USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1958-1959 > Part 4
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Wilmington Memorlat Library
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The third assignment of this committee relates to additional school buildings. The school depal ment has informed us that another 12-room elementary school will be needed by September 1960 in the We Wilmington area. The school department, planning board and this committee are currently conducting a site investigation for the location of this school. It is this committee's intention to use the plans already developed for the site off Glen Road at this next school and thus effect a saving of approximately 75% of the architect's fees. It is anticipated that when the site is selected, a special town meeting will be called thi: spring for the purpose of authorizing the construction of this much needed school.
The system of having advisory members on this or other town committees is extremely desirab The splendid cooperation and coordination that develops from the personal contacts and flow of information have made our tasks much easier. We wish to thank our advisory members - Mr. N. DeFelice of the selectmen, Mr. S. Webber and Mr. J. Hayward of the finance committee, Mr. A. Lynch and Mr. E. Page of the school committee, Mr. W. Irwin of the planning board, Mr. J. Collins, superintendent of schools, Chief of Police Lynch, and the Town Manager for the pleasant and helpful association we have experienced this past year. We know that these relationships will continue and that with this aid our committee will be able to discharge properly whatever directions are given to us by the town.
The New Glen Road School now under construction
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municipal snapshots
Latest Addition to the High School shown during construction
T
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WL MNOTON VA
Planning Board in Action; left to right, Howard Woolaver, Robert Evans, Chairman Daniel Gillis, William Irwin, John Tobey, William Beers
Learning to Drive Safely
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WILMINGTON DRIVER EDUCAT N
WILMINGTON FR
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building inspector
BUILDING INSPECTOR Minot Anderson
Unfortunately I cannot report a growth in the dollar value of building permits issued this year, such a plant as AVCO's may not be duplicated for a long time. The number of dwellings (139) has remaine nearly constant owing largely to the Pine Hills and Esquire Developments.
Of really greater value to the town as a whole are the next figures on residential additions and alterations which mean an up-grading of the existing residences, reflecting people's pride in their homes and town with no added load on the schools or other town services.
1956
1957
1958
Bldg. Insp.
Permits (Use)
No. Est. Value
No.
Bldg. Insp. Est. Value
No.
Owner's Est. Value
Bldg. Ins Est. Valu
Dwellings
148
1,920,000
1 34
2,135,175
139
1,730,500
1,846,80
Additions
57
56,482
55
65,720
33
41,475
61,07
Alterations
5
4,975
23
33,025
45,70
Garages & Carports
20
1,600
32
32,875
24
16,300
20,55
Warehouse & Addition
2
30,000
1
600
1,50
Commercial, new
8
174,850
10
171,450
4
194,250
270, 70
Commercial, Add. &Alt.
6
6,800
10,60
Tool Sheds
8 850
4
1,195
1,95
Contractor's Sheds
2
1,250
1,50
Stables & Barns
1
800
5
3,195
3, 99
Henhouses
1
5,400
1
4,000
8,00
Signs
3
1,000
1
4,440
5,00
Church
1
142,000
Industrial Lab.
4
8,990,615
2
410,000
500,00
School
1
379,000
379,00
Public Housing
2
281,400
281,40
Bldgs. Relocated
13
47,700
58,00
Manufacturing
3
43,000
50,80
Fire Damage
3
1,300
4,70
Demolished
7
11
Renewals
27
Foundations
2
Revoked
1
TOTAL
258
2,195,957
243
11,537,935
308
3,199,430
3,551,22ª
*(Total includes construction of tax exempt properties, and construction not started or completed for "59
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Permits Issued
No.
Fees
Insp. Recvd.
Building
308
1,403.00
Permits not issued
167
1,304.00
1,028.00
Wiring
420
2,276. 75
1,328.50
895
5,002.75
2, 356. 50
I want to call your attention to the fact that about sixty percent of the building inspector's work concerns the Zoning By-Law, information, interpretation and enforcement.
sealer of weights & measures
Samuel P. Pike was the Sealer of Weights and Measures on January 1, 1958, and Daniel P. Pike was appointed the new Sealer of Weights and Measures on September 1, 1958. The following is a result of :heir combined inspections:
No. Sealed
No. Adjusted
Scales:
Over 10,000 lbs.
3
100 to 5000 lbs.
12
Under 100 lbs.
35
1
Capacity Measures:
2
Over one gallon
1
Automatic Measuring Devices - Meters:
Gasoline Pumps
44
Oil & Grease Pumps
4
Vehicle Tank Meter (Oil)
23
Automatic Measuring Devices - Pumps:
Kerosene
1
Oil
2
Grease
6
Weights:
Avoirdupois
10
Troy
5
All fuel oil distributors in the Town of Wilmington have had their tanks and equipment checked by the Sealer of Weights and Measures. All gasoline stations have had their equipment checked and approved by this office.
It is our hope that this coming year of 1959 will find a greater check on Poultry Farmers and Industrial Shippers and Manufacturers, as to liquids refined, manufactured, and shipped.
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19.00
Plumbing
One gallon
veterans' agent
1
Veterans' Benefits:
The year 1958 once again saw an increase in the amount spent for hospital and medical care, particularly among the World War I veterans and their dependents.
Sixty-eight (68) applications were processed with the following breakdown as to period of servic
World War I $6360. 00
World War II 8604.00
Korean
2614. 00
There was also a hospital bill for the wife of a World War I veteran which was not received in time to be included in the annual appropriation. This bill will amount to $1, 830 and will be paid under 195 unpaid bills account.
Once again I would like to publicly thank the Wilmington Community Fund and its officers, and also Mr. A. Ring the Welfare Agent who helped to care for those veterans and their families who were no eligible for aid under Chapter 115 of the General Laws, as amended.
Veteran's Housing: One of the single family units available to qualifying veterans
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board of appeals
Following is the report of the Board of Appeals for the year 1958, which includes the date of the public hearing, the name of the petitioner and the disposition of each case.
Case #1 January 16, 1958 - Norman C. Smith - request for variance in lot size - granted.
Case #2 January 16, 1958 - David C. Carpenter - request permission to divide large lot into two non - conforming lots - request denied.
Case #3 January 16, 1958 - Christina Lopez - request to change single residence into two-family dwelling - request denied.
Case #4 March 20, 1958 - Perry M. Rogers - request for variance in lot frontage - granted.
Case #5 March 20, 1958 - Vincent Roderick - request for variance in side line distance - granted.
Case #6 March 27, 1958 - Steven Grillo - request permission to open tea room at intersection of Clark and Main Streets - denied.
Case #7 Methodist Church - request permission to erect steeple - granted.
Case #8 April 24, 1958 - Realty Construction & Engineering, Inc. - request for variance on several lots in development off Glen Road - granted.
Case #9 April 24, 1958 - David C. Anderson - request permission to remove and sell loam from two lots on Bridge Lane - request granted subject to rules of the Board of Selectmen.
Case #10 April 24, 1958 - William F. Butt - request variance in side line distance for garage - granted. Case #11 May 15, 1958 - Carl Capobianco - request variances in front setback and side line distance -granted. Case #12 May 15, 1958 - William L. Rich - request variance in setback for gasoline pumps - granted. Case #13 May 15, 1958 - Vaughn Talbert - request for variance in side line distance for garage - granted.
Case #14 May 8, 1958 - Wilmington Grain & Building Materials Co. - request for variance in side line distance - decision pending.
Case #15 May 22, 1958 - Alfred T. O'Connor - request for variance in front setback - granted - 10 ft,
Case #16 May 22, 1958 - Francis J. Hagerty - request permission to erect a non-conforming tool shed - granted.
Case #17 May 15, 1958 - Minot J. Anderson - request variance in building code in regard to chimney construction - granted.
Case #18 June 19, 1958 - John A. Fay - request variance in setback - granted - average setback of adjoin- ing property.
Case #19 June 19, 1958 - Robert Jordan - request for variance in side line distance - granted - 4 ft.
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Case #20 July 10, 1958 - Stanley Cady - request permission to construct a non-conforming tool shed - granted.
Case #21 July 10, 1958 - James W. Field - request variance in side lot distance to construct garage - granted - second class construction.
Case #22 July 10, 1958 - Mrs. E. McDevitt - request permission to change barn into living quarters - granted.
Case #23 July 24, 1958 - Lena W. Buck - request variance in lot size because of State takings of land - granted.
Case #24 July 24, 1958 - John Lucci - request permission to construct a non-conforming sign - denied.
Case #25 July 24, 1958 - Peter H. Kerr - request variance to allow construction of a carport in non- conformance with back yard distance - granted.
Case #26 July 24, 1958 - Henry M. Park - request variance in lot size because of State taking of land - granted.
Case #27 August 21, 1958 - James P. Donahue - request variances in several lots of land on Harnden St granted - side line variances only.
Case #28 August 21, 1958 - Bayer & Mingolla Construction Co. - request permission to construct tem- porary shop and service buildings - granted.
Case #29 August 21, 1958 - George Vokey - request for variance in shape of two lots on Pinewood Road granted on shape of lots only.
Case #30 August 28, 1958 - Walpole Woodworkers, Inc. - request for variance in setback on one small building - granted.
Case #31 August 21, 1958 - Robert Wagstaff - request variance to allow for dividing of lot on Brentwood Avenue - granted.
Case #32 August 7, 1958 - Justin Nason - request variance to allow for erection of a duplex house - den
Case #33 August 7, 1958 - William C. Penny - request for variance in side line distance for garage - granted - 5 ft. variance with second class construction.
Case #34 August 7, 1958 - Isaac Fox - request for variance in side line distance to construct carport - granted - 7 ft.
Case #35 September 11, 1958 - Timothy J. Sullivan - request for variance in side line distance to con- struct garage - granted - second class construction.
Case #36 September 11, 1958 - Gennille Craik - request permission to use a non-conforming sign in front yard - decision pending.
Case #37 September 11, 1958 - J. Greenleaf Nason - request variance in set back - granted - average set back of adjoining property.
Case #38 September 18, 1958 - Mary Cronis - request variance for Nursing Home - decision pending.
Case #39 October 23, 1958 - John Sullivan - request variance on shape of lots on Salem Street - grant
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Case #40
David C. Carpenter, Jr. - request variance to allow for two-family house at 313 Salem Street - granted.
Case #41 Oct. 16, 1958 - Gabrielle DePiano - request permission to use trailer as living quarters while constructing home - granted - for one year.
Case #42
Oct. 16, 1958 - James R. Anderson - request permission to sell surplus land to abuttor - granted.
Case #43 Oct. 23, 1958 - John J. Ruggerio - request permission to sell surplus gravel from lot on Andover Street - granted - subject to approval of Selectmen.
Nov. 6, 1958 - W. C. Demars - request permission to sub-divide large lot on Lawrence Street into smaller lots - granted.
Case #44 Case #45 Nov. 6, 1958 - William Dias - request permission to sell earth products from land off Concord Street - denied.
Case #46 Nov. 20, 1958 - Harry R. Deming - request permission to use house on Federal Street as two- family - granted.
Case #47
Case #48
Nov. 20, 1958 - Wilmington Coal & Oil Co. - request in side line distance and set back - granted. Nov. 20, 1958 - Augustus T. Norton, Jr. - request variance on size of lot on High Street because of State land taking - granted.
Case #49
Dec. 4, 1958 - Pasquale Calendrello - request variance on lot frontage - decision pending. Dec. 4, 1958 - Samuel L. Clogston - request permission to erect non-conforming tool shed - granted.
Case #50 Case #51
Dec. 4, 1958 - Philip R. Watson - request variance in set back and side line distance on lot on Andover Street - granted - 40 ft. set back and 25 ft. side line.
Case #52 Dec. 4, 1958 - Ethel W. Galler - request temporary use of trailer as living quarters on Shawsheen Avenue - granted - one year time limit.
Case #53 Dec. 4, 1958 - Carleton E. Jones - request variance in set back on lot of land on Auburn Avenue granted - 25 ft. set back on lot 91B.
Hearing A Case Members of the board and interested citizens listen to developer outline plans before the Board of Appeals
ASSESSORS
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O
town engineer
TOWN ENGINEER George F. Maynard
The problem of keeping the public works program of a progressive growing community up-to-date and under control occupied much of the time of the Town Engineer.
With the assistance of the Northeastern University cooperative students the Engineer inspected an supervised construction of many of the town's public works projects including streets, drainage, parking areas, beaches and the installation of utilities in all subdivisions.
The year 1958 saw the completion of the first phase of a sewer program, and construction under the street and water betterment program was at an all time high. All layouts of new town streets are one of the routine responsibilities of the engineering department, and many time-consuming factors must be considered in such construction.
It is important that all utilities proposed and existing, show in proper location on all plans to eliminate the possibility of over -lapping work. The work load of the department increased substantially during 1958 with no concurrent increase in personnel, and the town departments are availing themselves of the services of the Engineer.
Excellent liason has been established between this office and the Department of Public Works, anc its importance will become apparent as Route 93 nears completion. Among the results of such liason are: the straightening of West Street at Suncrest Avenue; the relocation of the Reagan Park monument, and the acquisition of a complete set of detailed plans of Interstate 93 and Route 25 by the town ..... all of inestimab. value to the town.
Similar cooperation is apparent in our contact with utility companies and county engineers on such important projects as schools and state or county supervised construction of streets.
Construction of the following betterment streets was supervised by the Engineer:
Dell Drive Kiernan Avenue Marcus Road Meadow Lane Oakridge Circle
Patricia Circle Shady Lane Drive Walker Street Wing Road
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In addition, the laying of curbing was supervised on these streets:
Chandler Road Dunton Road
Kelley Road Suncrest Avenue
Drainage staked out for construction on the following streets:
Eames Street
Oakwood Road
Gravel Pit Inspections:
The following pits have been completed in Wilmington:
Merrill - Chestnut Street
Baldwin - Andover Street
Nitchie
- Chestnut Street
Chipman - Andover Street
New pits in Wilmington now in operation: - None
Old pits in Wilmington now in operation with a permit:
Hunt - Concord Street (Campanella & Cardi)
Mercauto
- Ballardvale Street
Pipes - Chestnut Street
Smith
- Woburn Street
Spinazzola - Old Main Street
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Ready To Roll Town Engineer drives new carryall
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board of water commissioners
Water Supply:
During 1958 test wells were driven in two selected areas in accordance with the department's long range program of having a new well field and pumping station in operation by 1961. In one of the areas a successful ten day pumping test was run which proved to be satisfactory to the State Department of Public Health. Further tests and development are planned on this site for 1959.
A heavy industrial usage of water in 1958 together with the continued growth of the number of private services has caused the department to take steps to immediately increase the supply of water over and above the plans for the new well field. To cope with the problem, several wells at the Brown's Crossin Station have been cleaned already, and more will be cleaned during the early months of 1959. The cleaning process will result in a much higher yield from the present wells. Also, plans are being made to drive mo wells at the Barrows Well Field and to install a million gallon per day electric driven pump at that pumping station. The capacity of the present diesel driven pump is 600, 000 gallons per day. These immediate step should assure the town of an adequate supply of water until the new well field is in operation.
Detailed pumping statistics are set forth below:
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
Maximum gallons
pumped per Day
1,745,000
1,644,600
1,458,100
1,800,500
1,850,60
Maximum gallons
pumped per Week
11,210,000
10,941, 300
9,548,000
11,784,000
9,731,50€
Maximum gallons pumped per Month
37,986,100
43,228,500
41,020,400
44, 339,000
38,549,00
Average gallons pumped per Day
862,870
844,900
922,470
979,750
1,081,70
Average gallons
pumped per Month
26,245, 625
25,692, 550
28,135,330
29,800,825
32,902,00
Total gallons
pumped per Year
314,947,500
308, 310,600
337, 623, 950
357,609,900
394, 824, 80
!
Water Main Extensions:
In 1958, fifteen thousand six hundred (15, 600) feet of mains were added to the Wilmington distri- bution system bringing the total miles of mains at the end of 1958 to 56. 4 M. Eleven new hydrants were added to the system.
To complete the 1958 Betterment Program, a main must be laid across the railroad bridge on Nichols Street, and one hundred (100) feet of main must be laid on Clifton Street in the spring of 1959.
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The following table sets forth the water main extensions:
Street:
No. Ft. 6" Main
No. Ft. 8" Main
No. Ft. 10" Main
(Installed under Provisions of Betterment Act)
Shawsheen Avenue & Nichols Street
1,818
1,495
1,051
Chestnut Street
1,217
2,400
Clifton Street
438
(Installed by Builders & Developers)
Marie Drive
1,440
Thrush Road
460
Salem Street
380
Carson Avenue
330
Druary Lane
687
School Street Extension
783
Loumac Street
400
Cypress Street
487
Chase Street
314
Service road from Woburn St. to Park St.
1,900
TOTALS
5,787
6,862
2,951
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With the program of installing meters in all services almost complete, a new meter repair pro- gram was set up. A new Ford Meter Bench and testing machine were set up at the Brown's Crossing Pumping Station. In 1958, sixty-seven meters were tested and repaired under the direction of the chief plant engineer.
Year
New Services
Total Metered Services
Total Unmetered Services
Total Services
1958
161
2,531
127
2,658
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Water Commissioners: left to right, Chairman Harold E. Melzar, Waldo A. Stevens, Arnold O. Blake, Clerk Sylvia Stanley, Supt. Edmund Sargent
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Wilmington Meinortal Library
GRAND TOTAL - 15,600 ft.
Meter Program:
tree warden
Tree Department Personnel: left to right, Supt. William Babine, William Silva, Joseph Cunningham, Thomas Sullivan
TOWN OF WILLEN TREE & MOTN DEPT
Tree Department:
Our routine work, such as removing trees and broken tree limbs, cutting away damaged tops, and trimming low limbs was carried on throughout the year. Forty-two trees were cut down for street widening, and the brush taken to the dump and burned. All shade trees were sprayed three times. The Tree Department erected the Christmas tree on the Common, and though the Reading Light Department has discontinued the practice of lighting the tree, they presented the equipment to the town, and the men of this department decorated the tree. We are grateful to Mr Herbert C. Barrows for his kindness in again giving this Christmas tree to the town.
Elm Leaf Beetle and Dutch Elm Disease:
Spraying was started on April 15th and all elms were sprayed five times with a 6% D. D. T. solution. Thirty-six barrels of this spray were used, eleven of which were provided by the State at a sav- ing of $800 to the town. Eighty samples of elm trees were sent to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for testing, and seventy-one were returned labeled "Dutch Elm Disease". To date, fifty-six of these trees have been cut down and destroyed.
Moth Department:
All street shade trees were sprayed with 6% and 12% D. D. T. for gypsy moth, tent caterpillars, fall web worms, aphids, pine shoot moth, oak blight and maple leaf spot. All front lawns were sprayed with 6% D. D. T. for japanese beetle. It is advisable to caution all homeowners to make sure their propert is free of items that might prove breeding places for mosquitoes, i. e. tin cans and discarded tires.
Town Forest:
A large amount of brush and several dead trees were removed from the Town Forest this year. The ball field and the area abutting the old Middlesex Canal were sprayed.
Mosquitoes:
As in previous years, we sprayed all bogs, swamps and as much of private property as our equipment could reach.
Poison Ivy:
Brush killer was sprayed on stone walls, brush, private property (where requested) and the sides of streets. Townspeople are advised to call the Town Hall or.the Tree Department (Oliver 8-2809) to report the growth of poison ivy on their land. Also, if the growth of dogwood is suspected, the Tree Department, upon request, will examine the growth, and if necessary spray it.
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highway department
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KA
....
New Highway Department Truck. Heavy duty vehicle serves dual purpose, bigger pay load, better snow plowing
Regular routine work was carried on throughout the year; such as patching, cleaning culverts and catch basins, scraping and cleaning shoulders, brush cutting, and the erection of street and traffic signs. New fences were installed where needed.
Due to an abnormally wet year, brush control presented a serious problem. In many cases the brush was cut three times especially on curves and blind corners. All the surrounding towns had the same problem. As a last resort to combat the situation, I purchased special spraying equipment and five barrels of poison. Towns using the spraying method claim it is the answer to their brush problem. The poison used is guaranteed to kill the brush if properly used. To obtain the desired results the spraying should be done in the middle of the spring when growth and foliage are tender. Most all the streets were sprayed with this poison by the Tree Department, but I do not expect any startling results as the job was done late in the fall. The Tree Warden and I investigated and were satisfied with its killing effects and agree if used in the spring will produce the desired results.
As in past years, the Highway Department joined forces with the Tree Department in the removal of dead, diseased and dangerous trees. A large number of elm trees have been and are still being cut down and burned, and if this rate continues for the next fifteen to twenty years very few will be left standing.
All street construction carried over from 1957 was completed, and all contemplated drainage has been completed.
Chapter 90 Construction for 1957 completed in 1958: (Available funds $24, 000) (Expenditure $23, 950)
Park Street - started Dec. 15, 1957 and completed in August 1958. All trees, stumps, brush, ledge, subsoil and peat removed for a distance of 2750 ft. x 50 ft. wide ..... 1200 ft. of drainage and eight catch basins installed ..... entire right of way graveled ..... a 24-ft. traveled way was graded, surface -treated with heavy asphalt, back-covered with pea gravel and rolled.
Wilmington Memorial Library
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Chapter 90 Construction for 1958:
(Available funds $15, 000) (Expenditure $14, 700)
Lowell Street - 2200 ft. x 40 ft. wide. All subsoil, mud and peat in the shoulder abutting the AVCO property removed and backfilled with gravel and rolled .... , all catch basins relocated and raised to grade ..... new drain lines installed where needed ..... surfaced with Type I hot mix and rolled.
Chapter 90 Construction for 1958: (Available funds $9, 300) (Expenditure $4, 400)
Park Street - 750 ft. x 50 ft. All peat and mud removed ..... back-filled with gravel and rolled. temporary surface-treated as some drainage has to be installed ..... two new fences installed ... three driveways repaired ..... one lawn rebuilt to offset the damage caused by grade changes. -- Work held up on orders issued by the Dept. of Public Works until a definite point is designated as to where the contractor now working on the new Route 28 will stop.
Chapter 90 Maintenance for 1958: (Available funds $4500) (Expenditure $4496)
Middlesex Avenue - 4/10 of a mile. .... sealed with RC5 asphalt. ... stone covered and rolled. Church Street - 9/10 of a mile ..... sealed with RC5 asphalt .... .. stone covered and rolled. Shawsheen Avenue - 1 9/10 of a mile ..... sealed with RC5 asphalt ..... stone covered and rolled.
(Available funds $1500) (Expenditure $1430)
Specified streets graveled where needed and surface-treated.
Broad Street - 4/10 of a mile ..... gravel added and penetrated. Cook Avenue - 3/10 of a
mile ..... gravel added and penetrated. Highland Street - 3/10 of a mile ..... gravel added and penetrated. Border Avenue - 1/10 of a mile ..... gravel added and penetrated.
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