Town of Arlington annual report 1960, Part 17

Author: Arlington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1960
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 394


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On instructions from the Board of Selectmen, the Development Commission is seeking a desirable purchaser of the Old Town Yard which will be available for sale around July 1. It is the feeling of all concerned that the property should not be sold unless and until it can bring substantial tax revenue to the town. A brief description of the property and its assets has been circulated to about fifty realtors and other firms which might be interested in the site.


Throughout the year we have met periodically with officials of the Star Market Company regarding their tract of land on the Concord Turnpike. We have received repeated assurances that the area will be developed as a shopping center. The drain- age problem mentioned in our report a year ago still exists but the Company is now confident that it can and will be solved.


The Development Commission feels that the opening of a store by Plotkin Broth- ers in Arlington Center is a significant and encouraging sign. This firm has had stores in Boston and suburban areas for many years and has an excellent reputation. To have a firm of this type come into the town is an indication of the potential of Arlington Center as a shopping area.


A year ago we were encouraged by the steps then being taken by the Chamber of Commerce to revitalize this organization so that it could provide necessary leader- ship for the business interests in the town. Unfortunately, because of unexpected problems, the expansion of the activities of the Chamber has not progressed as was expected. We hope that this is a temporary situation because no substantial im- provement in Arlington Center and other areas can come about without dynamic leadership from the Chamber of Commerce.


The operating expenses for the Development Commission during 1960 amounted to $77.10, leaving an unexpended balance of $294.80 from the original appropriation of $1,000 which was voted by the 1957 Annual Town Meeting at the time the Com- mission was created. The 1960 expenditures were as follows:


Stenographic work and postage $59.00


Post Office Box Rental 12.00


6.10


Printing


$77.10


The Development Commission will continue its efforts to stimulate business de- velopment and improvements in the town wherever possible.


Respectfully submitted,


Arlington Development Commission WARREN BERG JOHN B. FOX JOHN MIRAK FRANCIS O'HEARN KARL E. WEISS WILLIAM A. McMAHON, Secretary ALLAN B. IGO, Chairman


REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE


167


Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense


January 11, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington 74, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Monahan:


In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, I submit herewith the eleventh an- nual report of the Department of Civil Defense.


During the latter half of this year citizens of Arlington have become more inter- ested in Civil Defense. People have come to the office asking for Civil Defense Booklets and many more have called on the telephone asking for this literature. With the kind assistance of the Head Librarian, Miss Stromdahl, I have placed Civil De- fense Pamphlets in the libraries in order that they would be more readily available to interested citizens as well as to keep Civil Defense mailing costs at a minimum.


The basic problem affecting Civil Defense Directors and Civil Defense Person- nel at all levels of government, Federal, State and Local, is public apathy. It is ex- tremely difficult to awaken the public to the needs of adequate preparations for pos- sible disaster. The local Civil Defense Directors of Middlesex County have formed an association to pool their common interests and problems, to more effectively serve and acquaint the people of their communities with the vital need for self pre- servation, if this country is ever attacked. Preparations cannot be made at the time of the disaster. They must be made in advance. The people of Arlington are gradu- ally becoming aware of this vital need and we hope that in the coming year more progress will be made in this direction.


AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT


Arlington Auxiliary Firefighters were on duty during some part of the day, on 289 days, for a total of some 2658 man hours. Auxiliary Firefighters responded to 48 alarms with the regular department. During Hurricane Donna 17 Auxiliary Fire- fighters responded to the alert and assisted in pumping cellars and other detail work. At the present time there are 37 active Auxiliary Firefighters. In addition to the man hours listed above many hours have been spent on paper work and attending meetings.


AUXILIARY POLICE DEPARTMENT


The Auxiliary Police spent 3311 man hours on duty. They were as follows:


School Guard Duty


264 hours


Friday Night Dance Duty


462 hours


Friday Night Traffic Duty


1200 hours


Sunday Traffic Duty


809 hours


Duty at A.Y.A. Baseball Games


60 hours


Patriots Day Duty


42 hours


Memorial Day Street Duty


42 hours


March of Dimes Duty


40 hours


Jimmy Fund Campaign Duty


25 hours


Police Duty during Regular


Police Banquet


12 hours


Halloween Duty


121 hours


Hurricane Donna


234 hours


TOTAL


3311 hours


This does not include time spent attending meetings, time spent on paper work or supervision.


168


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


OPERATION ALERT 1960


At 2:15 P.M. May 3rd the Civil Defense "Take Cover" signal sounded throughout Massachusetts to open the annual national Civil Defense test Operation Alert 1960 and continued to Thursday May 5th at 4:00 P.M. All communications at Civil Defense Control Center were alerted and Radio Civil Defense workers were at headquarters until twelve o'clock both Monday and Tuesday nights. The purpose of this test was to provide training in, and testing of, Civil Defense mobilization and programs at all levels. For our participation in this test a letter of recognition and appreciation was received from Area I Director.


TORNEDO ALERT


On Friday June 24th a Tornedo Alert was sounded at 1:40 P. M. and Civil Defense was on a stand by basis until 8:10. All necessary Town Departments, Auxiliary Po- lice, Auxiliary Fire, Schools and the Communications Group were alerted but no action was taken as the tornado did not materialize.


FALLOUT SHELTER


On September 6th Arlington was host to a number of Federal and State Civil Defense Officials, who were present to attend the opening of the first apartment type fallout shelter in the nation. Representing the Selectmen was Chairman, Daniel J. Buckley, while James L. Sullivan represented the Town Manager. The Shelter was built by E. S. Johnson Construction Company in one of their apartment houses on Brattle Drive. James McCabe, Building Inspector, coordinated the building of this shelter with the builder and the Director of Civil Defense. The event was considered sufficiently newsworthy as to receive coverage from all Boston television stations as well as the Boston and local papers. WBZ "News at Nine" featured it by interviewing the Arlington Director on their next mornings program.


HURRICANE DONNA


On Monday September 12th the end of Hurricane Donna hit Arlington causing an estimated damage of $23,400.00. An emergency was declared by the Governor. The Arlington Radio Amateurs in Civil Defense were active again during this hurricane assisting the Town Departments, reporting damage and hazards throughout the Town. They reported to the Control Center at the Town Hall at noon, at which time they set up auxiliary power at C. D. Headquarters. The Town Hall lost its Edison power and emergency power was turned on at 3:30 P.M. There were ten mobile cars cruising the Town reporting to net control who in turn reported to Town Departments. Auxili- ary Police and Auxiliary Fire also reported for duty during this Hurricane and put in many hours.


ARLINGTON CIVIL DEFENSE OPERATIONS PLANS


Arlington Civil Defense Operations Plans including the Evacuation and Reception Annex with Appendices and Maps have been approved. This means that when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is approved as eligible under Public Law 606 and when a merit system has been approved that Arlington will be eligible to receive from the Federal Government one half of Civil Defense administrative costs.


SURPLUS PROPERTY


During the year the following amount of surplus property was purchased:


Our Cost


$1,085.48


Government's Cost


$23,165.85


Savings to Town


$22,080.37


MATCHING FUNDS


This year we were able to collect one half of our telephone costs and one half of our electric costs under the Matching Funds Program.


Total Cost


$205.80


$288.00


Government Payed


$102.90


$144.00


Cost to Town


$102.90 Telephone


$144.00 Electric


REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS


169


To all Civil Defense volunteers and Town Departments who have assisted me during the past year, and especially to the Town Manager, his staff, and the Board of Selectmen, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation.


Respectfully submitted, JOHN P. DEMPSEY Director of Civil Defense


Report of the Inspector of Buildings


January 11, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager


Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I herewith submit Annual Report of the Inspection of Building, Plumbing and Gas for the year ending December 31, 1960.


1-Family Dwelling


155


$2,119,000 26,000


2- Family Dwelling


2


4


240,000


12-Apt. Dwelling


1


63,000


8-Apt. Dwelling


3


225,000


Carport


1


4,000


Additions & Alter


100


212,335


Buildings


8


251,265


School Bldg.


1


730,000


Reroof Dwellings


32


15,507


Signs


43


23,489


Demolish Buildings


30


15,995


Repair Fire Damage


5


15,200


Swimming Pools


7


16,400


Aluminum Siding


8


15,425


Garages


6


8,000


Awning


1


275


Move Building


1


50


Churches


2


640,000


TOTAL


410


$3,025,941


410 Building Permits issued - Fees Collected


$1,430,000


563 Plumbing Permits issued - Fees Collected


1,151.25


489 Gas Permits issued


Fees Collected


251.50


TOTAL


$2,832.75


11-Apt. Dwelling


170


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


NON-TAXABLE PROPERTY


1960


* BUILDINGS


St. Camillus Church


$450,000


Park Ave. Congregational Church School


190,000


730,000


1960


ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS


St. Anne's Convent ( 9-30-60)


10,000


St. Anne's Convent (12-23-60)


3,800


1960


DWELLINGS


Arlington Housing Authority


(3 - 8 Apt. Dwellings.


225,000


Respectfully submitted,


JAMES C. MCCABE


Inspector of Buildings


171


REPORT OF THE WIRE DEPARTMENT


Report of the Wire Department


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington 74, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Monahan:


I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Wire Department for the year ending December 31, 1960.


Permits Issued 1397


Fees Collected


$698.50


Inspections 2922


Poles Replaced


84


Poles Removed


36


Street Lighting in service as of December 31, 1960


1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps


1867


2500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps


176


4000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps


150


6000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps


282


10,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps


79


11,000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps


7


15,000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps


21


20,000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps


195


Street Lights Ordered During 1960


1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps . 29


4000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps .


1


11,000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps


56


There was one electrocution during the year. A workman during the construction of Columbia Road, pulled a steel cable suspended from a crane boom, against an over- head primary wire. The resultant shock proved fatal.


September 12, 1960, we were struck by a hurricane. Considerable damage was caused by low voltage and street lighting circuits coming in contact with primary wires of higher voltage causing burnouts. Utility crews, including foreign crews, worked long hours to restore service. Despite this effort, it was a week before the last cir- cuit was closed.


I wish to extend my thanks to you and the various departments of the Town for the cooperation and courtesy extended to me during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


R. L. REID


Inspector of Wires


.


.


172


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Annual Report of the Department of Veterans' Services


The Honorable Town Manager


Robbins Town Hall Arlington, Mass.


Dear Sir:


Submitted herewith is the sixteenth annual report of the Department of Veterans' Services covering the calendar year 1960. Massachusetts laws make it mandatory that financial aid be furnished to needy veterans and their dependents in a special way apart from other public aid programs and that there be made available to all veterans and their kin such advice, information and assistance as may be necessary to enable them to procure the benefits to which they may be entitled relative to employment, vocational or other opportunities, hospitalization, medical care, pensions, compensation,insurance and other benefits and must keep on hand current booklets and other printed matter pertaining to the statutory rights and privileges of war veterans provided by Federal and State laws. The first section of this report deals with the services provided and the second section with the financial aid disbursed to needy veterans and their depen- dents.


VETERANS' SERVICES


Photocopies made 2972


Documents notarized


111


Discharges recorded in the Town archives


7


Contacts made in furnishing counsel, information and assist- ance in prosecuting claims of veterans and their depen-


dents and survivors and processing claims for all types of benefits


2816


Visits to hospitals, homes and other places.


579


Letters, history entries and records .


1942


Veterans Administration forms completed 485


Veterans Administration claims handled.


135


Total for year 1960


9047


Total of cash benefits accruing to Arlington claimants from the Veterans Administration through the efforts of this depart- ment


$10,704.12


Estimated total of money saved the Town by reason of success- ful prosecution at the Veterans Administration of claims of persons who had applied for financial aid


8,341.70


VETERANS' BENE FITS AND BURIAL AID


A tabulation of the administrative work connected with the disbursement of finan- cial aid to needy veterans and their dependents follows:


Contacts (Visits, interviews, etc.) .


2017


Applications, history entries, records and letters 2231


Cases on rolls


a) Settled in Arlington


90


Settled in another town in State


2


State settled. .


0


Applications and re-applications received.


92


Applications and re-applications accepted.


43


Applications and re-applications rejected .


29


Applications referred to other communities


9


Applications pending .


1


Refund cases .


10


173


REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES


A tabulation of actual disbursements made to needy applicants for aid during the year 1960 follows:


VETERANS' BENEFITS


State participation 50% of all authorized payments $51,991.03


BURIAL AID


State participation 50% in all Arlington settled cases and 100% in all other cases that are authorized 0.00


Total disbursements for aid


$51,991.03


REIMBURSEMENTS AND RE FUNDS


Reimbursement by the State Treasurer is now 15 months in arrears. The Town Collector and Treasurer received from the State Treasurer in 1960 the amounts covering the months December, 1958, through September, 1959.


Total reimbursement $20,102.76 Refunds from beneficiaries and


returned checks 2,041.73


Total $22,144.49


Net town expenditure for aid to needy veterans and dependents $29,846.54


Whereas in 1959 there was an unexplained drop in applications for aid and, like- wise, in disbursements, there was a return to normalcy in 1960. In fact, the dis- bursements exceeded those of any previous year. New Federal laws affecting veterans became effective which caused more veterans, particularly the older ones, and widows of veterans to become eligible for pensions. This brought about many more calls than usual from persons who wished information, counselling and help in completing appli- cations and other forms that had to be filed at the U.S. Veterans Administration.


We wish to gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and help received from the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, the Personnel Board and their staffs and to express our appreciation of the excellent work performed by the employees of this department.


Respectfully submitted,


CHARLES R. ARMOUR, Director


174


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Report of the Board of Appeals


January 23, 1961


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall Arlington, Mass.


Gentlemen: -


Submitted herewith is the annual report of the Boards of Appeal for the calendar year ending December 31, 1960:


The Zoning Board of Appeals heard a total of 42 cases during 1960, disposition of which was as follows:


Variances of petitions granted 34


Appeals denied 4


Applications withdrawn 2


Appeals withheld pending further action or study 2


The Building Board of Appeals heard a total of twelve appeals of which eleven were granted and one denied.


In 1956 the Zoning Board of Appeals initiated a policy of recording in the Registry of Deeds copies of decisions containing conditional or limited variances. We are very pleased to note that this practice has proved to be of great assistance in making cer- tain that conditions imposed are observed, and we are further pleased by the fact that it is now required by Statute that notice of all such conditional variances be recorded in the Registry of Deeds.


Respectfully submitted,


Daniel A. Healy, Jr. Chairman Building Board of Appeals


Philibert L. Pellegrini Chairman Zoning Board of Appeals


PLPm


175


REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER


Report of the Dog Officer


January 9, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


Iherewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the Town of Arlington for the year ending December 31, 1960 in accordance with Section #3 of Article #3 of the Town By- Laws.


Complaints registered with me are as follows:


Dogs impounded


278


Unlicensed dogs impounded and delivered


to owners


60


Licensed dogs returned via telephone


244


Licensed dogs returned by car


65


Unlicensed dogs impounded and turned over to the Animal Rescue League when owner could not be located


206


Dogs destroyed at pound


10


Dog owners contacted on Warrant


1195


Dogs caused to be licensed


1080


Dogs licensed


2056


Complaints received at my office and investigated


51


Complaints registered with me to remove dead or mutilated animals from the high- ways are as follows:


Dogs


88


Pigeons 26


Cats


172


Rats


11


Skunks


12


Rabbits


16


Squirrels


80


Pheasant


1


Ducks


2


At this time I wish to express my thanks to you and the Board of Selectmen for the advice and assistance given me in the settlement of the many controversies aris- ing between the dog owners and complainants.


I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Police Chief Ryan, his depart- ment and the office of the Town Clerk for the splendid co-operation given me through the past year.


In conclusion, I gratefully acknowledge the prompt attention given by the dog owners of Arlington to the licensing of their dogs this year.


Respectfully submitted,


SAMUEL F. FEMIA


Dog Officer, Town of Arlington


176


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Annual Report of the Arlington Housing Authority


Submitted herewith is the Annual Report of the Arlington Housing Authority for the year 1960.


At the Annual Town Election in March, Mr. Joseph S. Vahey was reelected to the Authority for a term of five years.


The Authority organized for the year at its Annual Meeting held on March 8, 1960 at which time Mr. Joseph S. Vahey was elected Chairman; Mr. John P. Kedian, Vice- Chairman; Mr. Edward J. Doherty, Assistant-Treasurer ; Mr. Myron D. Chace, Treas- urer.


Throughout the year the Authority met regularly on Monday evenings, also at many special meetings called at various times. At the meetings the many problems of management and general administration relating to the 176 Veterans' apartments and the construction, inspection, and supervision of the 56 apartments for Elderly Persons under construction were considered and resolved.


On September 1, 1960 initial occupancy of Arlington's first Project, especially designed for Elderly Persons, took place and before October 1, 1960 56 units in this development were occupied.


Bids for additional apartments in the same area were opened in July and the Gen- eral Contract was awarded to the Roberto Construction Company, Inc., Wakefield, the low bidder. It is anticipated the occupancy of these additional units will be accom- plished in the early spring of 1961.


A voluntary payment of $6,336 was made in 1960 to the Town, by the Housing Authority, this being the largest payment permitted by law for such payment.


The Authority wishes to express its appreciation to all officials, Boards, and Town Departments for their co-operation throughout the year.


Respectfully submitted,


ARLINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY


JOSEPH S. VAHEY JOHN P. KEDIAN MYRON D. CHACE EDWARD J. DOHERTY JAMES A. COFFEY


177


REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT


Report of the Cemetery Department


January 11, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington 74, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


The Cemetery Commissioners herewith submit their Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1960.


Repairs and replacements to the exterior masonry on the Chapel Building includ- ing repointing and waterproofing were completed in 1960.


Five Elm Trees, which were diseased, were removed and later replaced through- out the cemetery. Five Rock Maple Trees were planted around the Legion Field, re- placing trees which had died. A Privet Hedge was planted bordering cemetery property in back of the houses on Mystic Street.


During the year further progress was made in the development of land on the westerly side of Mill Brook. Lots have been sold and interments made in the Two Grave DD Section and land is now ready for the marking of more single graves in the AA Section.


Cross Avenue from Auburn Avenue to Center Avenue was resurfaced with hot top which should last about twelve to fifteen years.


One of our good and faithful workers, Mr. James J. Garballey, passed away during the year.


There were 403 interments in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in 1960.


Mr. Arthur L. McAvoy was reappointed Cemetery Commissioner for a three year term to expire December 22, 1963.


The Board wishes to extend their appreciation and thanks to Town Manager Edward C. Monahan, all Department Heads, Superintendent Edward C. Preston and all employees of the Cemetery Department for their help and cooperation during the year.


The following are the receipts of the Cemetery Department for the year 1960:


Sales of Lots and Graves.


$14,776.00


Annual Care


1,760.50


Foundations


1,895.15


Opening Graves.


12,745.00


Miscellaneous


3,731.00


Perpetual Care 17,354.00


Income from Funds.


15,046.52


Respectfully submitted,


Board of Cemetery Commissioners


JOHN H. CALLAHAN, Chairman T. GORDON SMITH ARTHUR L. MCAVOY


178


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Report of Engineering Department


January 9, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington, Mass.


Dear Sir:


This Department designed, provided estimated costs, staked and laid out lines, grades, etc. for the various construction projects built by or for the Town. It also drew the contracts and supervised and inspected the work of contractors. The final surveys, record plans and assessments are made and calculated by this Department.


The relocation of Mystic Street under the Chapter 90 Program required study plans, conferences and hearings with the State Department of Public Works, the County Commissioners, the Department of Public Utilities, the B. & M. Railroad and the Consultants. The contract for the revision and additions to the Traffic Signal System in Arlington Center was drawn and the installations were and are being super- vised and inspected by this Department.


The Drake Road Bridge and approaches, designed by this Department last year, was completed under the supervision of this Department.


Study plans, estimates, recommendations and assistance were furnished various Boards, Commissions and Departments. Traffic Engineering work continues to in- crease.


Annexed to this report is a list of public - and private streets and other statistics, as of January 1, 1961.


My sincere thanks are extended to the employees of this Department and to all Town Officials for their cooperation and assistance.


Very truly yours, W. H. ROBY Town Engineer


179


REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT


CHART FOR:


COMPARISON OF NEW CONSTRUCTION - LINEAR FEET


1957 1958 1959 1960%


··-


+


1957


1958 1959 1960


1.


1957 1958 1959 -1960


19571 19,50 1959 1960


Linear Feet.


1957 1958. 1959 1960


-EDGE-


1952


1959. 1960


2000 Feet


4000 Feet


6000 Feet


8000 Feet


10000 Feet


12000 Feet


14000 Feet.


16000 Feet


SIDEWALKS


By ... Toma (New)


Etconstruction De


Developer


LEGEND


DRAIN SEWER WATER STREETS


COMPARISON OF NEW CONSTRUCTION


STONES


TABLE SHOWING LOCATION, LENGTH AND WIDTH OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STREETS


Name


Location


Width


Date of Acceptance


Public


Private


Aberdeen Road. .


45 Tanager Street to 71 Dundee Road . . . ·


40


416


359


March 24, 1919; March 26, 1930; April 1, 1940; March 19, 1941 Abandoned March 22, 1944 April 2, 1966; September 20, 1875


Academy Street .


734 Massachusetts Ave. to 40 Irving St. . .


40


1520


Acorn Park . .


30 Concord Turnpike, southwesterly


40


100


Acton Street


21 Appleton Street to Junior High West. . .


50


510


220


Adams Street.


319 Massachusetts Ave. to 216 Broadway .




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