USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1963-1967 > Part 60
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In mid-year George C. Greene stepped down as representative to the Regional Planning Board, after five years of service and John J. Cooney was elected in his place. Richard Beaudette and Edward Bowley were appointed as alternate representatives.
During the year 1967, 53 meetings were held by the Board in addition to Special meetings held jointly with the Board of Selectmen, Housing Authority, Road Commissioners, Board of Health and Conservation Com- mission relative to sewage disposal facilities, sub-division controls, health standards and conservation.
The Planning Board's Consulting Engineer was put to extensive use in the reviewing of sub-divisions relative to their suitability for development and compliance with town by-laws. In addition to this, on request, the Consultant submitted reports of troubled areas of town, such as Westland Drive so that the Planning Board could initiate action for the taking of correcuve measures.
At the Annual Town Meeting in March, articles sponsored by the Planning Board were passed that rid the town of the infamous "Fish tail lots," and rezoned land on Kendall Road at Ames Pond from Industrial to Residential. These and other articles, it is felt have improved the image of Tewksbury and aided in its proper growth and development.
A consulting firm has been retained to test all areas of town for soil content and feasability for building. The final report will be invaluable to the Planning Board in its decisions relative to sub-divisions and the Conser- vation Commission in its cataloging of land.
During the past year, the Planning Board gave final approval to seven sub-divisions totalling 88 one-acre lots. In addition to these were other sub- divisions for which only preliminary action was taken. This gives some evidence that Tewksbury's enormous housing boom is tapering off and should aid in abating the deficiencies that now exist in the area of classroom facilities. If this trend were to continue, the town could more easily develop a network of necessary recreation areas and expand upon its overloaded municipal services.
a. This Board is concerned over a lack of adequate public water storage. Unless additional wells are provided for the immediate future our town's problems will become enormous with the coming of sewage, a drought, or present pumping facilities becoming incapacitated.
101
Planning Board ... continued
b. Of even greater concern is the growing list of sewage problems be- setting the town. It appears as though, although the costs are great, they will be even greater unless we move forward unhaltingly to sewer all of Tewksbury.
In the year gone by, the land for the sewage treatment plant in South Tewksbury was purchased and application is being made to the Federal Government for monies to complete final plans and specification for the project. Also in the area of sewage, studies are now being made relative to Tewksbury entering into a sewage district with Dracut and Lowell as out- lined in a proposal by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Water Resources Commission. Plans are now being made to study the entire town for a future sewage system.
In the following year, this Board hopes to bring up to date and supple- ment the aborted Town Master Plan. This is all important, since little or no State or Federal aid is given to cities or towns who do not have a master plan in operation.
Recognition and recommended solutions to the problems confronting the town which fall into the area of responsibility of the Planning Board are reflected by articles that will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting. These include articles relative to:
1. Restrictive multiple housing.
2. A less restrictive industrial land-building coverage.
3. Re-zoning of Main Street from Light Industrial to General Business.
4. A comprehensive by-law relative to gravel pits.
5. A more rigid by-law regarding non-conforming uses.
6. Imposition of a height limitation to buildings in Industrial zones adjacent to large bodies of water.
7. Sewage studies for entire town.
102
VETERANS' SERVICES Ward R. Davis, Director/Agent
The Veterans' Services Department is operated under Chapter 115, General Laws of the Commonwealth, for the purpose of providing financial assistance, when needed, and after full investigation, to war-time and under legislation passed in 1966 and 1967, to all veterans with one hundred eighty (180) days of Military Service between February 1, 1955 and the termination of the Viet-Nam Campaign as declared by proper Federal Authority. The families (Wife, Children, Mother, Father) are also covered under this law.
In addition, under Section 10 of the General Laws, it is the duty of this office to furnish such information, advice and assistance to veterans and their dependents as may be necessary to enable them to secure the benefits to which they are or may be entitled relative to employment, vocational or other educational opportunities, hospitalization, medical care, pensions and other Veterans' Benefits.
Under these provisions, the following services were rendered during fiscal 1967 to the veterans and dependents of the Town of Tewksbury.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RENDERED
1966
1967
Month
Cases
Amount
Month
Cases
Amount
January
18
2,972.95
January
30
5,037.70
February
23
3,338.00
February
28
3,728.37
March
25
4,206.89
March
35
5,620.91
April
16
3,658.85
April
37
5,253.70
May
15
1,810.15
May
34
3,012.99
June
33
4,492.57
June
38
6,354.13
July
27
3,658.85
July
31
4,104.99
August
33
5,475.35
August
47
9,798.86
September
32
7,084.61
September
45
7,478.93
October
24
3,616.03
October
32
4,451.41
November
41
3,440.11
November
44
10,061.74
December
45
10,703.00
December
49
*10,000.00
$ 52,500.66
*Estimate
$ 74,903.73
Accounts Receivable (Assignments, Refunds, etc.)
$4,048.67
Assignments taken
$7,580.00
Federal Awards Service Cases
$8,712.00
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES - 1967
Widows assisted for Social Security, VA Pensions, etc.
36
Telephone calls received at home
960
Telephone calls received at office
1250
Veterans' applications and Power of Attorney, Comp. & Pensions
58
Veterans' admission to VA hospitals
10
Hospital and Nursing Home visits made
42
103
Veterans' Services . . . continued
State House contacts made in Veterans' interests 37
Veterans' Administartion contacts made in veterans' interests 107
Trips to Comm. of Veterans' Services Office, Boston 11
State and County Veterans' Agents Seminars attended 5
Registered letters mailed from office
80
Regular letters mailed from office 2580
Veterans and Dependents visited office for consultation
780
Items of mail received 3500
Home visits made
1100
Photostatic copies of vital statistics
2000 621
Vouchers submitted to Town Auditor
Applications Veterans' Burial Indigent
2
Applications Veterans' Burial - Grave Markers 10
Documents and Items Notarized, Veterans and Dependents (Free)
367
It is important to realize that 50% of the Town's expenditures for Veterans' Assistance is reimbursed by the State Government, but it is the responsibility of the local Veterans' Services Office to pursue and claim this 50% reimbursement as it is not returned to the town automatically.
It is also important to understand the importance of processing claims with the Veterans' Adiministration. When the Federal Government is responsible, it relieves the burden of the local government.
Due to the liberalization of public assistance programs on the State and Federal level, and the rising costs of hospitalization, medication and other related services, it appears that the expense of public assistance will con- stantly increase despite efforts to alleviate this condition by vigorous pursuit of benefits from all other sources. We must keep in mind that World War II and Korean veterans are getting older and that every person that has had active military service are now eligible for services.
1967 has been an extremely busy year for this office. The one aim of this office was to give the veterans and their dependents of the town the best possible service at all times, and to administer the laws and regulations effecting veterans impartially, efficiently and effectively.
The work load of this office was too heavy for the prescribed work day, what was not accomplished within such limits was handled outside regular hours.
I would like to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for whom I act as agent, and those of other town departments who have assisted me in my duties.
104
INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION Walter J. Pupkis, Chairman
It is with pleasure the Commission members report the following continued increasing interest shown by Industry in Tewksbury.
Wang Laboratories Inc., 836 North St., have started on a second addition to their original plant increasing total floor space to approximately 50,000 sq. ft., and the number of employees to close to five hundred. At the present writing the primary concern of the company is adequate town sewage facilities to enable them to utilize the entire eighty five acres in their site for future expansion plans.
Palmer & Parker Co., Inc., Lumber, 910 East Street, constructed and are occupying a new plant and office facility on a five acre site with rail siding.
A. C. Dutton, Lumber Corp., Lumber Lane, at East and Carter Streets, constructed and are occupying a new facility on a five acre site with rail siding.
Route 495 Warehouse Inc., Barker Road, constructed and are occupying a freight warehousing facility on a two acre site, formerly the Osterman Coal Sheds location.
Security Steel & Wire Works Inc., 1500 Shawsheen St., (formerly of Somerville) moved into a newly constructed plant for fabricating structural steel. The plant is 70' x 250' on part of a sixteen acre site with rail facilities, acquired by its associated company, Stahlacker Steel Co., in 1966. The company will employ up to thirty-five.
Ideal Wire Products Inc., 976 Lawrence St., Lowell, have acquired a two acre site from Charles Parisi, Colab Resin Corp., 514 Main St., the site is located on the old Wamesit Processing property. A new 25,000 sq. ft. plant is nearing completion and will be occupied early in 1968. The company will employ up to thirty-five.
Parkway Refinishing Shops on Keyes Road, off East St., at the Andover line, are now occupying their newly constructed 15,000 sq. ft. plant, which is located behind old building.
Electronic Fabricators Inc., 1130 East St., are now leasing the former Parkway Refinishing Shops building. The company fabricates precision sheet metal and employes twenty-three at the present.
Connors Construction Co., Burlington, negotiated an option on 2.84 acres of land from Americo & Peter Priore (Parkway Refinishing Shops) at Sargent Rd. and Aspinwall Rd., off East St., and plan an office and storage building.
Astro Circuit Corp., 540 Main St., have taken title to their location and the adjoining property. They employ close to three hundred persons.
The voters should take positive action at this Town Meeting on the preliminary planning for the second phase of the Town Sewage System, to overcome the growing and serious problem now existing, and to be ready for the predicted industrial growth.
105
Industrial Commission . .. continued
The time is close at hand when Interstate Route 495 will be connected to the Massachusetts Turnpike. All predictions point to a very busily travelled highway, bringing tourism and industry to our area. Proper planning and zoning are now being stressed by both State and Federal authorities, to be better prepared and benefit from this anticipated industrial growth. Tewksbury is certain to share in this expansion, provided all com- munities along the highway, working together, do plan wisely for the future. Unless there is team effort by all thirty-one comunities that border on Interstate Route 495, the predicted growth cannot become reality.
Appreciation is expressed for cooperation extended the Commission during the past year.
AUXILIARY POLICE
Captain Albert LaBonte, Sr. Captain Bronslaw J. Kohanski
The following information, compiled from departmental records, com- prises the annual report of the Tewksbury Auxiliary Police Department. This report indicates the number of man hours expended by members of this department during the past year and also indicates activities and duties not normally encountered during normal duty status.
Your attention is again directed to the fact that no member of this department receives any remuneration and that the man-hours expended are donated by members of this department. In addition, all members of this department absorb all expenses accrued for the use of their personal cars in the performance of their duties. Also, so that no member of this organization is deprived of maximum personal protection, a combination accident-life insurance policy is made available to each member through the Massachusetts Auxiliary Police Association, with each member absorbing the cost of coverage.
During the year 1967 this department was awarded a Distinguished Service Citation by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency as the most outstanding Auxiliary Police Department in the State of Massachusetts. This citation is not limited to Auxiliary Police Departments but is vied for by all Civil Defense departments and organizations state-wide on a point basis. Being the recipient of this award is a high honor.
The department continues to operate and maintain the Rescue and Light truck.
Supplementing normal equipment the department has increased its number of mobile short wave radio units from (ten (10) to twelve (12), all of which are owned by individual members of the department. A special emergency-type large mobile antenna has been added to present equipment so that, in the event of an emergency, the base station presently located in Auxiliary Police Headquarters at the Town Hall can be moved to any loca- tion where power is available, or can be operated directly from the Rescue Truck.
106
The following is a breakdown of the duties and hours expended during the calendar year of 1967.
Duty
Hours Expended
Road Traffic Control
1,420
Church Traffic Duty
898
Training Hours 460
Pistol Range
320
Civil Defense problems - Federal
120
Rescue-Light Truck
104
Halloween Special Duty
90
Special Duty - Town Meetings
51
Assistance at accidents
76
Labor Day Special Traffic Detail
60
Thanksgiving Day Football Game - traffic
28
Riot Control training
40
Assistance to town organizations
48
TOTAL HOURS EXPENDED
3,715
At this time we wish to thank all of those who have assisted the Tewks- bury Auxiliary Police in the performance of their duty and the department will continue to provide their services in the future as it has in the past.
TEWKSBURY HOUSING AUTHORITY
Robert Flucker, Chairman
The Tewksbury Housing Authority at this time is in the process of starting another forty additional units and an addition to the present Community Building.
The Authority has been fortunate, through its good relations with the State Housing Board and the Deputy Commissioner of Housing, Julius J. Sofinowski, and monies for this project are now in the hands of the local Authority.
We are in the process of drawing the final plans and expect to get final approval from the State Housing Board, at which time the job will go out for bid and we can break ground as soon as the weather moderates. It is expected that this project will be completed before the end of the year.
The Tewksbury Housing Authority, I am sure, is proud of the excellent report from the State Auditors, both in management and maintenance.
I wish to thank my associate members, Mr. Paul Testa, Mr. Alan Hunter, Mr. Frederick Montague, Mrs. Mary Delaney and Mrs. Minnie DeGraan for all the help and time that they have put into this project during this past year and also the many town officials and departments that have so graciously been of great help.
107
MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE William S. Abbott, Chairman
The Municipal Building Committee operates under the authority granted and duties outlined in Article 19 of the 1964 Town Meeting. The committee consists of the following members appointed by the Board of Selectmen with the indicated terms of office:
William S. Abbott, Chairman 3 years
James DeFelice, Secretary 1 year
William A. Chandler 2 years
William Noftle 1 year
During 1967, both the fire station and library buildings were completed and turned over to the respective departments. The committee also finished equipping the fire station; however, completion of the library furnishing will be accomplished early in 1968. There is a small balance remaining in the fire station construction account, and the committee recommends that it remain in the account for possible future contingencies concerning the new building. The construction account for the library will be fully expended after the completion of the equipping; however, the Library Trustees Equipment Fund will have a small balance over which the trustees have control.
The committee is presently working in cooperation with the Selectmen and other departments to renovate the town hall. Initially, the space vacated by the library has been remodeled as a new office for the Selectmen. Additional funds have been requested in a separate warrant article to provide for architectural and other professional services as well as renova- tion of other areas of the building.
The committee will be glad to study the proposals of any town depart- ment or individual citizen in connection with the design, construction or renovation of municipal buildings or related subjects.
BUREAU OF ACCOUNTS
Board of Selectmen
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
This is to certify that the books and accounts of the town of Tewksbury were audited by the Bureau of Accounts, Department of Corporations and Taxation, as of October 24, 1967 at which time they were found to be correct with all funds properly accounted for.
A detailed report of the audit will be forwarded as soon as possible.
The detailed audit report will contain a recommendation that the col- lector obtain a prompt settlement of the delinquent tax and excise accounts.
Very truly yours, William Shwartz Assistant Chief of Bureau
108
BOARD OF APPEALS Shirley C. Merrill, Chairman
The regular Board meetings were held on the first and fourth Mondays of each month; applications presented at the beginning of the month and public hearings held at the end of the month.
The membership of the Board changed when Mr. Arthur Chaff, a long- time member, resigned in August and was replaced by Mr. Rodney Whitney. In December, Chairman Dominick DeAngelo resigned and was replaced by Mr. David Hunt. The meetings were well attended by the associate members.
This year there was a substantial reduction in the number of applica- tions. Of those cases which were filed, there was a wide variety of challeng- ing questions presented to the Board. The summary follows:
Petitioner: Cities Service.
Case Summary: Variance to erect an addition on a building on corner Main and Lee Streets lacking 30' required sideyard setback (building to be within 10 feet of lot line)
Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Whitney)
Petitioner: Holt and Bugbee Co.
Case Summary: Special permit for 2 free standing signs at 1600 Shawsheen Street.
Decision: Granted (Mr. Whitney, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Beaudette)
Petitioner: Fred Vinecour.
Case Summary: Special permit for 1 free standing at 2297 Main St.
Decision: Granted, Mr. Chaff, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. DeAngelo)
Petitioner: Luther M. Child
Case Summary: Variance on existing building lacking required 25' frontyard setback (existing building 20' setback)
Decision: Granted (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. DeAngelo, Mr. Chaff)
Petitioner: Edward H. Bowley d/b/a Tewksbury Auto Parts.
Case Summary: Special permit to expand non-conforming use on 35 acre scrap metal yard off 714 East Street.
Decision: Granted (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Greene, Mr. DeAngelo)
Petitioner: William and Shirley Granfield.
Case Summary: Variance to erect and operate a roller skating rink off Pleasant Street.
Decision: Denied (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. DeAngelo, Mr. Chaff)
Petitioner: Tewksbury Housing Authority.
Case Summary: Variance to construct 40 additional apartment units in Housing for the Elderly, Carnation Drive.
Decision: Granted (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Chaff, Mr. DeAngelo)
109
Board of Appeals . . . continued
Petitioner: Thomas J. Cleghorn.
Case Summary: Variance to build on lot lacking required 1 acre and required 150 foot frontage on Hood Road (lot containing 18,500 feet, frontage 100 feet).
Decision: Denied (Mrs. Merill, Mr. Chaff, Mr. DeAngelo).
Petitioner: George E. McMahon.
Case Summary: Variance to build on a lot lacking required 1 acre on Hood Road (lot containing 24,800 feet).
Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Chaff)
Petitioner: George E. McMahon.
Case Summary: Variance to build on a lot lacking required 1 acre on Hood Road (lot containing 23,554 feet).
Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Chaff).
Petitioner: Purity Sav-Mor.
Case Summary: Special permit to erect a sign projecting above roof-line at Tewksbury Shopping Centre.
Decision: Granted (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Chaff, Mr. DeAngelo).
Petitioner: Purity Sav-Mor.
Case Summary: Special permit for free standing sign at Tewksbury Shopping Centre.
Decision: Denied (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Chaff, Mr. DeAngelo).
Petitioner: Fred Vinecour.
Case Summary: Special permit and variance to erect a gasoline station on approximately 20,000 square feet located on corner Main and Shawsheen Streets. Approximately 2,500 square feet of lot zoned residential.
Decision: Denied (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. DeAngelo, Mr. Whitney).
Petitioner: Fred Vinecour.
Case Summary: Special permit to erect a free standing sign on corner Main and Shawsheen Streets for purpose of advertising Gasoline Service Station.
Decision: Denied (Mrs. Merrill, Mr. DeAngelo, Mr. Whitney).
Petitioner: Kenneth Hague.
Case Summary: Variance to build on a lot of land on French Street lacking required 1 acre and required 150' frontage (lot containing 28,000 square feet 115' frontage).
Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Whitney).
Petitioner: Francis Tellier.
Case Summary: Variance to build on lot of land lacking required 150' front- age on Astle Street (lot containing 94.90' frontage).
Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Whitney).
110
Board of Appeals . . . continued
Petitioner: Palmer and Parker Co., Inc.
CaseSummary: Special Permit to erect a free standing sign at 910 East Street. Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Whitney).
Petitioner: Peirce Ford Sales.
Case Summary: Special permit to erect 5 free standing signs at 333 Main Street.
Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mrs. Merrill, Mr. Whitney).
Petitioner: V. Canelas Co., Inc.
Case Summary: Variance to build a garage on land zoned for General Resi- dence at intersection of Pinnacle St. and the abandoned railraod bed. Decision: Granted (Mr. DeAngelo, Mr. Powers, Mr. Hunt).
Petitioner: William R. Sutherland.
Caes Summary: Variance to erect a garage on lot of land lacking 10 foot required sideyard setback (4' present setback).
Decision: Pending.
Petitioner: Clifford Hupper.
Case Summary: Special permit to extend a previously granted permit on 7/7/49 to include an additional 8 acre tract of land at Tew-Mac Airport on Main Street.
Decision: Pending.
Of the 21 cases summarized above, a significant portion involved requests for signs. The majority of these requests were for the Main Street area which is zoned 100 feet for light industrial use. The petitioners, however, were generally operating commercial uses. While the new sign by-law would seem to require that, in general, signs are to be affixed to the build- ing, provisions for free-standing signs are allowed in both business and industrial districts. There are no provisions within the Sign By-Law for maximum size or construction.
There were two major changes in the zoning By-Law this year which were significant to the Board of Appeals - Section 10 (3) allowing the Board of Selectmen to issue 50 less-than-acre lots was deleted at town meeting and the State Statute providing for a 2 year limitation on repitit- ous applications was accepted by the Town.
111
BUILDING INSPECTOR William B. Bullen-Resigned 6/1/67 George T. Nawn-Appointed 6/5/67
New Dwellings 200
$ 2,475,200.00
Residential Additions and Alterations 119
168,871.00
New Commercial 8
1,135,000.00
Commercial Additions and Alterations 15
284,686.00
Swimming Pools 16
Gravel Permits 9
Building Demolition Permits
13
Buildings Posted Dangerous
3
Move Buildings
none
Stop Work Orders (Posted for various reasons)
10
Signs
11
Inspections made 1131
Total all Construction
4,063,757.00
Minus 3 House Renewals $ 34,000.00
Minus 4 Commercial Renewals
110,000.00
144,000.00
Total
$ 3,919,757.00
The following is a comparison chart for the years:
1965
1966
1967
New Dwellings
302
214
200
Minus 3 Renewal Permits
Total Taxable Property
$6,129,496.00
$3,935,108.00
$3,919,757.00
Total Permits
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