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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1929-07-16292 z REGULAR MEETING, JULY 16, 1929. � A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen , was held at the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Burnham, Blake and Custance were present. The.Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. At 8 P.M. hearing was declared open upon the Burgess application of Harry A. Burgess for permission to gasoline erect and maintain a gasoline filling statiota at hearing. the corner of Marrett Road and Waltham Street in a — capacity of 3,000 gallons. Mr. Burgess appeared and explained the plan'which he presented wherein he intended to locate the._ filling station. - Mrs. Grace L, Hinckley of Marrett Road and her son were present at the hearing, and registered objection to atm ther filling station being located on this corner. Mrs. Hinckley stated that there are now two filling stations on the two other corners of Waltham Street and Marrett Road and she felt that there should be sane restriction as to the number of stations to be installed. She realized that this was business property but she did not feel that a permit should be granted in this case so that it would spoil her property. She.stated that the noise of the cars stopping and putting on their brakes was now very , objectionable and an additional station would make it worse. No other persons appeared for or against the application. , Mr.. Burgess was asked whether or not if he were granted a permit, would he be willing to put i p n sidewalks and curbstones similar to the treatment that is to be given to the opposite corner when Mr. Ashley W. Partridge was granted -a permit. He stated that he would be willing'to do this., The Board took the matter udder consideration and voted to grant Mr. Burgess a permit on condition that he comply with the same requirements that were necessary in the ease of Mr. Partridge. Mr. Neil McIntosh came before the Board and McIntosh "Sunnyfield" presented a plan for'the layout of Sunnyfield and explained that the nature of the soil on part of his development is such that it cannot be developed for house lots. There is a peat bog that he cannot find the bottom of and therefore he would have to abanddnnall of the streets northerly of Justin Street also Humphrey and Alvin Streets and use this land for small farms. He stated that he would abandon whatever streets the Board decided upon. , The Board informed Mr. McIntosh that they would like to lay the matter before the Planning Board to see whether or not they have any objection to the abandonment of any Lof these streets. 293 Mr. McIntosh called the Boardts attention Drains, to the fact that he thought that considerable money should be spent by the Town in draining various areas. The Town would then get back a great deal more than that Invested in real estate valuations. He felt that the Board should make a study of the situation and put in covered drains and assess betterments.` Mr. Warren'S. Keay and Mr. Leonard C. Shipp of the Boston & Maine R. R. Co. came before the Traffic Board -to discuss traffic signals. Signals. Mr. Keay stated that the railroad company was ready to have automatic traffic signals installed at Woburn ,Street, Meriam Street and Hancock Street to be operated by three lights and to be'similar to the lights now being installed by the Town. Re stated that it had proven with the high speed traffic that the gate protection does not control traffic sufficiently, and that the automatic signals would be better. He stated that many lives were lost owing to the fact that they could not get protection inasmuch as in sane instances they couldget over the tracks. He stated that the State was cooperating with them and approved of the installation of automatic traffic signals. The State even offered in some instances to install signals if the railroad company would operate -than, but the question of liability arose and the >aatt er has not been settled. He stated that it is the intention of the railroad company to increase the service between here and Billerica and the more expense that is out down the more advantage they would have to increase the service. The Board requested them to consider placing a signal also 'at Fletcher Avenue'. Mr. Keay agreed to write a letter stating just what they were ready to do. He alsostated that he was asking the privilege of putting in these automatic ,signals and abandoning the gates in the locations aboveb mentioned. He stated that they would consider t. they would do with Bedford Street. Mr. Shipp stated that Mr. Sawyer was ready to cooperate with the Board in doing their part of the Bow Street. work -on the widening of Bow Street. The bell signal item being now out of mind, he did not see why they Ybbuld not put in additional planking in order to widen out the roadway. Mr. Custance requested that Mr. Sawyer get in touch with him so that his final decision on what is necessary in this location could be made. Mr. Keay suggested HeaRley filling be put in ' instead of planks to make a smooth readbed. Letter was received from Mr. Roland W. Baldrey Traffic at in which he suggested that something be done about Maple St. & directing traffic at the corner of Maple Street and Mass. Ave. Massachusetts Avenue. He enclosed a suggestion 294 which he felt might remedy conditions_thereQ. Mr. Scamman was requested to make a study of the situation and report_ to the Board at their next meeting. Bearing re Notice of a hearing to receive the bids Waltham St. on the construction of Waltham Street was received from the State Dept: of Public Works, aame to be held at Room 413, July 23, 1929 at 12 M. Letter was received from Mr. Edward C. Ins. reg. Stone in regard to the insurance clause on the on Overhanging proposed regulations Por advertising signs. sign reg. He made a suggestion that property damage be added to the liability insurance if the Board so desired. Mr. Blake felt that there was• a chancefor property damage if a sign fell and he felt that this would protect the Town in every way against accidents of this kind. It was finally decided that the Board ask Mr. Wrightington upon his return, to draw up that he thinks is a proper set of regulations and for him to ask whatever questions he deems necessary for the opinion of the Board, and present the regulations for the Boardts signature. Town Counsel, Sydney R. Wrightington mailed Stuart -Marshall a copy of the letter written to Mr. Ballard relative Realty Co. to the Stuart Marshall Realty Co. to the Board. It appears that the Stuart -Marshall Realty Co. feel that the Town should revoke the Tenement HQuse;Act and adopt only such sections as are necessary,, leaving permission to erect a building with steres underneath and apartments above, such as is now prohibited by the Tenement House Act. Lundergan Application was received from Rosanna Lundergan application, for permission to install gasoline tanks at the gasoline* corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Sylvia Street;. It was decided to advertise a hearing on the application provided Mrs. Lundergan meets the quire ments of the Board and pays the fee and files` e plan. A commitment for sewer rental charges -in the Sewer Commitment.amount of $1,342.98 was signed by the Board. Letter was received from the `Down Engineeriving Streets. the status of the work dome on Hill, Lincoln and East Streets, and Massachusetts Avenue to Vine Brook Road. In this connection it was decided to hold another informal hearing on East Street alyout and have the plans of the studies presented at that meeting before makin a final adoption of the order of layout from Lower Street over East Street through private land to Bedford Street. Hairdressing Hairdressing license was granted to the Vogue License. , Beauty shop at 7 Waltham Street. 1 1 r Financial statement of the American-LaFrance Fire Engine Company was filed with the Board. ' Telegram was also received from the salesman of the company stating that he would _secure the new type pumper for the same price as the old. The Board decided to accept the offer and place an order with the.American-LaFrance Fire Engine Co. for the 750 gallon pumper with the list of equipment as listed by the Chief of the Fire Department. 95 Fire Equipment. It. was voted to adopt the following order covering Sidewalk the construction of a sidewalk in front of property of Order. George A. Parks at 863 Massachusetts Avenue. MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE July 16, 1929. KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRE SENTE: That the Board of Selectmen and Public Forks of Lexington, Massachusetts, in regular session duly assembled on the 16th day of July, 1929 did adopt an order for the construction of a granolithic sidewalk on the easterly side of Massachusetts Avenue, a public way in said Town of Lexington, at property at 863 Massa- chusetts Avenue, and as designated by Engineer's stakes, ' in form as follows: It is hereby adjudged by the Board of Selectmen and Public Works of the Town of Lexington that public convenience requires that a granolithic sidewalk be constructed on the easterly side of Massachusetts .Avenue, a public way of the Town of Lexington, at property at 863 Massachusetts Avenue_, add as designated by Engineer's stakes. It is therefor ORDERED that a granolithic sidewalk be constructed on the easterly side of Massachusetts Avenue, a public way of the Town of Lexington, at property at 863 Massachusetts Avenue, and as designated by Engineer's stakes, and that one-half of the cost thereof be assessed upon abutting estates, all under the provisions of Chapter 83 of the General Laws, and of any amendments thereto so far as applicable. ROWI THEREFORE, this statement of their action is now made to be recorded in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds, that all assessments made or charges imposed under ' Chapter 83 of the General Laws and any amendments thereof upon any lend which abuts upon said sidewalk, shall constitute a lien upon such land from the time this statement is receded in said Registry of Deeds. Given under my hand and the seal of the said Town this 16th day of July, 1929. Helen C. Whittemore, Assistant To Cert and Clerk of the Board of Selectmen of ex g on. 296 I. Tennis Courts. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss. July 16, 1929. Then personally appeared the above named, Helen C. Whittemore, Assistant Town Clerk and Clerk of the Board of Selectmen of the said Town and made oath that the foregoing statement subscribed by her is true, before me, William S. Scamman Notary Public. SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATED BETTERMENTS REFERRED TO IN THE FOREGOING ORDER. 863 Massachusetts Avenue. Owner as of April 1, 1929 Assessment. George A. Parks $62.00. Mr. Blake presented a statement of costs supplied him by the Supt' cf Parks for the installation of tennis courts in East Lexington. He felt that tennis courts should be built in the east end of the town, and thereby furnish the people in that section an opportunity to play tennis and relieve the situation at the Lexington center courts. The Supt. of Public Works suggested that .in order to increase the place for tennis courts the courts will interfere with the baseball diamond, and he felt that the town should endeavor to purchase some of the property adjacent belonging to Miss Ellen A. StoneQ The Board felt that this suggestion was worthy of consideration especially owing to the fact that the school building itself is to be expanded. It was suggested that the Supt. of Public Works take the matter up with Mr. Charles Spaulding and re- quest him to consult with Miss Stone and report to the Board at the'next meeting. Old Belfry Mr. Blake requested the Supt, of Public Works to Fence. secure figures on the fence to be placed around the'Belfry. Public Works The Board discussed the matter of obtaining a site. universal public works site so that all the departments now storing materials` and equipment in various pasts of the town might have a centralized plant in which to store same. Mr. Custance stated that a sub -committee of Mr. Ballard and Mr. Chamberlain had been appointed some 1 u 1 PW 96 time ago and he was in possession of the correspondence they had carried on in reference to the _matter, _ and he felt that the Board should consider very seriously the site of the Middlesex & Boston ft.ltyoCo. on Bedford Street. This piece of land consists of approximately 20 acres and has upon the same a spur track, and the buildin#s perhaps could be altered in such a manner to store the various automobiles of the town, The Supt. of Public Works was requested to get a statement showing the cost of placing the trucks and automobiles in the town's service in the local garage in the winter time, the cost of rental of the Water Dept. garage, Mr. M ara's barn, storage space in the B. & M. R. R. Co. and any other items that enter into the cost of storage and maintenance of the town property in connection With the Public Works so that the Board may have an opportunity to study the matter. The weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works is as follows: For the week ending July 153, 1929. Highway Department. The construction work on Bedford Street and Massa- chusetts Avenue is being carried on in fine shape. That part between Elm Avenue and Meriam Street, except the south side of Massachusetts Avenue and that part of Hancock Street between the railroad crossing and Bedford Street were opened for travel. Supt. of Public Trenches were excavated and backfilled for the Works Report. cables for the automatic traffic signals and the cable was installed at Clarke Street and Elm Avenue. Brush on North Hancock Street was cut out. Surface patches were made on Concord Avenue, Follen Road, Lowell Street, and Burlington Street and a number of scattered holes in different locations were patched. The .wdid,ewalk construction will probably be cleaned up during the week of July 15. Next week the department will be occupied with the construction of Massachusetts Avenue and the necessary work of maintenance. Moth and Shade Tree Department. One tree was removed and other trees trimmed on the Buckman Tavern grounds. One tree was removed from Massachusetts Avenue in front of the Lexington Home for Aged people. Trees on the small park at Pleasant Street and Follen Road were trimmed. Next week the Department will be occupied with the work of trimming trees, and removing brush. Park Department. Work on the swimming pool was started by the contractor. 298 The department was occupied with the regular maintenance work and will _be_so occupied.next_week. Water Maintenance. We have installed water services for the following persons: Dunn, Corner of Mass. Avenue and Lisbeth Street; renewed service to curb for the Marshall Block; service to curb for Lexington Coal Company; renewed services to curb on Waltham Street. Tww men have been tieing in shut -offs. Water Construction. We have been drilling and blasting ledge for the laying of the water main in Hill Avenue, and have laid approximately 150r of 8" pipe. Sewer Maintenance. The following services have been installed Lexington Coal Company, 1775 Massachusetts Avenle, to curb only; McDougall, 1568 Massachusetts Avenue; 4uinlan, 55 Woburn Street; Marshall Block, 1834 Massa- chusetts Avenue, to curb only. Sewer Construction. We have laid approximately 100+ of 8" pipe in Eustis Street to connect the Cobb property; have laid approximately 100, of sewer pipe in Belfry Terrace to connect Dr. Stan.kard's house. The work contemplated for the week ending July 27 is as follows: Smith Ave. sewer extension; water and sewer services, etc. Engineering Department Highways. Massachusetts Avenue line fronting Colonial Garage. Lines and grades for curbing along Massachusetts Avenue between entrances to Curve Street. Sewers. Grades for construction at Belfry Terrace. Tied in curb connections of sewer and water installed in Massachusetts Avenue between Waltham Street and Clarke Street. Sidewalks. preliminary studies, lines and grades for granolithic construction by Simpson Brothers. Measured 22,943 square feet of new Granolithic. j Dra ins. ' For study of drain through car barn property: 1. Levels on Bedford St. from Reed _St. _to Sunnyknotl Avenue. 2. Levels on Reed Street from Bedford Street to beyond Sunnyknoll Avanue. Miscellaneous. Lines and grades for curbing and granolithic sidewalk at Marrett Road and Waltham Street.along Standard Oil lot. Tracing new block plan streets. Trips to registry to record sewer plans and to get Reg. land cert. numbers for acceptance of Harding Road. Checked sidewalk orders for Land Court and Registry. Started figuring Westview Cemetery lines in order to lay out neer ditveway before August lat. Remarks Assistant, S. A. Higgins, spent entire week at swimming pool for inspection of forms and tests of corarete mix. Very truly yours, William S. Scamnan Supt. of Public Works. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M. a A true record, Attest: Clerk. u