner Road.
Hartford Development, Morningside District; Greenwood Road, Hartford Road, Hodge Road, Lovell Road, Melvin Road, Ridge Street, Stone Road, Winchester Road, and Yerxa Road.
Knowles Development, off Lake Street; Mary Street and Wilson Avenue.
369
REPORT OF JOINT BOARD
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE WIDENING
In 1924, by vote of the Town, building lines were estab- lished on Massachusetts Avenue from Central and Academy Streets to Lowell Street, with a view to a future widening.
Since that time the volume of traffic psssing over this main artery has steadily increased, and has grown to such proportions that the resulting congestion has become a serious problem. This condition is so acute that in the judgment of this Board the immediate widening of the avenue is imperative.
The cost of such alteration, widening, and reconstruction involves so large an expenditure that it is not deemed advisable to attempt to complete the work in any one year. The Board therefore recommends that the portion of Massachusetts Avenue extending from Central Street to Highland Avenue be widened and reconstructed in 1929.
Negotiations have been entered into with the Middlesex County Commissioners and the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, Department of Public Works, for the purpose of securing financial aid in such widening and reconstruction.
MATTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST
By special act of the Legislature the Town's Board of Survey Act was amended by the addition of a new section giving to the Board the authority to change lines and grades of Board of Survey streets after due notice and hearing.
In gathering the necessary data relative to the construction of new streets the Town Engineer found in many instances dwelling houses had been so constructed, without due regard to the established Board of Survey grade, as to require sub- stantial changes in the abutting properties to meet the approved grade, thereby substantially increasing the cost of construction of such streets. As an illustration of this point, in 1927 a petition was received by this Board requesting the construction of a certain street. Included in the estimate of cost was an item of sixty-five hundred ($6,500) dollars for changes to abutting
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
property necessary to meet the approved grade. This street not having been recommended for construction was again petitioned for in 1928. The Board in the meantime, after due notice and hearing, changed the Board of Survey grade to meet the existing conditions. Included in the estimate of cost pre- pared by the Town Engineer, based upon the new grade, was an item of fifteen hundred ($1,500) dollars for changes to abutting property, a difference of five thousand ($5,000) dollars, which was a reduction of approximately forty (40) per cent in the cost of the street.
The amendment to the Board of Survey Act has proved its value in this one instance alone, and the authority given the Board under its provisions will result in large savings in the future.
Mr. William S. Fairchild, who for nearly five years served on this Board, removed from Arlington to Wollaston, and on December 14, 1928, severed his connection with the Board. Mr. Fairchild rendered a very fine service to the Town of Arlington, the value of which it would be hard to estimate. His associates deeply regret the severance of the very cordial and pleasant relations which have marked his membership on the Board.
HOLLIS M. GOTT, LUKE A. MANNING, ARTHUR P. WYMAN, WALTER F. ROBINSON, JAMES R. SMITH,
Joint Board of Selectment and Board of Public Works.
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of the Planning Board covering its work during the year of 1928.
The organization of the Board during this year has re- mained the same as in 1927. Regular meetings have been held on a semi-monthly basis, these meetings being supplemented by inspection trips and interviews. Members of the Board have also appeared at hearings before other Town Boards when the proper development of the Town seemed involved.
With respect to the operation of the Zoning By-Law, there have been no new petitions for changes filed during the year. The proposal mentioned in our 1927 report to modify this by-law so as to include the premises as well as the building or structure was placed before the Town Meeting in 1928 and accepted. Another change, whereby it will not be necessary for the Finance Committee to pass upon proposed changes in zoning, is embodied in the proposed revision of the Town By- Laws, to come before the 1929 Town Meeting.
The major problems considered during the year and a brief summary of the status of each is as follows:
MILL BROOK
In accordance with the vote of the Town at the meeting held on April 4, 1928, the Board has had a study made of the development of the entire length of the brook and will report to the 1929 Town Meeting.
371
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
WARREN STREET EXTENSION
This project has been definitely developed. The plan involves the enlargement of the existing park to compensate for the present park land which would be taken for the proposed roadway, and this feature is not objected to by the Park Commissioners. The plan also has the approval of the Cemetery Commissioners. As outlined in conferences with your Board and the Board of Public Works, the financial conditions appear to be such at this time that the matter may not be brought before the regular Town Meeting in March of 1929. It is planned, however, to keep this matter active and it is hoped that it may be brought before the Town at the first favorable opportunity.
HILL FARM DEVELOPMENT
Considerable study was given to the question of the best method of laying out an extension of Jason Street through this development, having in mind a substantial increase in the through north and south traffic over this route in the future. A recommendation that a street 50 feet wide be laid out through this property as an extension of Jason Street was made to the Joint Board, but the plan of the owner providing for a street 40 feet wide was accepted by that Board.
SPRING STREET
This Board has conferred with the Planning Board of the Town of Belmont regarding a study of the development of Spring Street and Arlmont Street as a major thoroughfare to the north. As soon as an appropriation is available to the Belmont Board work will be started on a joint study of this project.
SPY POND PROPERTY
The proposition of securing for the Town the land on the northerly shore of Spy Pond between Pond Lane and Linwood Street has been under consideration by the Board. Negotia- tions have been entered into with the owners and it is hoped that the matter can be brought before the March, 1929, Town Meeting.
373
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
JASON STREET
Two plans have been worked out for widening Jason Street at its junction with Massachusetts Avenue, to provide a direct crossing over Massachusetts Avenue to Mill Street, and the matter has been referred to the Joint Board. It is our under- standing that a hearing has been held on these plans and that the project will be included in an article for the March, 1929, Town Meeting.
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
The Police Department at the request of the Board has secured much valuable data as to vehicular traffic at important points. These data are being studied in connection with present traffic congestion. In this connection, one of our worst situations continues to be at the Center. Although the Board has given considerable study to this problem, it does not feel that it can recommend any major change in the street layout at this point until the ultimate use of the railroad tracks and right of way have been determined. The railroad tracks at the Massachusetts Avenue crossing cannot be depressed unless and until this road is changed to electric operation.
A representative of the Planning Board attended the Fall Conference of Planning Boards of the State held at New Bed- ford, where problems of interest to all were discussed. A report of the activities of this Board has also been sent to the Depart- ment of Public Welfare of this State.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES M. MACMILLIN, HERBERT M. DUTCHER, CYRUS E. DALLIN, CAROLYN B. REED, WALTON H. SEARS.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
December 31, 1928.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board is glad to report that Menotomy Rocks Park has been provided with a new approach from Churchill Avenue, that the undergrowth has been cleared up guarding against the fire hazard and making the entire area more accessible. A walk about the pond is practically completed.
The ten acres taken by eminent domain during 1928, at Arlington Heights, adjacent to the Reservoir, await develop- ment as a playground. The space available will allow large opportunity for games as well as a shaded area where mothers can bring their children and where small children may be safe and happy. The old reservoir, now not used for drinking pur- poses, should mean an all the year water playground at the west end of the Town. Its possibilities are very great,- swimming, diving, boating, with skating and coasting in winter.
For the Heights Playground this year is needed $1,500 to construct a fence on the line of the Bolles property. This is a matter of neighborly obligation. The sum will also be sufficient to make a bridge over the brook, giving those who live to the north access to the property.
The playground being made by fill behind the new High School is a joint responsibility of the Park Board and the School Board. The culvert has been completed for the entire length of the playground covering Sucker Brook. The balance of the appropriation is now being used to cut and fill 5,000 cubic yards, leaving 11,000 more cubic yards to be filled. This will complete the rough grading of the entire playground.
374 1
375
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
The grading of Meadow Brook Park has been completed and the area is proving of great use to the children of that neighborhood. Additional equipment has been placed on the Russell Park which is supervised in the summer and is under the direction of the school during term time.
Several small plots at street intersections in various parts of the Town have been cared for during the year.
The plot at the Central Fire Station has had exceptional care this year, the work having been done by the men of this station.
Each year Americans are turning more to games. They watch them by thousands and they begin to realize that it is also good to play them. If younger people are to have large opportunity for wholesome living, they should find athletic games within their reach, not only during the period when they are attending school, but later after they have begun to earn their living. However the school properties are administered, the athletic areas connected with the schools should be regarded as part of the community equipment. There are days when the schools do not keep and when it is ,an obvious waste to have school playgrounds disused. Ways should be sought to have all such playgrounds operating to ! ill capacity at week ends and in vacations, long and short.
To quote a recent address before an Arlington gathering: 'The play equipment of a community cannot be called com- plete until every person residing there has a fair opportunity for a sport for every season of the year."
In pointing toward such an ideal it is necessary to con- sider adequate supervision for playgrounds so that maximum use may be attained. Unsupervised, a playground that serves a large population is likely to fall far short of its possibilities. A few groups will tend to monopolize the space, crowding out larger numbers whose need is just as great.
As hours of work shorten, more people will require of the communities in which they live that the recreational oppor-
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
tunities be fully organized. As the Park Board contemplates the future, it sees that the Town must administer playgrounds on the same principle as it regulates traffic on its public ways. But an extension in this direction is not so much a present need as is the requirement that properties now in possession of the Town be planned and prepared for this larger use which will make them adequate to the increasing demands. As Arlington provides for the leisure time of its people, its appeal will increase as a place of residence. So long as the Town keeps pace with the demands for recreational opportunity, the cer- tainty will remain unquestioned that it is a fine place for progressive people to build their homes.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK W. WUNDERLICH, PERCY A. GOODALE, RICHARD L. POWERS, Park Commissioners.
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REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
During the year twenty-seven trees ranging from 12 inches to 36 inches 1 foot above the ground were removed. This year on account of new streets laid out and trees that are in the side- walks about the same number will have to be removed.
Five hundred and ten new trees were set out this year mostly on the newly constructed streets. It will take about the same number this year if we wish to properly tree the newly con- structed streets of the past year and fill in the gaps caused by dying trees or trees that have been broken.
The Edison Light Co. trimmed all the trees which their wires passed through, also ran new tree wire and insulated wherever any possible damage might occur. This trimming and insulation cost the Light Company over $15,000. All this work was done under my supervision, for which I received $464, which I turned over to the Town.
There is yet much trimming to be done and it should be attended to this year. Like every living thing, trees can grow under a variety of conditions, but a tree, strong though it may appear, is a plant in need of food and care. Especially is this true where sidewalks and paved streets encroach. Trees labor under greater difficulties than those in the forest or lawns and they gradually but surely starve. Dead branches continually appear and their weakened condition invites the attack of insects and disease, and long before its allotted time the tree is dead or in a mutilated state, making it necessary to remove it for public safety. In conjunction with the Moth Department and Public Works all brush was removed from the roadsides and also from the gravel pit between Old Mystic and Mystic Streets. This not only beautifies but is a measure of public safety and should be done at least every two or three years. Following is a financial report of the year for this Department.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Nature of Work and Cost
Storm Damage
$56.25
Trimming
346.08
Cut and Burn Brush
476.50
Private Work .
376.50
Removal of Trees
919.26
Planting
319.86
Lost Time: Saturday Afternoons
182.12
Holidays
70.00
Store House
95.17
Vacation
60.00
Total Labor
$2,901.49
Transfers
Rec'd from Board of Public Works. . $100.00
Expended .$100.00
Received from School Committee . 26.00 Expended. 26.00
Received from Library 13.75 Expended . 13.75
Expenses
Office Supplies
$2.00
Auto Maintenance
166.80
Trees .
1,853.00
Tools, Repairs
159.24
Team and Auto Hire
55.08
New Auto
535.00
Total Expense
$2,771.12
Summary
Salary
$750.00
Wages
2,901.49
Expenses
2,771.12
Balance
7.39
$6,430.00
Respectfully submitted, DANIEL M. DALEY, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
December 31, 1928.
Joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works.
Gentlemen:
Thirty-nine of the fifty petitions for the assessment of damages in connection with the establishing of building lines on both sides of Massachusetts Avenue in 1924 that were filed in the Middlesex Superior Court related to premises situated westerly from Schouler Court. Twenty-six of these thirty-nine cases were tried before an auditor in 1927 and twenty-five of the twenty-six have been settled for an amount somewhat less than the auditor's findings. Of the remaining fourteen cases, three were discontinued, two have been settled, and nine are in process of settlement. Damon E. Hall, Esq., acted for the Town.
The petition of the Boston Elevated Railway Company in connection with the building line on the southeasterly side of Tufts Street and the actions of Susan Higgins and of Melvin Adducci for damages from alleged defects in ways have been settled. Several other claims have been disposed of without litigation. All settlements have been for sums approved by the Selectmen.
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The following matters are pending in the Middlesex Superior Court:
1. In connection with the Massachusetts Avenue build- ing lines, nine petitions relating to premises west of Schouler Court and eleven petitions relating to premises east of said Court.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
2. The petition of Manuel M. Costa and of Mary C. Costa et al., relating to the establishing of the exterior lines and the laying out of Mystic Lake Drive.
3. The bills in equity of C. Alfred Myshrall and of Thomas Ryan to have certain land on Massachusetts Avenue decreed to be free from certain zoning by-law provisions.
4. The petition of Hazel R. Lowe in connection with the relocation of Old Mystic Street by the County Commissioners
5. Six petitions for alleged damages from the laying out of Gray Street.
6. The petition of Elsie L. Baxter for alleged damages from the establishing of a building line along Tufts Street.
7. The petitions of Florence M. Wiggins and of Nora Leary for damages by reason of the taking of land for play- ground purposes at the westerly end of the Town.
8. The actions of Ozro F. Dagle and of Mary A. O'Brien for damages claimed to have been sustained by reason of alleged defects in ways.
9. The petition of the Town against the Town of Lexing- ton in connection with the laying out of Cliff Avenue, Lexing- ton.
10. The bill in equity of the Town against Allison B. Fowler to obtain payment of a judgment.
In the Suffolk Superior Court there is pending the action of Thomas F. Meany for alleged breach of contract.
In the Third District Court there are pending an action against John J. Holmes, et al., for expenses incurred for board and care of children infected with a dangerous disease, and several actions in which the Town was summoned as trustee
In the Land Court appearance was entered in four pro- ceedings for the registration of title, all of which have been disposed of.
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REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
The Town Counsel has also attended to duties of his position relating to claims, trustee process, workmen's com- pensation, drafting of instruments, furnishing of legal opinions, and other matters, and has been present at many meetings of boards and committees.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL M. WHITE, Town Counsel.
LIST OF JURORS
List of Jurors of the Town of Arlington, Revised by the Board of Selectmen, January 28, 1929
Name
Occupation Residence
Alderson, James
Carpenter.
76 Gaylord St.
Alsen, Carl W. Cabinet Maker .30 Swan Place
Alsen, Nils .
Designer
60 Mt. Vernon St.
Ames, Cheever C
Bookkeeper, 146 Mystic Val'y Prk'y.
Anderson, Charles Iron Construction. ... 27 Daniels St.
Armitage, Frederick C. Sheet Metal. 20 Fordham St.
Arthur, James E.
Electrical Engineer. . 30 Gould Rd.
Ashley, Robert P.
Advertising.
11 Lockeland Ave.
Ashton, Harry H.
Sales Manager
26 Lakeview
Atherton, Charles H. Book Finisher
Atwood, William J. Buyer 37 Varnum St.
Bain, James L.
Generator.
49 Lowell St.
Baker, William L.
Credit Manager.
23 Churchill Ave.
Baldrey, Charles K. Bookkeeper
Baldwin, Harry H. Jr
Manager
77 Florence Ave.
Ball, Edwin C. .
Electrical Engineer, 70 Appleton St.
Ballam, Thomas F. Salesman
28 Peirce St.
Banks, George E.
Manager
42 Allen St.
Barker, W. Dale.
Manager
9 Woodland St.
Barnard, Edwin A.
Engineer
61 Cleveland St.
Bassett, Cornelius H
Bookkeeper
4 Parallel St.
Baxter, Philip E. Salesman . 27 Central St.
Bean, David R. Stock Broker 28 Magnolia St.
Becker, Bernard F.
Superintendent.
37 Melrose St.
Belcher, Donald M.
Manufacturer. .. . 64 Old Mystic St.
Benjamin, Wallace L
Fruit and Produce
. . 35 Norfolk Rd.
Benner, Herman C.
Wholesale Beef
11 Avon Place
Berry, Peter G ..
Sales Agent.
369 Mass. Ave.
382
19 Trowbridge St.
28 Maple St.
383
LIST OF JURORS
Name
Occupation Residence
Bezanson, LeRoy P.
Bank Clerk ... . 23 Richardson Ave.
Bigelow, Edward E .. Draughtsman. . . . 42 Tanager St.
Billings, William A. Purchasing Agent. . . . 18 Farmer St.
Birch, Edward A. Manufacturer. 9 Langley Rd.
Birtwell, William Buyer. 24 Fairmont St.
Boland, David W
Advertising . 26 Howard St.
Bond, Harold A .. Box Manufacturer, 42 Brantwood Rd.
Boone, Walter C.
Chiropodist.
58 Winter St.
Bowen, Benjamin H.
Salesman
39 Newland Rd.
Bowie, Alfred E ..
Carpenter.
15 Gloucester St.
Boynton, Howard M. Salesman . 60 Highland Ave.
Boyson, G. Arthur
Book Gilder
157 Highland Ave.
Brackett, James F. Broker 23 Linden St.
Bradford, Howard . Salesman. 17 Newman Way
Bradley, Morton C. Accountant. 20 Maple St.
Bradshaw, Arthur G .. Buyer. 1173 Mass. Ave.
Breed, Melvin F.
Telephone.
188 Pleasant St.
Bridgham, Wallace J.
Collector
41 Marathon St.
Brigham, Charles A . Salesman.
30 Oxford St.
Brittain, J. Frederick.
Engineer.
71 Bartlett Ave.
Brown, Fred E .. Bookkeeper 36 Highland Ave. Bryant, William T. Jewelry . .32 Freeman St.
Budden, Chester E. Accountant. 76 Harlow St.
Bullock, Thomas A. Heating Engineer. . 39 Fairmont St.
Burke, Clarence O. Carpenter 33 Bowdoin St.
Burns, John J. Auditor. 15 Foster St.
Byrne, Arthur P.
Bricklayer 81 Gloucester St.
Cade, Harry F Estimator 15 Plymouth St.
Callahan, Frank E. Machinist 83 Medford St.
Cameron, George
Printer
54 Lewis Ave.
Cannell, Leon G ..
Bank Clerk 37 Rangeley Rd.
Carey, Henry E .. Retired 382 Mass. Ave.
Carlson, John A. P
Repairman
80 Hillside Ave.
Carter, Wilbert D. Clerk . 7 Moulton Rd.
Cartmel, Jonathan Plumber 9 Peter Tufts Rd.
Chalmers, George A. Baker 25 Egerton Rd.
Champlin, George B Salesman 12 Palmer St.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Name
Occupation Residence
Chapin, Melvin H.
Wood Carver. 235 Gray St.
Clancy, Maurice A. Clerk .
53 Irving St.
Clapham, Edward G ..
Manager
19 Wellington St.
Clare, Arthur E.
Moulder
15A Grove St.
Collyer, Alfred C. Broker 36 Robin Hood Rd.
Colman, Jeremiah
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