USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1931 > Part 15
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10"
215
2 0
Lowell St. between Hanscom & Deering St.
12
188
2
1
High St. between Woodward Ave & Vine St. Howard St. from West St. Westerly
15
210
1
1
West St. from Howard St. to Scotland Rd.
15
280
1
0
West St. from Scotland to Oak St.
12
870
2
0
West St. from Oak to County Rd.
10
355
2
0
Pearl St. in approach to Salem St.
12
76
2
0
Pratt St. West of Fairview Ave.
24
170
3
1
Prescott St. from West St. Easterly
12
720
2
1
Salem St. from John St. to Memorial Park
21
560
3
1
Salem St. from Harnden St. to John St.
18
222
2
0
Salem St. from Salem St. garage to John St.
15
155
2
0
Harnden St. at Junction of Salem
18
35
1
0
21
295
1
0
Macasphalt
175
Salem St. from Pearl St. to Memorial Park Sunnyside Ave. northerly through land of Andrew Christensen
30
224
1
2
Sunnyside Ave. from Vista Ave. Westerly
27
220
1 0
Vista Ave from Pratt St. to Sunnyside Ave.
24
507
1
0
Tower Rd. between Hanscom Ave. and Winthrop 12
152
2
1
Vine St. from High Westerly
20
205
1
0
Harriman Ave. between Grand and Deering
20
396
2
0
Charles St. at junction of Pearl
12
125
1
0
Belmont St. from Orange St. southerly
12
205
2
0
Orange St. from Belmont St. to Winter St.
15
250
4
0
Orange St. through property of Dennis Meuse
18
60
0
0
Franklin St. east of Grove St. through prop-
12
223
1
0
30
130
0
0
7748
48
9
I would recommend that the following drains be installed in 1932 :
John, Village and Green.
Woodward Ave. and Vine.
Summer Ave. from Ellis Ave to Hopkins St.
Scotland Rd. from Summer Ave. to Hillcrest Rd.
The water from all these streets runs on private property.
Open Ditches
25,750 ft. of open ditches have been deepened, widened and cleaned as follows: From Hancock St. to Railroad tracks at Ash St. 9,000 ft. From Intervale Terrace to old sand pit on Longwood Road 6,000 ft. From Howard St. through Moody property on West 3,600 ft., from Charles St. to Eaton St. 3,250 ft., off Grove St. 1,000 ft., from Washing- ton St. Main and John Sts., 2,500 ft., Salem St. near Libby Ave., 400 ft.
It has been this work that has helped the unemployed. When the men have not been employed on the above work they have assisted the Cemetery Department in building permanent driveways, working for the Water and Sewer Departments, cutting brush in out-lying streets, clearing away snow from skating pond in Memorial Park and repairing snow plows and rolling equipment.
Size 12
Lgth. C.B. M.H.
700
6
1
erty of John McLeod
Willow and West St. Southerly
176
SEWER DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Public Works :
Gentlemen :
The following is the yearly report of the Sewer Department : Construction and Maintenance :
Balance Brought Forward
$ 3,527.79
Receipts for 1931
12,567.31
Total
$ 16,095.10
Construction Account :
Expended :
Pay Roll
$ 1,282.06
Bills
1,255.94
Total
$ 2,538.00
Maintenance Account :
Expended :
Pay Roll
$ 3,026.79
Bills
1,470.93
Total
$ 4,497.72
Maintenance and Construction Pay Roll & Bills $ 7,035.72
Balance
$ 9,059.38
House Connection Account
Balance Brought Forward
$ 200.00
Cash Receipts 1931
1,803.77
Total
$ 2,003.77
Expended :
1. Pay Roll $ 1,147.07
2. Refunds 237.11
3. Pipe
283.44
4. Misc. Supplies, and Repairs
187.33
Total $ 1,854.95
Balance Unexpended $ 148.82
177
SEWER DEPARTMENT
Main sewer extension work was started as early in the season es conditions would permit, using the regular crew and as much of the local labor as could be used, the number of men employed varying with the progress of the work. On Gardner Road four hundred and seventy-five feet of eight inch main sewer was laid, one hundred and seventy-five feet being laid through solid ledge. Three house connec- tions were made.
Another main sewer was laid on Smith Ave. a new development off Eaton Street four hundred and seventy-five feet of ten inch main sewer was laid and eight houses connected making it a 100 per cent connected street. Thirty-five house sewer connections were made totaling 969.08 feet.
When the general inspection of sewer manholes and trunk lines was made this year several bad leak's were discovered and also con- siderable seepage. The large leaks have been excavated and the joints caulked although some water is still entering at certain inaccessible points, I consider the leakage very small. Considering that almost one- half of our sewer lines are below permanent ground water level the leakage is substantially less than in other municipalities connected with the Metropolitan System.
A systematic process of cleaning and flushing has been carried on in the following streets : Warren Avenue, Minot St., High St., Wenda St., Woburn St., Park Avenue, Center Avenue, Maple St., Prescott St., Chute St., and the manhole at the Junior High School.
An increase of sewerage deposits was noted along lines where only a few houses have been connected, because, as the main sewers are designed to flow two thirds full when carrying their maximum capacity, and laterals and sub-mains one-half full, not enough material is discharged to keep the mains properly flushed. It is hoped that with the new and lower sewer rates which went into effect on January 1, 1932, there will be an increase in the number of houses connected.
Note-Extracts from Rules and Regulations, Chapter 85, Acts of 1931.
178
Section 13. Every owner of an estate who enters his particular sewer into a common sewer shall pay for the use of such sewer an annual rental determined upon the basis of water service, as follows: For unmetered service, $6.00 per annum: For Metered water service, as follows : First 4,000 cu. ft. of sewage delivered to sewer, 23 1-3c per 100 cu. ft .; next 4,000 cu. ft. 20c per 100 cu. ft .; next 4,000 cu. ft. 16 2-3c per 100 cu. ft .; next 10,000 cu. ft. 13 1-2c per 100 cu. ft. All in excess of 22,000 cu. ft. at the rate of 10c per 100 cu. ft. It being provided, how- ever, that where the annual sewer rental shall exceed $300.00, the ex- cess of $300.00 shall be charged for at the rate of 3 3-4c per 100 cu. ft., the quantity so delivered to be determined by the meter readings taken by the Water Department; it being further provided that any owner may place, at his own expense, a water meter which shall be approved by the Water Department to measure the amount of water which does not enter the sewer; but the annual charge shall in no case be less than $6.00. Such charge shall be collected semi-annually and shall constitute a lien upon the real estate using the sewer, to be collected in the same manner as taxes upon real estate, or in an action of con- tract in the name of the Town of Reading.
RATES
Unmetered service $6.00 per annum.
For metered service as follows :
First 4,000 cu. ft. 23 1-3c per 100 cu. ft.
Next 4,000 cu. ft. 20c per 100 cu. ft.
Next 4,000 cu. ft. 16 2-3 c per 100 cu. ft. Next 10,000 cu. ft. 13 1-2c per 100 cu. ft.
All in excess of 22,000 cu. ft .- 10c per 100 cu, ft.
If the annual sewer rental shall exceed $300.00 the excess of $300.00 shall be charged at the rate of 3 3-4c per 100 cu. ft.
It is imperative that a complete sewer cleaning outfit be purchased in the near future to facilitate the thorough cleaning of the above men- tioned sections. All underdrains appear to be functioning properly. Four new manhole covers have replaced those broken by traffic and other causes.
The following table will serve to illustrate the progress in growth of sewer connections :
179
STREETS
Streets
Possible Con- nected
Completed Per Cent Con- nections
Con- nected
No Con- struction Started
Connected to Street Line
Partially Installed to House
Revenue Charges 1930
Arlington
11
3
27
5
2
1
$34.50
Ash
17
9
53
235.30
Bancroft
22
12
55
Q
1
140.70
Beraeley
27
16
59
11
268.20
Brook
1
.
70
3
96.60
Chute
7
7
100
234.30
Dudley
10
4
40
6
48.60
Eaton .
)
2
100
10.80
Elliott .
5
2
40
3
49.30
Fremont
4
4
100
74.33
Fulton .
1
1
100
19.50
Gardner Rd ..
10
4
40
.90
Gould
3
3
100
38.10
Green.
53
34
65
10
4
5
510.90
Harnden
8
6
75
. .
2
204.00
Haven
39
28
72
2
926.40
High
14
5
35
7
2
75.30
Hillcrest Rd.
10
8
80
1
1
. .
135.00
Howard.
18
15
83
2
1
248.10
John
16
7
42
8
1
77.40
King
5
5
100
.
. .
. .
131.70
Lincoln
7
4
57
3
178.80
Linden
9
5
56
3
1
78.60
Lowell
4
3
75
1
46.20
Main.
44
35
79
1
6
1,375.10
Maple.
2
1
50
1
9.60
Middle
2
1
50
1
4.50
Middlesex Ave.
18
14
77
2
2
262.12
Minot
12
8
67
2
2
83.10
Mt. Vernon
23
8
35
15
58.80
Park Ave ..
7
6
86
1
60.30
Parker . .
7
6
86
1
97.50
Perkins Ave
7
7
100
189.00
Pine Ave. .
1
1
100
13
191.10
Pratt.
4
3
75
1
28.80
Prescott
53
40
75
1
6
6
516.30
Prospect
15
8
53
7
. .
261.90
Sanborn
14
9
64
3
2
153.90
School .
10
4
40
6
.
7.20
Smith Ave.
9
9
100
9
1
118.50
Sweetser Ave.
5
1
20
3
1
13.80
Temple.
32
7
22
19
6
433.86
Union .
5
3
60
1
51.30
Village.
22
11
50
10
1
175.50
Warren Ave.
17
14
82
2
2
178.80
Washington
27
11
41
11
4
1
154.23
Wenda
4
4
100
. .
. .
57.60
Wilson. .
10
7
70
2
1
76.20
Woburn
80
42
53
8
26
4
635.40
Totals
822
497
60%
171
96
43
$9,411.54
. .
33.30
Scotland Rd.
1
1
100
. .
. .
Summer Ave.
18
8
44
2
6
·
145.20
Salem
18
10
56
.
6.90
Pleasant
27
14
52
4
.
.
84.90
Kingston
15
11
73
. .
2
. .
.
. .
. .
. .
. .
.
Center Ave.
10
7
1
33.30
Copeland Ave.
.
. .
.
.
1
·
. .
180
LENGTH OF SEWER CONNECTIONS RUN TO EITHER CURB HOUSES, OR CONNECTED
Streets
Curb
Houses
Connected
Total Length
Arlington
66.50
46.00
175.00
287.50
Ash . .
366.60
366.60
Bancroft .
561.90
561.90.
Berkeley
925.70
925.70
Brook
52.00
317.00
369.00
Copeland Avenue
450.00
450.00
Dudley Street
185 00
185.00
Eaton
106 0
106.00
Elliott
115.00
115.00
Fremont
209.00
209.00
Fulton
44.00
44.00
Gardner Road
180.50
180.50
Gould
236.50
236.50
Green
72.00
173.00
1,461.20
1,706.20
Harnden
32.00
195.00
227.00
Haven .
186.00
79.00
1,162.80
1,427.80
High
22.00
209.10
231.10
Hillcrest
25.00
516.00
541.00
Howard
25.00
886.50
912.50
John
37.00
265.20
302.20
Kingston.
70.00
186.00
256.00
Linden
41.00
219.00
260.00
Lowell
215.00
99.00
1,897.75
2,211.75
Maple .
18.00
40.00
58.00
Middle .
48.00
138.00
983.20
1,169.20
Minot
42.00
77.00
331.00
450.00
Mt. Vernon .
37.00
208.00
245.00
Parker ..
267.50
267.50
Perkins Avenue
434.80
344.80
Pine Avenue
46.00
46.00
Pleasant
242.00
242.00
Prescott
140.00
269.00
2,628.20
3,037.20
Prospect
244.40
698.60
943.00
Sanborn
98.00
611.40
709.40
School
213.40
213.40
Scotland
60.00
60.00
Summer
94.00
576.20
670.20
Smith Avenue
64.00
45.00
43.00
152.00
Temple
285.00
173.00
562.00
1,020.00
Union .
66.00
177.00
243.00
Village.
34.00
519.60
553.60
Warren Avenue .
36.00
68.00
565.00
669.00
Washington
61.00
48.00
637.40
746.40
Wenda
202.50
202.50
Wilson. .
43.00
287.40
330.40
Woburn
458.00
222.50
2,561.40
3,241.90
Totals.
2,162.90
1,887.50
26,984.75
31,035.15
King
306.70
306.70
452.00
452.00
Lincoln
232.50
232.50
Main .
36.50
36.50
Middlesex Avenue
375.20
375.20
Park Avenue
775.50
775.50
Pratt .
678.00
678.00
Salem
Sweetser Avenue
361.50
361.50
Center Avenue .
181
LENGTH OF MAIN SEWERS IN STREETS
Streets
6 inch
8 inch
10 inch
12 inch
15 inch
18 inch
20 nch
24 inch
Total
Arlington ..
399.80
399.80
Ash
822.90
258.80
1,081.70
Bancroft .
1,015.00
1,015.00
Berkeley
1,256.10
1,256.10
Brook .
847.60
847.60
Center
620.60
620.60
Copeland
500.00
500.00
Dudley. Eaton
374.50
374.50
Elliott
279.00
279.00
Fremont
456.50
456.50
Gardner Rd.
475.00
475.00
Green
175.20
1,717.40
821.60
2,714.20
Harnden
559.30
559.30
Haven
1,752.80
1,752.80
High .
1338.05
736.10
2,074.15
Hillcrest
770.80
770.80
Howard
200.00
1,110.00
1,410.00
Interceptors
205.00
2,937.00
John ..
266.00
178.50
1,014.10
King
340.00
175.00
515.00
Kingston
719.30
719.30
Lincoln
573.40
538.10
1,111.50
Linden
735.30
735.30
Lowell
813.10
813.10
Main .
1,246.10
955.50
234.90
2,436.50
Maple
189.20
189.20
Middle
313.60
313.60
Middlesex
1,111.50
1,111.50
Minot.
1,409.65
1,40).65
Mt. Vernon
698.52
160.00
858.52
Park .
507.30
830.00
Parker
427.00
427.00
Perkins
400.00
400.00
Pine
226.00
226.00
Pleasant
1,496.80
469.80
1,966.60
Pratt
555.50
555.50
Prescott
2,265.30
1174.10
3,439.40
Prospect
1,260.00
1,260.00
Sanborn
716.30
716.30
School
688.25
688.25
Smith Ave. .
475.00
475.00
Summer
1,229.40
1,229.40
Sweetser
334.30
334.30
Temple .
896.76
432.89
661.39
1,991.04
Union
303.60
303.60
Village
1,015.60
1,503.40
Warren
715.00
715.00
Washington.
424.90
246.80
1574.30
2,558.90
Wenda .
300.00
471.40
333.10
804.50
Woburn
732.80
2,915.70
917.40
4,565.90
Tot. lengths.
2744.76
36,477.82
3773.44
6164.79
2870.60
487.80
1809.20
3758.10
58,086.51
Salem
1,004.90
132.50
1,137.40
487.80
312.90
300.00
Wilson
322.70
569.60
2732.00
907.70
907.70
182
LENGTH OF UNDERDRAINS IN STREETS
Streets
5-inch
6-inch
8-inch
10-inch
Total Length
Total Length Sewers and Underdrains
Arlington
Ash.
237.00
258.80
495.80
1,577.50
Barcroft
456.00
456.00
1,712.10
Brook.
847.60
847.60
1,695.20
Center.
620.60
620.60
1,241.20
Copeland
500.00
Dudley
380.00
527.70
907.70
1,815.40
Elliott .
456.50
456.50
913.00
Green .
836.90
974.10
1,811.00
4,525.20
Harnden
588.20
588.20
2,341.00
High
487.70
736.10
1,223.80
3,297.90
Hillcrest
450.40
450.40
1,221.20
Howard.
1,410.00
1,410.00
2,820.00
Interceptors
2,937.00
2,937.00
5,874.00
John
748.10
1,762.20
King
175.00
175.00
690.00
Kingston
609.30
110.00
719.30
1,438.60
Lincoln
1,111.50
1,111.50
2,223.00
Linden
290.40
444.90
735.30
1,470.60
Lowell
1,246.10
234.90
2,436.50
4,873.00
Maple
189.20
189.20
378.40
Middle
254.00
254.00
1,365.50
Minot
972.65
437.00
1,409.65
2,819.30
Mt. Vernon
230.30
230.30
1,088.82
Park
507.30
322.70
830.00
1,660.00
Parker
427.00
Perkins
400.00
Pine .
226.00
226.00
452.00
Pleasant
469.80
469.80
2,436.40
Pratt
252.20
303.30
555.50
1,111.00
Prescott
1,070.60
2,091.80
3,162.40
6,601.80
Prospect
886.00
886.00
2,146.00
Salem
543.00
132.50
675.50
1,812.90
Sanborn
200.00
200.00
916.30
School .
688.25
Summer
175.00
175.00
509.30
Temple
40.00
40.00
2,031.04
Union
303.60
Village.
825.00
825.00
2,328.40
Warren
715.00
246.80
1,163.20
2,134.00
4,692.90
Wenda
300.00
Wilson.
804.50
804.50
1,609.00
Woburn
1,196.00
917.40
2,113.40
6,679.30
Total Lengths.
9,781.15
16,363.00
6,224.50
1,656.90
34,025.55
91,162.06
Eaton
279.00
Fremont
559.30
Haven.
748.10
813.10
Main . .
955.50
313.60
Middlesex
1,229.40
Sweetser
Washington
724.00
715.00
1,430.00
Length of Underdrains in Streets
399.80
1,015.00
Berkeley
374.50
183
PARK DEPARTMENT
Gentlemen :
The following is the yearly report of the Park Department :
General Appropriation $ 6,000.00 Expended :
Memorial Park
Pay Roll, Care of Park $ 1,075.10
Supervised Play
652.00
Bills
745.57
Tennis Courts
1,075.00
Total
$
3,547.67
Common and Main Street Park
Pay Roll
$ 164.38
Bills
155.59
Total
$. 319.97
Leach Park
Pay Roll $ 57.20
Total
$ 57.20
Ball Park
Pay Roll
$ 353.47
Bills
361.69
New Bleachers
1,359.00
$ 2,074.16 $ 5,999,00
Balance Unexpended
$ 1.00
Birch Meadow Appropriations
$ 2,000.00
Bal. Fwd. 1930
477.89
Total
$ 2,477.89
Expended :
Pay Roll
$ 673.66
Bills
1,707.36
Total
$ 2,381.02
Total
Total Expenditures
-
Balance Unexpended $ 96.87
184
PARKS
Birch Meadow
The town was very fortunate in being able to secure filling from the North Main Street construction job to fill an area of 6,250 sq. yds. This park has proved very popular this year. Having now two hard surface tennis courts and also a ball field for the children to play in, it has been regularly attended by players from all sections of the town. Development of this valuable recreation ground should be continued as rapidly as possible.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park has been used more than ever this year and has provided a safe place' for children of all ages to play under the com- petent supervision of experienced instructors, who are always on the playground. A new Bedway slide was erected which proved very popu- lar with the younger children.
With the construction of Salem Street we were able to fill an area near the Main St. entrance to build two hard surfaced tennis courts which were in constant use the entire season.
In the fall a crew of men worked one week cutting off the high places in the skating pond. This meant a much larger and bet- ter area for this winter's sports. This section has been well lighted by the Municipal Light Department. A section is blocked off for hockey games as usual. During the holiday season this pond was enjoyed by young and old.
I recommend that a cement wall be built from Harrison Street easterly 200 ft. with proper overflow, the top of the wall to be so finished that children can use same as seat to change their shoes etc.
The summer activities were again under the supervision and direc- tion of the Reading Woman's Club. The personal care given to this work 'by their committee made it another successful season and the Board of Public Works wishes to express its appreciation of their ef- forts.
Leach Park was kept mowed, trees and shrubs were trimmed, loam was used in several low places, keeping up its attractive appearance.
The Common was seeded early in the spring, as was the tree lawn past the Municipal Building on Lowell Street. During the holi- day season the parks and common were illuminated by the Municipal Light Department. Because of the removal of the old wooden poles and the substitution of the new cement ones, a new and unique system was carried out this year which excited much favorable comment from the public in general.
185
On the easterly side of the Washington St. ball field where the ground was very rough it was plowed, harrowed and seeded early in the spring, and the base-ball diamond put in shape for school base ball activities. Shrubs were set out at the Washington Street entrance, presenting a very satisfactory appearance. To accommodate specta- tors at the numerous games held at the field this year, portable cir- cular wooden bleachers capable of seating 1,026 persons were purchased and installed.
In the fall flood lights were erected by the Municipal Light Department to permit the playing of night foot ball games by the Reading Town Team. A series of games were played at night and were well attended, sport followers from all sections being attracted by the novelty of the game.
REPORT OF THE READING PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
The thirteenth season of the Reading Playground opened June 29th at 2 P. M. with informal exercises.
Mrs. Mollie Sweetser brought greetings from the Woman's Club. Her talk to the children was greatly enjoyed by all. The donors of the Park were invited to be present.
Ice cream was served free to about 400 children. The program was outlined and games played until 5 P. M., the usual closing time.
Miss Madeline Lyons, Supervisor, a graduate of Posse Nisson was assistant supervisor last year and thoroughly familiar with all branches of the work. The program this year went particularly well under her direction. She provided work and play for every child pre- sent. There was an average attendance of 150 each day.
There were large classes in reed work and some very nice ar- ticles were exhibited at the closing.
Coping saw work drew large numbers of boys and girls. This class is growing more popular each year. Door stops, tooth brush holders, book-ends and many other articles were fashioned and painted under the direction of Miss Briggs.
Tennis was enjoyed by children of all ages. The new courts were in constant use. The younger children were taught paddle ten- nis. Clock golf, checkers, boxing, croquet, volley ball and kick ball kept many occupied.
Dolls were dressed and wardrobes made under the direction of Miss Cummings. These were presented to the children at the Fathers and Mothers Club.
The baseball team played at other playgrounds and had games in Reading, also. A strong substantial slide was purchased for the younger children.
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Closing days were very interesting to all. An out-door safety play was given in a very fine manner. Some very fine work was pre- sented by the dancing class under Miss Cummings.
Friday was given to tennis finals and track events. Certificates as reward of merit, prizes and letters were awarded. Ice cream was given to about 500 children.
The Massachusetts Safety Council provided us with safety ma- terial and "Buddy Buttons". A Junior patrol was organized.
The Committee wishes to thank the Board of Public Works for its helpfulness at all times. Thanks also to the Reading Police for co- operation.
The staff and committee appreciated especially the cheerful and willing co-operation of Mr. Thompson, the caretaker.
MRS. AGNES MERCER, MRS. HELEN NICHOLS, MRS. IRENE TALBOT MRS. MARIE DAY, Chairman.
To the Board of Public Works :
Gentlemen :
The Playground Committee would recommend that the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) be appropriated by the Town of Read- ing for the work assigned to it.
I would suggest that the sum be not definitely divided for sal- aries and expenses.
MRS. MARIE DAY, Chairman
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REPORT OF EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
-
To the Board of Public Works :
Gentlemen :
The following is the yearly report of the executive office :
Appropriation
$ 6,000.00
Expended :
Salaries, and Misc. Supplies
$ 5,960.45
Total
$ 5,960.45
Balance Unexpended
$ 39.55
The following table shows the expenditures made this past year in all departments, the payroll of each, and the entire expenditures of the Board of Public Works.
B. P. W.
Water
Highway
Sewer 5,455.92
Park
Totals
Pay Roll
4,992.13
28,687.51
40,119.70
2,975.81 5,404.21
82,231.07
Bills
968.32
73,739.14
47,330.48
3,434.75
130,876.90
Totals
5,960.45
102,426.65
87,450.18
8,890.67
8,380.02
213,107.97
In closing this report the Superintendent wishes to thank the members of the Board for their many helpful suggestions and kindness extended to him during the year, and also to express his appreciation of the co-operation and interest of all those in any way associated with him in carrying on the work of the Department, and to acknowledge the helpful suggestions and assistance which he has received from other department heads in the Town.
ALEXANDER BIRNIE
Superintendent
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of Reading :
The outstanding activity of the Planning Board for the year 1931 has been its co-operation with the Planning Boards of Wake- field and Stoneham with the object of studying the problems com- mon to the three towns The initial result of this co-operation has been the study of a new traffic route from Boston to the north the purpose of which is to relieve the traffic congestion in Reading, Stone- ham and Wakefield Squares A special committee appointed by the combined Planning Boards has prepared the following report to be submitted to the Metropolitan Planning Division of the Metropolitan District Commission for further action.
1. Report of Special Committee
Part 2
The town of Reading and the town of Stoneham have a major traffic problem due to the completion of a main State traffic artery through their business centers and the ever increasing through-traf- fic using that artery. Wakefield has a somewhat similar problem with heavy through-traffic through its business center and along its resi- dential Lakeside and has refrained from diverting it to North avenue because to do so, would send it through a residential part of Reading and Reading Square.
Thus the three towns have a traffic problem in common and should solve it in co-operation.
Through traffic is of little or no value to the towns through which it passes, but does seriously disrupt local traffic, injure local business and create a hazard in the free use of local streets by the townspeople. For this same reason the through traffic is correspond- ingly inconvenienced and the time saved in the open stretches of state highways built at great expense is lost due to the confusion with local traffic and street congestion in every town through which it passes.
The Committee endorses the principle, now generally accepted by traffic and town planning experts, and acceded to more and more by the general public, that through-traffic should be routed around and not through the thickly built-up parts of the towns along its path ; both for the sake of the through-traffic and of the towns.
The Committee likewise feels that the citizens of a town should have the first rights to the use of their own street system. Further it feels that towns should have a large measure of influence in the routing of the through-traffic in so far as it affects their community life.
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The By-pass which is eventually built for through-traffic in Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield should be planned for the distant future, as well as for the immediate future.
It should be located so as to cause the minimum of damage to present taxable values, hence should pass through low cost, un- used land, as far as possible, and thus stimulate the development of such land and add to taxable values. It should be so located that the least interference will be caused with the local use of town streets. Such a location, while probably requiring larger land takings in area, will be little, if any more costly, due to the low unit-price of undeveloped, as compared with developed areas.
The reasons why this Committee disapproves of the short local by-passes which are contemplated by the Department of Public Works for Reading and Stoneham are as follows :
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