USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1956-1957 > Part 16
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SRA
66
(Route 62)
Wilton Park
Shawsheen Ave.
F & H Realty Trust
Rural 11
(Route 129)
Woodland Park Estates Lowell Street
Leroy Ferguson
SRA
34
(Route 129)
B. Plans "Believed not to require approval"
(A statutory classification for land on existing streets divided into lots which are exempt by State Law from Planning Board jurisdiction)
Number of Plans 53
Total Number of Lots - 65
30
C. Preliminary Plans:
All new sub-divisions were first considered as preliminary plans which enabled the Planning Board to cooperate with the developers in providing the most desirable layout for each proposed subdivision. Four preliminary sub -division plans were considered in 1957.
D. Resubdivisions:
From time to time either by voluntary action of a developer or by the initiative of the Planning Board, it becomes necessary to resub-divide a previously approved plan.
Resubdivisions 1957
No. of
Plan
Location
Developer
Zoning
Lots
Suncrest Acres
Suncrest Ave.
Squibb
SRB
30
E. Restrictions Voted:
From time to time in order to protect the Town and future homeowners, the Planning Board may find it necessary to vote restrictions as to sale or construction of pre - viously approved sub-divisions, until either required improvements are made or a bond is posted to insure compliance with the regulations of the Planning Board.
Such restrictions were placed on three previously approved sub-divisions during the year 1957.
F. Forfeiture of Bonds:
Since 1954 it has been the policy of the Planning Board to require developers to post performance bonds to insure compliance with Planning Board Sub-division Regula - tions governing improvements to be made in subdivision.
Performance bonds in three sub-divisions were deemed to have been forfeited in 1957, and the Town Counsel requested to undertake the necessary legal action.
In examining the sub-divisions being completed, it is worth noting that they are in various sections of Town which not only contributes towards well-rounded growth, but also indicates the confidence builders have in all sections of Town. Mr. Hersom has started on the outskirts of his proposed plan on Burlington Avenue. Mr. Ferguson is well underway in the east on Lowell Street, and Esquire Estates (Mr. Mahoney) are building on the corner of Salem and Woburn Streets in the north. These three developments are in the 22, 500 sq. ft. zones. Mr. Haskell is building in the west on Shawsheen Avenue in a development called Wilton Park, being the first in a 60, 000 sq. ft. zone. All of the above should add much to the Town, and each of these sub-developers has cooperated fully with this Board and other Town officials with whom he has been in contact.
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Wilmington, Mass-
31
III, ZONING
A. Reports and Recommendations to Town Meetings:
Town Meeting Date
Article
Proposed Change
Planning Bd. Re commend.
Town Mtg. Action
March 9
44
From SRA to GB
Disapproved
Disapproved Approved
August 8
12
From Rural to SRA
Disapproved
Not voted
13
From SRA to NB
Approved
Approved
14
Extension of General
Disapproved
Not voted
Business Zone
19
From SRA to Industrial
Approved
Approved
November 25
3
From SRA and Industrial
Approved
Approved
to General Business
4
Amend Section III-1-B-2
Approved
Approved
Proposed amendments to the Zoning By-Law and Map must be reviewed by the Planning Board, after a public hearing held by the Board and a formal report and recommendations submitted to the Town Meeting propr to the vote on the proposed amendment.
Some changes were approved on the zoning map which it was felt would be beneficial to the Town. First a change was allowed on the corner of Lowell and Woburn Streets so that a new store could be built on the back of the lot leaving ample parking in front. The removal of the old store, as a result of the above, made a considerable improvement in the appearance of the area. In an- other instance the Planning Board approved and the townspeople voted a change in zoning near the town park so that swamp land could be reclaimed by filling and an automobile agency built on this spot. Other suggested changes were opposed which in the opinion of the Planning Board were not in the best interests of the town.
The Planning Board wishes to thank the townspeople of Wilmington for their confidence and support of the recommendations of the Planning Board.
B. Reports to Board of Appeals:
The Zoning By-Law requires that the Planning Board shall submit advisory reports to the Board of Appeals for certain appeal cases. In addition thereto, the Planning Board is usually represented at public hearings of the Board of Appeals and consults informally with the Board of Appeals on questions of interpretation of the Zoning By-Law and Map.
Of seven formal reports submitted to the Board of Appeals, four recommended favorable action and three recommended disapproval. In six out of seven of these cases, the Board of Appeals concurred with the recommendations of the Planning Board.
c. Street Names:
During the year much work has gone into the changing of similar street names, and 1200 street names were reviewed. In the near future it is hoped that over 300 street names will be officially changed after public hearings and proper process.
32
44
From SRA to NB
Approved
D. Parks and Recreation:
During the past year the Planning Board met on several occasions with the Recreation Committee to coordinate future planning on parks and playgrounds. Future plans call for enlarging Silver Lake swimming area, and acquiring areas for parks and playgrounds.
E. Conclusion:
We regret the loss of Mr. Robert Robinson as a member of the Planning Board and his unselfish contribution of time and assistance in many matters will be sincerely missed. However, we were fortunate in gaining a new and very capable member, Mr. William Beers, who replaced Mr. Robinson.
The Planning Board wishes to acknowledge the full cooperation received from the people of the Town and all other Boards and officials, and hopes for their continued cooperation during the coming year.
T
Wilmington, Mass-
Contractor lays down bituminous concrete road in subdivision according to Planning Board regulations enforced by Town Engineer shown checking depth of material
33
police department
CHIEF OF POLICE: Paul J. Lynch
ARRESTS
Assault and Battery
2
Motor Vehicle Violations
Attempted armed robbery
2
Non-support
A. W. O. L.
1
Operating so as to endanger
Breaking and entering
4
Operating under the influence of liquor
Capias
4
1
Delinquency
4
Operating unregistered and uninsured Rape
Drunkenness
72
Receiving stolen property
Escapee
1
Stubborn child
Escapee (Mental)
2
Unlawful possession of firearms
]
Juvenile
13
Using automobile without authority
2
Larceny
6
Warrants
18
Larceny of Automobile
3
Total
205
The above lists the actual arrests made by this department for the year 1957. However, ther are a few more that should be listed under business of the year, but due to court procedure and the issuar of complaints, we have an overlay this year of about ten arrests that will have to be included in our 1958 records.
The records list thirteen arrests made of Juveniles. This means that actually thirteen juve - niles appeared before the Juvenile Session of the Woburn Courts. Figures on juvenile records show that fifteen others were brought to the Police Station and had arrest cards made out on them. They were released in the custody of their parents with a warning that any future trends toward delinquency would result in court action. Four more young people were listed as runaways in the arrest section of this repc No court action was taken in these cases.
While these two groups have actual records filed against them, this department also handled eight others who came under the classification of "suspicion of being delinquents". Their names are re- corded in our files, but not as arrests or turned over to their parents. All juveniles, delinquents, and other classes of young people who are prone to get into trouble come under the supervision of Sergeant John Imbimbo, who keeps records of all the activities when brought before this department. To explain this latter more clearly, it is impossible for Sergeant Imbimbo to be at the station all the time. When a juvenile offender is brought to the station, the matter is brought to the attention of Sergeant Imbimbo, and from there the course of action is determined.
34
49
1
1
CHIEF
In my report for 1956, Sergeant Imbimbo had expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Superintendent of Schools, John Collins, for the wonderful spirit of cooperation and the offer of a room in his office for the handling of juvenile cases. This offer was graciously accepted by the Sergeant. But this year it was decided by the writer and Sergeant Imbimbo that we would not ask for this same consideration. We both felt that it is about time the town fathers realized the need, yes, the great need for proper police quarters wherein we could handle all juvenile cases as well as all matters pertaining to the Police Dept. So in reality, by not taking advantage of John Collins' offer again this year for the handling of juvenile cases, this department has been greatly handicapped, and the persons involved in juvenile problems have had to suffer the embarrassment of "being open to public scrutiny" by all who are on duty in the building , as well as those persons who come in here to conduct regular police business. This situation should not exist, for the laws of Massachusetts demand better treatment of the juvenile, and for the parents and loved ones who have to come here and plead their causes, and who take those persons held in custody from the premises.
To the Town Manager, the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and last but no means least, the committee appointed to study the needs of a new police station (the latter having done a terrific job), there is no need to explain the deplorable conditions that exist in police facilities because all the persons mentioned have been to this station to see it first hand, and to make an exacting and minute in- spection of the present set-up. But to the citizenry of the Town, and all others who may be interested in our cause, may I give you a little information on the situation regarding this Police Station.
First of all, the building is a combination Fire-Police Station, with eighty to ninety percent of the actual space being allocated to the Fire Department, about which I have no complaint, for with that area they too are cramped for space. As you walk into the building, my office (the Chief's) is located to the left and is a room that measures about nine by ten feet. Continuing along the corridor we come to two cells measuring ten by twelve feet. Still further along the corridor we come to the garage which was designed to accommodate two cars. In this garage we have erected what was termed "an emergency measure, a room in which to conduct police work". Now in order to get to this room, one must pass down that corridor and pass right by the cells, which are open areas, enclosed only by the proverbial bars, and if a prisoner is confined, he is subject to public view.
I have submitted a request to the Board of Selectmen, asking them to prepare for inclusion in the Annual Town Warrant for 1958, an article calling for the raising of $75, 000 by taxation, by borrowing, by transfer, or by any other means for the building and equipping of a new police station. I extend to each and every person interested in our problem to come here and see what a terrible disgrace this situation is. It is my sincere hope and fervent prayer that the Town will do something about this problem and pro- vide this department with proper facilities in which to conduct properly the all important business of police work.
Other activities listed above deal with Motor Vehicle Violations. The records show that forty- nine persons were brought before the court for all types of violations: excessive speed, failing to display safety stickers, stop sign violations, etc. and that eight persons were prosecuted for "operating under the influence", and a like number were prosecuted for "operating so as to endanger". Of these persons, fines were levied against some in the amount of $955. 00 while others had their cases heard and were placed on probation, and still others were ordered to serve time in the House of Correction. Those persons who were charged with "operating under" (and convicted) paid fines for their crimes. They also suffer the loss of their licenses, and the revocation of registration. This is mandatory by law. Those persons who were convicted of "operating so as to endanger" are assessed fines, and they too suffer the loss of their licenses for a mandatory sixty days.
While we only list the actual arrest figures, it must be pointed out that this department, through the "triplicate violation notice" system, can be credited with the revocation of about fifty licenses in the past year for violations that cannot be brought before the court because we do not have all the necessary elements to get a complaint, and some for the reason that we do not have enough facts to assure us of getting a conviction in court. So, it is on occasions of this nature that we take the next best course and send a report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and then they take action.
35
Wilmington, Mass-
Auto Accidents: The records show that Wilmington had a total of 205 accidents in 1957. Two of these were fatal accidents, sixty-three accidents resulted in personal injuries, and one hundred and forty resulted in property damage.
Cruiser Cases: The records show that we transported twelve persons to hospitals, and ten persons to doctors' offices.
Summonses Delivered: We delivered about 250 summonses for other departments during 195 and this means only one thing ..... that 250 Wilmington residents were involved either in parking violations or in violations of some other sort while out of Town.
Sudden Deaths: Records show that we had ten sudden deaths during 1957
Police Department Phone Numbers: To all residents, especially the new ones, the POLICE phone number is Oliver 8-3331 or Oliver 8-3332. The Chief's home number is Oliver 8-3162. You may c this latter number in any emergency when you cannot get through to the other two phones.
Women Traffic Supervisors: The supervisors numbered seven at the beginning of the school year, but due to the resignation of Mrs. Y. Allen and Mrs. A. Berry we are now operating with five. Thi situation is due to be taken care of in the very near future, and we should be back at full strength.
I would like at this time to express my most sincere thanks to Mrs. Y. Allen and to Mrs. A. Berry for their wonderful services so well performed while they were with this department. It was nice to have had you with us, and I am sure that each of you truly hated to leave as much as we of the department hated to see you go. (This goes for the men and women alike). To those who remain with us: Maryann Langone, Laura Sheehan, Evelyn Allgrove, Jeanne Camber, and Edith Ward, nothing but the best of praise from the "boss" and all members of the department for the wonderful work each is doing. I am certain that the townspeople in general are appreciative of your every effort.
Conclusion:
May I conclude this report by expressing my sincere thanks and appreciation to Fire Chief, Arthur Boudreau, and to all the men under his command who have cooperated so wonderfully in the past yea with this department.
To John Collins, Superintendent of Schools, and his wonderful group of assistants who help us sc much with our every day needs. We can always depend on Bernard McMahon, Principal of the High School, to arrange the best assemblies possible with the Student Council prior to Halloween. To Larry Cushing, Physical Education Director, to come out and give us a hand with the painting of symbols and traffic mark- ings adjacent to all the schools, and to Anton Thiel and his crew for doing the work that Larry so willingly plans.
To James White, Highway Superintendent and his crew for all their efforts in getting things done in the interest of public safety.
To Joseph Courtney, Town Manager, for the wonderful spirit of cooperation he has given us for our every need. True it is that we have not received all from Joe that we asked for, but we are not kicking, for we have been granted more by "Joe" than by any other person, and with less of a fight. Thanks, Joe.
Final thanks is extended to the Board of Selectmen for their efforts in behalf of this department and its needs, and for the nice relations during the past year.
This concludes my report for the activities of the year 1957.
36
fire department
1
FIRE CHIEF: Arthur J. Boudreau
The following is my report of the Fire Department for the year 1957. The manual force of the Fire Department consists of Chief, three Lieutenants, and eight Privates. There is a Call Force of seventeen members.
Forest Warden Permanent Men
Arthur J. Boudreau
Cail, Harold F. (Lieut. ) Cushing, Goerge S. (Lieut. ) Woods, Robert J. (Lieut. )
Call Men
Buckle, Thomas G.
Burns, Erlmest E.
Cutter, Harry J.
Deming, Roland C.
Downs, Francis E.
Deputy Forest Wardens
Dewhurst, Raymond T.
Barrows, Herbert C.
Ellis, Charles E. Jr.
Cail, Harold F.
Hardy, John J. (resigned)
Cushing, George S.
Kleynen, Frederick M.
Moorman, Howard C.
O'Neil, Maurice D.
Park, Phillip S.
Randell, Vernon L.
Razey, Donald F.
Robertson, Bernerd Jr.
Sargent, Edmund H.
Williams, Arthur S.
The Fire Department responded to a total of seven hundred and twenty-nine (729) calls, ninety-two (92) bell alarms, and six hundred and thirty-seven (637) still alarms.
Ambulance Calls 248
Dumps 22
False 35
Autos & Trucks
17
Brush & Grass
274
Oil Burners 15
Buildings 35
Out of Town Calls 25
Chimney
3
Resuscitator 9
Service Calls 46
Permits issued for Burning 2453
Permits issued for Gas 70
Permits issued for Oil 237
LINIAIN IMITAILIAI
Wilmington, Mass.
Durkee, Leslie A. Kidder, Donald C. Mann, William J.
Medico, Joseph
Eames, Ernest W.
Marshall, Kenneth E.
Plumer, Ralph M. Jr.
Nee, William P.
Sargent, Edmund H.
Plumer, Ralph M. Jr.
Williams, Arthur S.
Wandell, Daniel C.
Woods, Robert J.
Webster, Charles L.
37
A total of 117, 385 ft. of fire hose was laid: 48, 535 ft. of booster hose, 20,950 ft. of 1 1/8" hose, 27, 300 ft. of 1 1/2" hose, and 20, 600 ft. of 2 1/2" hose. Ladders were raised 402 ft. Total value of property endangered was $479, 533, 000. 00 The property loss was $58, 419. 26.
All the equipment is in good condition with the exception of Engine #5, a 1938 Chevrolet, stationed at the North Wilmington Pumping Station. Serious consideration should be given to replacement of this engine, as it is twenty years old and considered obsolete. It has cost the Town over $500.00 in repairs this past year.
In my 1958 budget I have requested and earnestly urge the purchase of a 65 ft. Aerial Ladder
Truck. This type of truck may be equipped with a pump, water tank, booster hose, various sizes and types of ladders, life net and life saving equipment. In addition to these important features, the aerial ladder may be used advantageously in many phases of rescue of life.
The sum of $38, 000 is a large sum of money to spend at one time, but the price of such equip- ment is going up every year. The Town of Billerica purchased the same type a few years back, and it cost around $32, 000. This equipment would last the Town over thirty years and that would figure out to be about $1266 per year. This is a very small amount of money for the protection of persons and property. If it saved one life, the truck would have paid for itself. I would like at this time to go on record that :- with the rapid growth of the Town, with new industries moving into Town, I feel it is a must for the Town to purchase a 65 ft. aerial ladder in 1958.
The members of the permanent and call departments attended this past fall a school or. "Firemenship" given by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
The "Junior Fire Marshall Plan" was held throughout the past year in all the six school grades under the direction of the Fire Chief, Lieut. George S. Cushing, and Lawrence H. Cushing, Physical Director of the Wilmington Schools.
Regular Members of the Fire Department pose for group picture
38
Following is a report on the Fire Alarm System for 1957 - members of the Fire Department installed alarm wires from Middlesex Avenue and Main Street to Main Street and Davis Road, from Main Street and Grove Avenue to the Mildred Rogers School, from Main Street and Harnden Street to the new school site on Glen Road.
We have installed street boxes at the following locations: -
Main Street & Middlesex Avenue Main Street & Clark Street Swain School Wildwood School
Main Street & Massachusetts Avenue Main Street & Grove Avenue
Mildred Rogers School
In the 1958 budget I am asking for $3800. 00 for an Automatic Fire Alarm Control Cabinet with three circuits to be installed at the Fire Headquarters. The way the alarm system is set up at the present time, all the boxes are on one circuit. If one pole is hit and knocked down, or the line is broken by a storm, all the boxes are out of service.
With a new control cabinet the Town would be divided into four sections, and each section would be on a separate circuit. If one box was out of service, the other sections of the Town wouldn't be affected.
I hope to start installing the line from Church and Main Streets to Lowell Street this year. It is a great saving to the Town by having the members of the department do the work on their days off.
Formal Training Program taken by both permanent and call members of the Fire Department
39
civil defense
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE Rene J. LaRivee
1
The year 1957 has been one of rapid transition from the "Atomic Age" which had not yet reach- ed maturity, to that of the "Intercontinental Ballistic Missle" and "Satellites".
Civil Defense in order to keep abreast of these changes has had to revise its concept of Target and Support Areas, Shelter and Evacuation. Each new State, Sector and Local Drill has presented new problems to be solved so that we and our families may have a chance to survive. To us, in Civil Defense, one thought has been impressed upon us and that is, "That the day of the Rugged Individualist" is past. Each of us must take up our share of the work load if we would look to a continuance of our way of life and a brighter future for our children.
In the past year, Civil Defense proved itself to be a valuable asset to the State and to the Com- munity in times of an emergency such as the drought, the fires of last spring, and a number of plane and train wrecks. Time after time trained Civil Defense Units have been called to help some community stricken by disaster. It is our sincere hope that Wilmington will never have an occasion to use Civil Defense. However our goal is to have a well-trained organization ready, should such an event take place.
Fire: The Fire Auxiliary Truck has been repainted and equipped with 2 1/2" and 1" hose, lights, and a Mars siren. The members of the auxiliary have been issued new coats, helmets, and boots. This group under the direction of Mr. Fred West have done an excellent job and are ready at all times to assist the regular Fire Department. We are indebted to the J. W. Greer Co. for allowing us to use the plant facilities as a sub station.
Rescue Service: Although the rescue service has made satisfactory progress, it is not com- pletely organized yet. The 10 K. W. Generator has been mounted on a trailer equipped with eight flood lights and cables making this a most versatile piece of equipment for emergency light and power. This equipment is available to all town departments at all times. However to round out the Rescue Program the service should be built around a rescue truck. The State conducts a school at Topsfield for instructors in rescue work, but unless we have the proper equipment, there is no point in sending any one from Wilmington to take this course. It is hoped that the Town will vote to acquire this most valuable piece of equipment this year. Added to this service are the Frogmen, headed by Mr. Harold Hubby. This group have equipped themselves at no cost to the Town, other than two tanks of compressed air, furnished by Civil Defense.
Medical: The Medical Section has not come up to expectation - the fault lies not with the per - sonnel who are working against tremendous odds, but rather to the lack of housing and storage of medical supplies and proper quarters for the training of first aid, home nursing, and related subjects.
40
Ambulance: The Auxiliary Ambulance Corps now has one ambulance and fourteen litters which :an be used to convert seven station wagons into auxiliary ambulances. We will need a resusitator for the .mbulance, first aid kits, and blankets for the auxiliary to bring this group into peak efficiency. The ser - ices of this ambulance are available to all citizens of Wilmington at no cost to them. It is hoped to put he ambulance on twenty-four hour call. It must be remembered that this is not a new ambulance and should not be expected to be used in cases where time is an important factor.
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