HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-06-13-BOS-min 126
SELECTMEN'S MF;F;TING
June 13, 1966
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office building, on
Monday, June 13, 1966, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole,
Messrs . Cataldo, Sheldon and Mabee were present. Mr.
Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and Miss Murray,
Executive Clerk, were also present.
Hearing was declared open upon petition of the
Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone
and Telegraph Company for permission to locate two
poles on Wood Street .
Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti-
Pole tioners, owners of the property as listed on the peti-
locations tioners ' plans and also filed with the Superintendent
of Public Works.
Mr. Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company,
was the only person present at the hearing.
Mr. Pratt said the petition is to place the poles
as near the lot line as possible.
Mr. Carroll said this was being done at his request.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow-
ing i/o pole locations:
Wood Street, southwesterly side, approximately
355 feet northwest of Alpine Street
One pole
(One existing JO pole to be removed. )
Wood Street, northeasterly side, approximately
225 feet northwest of Alpine Street
One pole
(One existing JO pole to be removed. )
Mr. Carroll said his item concerned the recommen-
dation of the Traffic Study Committee to the Board. The
first was for the Board to consider installation, on the
present traffic lighting standards on Bedford Street, of
four oversized red lights .
The Chairman asked if he meant at Worthen Road.
Mr. Carroll replied Worthen Road and Bedford Street;
it will be facing Lexington Center. This is an attempt
to try and solve some of the difficulties there have
been at that station. He said the figure he had was
$578.00, including siren and Klaxon bell.
The Board agreed to accept the recommendation of
the Traffic Study Committee without the siren. II I
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A letter was received from Robert C. Jackson, dated
June 2, 1966, with further reference to the proposed
sidewalk construction on York Street.
Mr. Carroll said if Mr. Jackson would like to in- York Street
spect the sidewalk with him, he would be very glad to sidewalk
do it.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Carroll wanted him to
answer Mr. Jackson that Mr. Carroll would be in contact
with him. Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative.
Letter, dated June 9, 1966, was received from Mr .
Carroll, to which was attached a letter from the Federal Woodhaven
Water Pollution Control Administration on the Woodhaven Trunk Sewer
Trunk Sewer. He said it appears $130,700 is on the way.
He said Mr. Carroll did not think the Town would be re-
ceiving the $14.,556 for some time.
Mr. Carroll said he did not think the third leg of
the Metropolitan District Commission trunk sewer would
start for some time.
Letter was received from the Brookline Board of
Selectmen relative to a hearing on Monday, June 20, 1966,
at 8:00 P.M. relative to the possible formation of a Underground
State-wide organization to consider the subject of under- utility
ground utility wires. wires
The Chairman said due to the Special Town Meeting,
the Board could not have a representative attend the
hearing. He said he would advise the Brookline Selectmen
that Lexington is interested and would like a copy of the
minutes of the meeting on June 20.
Mr. Cataldo asked Mr. Carroll to check with the
utility company to find out what it will entail to go Underground
underground on Meriam Street to beyond the parking lot. utilities
The Chairman read a letter from Hayes-Bickford
Lunch System, Inc. , advising it would like to build a
restaurant on the premises adjacent to Dr. Short's on Common
Waltham Street, but before spending an estimated Victualler
$100,000 would like a letter from the Board stating license
that when the building is up, the Board will grant a
common victualler license.
Mr. Sheldon said when the Town Meeting voted to
rezone that property, it was evident it knew a restaurant
would be put there and approved it on that basis. He
said the Board could encourage them to proceed on the
theory it would expect to grant a license.
The Chairman said he would advise them that when
the restaurant is constructed and it conforms to the
health laws, and meets all requirements, the Board would
have no objection.
12Sco ZIC
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Dance to grant permission to Mrs . Aaron A. Galvin to hold a
square dance on Barberry Road the evening of July 2,
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1966, or July 4 in the event of inclement weather.
Mr. A. H. Hruby and two boys, members of the
"Dimensions", met with the Board relative to the use
of Cary Memorial Hall for a dance.
Use of The Chairman said he presumed Mr. Hruby knew there
hall had been some problems in the past at which time damage
was done to the hall. He asked if there would be any
adult supervision.
Mr. druby said sixteen adults have offered to act
as supervisors and he understood there would be two
police officers availablit that night and, hopefully,
there will be four. Chief Corr is working on this now.
He said he would also be there.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to grant "The Dimensions" the use of Cary Memorial Hall
for a dance on June 24, 1966 from 7 00 P.M. until mid-
night, subject to a charge of $35.00, plus a fee of $4.18
per hour for custodian' s overtime services.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Taxi to deny a second application for a Taxi Driver license
Driver received from William L. Iverson, Jr. , 26 Cottage Street,
license Lexington.
denied The Chairman said the Board has reached the point
where it has to make hard and fast rules, and it should
let the companies know the record, and choose the time
they want. If they have a serious record of more than
two violations, they must have a clean record for five
years before the Board considers giving them a taxi driver
license.
Mr. Cataldo suggested that Mr. Gray draw up a set
of rules.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Minutes to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held
on June 6, 1966.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to go into Executive Session for the purpose of dis-
Executive cussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if
Session made public, might adversely affect the public security,
the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation
of any person.
Following reference by the Chairman to the pro-
perty at 475 Massachusetts Avenue, motions for Town
Meeting on June 20, and appraisals received from the
Conservation Commission, it was voted to resume the
open meeting.
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At 8:00 P.M. , hearing was declared open in regard
to the condition of the property located at 475 Massa-
chusetts Avenue, Lexington, believed to be owned by Cummings'
Bevel L. Cummings, 48 Wildwood Avenue, Arlington, and hearing
Mrs. Ada H. Melick, 48 Wildwood Avenue, Arlington .
The Chairman stated notices of the hearing were
sent to both owners that a hearing would be held this
evening at 8:00 P.M. in the Selectmen' s Room. He
asked if there was anyone present representing Mr.
Cummings and Mrs . Melick.
No one was present representing either of them.
The Chairman said the Board would hear the Building
Inspector and present in evidence the findings of the
Building Inspector.
Mr. Donald K. Irwin, Building Inspector, stated
there have been no basic changes than in his complete
report and pictures the Chairman had in front of him.
He said he checked the property at eleven o' clock this
morning, and reported as follows: the barn front - one
upper window out, one lower window out; main house- -
upper right window out, front second floor, two glasses
broken out, glass broken at front door; right upper side -
glass out, two lower blinds covering windows, broken
glass in sash; rear - two windows out; entrance can be
gained through at least three places; cesspool to rear
of house uncovered; dry well partially covered with an
old electric stove.
The Chairman stated, since the Inspector's report
of January 4, 1965, there has been no substantial im-
provement at all, and asked if itnwould be safe to say
there has been more deterioration.
Mr. Irwin replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman asked if there had been any more
evidence of fire since 1965.
Mr. Irwin replied, not to his knowledge.
The Chairman said the Board does have on record
that there has been no improvement of the property and
more deterioration, and for the record he had Mr. Irwin's
report, dated Arril 22, 1966.
Mr. Irwin submitted three pictures taken of the
property on April 22, 1966, to substantiate his report.
The Chairman asked if, in Mr. Irwin ' s opinion, this
house could be described as a general nuisance, and Mr.
Irwin replied there is no question about it.
The Chairman asked if anyone present wished to
speak at the hearing of the so-called red house owned
by Bavel L. Cummings and Mrs . Ada H. Melick.
No one present spoke.
The Chairman declared the nearing closed and said
the Board would take the matter under advisement and
consult with Town Counsel to see what steps can be taken
to correct the situation.
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At 8:40 P.M. , Mr . Bevel L. Cummings came into the
Selectmen' s Meeting.
The Chairman stated that the hearing was held and
the Building Inspector had left, but he would see that
Mr. Cummings had a copy of the minutes.
Mr. Cummings said he planned to be present but was
in Boston.
The Chairman said the hearing was held, taken under
advisement and if Mr. Cummings liked, the Board would
give him a transcript of the hearing .
Mr. Cummings asked if there was anything the Board
wanted of him, and the Chairman replied not at this point;
the Board would give him a transcript.
Mr. Cummings retired.
The Chairman said the Board received a report from
Mr. Irwin, dated June 7, 1966, in regard tot he two-car
Goodwin garage on property of Joseph Goodwin, 9 Pearl Street.
property Mr. Irwin said that was correct.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Irwin would recommend
that t he Board hold a hearing on this piece of property.
Mr. Irwin replied that he did. He said there have
been a number of neighborhood complaints regarding this
and other problems. He reported that Town Counsel felt
this particular one should be handled separately under
Chapter 139. He said although it is a separate item,
it is a whole part of the picture.
The Chairman said at the present time, the action
Mr. Irwin had in the District Court was on the cars.
Mr. Irwin said automobiles and condition of the
materials stored. He stated it is in Superior Court,
a bill of complaint . He said he did not know when it
was coming up and is being handled by Town Counsel.
Mr. Cataldo asked if Mr. Irwin thought the outcome
of that hearing would have any effect on tais
Mr. Irwin replied he was sure there will be some
effect .
Mr. Cataldo said perhaps the Board should wait.
The Chairman read a letter from Town Counsel, dated
June 10, 1966.
Mr. Sheldon said from the letter it meant Town
Counsel was willing that a hearing take place.
The Chairman said he thought so, but he would like
Town Counsel's recommendations first before scheduling
a hearing. He said, in any event, all the steps that
the Town must take have been taken and any further steps
should be taken under Town Counsel.
Mr. Irwin said that was correct .
It was agreed to hold this over and consult with
Town Counsel.
Mr. Robert Wilson, Bartlett Avenue, said he wanted
to know what Mr. Irwin's recommendation is. He said
he would like to put up a fence.
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The Chairman said Mr. Irwin will not make his re-
commendations until the Board holds a hearing which it
will have to schedule under Chapter 139.
Mr. Wilson asked if the Board could advise him what
he should do to follow this.
The Chairman said the Board could keep him notified
of the progress.
Letter was received from Miss McDonough, Town
Treasurer, advising it is necessary to borrow $1,000,000.
in anticipation of taxes. She reported a list of bids
received on $1,000,000, borrowing, notes to be dated
June 20, 1966 and payable November 1L., 1966. Borrowing
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to approve the bids of the New England Merchants National
Bank of Boston of 3.04 for $500,000. and 3.09 for
$250,000. and to approve the bid of the First National
Bank of Boston of 3.09 for $250,000.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to renew John Rutherford' s Guide license. License
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to accept the supplemental list of jurors. Jury list
Mr. Arthur Burrell, Director of Civil Defense, met
with the Board, and referred to a letter, dated June 10,
1966, which he sent to the Board. He stated what it
said is that he is satisfied that the contract for the
installation of the warning system has been satisfactorily
completed and he recommended to the Board that it accept Warning
the system and send the Town's half of the cost to the system
State so the bills can be paid. He said the State
Treasurer is holding funds now.
The Chairman asked where the key would be in case
one of them goes off.
Mr. Burnell replied they don't go off. This is
a telephone problem and he would make arrangements to
maintain these. He laid whether he would go on a
regular contract or not he did not knew, but again he
was talking reimbursement of 50%. He said the Fire
Department should be shown how to pull the fuses.
The Chairman asked about the ikabiLiby df the
servile man
Mr. Burrell replied this is what he is working on now.
The Chairman said a service contract has not been
issued yet.
Mr Burrell said the company that has been doing
adjustments on these for the manufacturer understands
the problem is a little more acute than normal and it
may cost the Town a little money, but he thought it
was worth it.
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted '
to accept the Civil Defense Outdoor Warning System sub-
ject to the warranty conditions in the contract.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to authorize payment of $11,907.50 - funds having been
appropriated under Article 41 by vote of Town Meeting
on March 25, 1963
Mr. Burrell said he has been active for anumber
of years in the National Civil Defense Council and he
would like to be a candidate for National President
this October. The requirements are that the candidates
secure the official support of the appointing authority
Nat ' l C.D. The Chairman said this is what the Board did last
Council year.
Mr. Sheldon asked if this would affect Mr. Burrell 's
local duties .
Mr. Burrell replied the time he puts in this will
not come out of the Town time.
Mr. Cataldo asked how much this would take Mr.
Burrell out of town, and he replied there are eight
national meetings, maybe some two or three days and one
is a west coast meeting.
Mr. Cataldo said he had no objection, was merely
curious.
The Chairman said the Board would write the same
letter it did last year
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
toosupport Mr. Arthur E. Burrell in his candidacy for
National President of the National Civil Defense Couneil.
The Chairman said he received a petition from the
people on Lowell Street , from North Street on. They
Lowell St are requesting the Board to give every consideration to
moving Lowell Street over because it is too far this
way and trees will be cut down.
Mr. Carroll told the Board no trees will be cut.
The Chairman said he would have a copy of the
petition sent to Mr. Carroll and would bring the subject
up again next week.
The Chairman said he received a letter from Mrs.
George H. Macbeth, 507 Waltham Street, which he thought
should be held over for Town Counsel
The Chairman reported receipt of a bill in the amount
of $2,000. submitted by William A. Halsey, architect on
Architect' s the Public Works Building project.
bill Upon motion dull( made and seconded, it was voted
to authorize payment of $2,000. to William A. Halsey for
professional services to June 10, 1966.
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Letter was received from the City of Waltham, dated
June 10, 1966, together with minutes of the Regional
Refuse Study Committee Meeting held May 25, 1966 in Waltham.
The next meeting of the subcommittee is tentatively scheduled
for
Wednesday, June 22, 1966, at 8:00 P.M. in the Weston Town
Hall. Inciner ato
Mr. Cataldo suggested that the questionnaire, enclosed
in the letter, be given to Mr. Carroll to answer. He said
he thought the Board should appoint someone to the com -
mittee but he would go to one more meeting and see in what
direction this is going.
The Chairman said if Mr. Carroll could not make it,
someone in the Engineering Department could.
Mr. Carroll said he thought this was a policy-making
matter.
Mr. Cataldo agreed to attend the next meeting.
The Chairman said he received a letter from the
Manhattan Builders regarding the extension of the roof
on the building on Waltham Street. Manhattan
Mr. Cataldo sail the Board did not want to go beyond building
the building line and it released them from the front
and should have released them from the front and back of the
Stevens ' building. He said the intention was to go to
the limit of the Stevens ' building, front and back.
Mr. Kolovson and Mrs . Scharfman, of the Implementation
Committee for Lexington Center, met with the Board.
The Chairman read the following, received from
Mrs . Howard Scharfman:
The Implementation Committee for Lexington Center recommends
that Scheme I, planting peninsulas and parking alcoves, be
adopted by the Board of Selectmen as the first step in
beautifying Lexington Center. The committee further
suggests that the Town continue to work towards the goals
of Scheme II for the entire length of the Center by pro-
viding: Lexington
Center
1 additional off-street parking
2. additional parking around Emery Park
3 adequate solution for snow removal
4 plantings and/or other amenities for the
south side of Massachusetts Avenue
Mr. Cabroll stated this is a concept rather than afinal
plan. He said he had a variation of the plan which he did
not think the committee had seen as a group. He said this
134 3
a;:a.
was Scheme A2 and nothing would be done this year. He 11stated that if the committee goes along with this, it is
the intention of the committee to interview khthitects.
Then the idea would be to draw what the ground rules are
and eventually it would have architects working with the
engineer.
Mr. Sheldon asked if the committee unanimously re-
commended this plan, and the Chairman replied in the
affirmative.
Mr. Cataldo said if no constructionecould be done this
year he thought the most sense would be made to design
the complete job and next March go to Town Meeting for all
the money.
The Chairman asked what would be the earliest con-
struction could be started, and Mr. Carroll replied it is
almost an impossibility to do any woWc this year.
The Chairman said he did not think any of the Board
had any objection to broadening the concept He said at
this point the Board does approve the concept as submitted.
Mr. Cataldo said the next job would be to interview
architects and come back and discuss it with the Board.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to approve the concept as recommended by the Implementation
Committee for Lexington Center.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing,
deliberating, or voting on matters which, if made public,
Executive might adversely affect the public security, the financial
Session interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person.
Following discussion relative to Bowman Park and
Route 2 construction, it was voted to resume the open
meeting.
At 9:30 P.M , representatives of Bowman Park area
and Peacock Farms area met with the Board.
Dr. Hershel Jick, Trotting Horse Drive, stated in
view of thelact the Department of Natural Resources
is coming out this week at the invitation of the Board
of Selectrpsm, he would like to suggest a position his
Route 2 group is going to take with them concerning the problem
of the intersection of Route 2 and Watertown Street, and
would like the Board' s opinion. He said if the Board
feels it has merit, his group would like the Board' s
support. If not, they would like to know what the
Board' s position is regarding that intersection. Dr. Jick
read the following statement:
The conservation issues in Peacock Farm Valley
have been presented many times and the Board of
Selectmen are fully aware of them. It has been
135
II generally agreed that these arp of sufficient
magnitude to preclude the buil ing of the proposed
loop ramp unless this ramp is efinitel needed
to allow traffic from Belmont o go west on Route 2.
The following considerations c*st grave doubt on the
need for this access at this intersection:
(1) The vast majority of car' wishing to go west
on Route 2 at this intersectio q► come from either
Belmont Center, Waverley Squar¢, or points very
close. This results from the 11 extraordinarily few
houses between these central pints and the inter-
section.
(R) There are four different Ways of getting from
Belmont Center to Route 2 going west even without
the proposed ramp: one via Park Ave. access, two
via Pleasant St. access , and oe via Waltham St.
access. Of these four at leaSt two are as good
or better than the Winter St . - Watertown proposed
access . (See attached list.)
(3) There are four different ways of getting onto
Route 2 going west from Waverlejy Sq. without using
a Watertown St . Access : two via the Waltham St . access
II
and two via the Pleasant St. Access . Another method
for going west would utilize Trapelo Rd. to 128.
(4) The traffic estimated at maximum rush hour for
1980 wishing to go west at Watertown St . is one car
per 20 seconds, a very low figire A recent traffic
count at this intersection at 5 :00 F.M. on a Monday
revealed an average of 2.5 cars/min. turning left
onto Route 2 from Winter St. If these cars were
equally divided between the alternate four routes
this would mean an extra 3/k of a car per minute
increase at the maximum rush hour in 1980.
(5) If these data are accurate there is grave
doubt whether the elevated loop ramp is necessary
at all. We therefore urge the elimination of this
loop and the substitution of an off ramp; or a
complete traffic survey which describes the habits
or cars coming from Belmont Center and Waverley Sq. ,
which identifies these cars now taking Winter St.
to get ontRoute 2 going west ani which justifies the
construction of this large, expensive, destructive
ramp if in fact any justificati )n is present.
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DISTANCE FROM BELMONT CENTER TO INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 2
AND WALTHAM STREET
ROuTE 2 OTHER TOTAL
1. Via Park Avenue access 2. 75 0 9 3.65 (mi.)
2. Via Concord Ave. andWaltham St. 0 3 70 3.70
3. Via Concord Ave. and Pleasant St. 0.8 3.1 3.90
*14 Via Winter St. and Watertown St.
(if ramp installed) 1.4 2.6 1E.O
5. Via Winter St. and Pleasant St. 0.8 3.4 4.2
In order of shortest distance
*Proposed loop ramp construction
DISTANCE FROM WAVERLEY SQUARE (MILL. ST. AND TRAPELO RD.)
TO WALTHAM STREET AND ROUTE 2
ROUTE 2. OTHER TOTAL
1 Via Trapelo Rd. and Waltham St. 0 3.3 3.3
2. Via Mill St. , Concord Ave. , and
Waltham St. 4 3.3 3.3
3. Via Mill St. , Concord Ave. , and 0.8 2.7 3.5
Pleasant St.
*4. Via Mill St. , Winter St. , and
Watertown St. 1.4 2.2 3.6
5. Via Mill St. , Winter St. , and
Pleasant St. 0.8 3.0 3.8
Proposed loot ramp construction
1
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The Chairman said Dr. Jick' s stand was no off ramp
is necessary at the intersection of Watertown Street and
Route 2.
Dr. Jick said, more specifically, no westbound access
is necessary for cars coming from Belmont. He said the
slip ramp would provide this, He said he was aware of
the fact if that loop were built, some cars would take it
and if the loop is not built, the cars will have to go some
place else. He said this involves a very few cars
The Chairman said there would be no out for Bowman
Park.
Dr. Jick said his group feels what goes on at this
intersection is none of its business and it has disengaged
itself from that intersection
Mr. Cataldo said the Board has talked six months
about taking that access out of there and the Department
of Public Works Would have no part of it
The Chairman asked Mr. Cataldo what he thought the
chances would be if the Board went in with a plan, like
the one submitted this evening by Dr. Jick, in view of
the fact the Bureau of Natural Resources will review the
whole program.
Mr. Cataldo replied he would not see how they could
reverse their decision where they justified their posi-
tion before, but there was nothing to say the Board could
not try again.
The Chairman said, in fairness, the Department of
Public Works should be informed. He said it appealed
to him because of the fact it does not cut up Bowman Park,
and he, personally, felt very strongly the Board should
not use any part of Bowman Park for the reconstruction of
Route 2
Dr. Jick said he was asking the Board for support
in having the Department of Natural Resources look into
this proposal.
The Chairman said he had no obdOction, but if Dr.
Jick was going to the Department of Natural Resources,
the Department of Public Works should be made aware of
this.
Dr. Jick said the Department of Natural Resources
said definitely it wn>ihld talk to the Town and the De-
partment of Public Works.
The Chairman said tomorrow is the day mentioned
to him that they were going to look at this, but the
Board has received no rntices.
One of the gentlemen said this is based on the
slip ramp and no loop
The Chattman said as he saw the plan, it does
have the slip ramp
Mr. Cataldo said he could not support it if it is
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n
by itself. He could not support it in the light of
building a slip ramp, and to take care of the Belmont
traffic, they would have to construct a rotary at
Bowman Park. He said he could not support it by itself
If the Department of Public Works said it would construct
the slip ramp and in so doing would have to construct
the rotary at Pleasant Street and Watertown Street, he
would not accept it.
Dr. Jick said he was asking support for the posi-
tion that with four alternate routes, people will find
them.
The Chairman said Dr. Jick was requesting the State
to conduct a traffic count and he did not know if, from
the point of time, that could be done.
Dr. Jick said he didn't either; the Department of
Natural Resources is here . If they recommend that the
Department of Public Works should do a traffic count,
he thought the Department of Public Works would do it.
The Chairman said the only traffic counts he heard
was 183 cars an hour.
Mr. Sheldon said his opinion was the same as Mr.
Cataldo' a.
The Chairman said Mr Sheldon could go along with
this unless they put the condition in that there would
have to be a rotary at Bowman Park.
Mr. Eric Clarke said he did not think that was a
good position for the Board of Selectmen to take. He
said the Board should present the Town ' s argument and
let the State defend Belmont' s position.
One gentleman present asked if the people on
Watertown Street had been notified of the Board' s approval
this evening. He said some citizens who have been
affected may not have been notified and the Board is
discussing something for approval.
The Chairman replied when the Board is laying
out a street, it has a hearing prior to Town Meeting
This is not anything that entails Town Meeting at all.
This is the State which has had hearings on Route 2,
and the hearings are held well in advance. He said
as for the questions, has the Board notified anyone,
it has not. He said in the matters affecting the
street where the Town has unilateral action, the Board
does notify the people.
One of the gentlemen said he understood the Board
is going to support the slip ramp but the support of the
rest of Watertown Street has not been asked of the Board.
The Chairman said the Board is concerned for the good
of all the citizens. At the present time, this would
appear this would be the one to hurt the least number
and there would be no properties taken . He said there
could possibly be no change in the width of the pavement
139
of Watertown Street.
Mr Carroll said he would not want to make that
statement .
Mr. Cataldo explained it would depend on how the
Board accomplishes a solution to Worthen Road.
One gentian said a group met with the Board last
;week and his group was not aware of the Tpwn' s planning
and from action the Board of Selectmen made, it would
take Bowman Park. He said he had no objection to Traffic
counts. He said a system of traffic flow was being made
and before he would offer a question, one of the things he
would ask of the plan by Dr. Jick was to what extent has
the Planning Board given to widening and improving that
street. Secondly, the amount of traffic going down
Concord Avenue; maybe it is only a car every thirty
seconds. It is a busy street. He asked if the Planning
Board thought this would overload Concord Avenue . He
asked if the Planning Board had been asked that question.
He said he thought a vote at this time for a slip ramp
might be all right now, but how about ten years from today.
He said he had no feeling for the merits of this plan pro
or con, but thought the Selectmen should ask the Planning
Board about this .
The Chairman said earlier this evening the Board
determined the Planning Board was not meeting, and these
are questions quite properly placed before the Planning
Board. He said Concord Avenue has been widened all the
way.
The gentleman said the Board was still on formal vote
The Chairman said at this point in time ho metioh
has been made.
Mr. Cataldo said at this time the Board is not prepared
to make a motion and support it He said he had stated he
could support it under the conditions as he sees it now
and he would like to discuss this with Mr. Carroll.
The gentleman said he thought this should be con-
sidered through the Planning Board and asked if the
Selectmen thought they did not need the advice of the
Planning Board to make a decision this evening.
'the Hbadmman said the Planning Board is not meeting
this evening.
Mr. Sheldon said the Board would advise the Plan-
ning Board of what action is taken.
The Chairman said the question is whether the Board
should wait until the Planning Board does meet two weeks
from tonight which will be too late for this particular
problem.
The gentleman said he was concerned about the best
possible solution.
Mr. Cataldo said this is the main reason till Board
won' t make a motion, and it should discuss this because
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there are many things going into this decision.
The Chairman said the Board is getting close to a
final decision from the Department of Public Works and
The Bureau of Natural Resources.
One of the gentlemen said they have to make a
strong recommendation that the slip ramp plan not en-'3
danger Bowman Park.
The Chairman said he was willing to go on record
that at no time does he want Bowman Park used as a means
to solving the traffic problem created by the recon-
struction of Route 2 and/or the construction of Worthen
Road. He said he did not know if the Board would go along
with this .
Mr. Mabee said he would hate to see it go, but he
did not want to subscribe to it; just see that every
effort is made to preserve it. He said he would like
to leave it at the moment.
1¢r. Sheldon said, from what he knows now, he did not
think he would vote for any plan that would disturb
Bowman Park, but he would not commit himself for the rest
of his life; this he was not prepared to do, and he thought
there were better solutions. He said he was concerned
about the fact future Boards cannot be committed and he
did not know what the conditions would be ten years from
now.
Mr. Mabee said he thought the slip ramp would have
a difficult time getting through.
Mr. Carroll said to a certain extent the door is
now open to Worthen Road that won't affect Bowman Park,
but will take some houses He said when the bids are
taken on Route 2, as far as he could see, the Town is
committee for a final solution of Worthen Road to an
extensive housing taking or the problem at Bowman Park.
He said this is something the Town will have to consider
as a long-range plan.
The Chairman said the fact is, Bowman Park land
necessitates legislative action.
Mr. Cataldo suggested that the Board continue with
its agenda, other appointments, and take this matter under
advisement.
One of the gentlemen asked if the Board was on record
as being in favor of taking Bowman Park. He said the
Board is officially on record as accepting the alternate
plan reached by the Department of Public Works which does
take Bowman Park
Mr. Cataldo explained there is no such plan; there
is a concept. He said the Board is on record as being
in favor of the concept which is a rotary at Pleasant
Street and Watertown Street.
The gentleman said that is Bowman Park.
1411
Mr. Cataldo explained it could circle Bowman Park,there is
no question
The Chairman said the Board has gone on record as
a concept involving the area known as Bowman Park. He
said he was , at this point, in favor of going on record
that at no time does he want Bowman Park used as a means
of solving the traffic problem created by the recon-
struction of Route 2 and/or the construction of Worthen
Road. He said the Board was ready to take this under
advisement and it would take it under advisement.
A woman, present at the meeting, asked what effect
the Hatch Act law has on Hatch' s Pond.
The Chairman replied het uld have to get advice
from the people more knowledgeable of the Act.
Mr. Carroll explained if there were any filling of
Hatch' s Pond, the Board would have to call a public
hearing and due notice would be given the Department of
Public Works and the Department of Natural Resources.
The group retired at 10:45 P.M.
Messrs. Parrish, Blaisdell, Clarke, Gary, Zehner
and Mrs.Souza of the Appropriation Comthittee, and Mr.
Perry, Comptroller, met with the Board. Town
Mr Cataldo reported the low bid on the Town Barn MeetinFr
was $347,658, and this is a shortage of approximately$60,000
or $70,000 The Board will have to request $380,000.
minimum at the June 20 Town Meeting
Motions for the June Town Meeting were discussed
briefly, and it was agreed to move for indefinite
poatponement of Article 12, and to request an appropri-
ation of $45,000. under ARticle 14.
Mr. Jules P. Sussman, Chairman of the Conservation
Commission, came into the meeting and the Chairman re-
ported to him what action the Board plans to take on the
Conservation Articles
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to move for indefinite postponement of Article 12
Mr. Sussman will request Town Meeting to appropri-
ate $90,000.
The Appropriation Committee, Mr. Perry and Mr.
Sussman retired at 11:40 P M.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing,
deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, Executive
might adversely affect the public security, the financial Session
interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person
I
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Following discussion with the Board of Assessors and
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a discussion relative to the proposed reconstruction of
Route 2, it was voted to resume the open meeting.
Mr. Mabee said the only thing he was agreeing to do
is to withdraw the approval of the earlier plan and re-
consider all aspects from the beginning.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to rescind the Boardts action approving the alternate
plan entitled "Route 2 Watertown Street Exit Ramp and
Pleasant Street Connector, dated April 5, 1966 John J.
Carroll Town Engineer, Lexington, Mass. , which involves
a slip ramp and the traffic circle around Bowman Park.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
that the Board restudy in detail all aspects of the Route
2 Watertown Street Interchange and the related Worthen Road,
Pleasant Street and Watertown Street concepts.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to adjourn at 11:55 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
ec ive'Cler , Select en