USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1960 > Part 17
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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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