HomeMy WebLinkAbout1927-1942 Reports of Committees, Volume 3 (HANDWRITTEN BUT FULLY TRANSCRIBED)Reports of Committees
Book 3
1927-1942
IDs: TC -12, PP 45
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a. | | B.
Allen Street, report on | 70 |
Apartments | 75 |
Advanced programming | |
and budgeting com- | |
mittee - 1943 | 94 |
**2** | **C.** | **D.** | | **E** | **F** | **3**
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| | | | | Fire and Water Departments | 19
| | | | | Land at Fletcher Ave. Woburn St. | 72
4 | | | 5
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**G.** | **H.** | **I.** | **J.**
| Herbert, Catherine R. - petition conc. | Increased School Accommodations 17 |
| Mass. Ave. Marrett Rd. 74 | |
6 7
K. | L. | M. | N.
-- | -- | ------------------------------------ | --
| | Mass. Ave. Marrett Rd. (Hebert) 74 |
**8** **9**
| O. | P. | Q. | R.
| ------------------------------------ | -- | -- | --
| O'Connell, Daniel J. - petition cng. | | |
| Fletcher Ave. Woburn St. 72 | | |
| | | |
10 | | | 11
------------------------------------------------ | -- | ------------------------------------------------ | -----------------------------------------
S. | T. | V. | V.
Swimming Pool 15 | | Metcalf Eddy Vine Brook Drainage report - 598 | Metcalf Eddy's Vine Brook Report - 598.
Survey of Salaries and Wages - Dec. 1 - 1941 80 | | |
12
W
War Memorials 23
X, Y. Z.
Planning Board Report on land at
Fletcher Ave. & Woburn St. 72
Zoning-law amendment 75
Planning Board Report on
Amendment to zoning
law under Article 7 in
the Warrant for Town
Meeting held Sept. 21, 1936 77
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[blank page]
14
[blank page]
15
Report of Committee on Swimming Pool
At the annual Town Meeting held in March 1928 the
following motion was passed :
Voted that a committee of five be appointed by the Moderator
to investigate the advisability of constructing a swimming pool on
the Lexington Playground or to develope the Lexington Reservoir
property on Middle Street, for swimming purposes and that the sum
of $ 500. be appropriated and assessed for this investigation and
expenses of the Committee, and that this committee confer with
the Planning Board and work in conjunction with the engineers
of the Town.
During the summer the Committee as a whole and as
individuals spent considerable time looking over the possibilities
available and had the Reservoir on Middle Street drained so as
to determine the topography and the amount of water available .
The Reservoir was left dry all summer so that the Committee had
the opportunity to note the flow of water under varying conditions.
It was found that during the dry season the water
supply diminished to a mere trickle and that there was no flow from
the wells in the bottom of the Reservoir at any time . In view
of this fact it would take several weeks to change the water in
the Pond and so the Committee was obliged to give up the idea
of developing the Reservoir in any way to encourage the increased
use for bathing purposes.
The Committee then took up the proposition of building
a pool on the Lexington Playground. There is available here a
large amount of water from the old wells which formerly constituted
the Town water supply , and the Committee made its study with a
view of using this supply to cut the cost of water for the pool.
Messrs. Metcalf & Eddy reported that we could have available 50,000
gallons per day and that the flow would probably have to be
throttled down somewhat. An analysis of the quality of the water
was made by the State Board of Health, and their report was that
the water was of " suitable quality for public bathing."
The reports of the State Department of Public Health
and of Messrs. Metcalf & Eddy are appended and constitute a part
of this report.
In view of the above information the Committee would
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report as follows:
That any idea of developing the old Reservoir for
swimming purposes be abandoned as unsafe from a health point
of view and that the Town proceed at once to build a swimming
pool on the Lexington Playground so that such pool may be
available for use during the coming season.
Clarence Shannon
Robert P. Trask
W. E. Mulliken
Donald Wilson
17
Report of the Committee on Increased School Accommodations.
The Committee of Seven appointed by the Town Moderator
to study the increased school accommodations for Lexington was
organized in May 1928.
Several meetings were held during the year. The Committee
members, as a group and individually, have studied our present
school conditions and the needs of the future.
A survey of the present conditions of the school buildings
shows that the Hancock School is much overcrowded and all available
rooms in the other schools are in use. The normal yearly increase
of pupils in the elementary schools is approximately 75. After
carefully considering the various angles of the housing situation,
it would appear that the present school houses could not
possibly care for the pupils longer than the close of the school
year in June 1930.
In view of the normally expected growth of the town over a
period of the next five years it appears to the Committee that it will
be necessary.
First; To erect an eight room elementary school in the
southern part of the town.
Second, The building of an eight room addition to the
Adams School which would also care for the pupils now housed
in the old wooden building at the Adams School.
Third, The probable need of an addition to our present
Junior- Senior High School Building.
During the last five years there has been a very large
increase in the school population in the southern part of the Town.
There are three special developments in that locality. The Farmcrest Section,
the Fair Oaks Section, and the Cary Estate Development in the
number of children at present in this entire section including these
special developments above named who are attending the first six
grades is 130. They are all being transported to the Hancock School
and the Munroe School at a considerable expense to the town and
at inconvenience to the pupils and parents.
If a school is established in the southern section of the
town the congestion of the Hancock School and the Munroe School will
be relieved allowing them to care for the normally expected growth
in parts of the town adjacent to these schools.
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The town undoubtedly needs additional school facilities both
in the southern part of the town and in the East Village. But to
undertake a building program requiring immediate construction work
on both schools would throw an unnecessarily heavy burden on the
town tax rate. It is therefor the unpleasant task of this Committee,
while recommending both buildings, to state that in its opinion
the immediate erection of a new building in the southern part of
town is required for the greatest good to the greatest number.
But the Committee would strongly recommend that construction begin
at Adams School as soon thereafter as possible.
In conclusion, the Committee strongly urge that
provision be made at once to carry out the first recommendation
of your Committee, that is, the erection of an elementary
school in the southern part of the town. To this end, the
Committee caused Article number twenty-four to be placed
in the warrant for this meeting.
This article is as follows:
“To see if the Town will appoint a Building Committee
of Seven, of which three shall be the School Committee, to secure
architect’s plans and contractor’s bids for a new Elementary
School Building in the southern part of the town and
provide by appropriation and assessment, or otherwise,
the money necessary for such purpose, or take any other
action relative thereto.”
Respectfully submitted,
Charles H. Spaulding, Chairman
Clara M. Barbour
Minnie A. Flynn
Neil Mc Intosh
Howard S. O. Nichols
James Stuart Smith
James W. Smith
19
Report of Appropriation Committee on Fire and Water Departments
To the Citizens of the Town of Lexington:
At the Town Meeting of January 7, 1929, by your vote,
you required of your Appropriation Committee that they report to you, at
some subsequent meeting, on the financial condition of the Town,
and on the feasibility of the program for proposed expenditures as
outlined in the report of the committee on the study of the Fire
and Water Departments. This report we now submit for your consideration.
Lexington, at the present time, may well be said to be in a
very creditable financial condition. In comparison with other
municipalities, our credit rating stands well up on the list, a
very satisfactory condition and one that we should endeavor to maintain.
We have a bonded debt of $ 740,000 of which but $251,000 has
been borrowed within the debt limit. Under this classification we
are permitted to borrow 3% of our assessed valuation, which if
estimated as $ 20,000,000 allows us still $349,000 before
reaching that limit. This should not be taken to imply that
we recommend the immediate use of this further credit, but
it is available if any vote of the Town should make it necessary
or desirable.
We are this year paying $ 101,450 on this debt, and
the amount due in 1930 is but $ 82,500, a very substantial
decrease. As against this, however, we should keep in mind
that Article 11, still to be acted upon, carries with it a new
bond issue of $ 80,000 for Water Construction, and other articles
in this same warrant, if acted upon favorably, will undoubtedly
bring our outstanding indebtedness back to the present figure and
even materially increase it. The recommendations of the Committee
to the Water and Fire Departments, which are taken up
later in our report, call for a bond issue of approximately $ 160,000
this year, or $ 400,000 over a period of six years. We are
advised that the School Program for the next five years will probably
call for $ 500,000 in capital expenditures for increased school accom-
modations alone. This would call for the issuance of more bonds,
and would further entail an increase in maintenance expense of
approximately $ 25,000 a year which must not be lost sight of.
This year, no appropriation has been asked for Sewer
Construction, but, with our continued growth, we must expect
20
that money will be required in this Department in the near
future -- another bond issue.
There always has been, and probably always will be
a difference of opinion on the relative merit of short and long
term bonds for Town financing. Your Committee believe that a
" pay as you go " policy should be encouraged by the Town as
far as practicable, realizing that any and particularly long
term bonds impose upon the Town heavy interest charges which
even this year amount to $ 40,000 or slightly over $ 2 of our
total tax rate. Should we burden the Town with future
obligations merely to keep our present tax rate down, when
each decade will bring financial problems of its own? It
can readily be seen, therefore, that the Town is face to face
with a financial problem which should be given the most
serious thought and consideration.
Turning our attention to the annual operating expenses
of the Town, we find that 80% of the articles appearing in the warrant
call for annual expenditures of less than $ 10,000 apiece. These
items represent 40 % of the entire Town grant. The expenses in
this groups of Departments have increased from $ 142,000 in
1924 to $ 332,000 in 1928, an average increase of more than
25% a year. The remaining Departments, representing 60%
of our Town grant, also shows a substantial yearly increase
in their operating expenses. On the other hand, our revenue
from increased assessed valuation increases from but 5% to 7%
yearly. It is obvious, therefore, that there is a distinct tendency
for operating expenses to exceed our income, and the Appropriation
Committee feel the necessity of cautioning the Citizens and Department
Heads that a tight curb must be kept on all appropriations and
expenditures.
You have already this year voted to appropriate and
assess $ 646,000 as compared with the total grant of 1928
amounting to $ 648,000, and there still remain to be acted upon
in this warrant several articles which call for appropriations.
With an estimated increase revenue of approximately $ 32,000
this year, it follows that any expenditure in excess of $ 34,000
at this, or a June meeting, will reflect an increase in the
tax rate for 1929. We would urge the Department Heads to
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carefully refrain from bringing in additional requests during the
year 1929 unless it is an emergency measure.
We now turn to the consideration of the Report of the
Committee appointed to study Water and Fire Departments.
Their printed report, complete as it appears, is but a brief
summary of the tremendous amount of information that has
been assembled. This data is now on file at the Town Office
Building, and we believe will be a valuable guide for the
future expansion and development of the Fire Department. For
our convenience, we have changed the order they have
followed and bring our report to you under two separate headings.
I. Water Department
II Fire Department
I. Water Department.
In their report on the Water Department the Committee
have but emphasized a serious condition that has already been
recognized by the Board of Selectmen acting as the Board of
Water and Sewer Commissioners. We believe that all who have
carefully read the complete report of Metcalf & Eddy as included
in our annual Town report must be convinced of the need for the
reinforcement and improvement of our waterwork system. This
Committee feels that the recommendations made therein should be
carried out as speedily as possible, but do not feel that the
whole project should be completed at once. We recommend, therefore,
that the execution of the General project be left in the hands of
the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners who will each year
bring before the Town a request for appropriations necessary
to carry out that part of the project which they feel should be
completed during that particular year.
The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners are already
following a portion of this recommendation in that this year they
are requesting a bond issue of but $ 50,000 for the initial step
in this program. We recommend that no vote of the Town at
this time be made which would compel the Board of Selectmen
to follow out in its entirety the proposed project as outlined
by Metcalf & Eddy, as conditions may arise from time to time
which may necessitate alterations and changes from the
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original layout. This covers the recommendations made in
Section 8 of the Committee’s report.
II Fire Department.
Following a study of the report of and the data
accumulated by the Committee for the Study of the Water
and Fire Departments, that part of Metcalf + Eddy ’s
report bearing on the Fire Department, the later report of
the Board of Fire Engineers and also taking into consideration
of financial condition of the Town, it is the opinion of
the Appropriation ~~that the recommendations of the Committee~~
for the study of the Fire and Water Departments are as a
whole feasible.
By virtue of the Town’s vote, however, we feel
warranted in taking exception to the recommendation for the
adoption of sections 42, 43 and 44 of Chapter 48 of the
General Laws. It is our recommendation that a committee
of Five unpaid citizens be appointed annually to serve
as the Board of Fire Engineers, no member of which shall
be a permanent or call member of the Fire Department.
We further recommend that the execution of the recommendations
of the Committee be used as a guide in the administration and
development of the Department and that this Board shall
from time to time bring before the Town requests for
appropriations as the needs arise.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the Committee for
the Study of the Water and Fire Departments and also the
Board of Fire Engineers for their cooperation when requested.
Appropriation Committee.
William E. Mulliken, Chairman
James J. Walsh, M.D.
John N. Devine
Carl G. Vienot
Edward Remick
George M. Ross.
George W. Nary
23
Report of the Committee on War Memorials.
The Committee appointed by vote of the “Town” to establish
a permanent memorial for the veterans of all wars for whom
memorials have not been already erected, and who went
from the Town of Lexington to serve with the colors, and hold
or are entitled to an honorable discharge from the United States
Army, Navy, or Marine Corps ” are unanimously agreed that
said memorial should be of a two-fold nature; — the first
in memory of the Lexington boys who lost their lives in
the World War, — the second, to the veterans of all wars [illegible]
went from Lexington and served with the colors.
On the stairways of the Cary Memorial Building are
at present two marble tablets, formerly in the old Town Hall,
on which are inscribed the names of the Lexington men who
lost their lives in the War for Independence and in the Civil
War.
To complete the roll of our war dead it is proposed
to install on the wall of the foyer, between the two doors
leading to the side entrance, — and occupying the place
where now hangs the flag bearing the names of those who
lost their lives in the World War — a permanent memorial
to these same men.
The proposed tablet, designed by one of the architects
of the building, will be of either bronze or polished steel about
18” by 30” with incised lettering. It will be enclosed in a
frame of black marble with attached columns and broken
pediment surmounted by an urn, all in character with the
architecture of the building. Below and forming a part
of the base of the columns will be a hinged bronze panel
forming a cover to a receptacle containing, engrossed on
parchment roll, the names of all the Lexington men who served
in the war.
The entire memorial will be about 6 feet high by 3
feet wide.
As to the second part of the program the Committee
feels that this should be of a more public nature than possible
within the walls of a building.
As to the exact form it should take they are not yet
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ready to make a recommendation. They do not feel that
they can without the assistance of professional advice or help.
Nor can they secure a worthy design to present for the
consideration of the voters without funds from which to
work. They are therefore asking for an appropriation
of $ 800.00 to be used by them in this connection.
But that the dead may be fittingly honored without
waiting for the entire project to be entered upon, the
Committee is also asking for an appropriation of $ 1700.00
for the erection of a mural tablet as already described,
bids having been received that would make this possible.
The Committee therefore offers the following motions.
Under Art. 18.
Moved: That the Committee appointed "to
establish a permanent memorial to the veterans of all wars"
be authorized to secure and erect in the Cary Memorial
Building a tablet in memory of the men of Lexington
who lost their lives in the World War; and that the
sum of $ 1700.00 be appropriated and assessed for this
purpose.
Under Art. 19.
Moved: That the Town appropriate and
assess the sum of $ 800.00 to be expended by the
Committee appointed " to establish a permanent memorial
to the veterans of all wars" in securing suitable designs.
Read to here.
25
Report of the Planning Board.
The Selectmen
Town Offices
Lexington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith the report of Metcalf and Eddy,
Engineers, upon the general subject of drainage and development
of the Vine Brook drainage area, dated September 29, 1928.
For many years the Planning Board has been
impressed with the necessity for draining and improving this
area and has given much time and consideration to the subject.
With your authority, Metcalf and Eddy were engaged
to make a study of the entire Vine Brook drainage area and to
report upon the practicability and probable cost of draining
such area with a view to the eventual use for residential
occupancy of as much of the area as possible and to suggest
means to that end, including a layout of the most practicable
scheme of streets and thoroughfares to make it accessable.
The report is exhaustive and outlines not only
the drainage necessary but the roads which should be built
to make the area available for use, and includes also an
exhaustive study of the subject of betterments as a guide to
the town in covering the cost of such work as may be done.
Since the drainage work so intimately involved
the playground area, as well as the eventual attractiveness
of the entire area for building purposes, the Planning Board
called into conference Mr. A. A. Shurtleff, of Boston, who is
perhaps the leading landscape architect in the country,
certainly the leading one in this part of the country, and
Metcalf and Eddy had the benefit of collaboration with Mr.
Shurtleff in determining the recommendations contained in
this report.
The report shows that the entire Vine Brook drainage
area comprises about 980 acres, of which 311 acres must be
drained to be usable.
In the opinion of the Planning Board, the
presence of this large area almost in the center of the Town
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constitutes in its present condition a standing threat to
the present and prospective valuations throughout the
center of the town. It is too much to expect that this
will remain permanently without building. Unless it is
properly drained, it and its bordering lands cannot go
to a type of development that will be to the best interests
of the Town. Left in its present condition, it will invite
a type of development that will be prejudicial and a
menace to the Town, resulting in depreciation of present
valuable property.
It is clear from the report of Metcalf & Eddy
that it would be best for the Town if the entire project
could be undertaken as a single piece of work. The cost of
doing it all at once would be substantially less than
otherwise; the task of assessing betterments would be much
simplified, and the entire cost could be recovered by betterments
more easily than would be possible if the work is undertaken
in sections.
It is believed, however, that the magnitude of
the project is such that notwithstanding the economies and
advantages to be derived from undertaking it all at once, it
is probably better to take it up in sections. Because Vine
Brook is the only means for draining the business center
of the town and because it has already reached its capacity
and in its present condition is likely soon to cause flooding
from the surface water received from the center alone, it
thus constitutes a present threat to existing valuations, as
well as the key to increased valuations in the business center
and elsewhere throughout the drained area, and it would
seem to be a Town project to deepen and increase the
capacity of the trunk line portion of Vine Brook from
Vine Brook Road to below Sheridan Street, the cost to
be borne by the Town as a whole, in defently of
betterments and the larger area back of Vine Brook Road.
This trunk line section of the brook is now several feet
higher than it should be and has been so maintained
by the Town for many years, thus serving as a dam
27
to cause overflowing of the vast area to the north and
south. The Town, having been responsible for maintaining
this level, would seem to be shouldered with the
responsibility of removing it. The indirect benefits from
increased valuations will undoubtedly bring back to
the Town more than the cost of the deepening. To
undertake to cover this by any scheme of betterments
would be so complex as to be probably impracticable.
The data for doing this work is already in the
report of Metcalf & Eddy. It is believed to be well within
the range of possibility that the houses that would be
built within the drained area within a period of ten years
would furnish, together with the land that would be drained,
an annual tax return of 25% or more of the entire cost
of construction of this section.
It is believed by the Planning Board that this
section must be built in any event and wholly irrespective
of the action of the Town with respect to the larger areas
to the south and north.
It is hoped that the Town will approve and
adopt the entire plan proposed by Metcalf and Eddy
and that, if not ready to proceed with the entire
program, it will at least vote to construct the trunk
section from Vine Brook Road to the outlet below Sheridan
Street, leaving the remaining South Branch section and
the North Branch section to be proceeded with at an
early date.
Respectfully submitted,
Frederick L. Emery
Chairman.
28
Report of the Special Committee appointed
September 22, 1927 which had "full
authority to construct and equip Town Office
Building as herein authorized within the
sums appropriated, said building to be
constructed substantially in accordance
with the plans recommended by Special
Committee reporting under Article 2 for the
Warrant of this meeting."
Your Committee, having completed its task and
turned the building over to the Town, are pleased to submit
the following report and ask that the Committee be discharged.
Credits
----------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------
Mar. 28/27 | Appropriation | $ 3,500.00
Sept. 22/27 | Appropriation | 500.00
| Transferred from sale |
| of Rindge Property | 11,000.00
| Bond Issue | 45,000.00
| Transferred from sale |
| of old Town Hall | 50,001.00
| Received from Isaac Harris |
| Cary Trustees for grading | 12,087.50 *
| | $ 122,088.50
Architect's Fees | $ 6,773.24
General Contract | 76,630.84
Electrical Contract | 3,425.87
Heating Contract | 6,262.59
Sprinkler System | 2,555.00
Screens | 458.00
Weatherstrips | 276.00
Equipment | 7,040.79
Finish, Grading, Curbing + Planting | 18,666.17 *
| $ 122,088.50
Debits
----------------------------------- | ------------
Architect's Fees | $ 6,773.24
General Contract | 76,630.84
Electrical Contract | 3,425.87
Heating Contract | 6,262.59
Sprinkler System | 2,555.00
Screens | 458.00
Weatherstrips | 276.00
Equipment | 7,040.79
Finish, Grading, Curbing + Planting | 18,666.17 *
| $ 122,088.50
29
* This was for grading the Cary Memorial grounds as well as the Town Office grounds, and the contribution was made by the Isaac Harris Cary Trustees for this purpose.
Respectfully submitted
Theodore A. Custance
Albert H. Burnham
Edwin B. Worthen
George W. Nary
Arthur W. Maddison
James G. Robertson
Francis Chamberlain
Norman C. Hooper.
30
The Selectmen
Town Offices
Lexington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
On or about May 15 th, 1929, the Planning Board
received from you petition of George W. Sarano and others, asking
that certain areas at the intersections of Marrett Road, Lincoln
Street and School Street, commonly known as "The Five Forks",
be changed from C. 1 or Business Districts, as they are now
zoned, to R. 1 or Residential Districts.
Following receipt of this petition, the Planning
Board held a hearing in the Selectmen's room on the
evening of October 7 th, 1929, notice of which was duly
published under our Zoning Law in the Lexington Times and
notices of which were also sent by registered mail to all
individual property owners owning property in that
locality. The hearing was well attended.
The owners of the major part of the territory
the status of which the petition asked to have changed,
appeared to favor the proposed change; the only opposition
came from two out-of-town attorneys, one of whom represented
the owners of the triangular piece of property between School
Street and Marrett Road, and the other of whom held a small
mortgage on that property. A very small area only near the
tip of the triangle would be affected by the proposed
change, and this small portion that would be so affected
is behind and virtually controlled by the tip portion itself,
which is owned by one of the petitioners who advocated the change.
The petition in effect asked that the business
areas provided under our present Zoning Law on both sides
of Marrett Road and School Street north of Lincoln Street,
and on both sides of Lincoln Street, save the depth frontages
of the existing business section on Marrett Road at the
south of Lincoln Street, be restored to R. 1 or Residential
areas.
31
After a full hearing and a very full subsequent
consideration of the petition following the hearing, the
Planning Board unanimously recommends that the Zoning Law
be amended in accordance with the article relating thereto
in the Warrant for the Town Meeting.
When the original Zoning Law was adopted in the town,
it was considered good practice to provide business districts
beyond immediate needs and such as would reasonably provide
for future development of the town. Since then, it has come
to be considered the better practice not to provide business
districts to accommodate development many years in advance
of present requirements, and, since there is no immediate
requirement for a business area or district in the vicinity
of "The Five Forks" in excess of what is provided for
on both sides of Marrett Road south of Lincoln Street, and
since the owners of the major part of the property, the
status of which it is desired to change, favor the proposed
change, the Planning Board feels that the restoration of
such areas to residential districts had best be made, to
preserve the status of residential districts as long as possible.
Our experience in Lexington, as well as the
experience of other Towns, shows that where the business
districts are more extensive than really required, the
tendency is for scattered building of stores at different
points in the entire area, instead of compact building
within a smaller area. Scattered location of stores does
not make for property valuation thereof as business properties,
and at the same time causes substantial depreciation of the
residential properties between, with the result that neither the
owners of the business properties, nor the owners of the
residential properties, are as well off as if the business
areas were more restricted and the business building
more compact.
While it probably would not be wise to undertake
any wholesale readjustment of business areas as at present
laid down by the Zoning Law, whenever the owners of
properties now zoned for business petition for restoration
32
of such properties to residential districts, such petitions
should, in the opinion of the Planning Board, be
given serious consideration.
It should be said in behalf of the signers
of the present petition that they desired this proposed
change to be considered at the time the recent extensive
amendments to the Zoning Law were made, but at the
request of the Planning Board they generously
consented to defer filing their petition until after the
major amendments had been considered by the Town,
in order to avoid complications that might otherwise
have developed.
Respectfully submitted,
F. L. Emery
Chairman.
33
See Volume 16, Page , Town Record Book.
Report of the Committee on Drainage of Vine Brook
Watershed in South Central Portion of Lexington.
See Page 598 for report.
34
See Volume 16, Page , Town Record Book.
Report of the School Building Committee
One year ago, the School Committee asked the Town
for a new school, to be located in the south section.
At that time the average annual increase in the
school population was about 150, and it was clear that if
this growth continued, the Town would need a building in
the Fall of 1930.
When the school census was taken in October, 1929,
it was discovered that our increase was below normal, and the
School Committee, having in mind the extra burden of a
school house, told the Building Committee that the program
could be postponed for a year.
In 1929, there was an increase of 75 in our
scholars. Another 75, or even fewer, coming to school
in the Fall of 1930, will bring us to the point where
there will be undue hardship upon small children connected
with the use of space that was never intended for classroom
purposes, and extra transportation of children, in order to
get them to buildings where there is available room.
In all probability, it will be easier,
financially, for the Town, and better for the building,
to have a job that will not be rushed to completion, and
perhaps open and in use before it is finished. For this
reason the Committee believes and recommends that the new
construction be commenced at an early date, with the building to
open in September, 1931.
But to postpone the building program beyond
this year, would be unwise, unsafe and unfair. It would
entail heavy bills for transportation and necessitate the
separation of small children from the same family, so that
they might have to go to two or three schools.
While conditions may not be ideal between
September, 1930, and September, 1931, there will be no
widespread hardship, and the Town will be spared some
rather heavy additions to the 1930 tax rate.
35
The proposed construction in the south end, moreover,
should not overlap school development in the East Village,
and that in turn should not be permitted to fall into the
same year with a required addition to the Junior and
Senior High School.
These three building projects are clearly before the
Town. There is no way to avoid them, as the school
population is here and increasing, but the Committee
believes and recommends that they be taken up in the
order suggested, and a careful time-schedule be worked out
so that the Town will not be engaged in two building
enterprises at the same time.
Location of the School.
This Committee has held many meetings to
consider the location, the floor-plan, general outward
appearance and type of construction of a new school in the
south part of Lexington; – location and floor-plan being
of first importance, has received most of our attention.
We labored on the above problem not only as a
Committee, but also as individuals. We examined
recommendations of former planning boards, and we
called upon unbiased out-of-town opinion.
The final decision was unanimously in favor
of the land at the corner of Allen Street and Old County Road.
We required a piece of land, that among other
things, was
1. Located properly in reference to present and
probable future schools.
2. Flat, or but slightly rolling ground.
3. Removed from traffic noises.
4. Provide sufficient play ground.
5. Dry for sewage disposal.
6. Reasonably easy of access.
1. Lexington has grown in spots; here a group of
dwellings, another group there, some created in earlier
36
days by the location of the railroad, road and trolley-car
transportation, such as the East Village, the Center and
the North Village.
Real estate developments account for other groupings
and none of them are filled to capacity.
Physical conditions of the ground and location
of paved roads have had a considerable bearing on later
developments.
These matters must be taken into consideration
when a new building is erected, which should be closely
linked with both old and future school construction. The
land recommended answers the demand better than any
other site that the Committee has been able to find.
It was apparent to this Committee that in
a section as large as the south part of the town, no one
location could satisfy all the present demands of the
residents, and at the same time fit into a plan
that will care for the future development of the
vacant land.
This site cares for the greater proportion
of the present school children, and it will later care
for most of the vacant land between Waltham Street
and Follen Road, Waltham Street to Concord Avenue,
most of Fair Oaks and Marrett Road to Spring Street.
As other portions of the south part develops,
there will be need of another school. Until that time
comes, there will be transportation for children, but
the number will be much smaller than at present. We
think that over 70% will be much better off, and the
remaining 30% will be transported as at present.
The school department will try in every
way to make conditions satisfactory.
The location should be, and is, part of
a general logical plan and will not cause a dislocation
of future schools.
The Town would do well to purchase
other building sites and additions to sites, not only in
37
the south part, but in other sections of the Town, while
land is still at reasonable prices, but in accordance with
a plan which would contemplate population of at least
20,000.
The East Village, of course, should have
immediate consideration as soon as this proposed
building is finished, and should have it even if the
Town does not adopt the recommendation with which this
report deals.
2. The lot for the building and small playground
is almost flat. Flat land means economy in building, and
economy in finishing the grounds. As far as we can
discover, the land is reasonably free from stone ledge.
3. Although near the main traffic highway,
Waltham Street, it is remote enough so that the passage
of motor vehicles will not be a nuisance at the time
of the year when school windows are open.
4. There is sufficient space for both the present
and a future playground when the school may increase
in size to 14 classrooms. A large part of this land,
moreover, is available without special expenditure.
5. The land is in a district where there is
much broken ground and many wet meadows and springy
hillsides, but is high and dry. The sub-soil has been
explored by boring, and, so far as we can tell, indicates
that it will absorb sewage with little danger of becoming
unhealthy and offensive.
6. Allen Street is hard-paved to carry coal
trucks to the lot line. There will be no need of road
building except the customary driveway or turnaround
on the school grounds. When traffic demands it, the Old
Country Road can be developed.
The Committee, as said before, is unanimous
in the choice of this location.
The Building.
The proper type and size of building has been
38
a matter of concern.
In the first place, with the location
recommended, we are able to avoid the use of basement
rooms for classroom use.
The design calls for eight classrooms
and such other rooms as are required in a modern
school building.
Eight rooms seems to be the smallest
number we can build and give the school department and
the school population room for expansion inside the
proposed building.
As there are now six grades in our primary
school system, this building will be put into operation
with six grades. Some of them, fortunately, will not be
filled to capacity. With eight rooms, as the population
grows, we can have a flexible unit that will care for –
let us say, third grade classes and two fifth-grade
classes as well as the other four grades, or however the
school population happens to come into that part of the Town.
All our smaller children can be taken care of
on the ground floor. We can give the whole school an exercise room
above the ground, which will also serve as a lunch room and for
community purposes.
With the general floor plan determined, it seemed
the part of wisdom, (as this is a new building and not an
addition to an old one) to make the plan modern; to put such
things into the construction so that it will not be out of date
when the doors are open. The useful life of a school building
is probably about forty years; to have it obsolete some years
before its time is poor economy.
The building is designed for safety, for
health and for low cost of upkeep. It can be increased
without undue expense, to fourteen rooms.
The architects assure us that all construction
and materials have been tested, and the whole structure
is to be in modern form, to fit and satisfy both the
the school but also the requirements
technical requirements of the schools but also the requirements of a town of dwellings like Lexington.
39
The Committee respectfully present this report
and recommendation to the town in accordance with the
town vote.
James Stuart Smith
William H. Ballard
Clyde E. Steves
Howard S. O. Nichols
Clara M. Barbour
Mrs. C. E. Glynn
One of the members of this committee, Mr. Charles
H. Spaulding, died recently. We regret the loss of his
able counsel.
40
See Volume 16, Page , Town Record Book.
Report of Committee on Clarke Street Extension
Lexington, Mass, June 9, 1930
In the matter of the Clark Street extension as affecting
Mr. Wood’s property, the Committee begs to report that irrespective
of the rights of the town or the rights of Mr. Wood, an agreement
has been reached whereby Mr. Wood will release his claims against
the town, and the town will, if authorized to do so, pay a
sum of money to Mr. Wood to satisfy his claim.
Under these circumstances we have made no
further attempt to discover facts, other than those disclosed by
Mr. Wood’s deed, the plan accompanying it and the statement
made to us by the town engineers.
We think there is enough in Mr. Woods claim to
justify the settlement, as his right would turn on a question of
facts which might only come to light after an extended examination
of title or litigation in court.
The amount of the settlement is known to the
Committee and the Committee believes that both the town and
Mr. Wood have done the right and proper thing.
Willard C. Hill, Chairman
James Stuart Smith
Hazen W. Hamlin (authorized)
Eugene G. Kraetzer
J. Henry Duffy
Appended is the agreement for acceptance of sum of
$ 200. in full settlement.
June 6th, 1930
I, Edward Wood, hereby agree to accept Two Hundred
Dollars ($200) in full settlement of whatever may be due
me from the Town of Lexington in connection with the Clarke
Street Extension Improvement, and waive any further claim
for damages.
Edward Wood
41
See Volume 16, Page , Town Record Book.
Wm. L. Barnes, M.D.
365 Mass. Ave.
Lexington, Mass.
June 6, 1930.
Mr. Robert H. Holt,
Moderator, Town Meetings, Lexington, Mass.
Dear Sir: —
The committee of three appointed by you to
consider and make recommendations with respect to the laws
and practice with reference to licensing, restraint and vaccination
of dogs in Lexington has organized, with Dr. Barnes as chairman.
The chairman wrote to Dr. George H. Bigelow,
Commissioner of Public Health for the State of Mass., asking his
opinion and recommendation in the matter and the action taken by
other towns in the State and received a very satisfactory and
comprehensive reply — also a letter from the Division of Animal
Industry of the Dept. of Conservation, which we are handing
in with our recommendations. These two should be the authorities
best qualified to know about the matter and their recommendation
therefore, should have considerable weight.
After careful consideration it is the unanimous
recommendation of your committee that: —
1. The existing laws in regard to licensing of dogs be
enforced.
2. All dogs be inoculated against rabies before being
licensed.
3. That this inoculation be done free of expense to
dog owners.
4. That all dogs already licensed this year be
inoculated as soon as it can be arranged.
5. That all dogs be required to wear on their
collars tags showing that they have been
inoculated and licensed.
If these regulations are adopted and enforced efficiently
42
it will be unnecessary to restrain or muzzle dogs except in rare
emergencies. If a stray dog infected with rabies should
bite a local dog, it would only rarely result in a new case of
rabies, as the majority of the dogs in town would be
protected by inoculation.
As we have already had in Lexington one death
in a human being from rabies, the result of being bitten
infected
by a stray^dog, and the town has already in years past
been to considerable expense inoculating persons bitten by stray
dogs, and it would not only probably cost the town less to
inoculate all dogs free, and be more efficient than doing it
at an expense to owners of dogs, but would in all probability
prevent any further such tragedies, it is therefore the
unanimous opinion of your committee that these recommendations
be adopted before any new cases develops.
Respectfully submitted.
Wm. L. Barnes, M.D. (Chairman)
Joseph Swan
Galen A. Russell
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Conservation
Division of Animal Industry
State House, Boston.
June 2, 1930.
Dr. Wm. L. Barnes,
Health Officer,
1557 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, Mass.
My dear Dr. Barnes:
A copy of your letter has been forwarded to
me by Dr. Bigelow of the State Department of Public Health
and also his reply thereto.
43
I concur absolutely in all that Dr. Bigelow has
as
written to you, and^he has gone into the matter extensively
can really add nothing of any more value.
I understand that Rhode Island has recently put
on regulations that all dogs in that State be inoculated
against rabies.
Very truly yours,
Edward H. Richardson
Director
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Public Health
State House, Boston
May 28, 1930.
Dr. Wm. L. Barnes
Health Officer
1557 Mass. Avenue
Lexington, Mass.
My dear Doctor Barnes:
The cities of Holyoke and Leominster, Massachusetts,
have written us recently in regard to the matters you raised
in your letter of May 26th and my reply to the two
communities has been in substance as follows:
Over the last two years rabies has been more
prevalent than at any time in the State since statistical data
has been available. Last year 5000 people were reported
to us as having been bitten, which probably represents
less than 50 per cent of those actually so bitten and the
cost to them in material and professional service for the
preventive inoculations against rabies must represent at least
a quarter of a million dollars.
44
This disease in this part of the country is kept
alive in the community and spread from one to another entirely
by the stray unlicensed dog. The control then is vastly easier
than almost any of our common communicable diseases, and
yet every effort that we have made in that direction has
been met with public indifference or active public opposition.
There is plenty of authority for the promulgation
by the city council or the selectmen on the advice of the board of
health of a ninety-day quarantine of all dogs. The law says
that they shall either be restrained or muzzled. In our
opinion and that of the Division of Animal Industry
muzzling is useless since the muzzle never fits, is usually
hanging around the neck, and since years ago Daniel
Webster made sport of the whole thing by placing a tea
strainer at the south end of a dog and claiming he was
complying with the regulation, so that we recommend that
no option be given and that restraint be required. Since
during this period of ninety days all dogs that have been
exposed and are in the incubation period will have come down
with rabies and be destroyed without exposing other dogs
and if during this time all stray dogs are impounded
and if not called for in a reasonable time destroyed humanely,
the disease should be wiped out of your community. The
only difficulty is that at the end of the quarantine period
an infected dog may run in from an adjacent community
and the whole thing be started again.
For this last reason two years ago we attempted
to get the cooperation of some seventy communities in and around
Boston in synchronous restraint. The health and police
officials were interested and cooperative. Public support
vitiated largely under the leadership of the former Mayor Bauer
of Lynn, so that the sum total was inconvenience to those
citizens who complied with the regulation and no improvement
in regard to rabies.
In the last few years an inoculation method to
immunize dogs has been developed in Japan and extensively
used in Connecticut, New Jersey and other parts of this
45
country. Were this method effective and could we develop
immunity against rabies in all our dogs, the problem would
be solved. Unfortunately this method is not as effective as
was at first supposed and inoculated dogs have come down
with the disease. Until its effectiveness is increased it
would seem to us unwise to require inoculation but
from experience at the Angell Memorial Hospital and elsewhere
I feel that with the present temper of our people, inoculation
is more effective than restraint and I have used it on my own
dog. It would, therefore, be wise for you to consider operating
town clinics for the free inoculation of dogs in order to
popularize this method. Some towns have required the
restraint of all dogs except those showing evidence of
inoculation which has become popularized by this method.
This has its drawbacks because in the first place the
method is not completely effective and rabid dogs may in
this way be at large, and in the second place it has
been found that the tags on the collars have been stolen and
put on uninoculated dogs.
The City of Quincy and the Town of Milton have,
within a year or more, issued ordinances in regard to the
restraint of dogs, copies of which I am enclosing.
I am forwarding your letter to Mr. Richardson,
the Director of the Division of Animal Industry of the
Department of Conservation; for his opinion on this matter.
Yours truly,
George H. Bigelow, M.D.
Commissioner of Public Health.
P. S. The Shick material requested was mailed to you yesterday.
Board of Health
Milton, Mass.
January 7, 1927.
To all dog owners in Town of Milton:
Owing to the prevalence of rabies in Milton, the
Selectmen have issued an order, effective January 7th,
46
requiring dogs to be restrained, or muzzled, for a period of
ninety days, excepting such dogs as have been inoculated
against rabies and bear a tag on their collars certifying to
this fact.
The Board of Health offers this inoculation to all
dog owners of Milton free of charge. The Board has obtained
the services of a competent veterinarian who will be at the
Board of Health office, Thacher Building, Walnut Street (near
Town Hall), every day next week beginning January 10th,
from 1 to 3 P.M.
As there are 800 licensed dogs in town, great
congestion will ensue unless some division is made between
the various day of the week. You are hereby requested to
bring your dog on .
You may, of course, have your dog inoculated by
your own veterinarian, but a tag must be obtained from him
and fastened to your dog's collar.
Please bear in mind that all dogs must be
either restrained, muzzled, or inoculated . Dogs running
at large without a muzzle must therefore bear a tag
certifying that they have been inoculated or they are liable
to destruction by the police.
Milton Board of Health
Paul R. Withington, M.D. Chairman
Jacob S. Lincoln
Alexander Forbes, M.D. Secretary
Quincy
Whereas the State Department of Conservation, Division of Animal
Industry has stated that because of an alarming
increase in the cases of rabies in the State,
emergency measures are demanded for the protection
of the people menaced by this disease,
It is Therefore Resolved that the City Council of Quincy,
acting upon the information given by the State
authorities and realizing that the character
of this disease does menace the lives of the
people, it is hereby determined that an
47
emergency does exist and that the City Council,
recognizing this, ordains that the following
order shall be passed immediately so that
its provisions may become effective at a
date not later than December 15, 1927.
Ordered That on and after December 15, 1927, all dogs,
whether immunized or not, shall be
restrained from running at large for a
period of 90 days and it is further
Ordered that the Health and Police
Departments of this City shall be informed
of this action so that they may take
definite steps to carry out the provisions
of this order.
Approved by Mayor, December 14, 1927
48
For Metcalf & Eddy's report on Vine Brook Drainage
see page 598.
49
Report of the Adams School Building Committee
See Volume 16, Page 468.
The matter of the Adams School has been discussed
and reported upon many times in Town Meeting and while there
was a definite vote of the Town last November instructing
this Committee to bring in plans and specifications for an addition
to the new Adams School, yet this Committee thinks it might be well
to review some of the reasons which led up to the Town vote.
The old Adams School has been in use off and on
since the eighteen fifties.
It was abandoned once by the Town as a school building,
and has been operated for the last few years over the protest of the
School Committee. The old building is not a proper one for children.
It is badly ventilated. The stairways are dangerous
in case of fire. The heating system is worn
out. The toilet facilities do not measure
up to modern standards, and for what
we get out of it, it is expensive to operate.
Hampering restrictions of state, fire
and health laws prevent desirable changes
and alterations in this building which
the School Committee might have made
were it allowed to do so.
For these reasons, and for others
which we will not mention, this plant
should be dropped out of the school
system.
About a year ago, a planning
committee reported that new school
facilities for the East Village should
take the form of an addition to the
so-called New Adams School which was
erected eighteen years ago, and the
Committee made its recommendation to
the Town for several reasons, the chief
ones being,
First, that the new Adams School
was erected and designed to take a
50
future addition at less than normal cost.
This saving is chiefly in the heating
plant. The boiler and chimney were
designed for an addition of about the
size which we propose to erect The
main corridors of the building of the
building were also laid out so that
it is obvious that the addition was
to be made where this Committee
proposes to make it.
Second, the Adams School was
deemed the best location, every thing
considered, that could be found and
still give East Village a school building
which would be sufficient for at least
five years more.
As the East Village grows in
population, it will become more apparent
where the next school should be built
at present it is not clear whether
that future building should be on the
right hand or the left hand side of
Massachusetts Avenue nor just how far
this side of the Arlington Line, but
considering both sides of the Avenue
together, now and looking ahead five
years, there is not a large enough
population to support a new school
near the Arlington Line with any
economy to the town. In fact a new
school elsewhere might prove a
liability. Moreover, the town must
purchase a site, and until it is
plain where that site should be,
we are better off on the present
location.
It is also the unanimous
opinion of this Committee that the
51
town would have to spend at least $20,000.
more to place a school elsewhere and
then be no better off than by building
on to the Adams School as originally
planned eighteen years ago.
The Addition.
This Committee under the vote
of the town last fall, now brings in
the following recommendation having
prepared plans and received bids.
An addition to the Adams School
calling for six new classrooms and
leaving an unfinished lower storey on
the ground level which can be developed
at small expense when the need
comes into three additional rooms.
Unless the growth of the population is
much greater than in the past five years,
this present addition, as said before,
will care for five years, and the finish-
ing of three rooms in the basement
will probably care for other growth
in the East Village.
We have mentioned that there are
certain restrictive state laws in reference
to alterations in public buildings.
Adams School is eighteen years old
and these laws require us to make
over some changes in our present Adams
School.
Certain other changes are desirable
in view of the large number of
children who will use the school. This
refers especially to children who bring
lunches, and to a place for exercise
and play. The children now use the
basement in foul and cold weather.
52
With the new and much increased school,
we will have to use so much of the
basement that is not given over to other
purposes, and also use the auditorium
as a sort of combination of playroom
and auditorium. This means work in
the existing building as we do not think
the present finish of the auditorium will
stand the wear and tear of children’s play.
To revamp the old building,
erect the new, install a sprinkler system,
equip with furniture and regrade so much
of the ground as will need it, will cost
approximately $87,500.
The Committee now has definite bids.
We can figure the cost of furniture, and
we have an accurate estimate on sprinkler
system.
When the work is finished, the town
will have in East Village its largest grade
school unit, well located because of the
play ground and the set-back from the
street, and protected against fire hazard
by a sprinkler system.
This proposed sprinkler system
in this school will be a great protection,
but it is not 100%. To give complete protection
would cost more than the situation
warrants. The system proposed will
sprinkler everything in the building
except the roof over auditorium, that is,
all concealed places like wardrobes,
closets and boiler rooms; all stairways
and all corridors; all rooms where
fire might get started and not be
observed. It will decrease the insur-
ance rate from between 32 and 35 to 20.
If both buildings, when complete,
53
have an insurable value of $170,000, the
difference in insurance would be about
$250 a year. This would pay for the
system in about ten years. If the
system is left out, the town will pay
that $250 a year as long as the school
lasts. We estimate the useful life
on the new structure combined with
the old at thirty years.
At the time the town voted an
appropriation for the new Franklin School,
it was stated that the Committee had
to choose between erecting that building
or making this addition to Adams.
We did not wish to have these needed
projects overlap, and the town voted the
Franklin School funds, realizing that
Adams School was pressing on its heels.
The Committee therefore urges
the town to go forward with Adams
School now.
The citizens of East Village have
endured with patience an out of date
building, voting improvements in other parts
of the town. This condition should not
continue.
The cost of the new building is
relatively low considering what we get
and what other construction has cost.
James Stewart Smith
Howard S. O. Nichols.
Howard E. Custance.
William H. Ballard.
C. E. Steves.
Mrs Glynn.
Claire S Ryder.
54
Report of Committee on Rules
and procedure for Representative
Town Meetings, Etc.
The undersigned were appointed a
Committee pursuant to the following vote
of the Town at a meeting held March-17-1930
“Voted; That a Committee of three, of
whom the Moderator shall be one, be ap-
pointed by the Moderator to consider and re-
port upon rules of procedure for the
conduct of representative town meetings,
the conditions under which voters who
are not Town Meeting Members should be
allowed to speak at any representative
Town meeting and what changes if any
should be made in the Code of By
Laws of 1922 of the Town of Lexington.”
Your Committee has met, considered
the subject matter and decided that by
the terms of the vote they are required
to report upon rules of procedure
for the conduct of representative town
meetings, including conditions under
which voters should be permitted to
speak and any changes in the By
Laws necessary or proper for the
accomplishment of the things to be
recommended, but that the vote
does not contemplate a general re
vision of the By-Laws in other respects.
Under Chapter 215 of the Acts
of 1929, which authorized the conduct of
Town business by a representative
town meeting, the Town has the
capacity to act through town
55
meeting members when convened in a
representative town meeting. The By-Laws
now in force with respect to town
meetings were adopted prior to the
creation of the limited town meeting,
and consequently contain many provisions
relative to “voters” which now are applicable
only to town meeting members. It is accord-
ingly recommended that Article I be
amended by adding a definition of the
word “member”, so that it will be taken
to mean a town meeting member as
defined in Chapter 215 Acts of 1929, and
that Article V be amended in various
sections by substituting the word “member”
or “members” for the word “voter” or
“voters” where applicable.
Article II Section 2 requires the
warrants for town meetings to be posted
in the vestibule of the Town Hall.
It is not clear what building is the
Town Hall and this should be changed
to read “Town Office Building”. Section 6
of this Article relative to notices of
adjourned meetings should be modified
to comply with the special provisions
of Chapter 215 Acts of 1929, relative to
the Limited Town meetings, which
principally require the Clerk to mail
notices of adjourned meetings to each
member, if time permits, at least
twenty-four hours before the time to
which the meeting is adjourned.
Article V, Section 5 and 8, provide
for appeals from the rulings of the
Moderator on questions of order. As
the statues repose this power solely
in the Moderator (G. L. Ch. 39 Sec. 15),
these provisions are of no effect and
56
should be repealed.
Section 38 of Article XXVII of the By-
Laws is the section which requires the
Chief of the Fire Department to cause
two blows to be sounded on the fire
alarm system at nine o'clock in each
evening as a notification of the cur-
few law requiring children under the
age of sixteen not to remain upon any
public street after nine o'clock in
the evening. It is suggested that the
representative town meeting as well as
all other meetings held in the evening
in the Town, would be benefited if
this section is repealed.
A draft of the amendments pro-
posed is attached hereto.
Instead of incorporating in the
By-Laws the following matters which
we recommend, it is suggested
that standing orders be adopted sub-
ject to amendment at any time by a
majority vote under which the space
now being used on the floor of Carey
Memorial Hall for town meeting members
shall be specifically reserved for that
purpose, that admission to this space
shall be by use of check lists kept
at convenient points adjacent to
entrances aisles, and that any voter
shall be entitled to address the meet-
ing subject to the same limitations as
provided in the By-Laws with re-
spect to members.
A draft of the proposed
Standing Order is attached hereto.
Other changes in our Code
of By-Laws were suggested to your
57
Committee on matter not pertinent to our
inquiry, and the Committee feels that
many sections and even whole articles
of the Code could be repealed as
surplusage, unnecessary or because
it is a partial copy of State Law.
This is matter for a committee
of larger scope than the present one
if the Town wishes to have a
general review of the Code attempted.
Respectfully submitted
Joseph R. Cotton
Francis E. Burke
Robert H. Holt
Draft of Proposed Standing Order.
1. At all town meetings held in Carey [sic]
Memorial Hall, the space on the first
floor between the front of the Hall and
the transverse aisle shall be reserved
for town meeting members and persons
not town meeting members shall be
admitted within this area while town
meetings are in session only upon the
vote of the meeting.
2. Check lists of town meeting members
shall be kept at convenient places
adjacent to the entrances to the reserved
area during all town meetings and for
a reasonable time prior to the open-
ing thereof, and town meeting members
shall be admitted to the reserved
area upon giving their names to the
checkers in charge of such check
lists and having their names duly
checked thereon.
58
3. Any registered voter of the Town
shall be entitled to address any town
meeting subject to the same limitations
as are imposed by the By-Laws upon
town meeting members.
4. These orders may be amended with-
out prior notice at any time by a
majority vote of the members present
at a meeting.
Draft of Suggested Amendments to By-Laws.
Article I. Section 3 to be amended by add-
ing at the end thereof a new sentence
as follows "(m) The word "member", except
where the context otherwise requires
shall mean a town meeting member
as defined by Chapter - 215, Acts of 1929."
Article III. Section 4. requires a copy of
the warrant to be posted in the
vestibule of the Town Hall.
Query: What is the Town Hall?
This should be amended to read
"Town Office Building".
Article III Section 6 should be amended
to read as follows:
"The Town Clerk shall, as soon
as practicable after a town meeting
is adjourned, give notice of the time
to which the meeting is adjourned,
stating briefly the business to be
acted on thereat, together with
notice of any proposed reconsider-
ation. Such notice shall given
by posting a copy in five or
59
more public places in the Town and, if
time permits, by mailing a copy to
each member at least twenty-four hours
before the time to which such meet
ing is adjourned, and by publishing
a copy in some newspaper published
in the Town."
Suggested Amendments.
Article V Section 1. Substitute "members"
for the words "registered voters."
Section 5. Strike out the words-
"subject to an appeal as hereinafter
provided in Section 8"
Section 7. Substitute "member" for "voter"
Section 8. Repeal.
Section 10. Substitute "members" for "voters".
Section 15. Strike out - "shall refrain
from mentioning by name any other person
present."
Sections 25, 33, 35 and 36. Substitute
the word "member" for "voter" and
"members" for "voters".
Article XXVII Section 38. Should
be repealed.
60
April 27-1931
To the Members of the Town Meeting of Lexington
In accordance with the vote passed
at the adjourned Town Meeting, March 23, 1931
"that the Selectmen be requested to investi-
gate the matter of collecting license fees
for dogs and arrange to have some
effective plan adopted." we beg to make
the following report:
It has been the custom to advertise
in the local paper each year, previous to
April 1st, calling attention of the citizens
that all dogs must be licensed previous
to April 1st. Only about one eighth of the
dog owners in the Town have been in the
habit of licensing their dogs in accordance
with the law.
The next step has been taken after
the Assessors have reported to the Town
Clerk the number of dogs found in the
Town, after they have made their annual
check up of personal property and real
estate. This has been in the form of
a notice to all persons so reported and
has taken place about June 1st.
On July 1st a second notice has
been sent. About the tenth of July it has
been customary to send the Dog Officer
to all owners who have not responded
to the second notice.
This year it was suggested to
the Town Clerk that, in addition to press
notices, that personal notices be sent by
mail to all persons who registered dogs
in 1930, previous to April 1st with the
following results:
61
-------------------------------- | ---
Dogs registered March 31, 1930 - | 106
Dogs registered March 31, 1931 - | 190
Dogs registered April 24, 1930 - | 275
Dogs registered April 24, 1931 - | 534
While this represents a net gain to
date, it is still evident that a large
percentage of dog owners are not disposed
to pay their tax in accordance with the law.
We know of no way to obtain the
names of those who have acquired dogs
since April 1-1930, other than from the
Assessors, and it will therefore be necessary
to send out additional notices ) as soon as the
Assessor's records are complete, which will
be about May 1st, and the same procedure
continued as in years passed from that time on.
If notices are sent previous to
April 1st we know of no way to avoid
sending same to persons who have disposed
of their dogs, since April 1st of the
preceding year.
We believe, however, that the method
of procedure this year is the most
satisfactory, and we are advised by
Town Clerk that he is in favor of
continuing the present plan.
Signed:
Robert P Trask
Theodore A Custance
John E Gilcreast
Clarence Shannon
Hallie C Blake.
Selectmen of Lexington
62
April 27 - 1931
To the Town Meeting Members of Lexington
Pursuant to the request embodied
in the vote adopted at the adjourned
Town Meeting, March 23, 1931, "that the
traffic conditions on Mass. Ave. are such as
to require attention, and the Selectmen
are hereby requested to study the same
and bring in their recommendations at
a later meeting" we beg to submit the
following report.
The Chief of Police has presented
to the Board of Selectmen a report of
accidents reported to him that occurred
on Massachusetts Avenue between Marrett Road
and the Arlington line between January 1, 1930.
and April 1, 1931. and the total of 69 indicates
that there is indeed a serious traffic
condition on Massachusett Avenue between
these points.
Of this number only 7 involved
pedestrians. There were 38 persons injured
and one person killed. In order to
discover the location of the greatest
number of these accidents and their
probable cause, the following analysis
has been made of these figures.
accidents at the junction of Marrett Road
9, at the junction of Maple St 10, at the
junction of Pleasant St. 3, between the
Arlington Line and Pleasant St. 15, between
Pleasant St. and Maple St. 32. In other
words, more than three-fifths of all
accidents occurred between
Pleasant and Maple Streets, a distance
of about one-third of the area
under investigation, where the Avenue
is narrowest and intersecting streets
63
most numerous. It is also noted that 44
of the 69 accidents occurred during daylight
which seems to indicate that poor street
lighting is not the principal fact, although
it may be a contributing cause.
It is the opinion of the Chief of Police
that most of these accidents can be directly
attributed to driving at a speed which is in
excess of what is reasonable in a thickly
settled area. The Board of Selectmen
concur with this opinion, and have already
directed the Chief of Police to take steps to
put a stop to fast driving, particularly in
that district between Maple St and Pleasant Sts
where the Avenue is narrow and there are
several business areas.
In order to avoid any danger from poor
lighting, it is proposed that lights of 250
candle power replace those of 80 candle
power now in use between Independence
Avenue and Pleasant Street and that white
lines be painted in the center of the street
at all curves.
In this section, a further study is to be
made of parking conditions at the junction
of Mass. Avenue and Independence Avenue,
where there is believed to be more congest-
ion than at any other point with the in-
tention of establishing no parking areas
in all directions for each street.
We urge the citizens of Lexington
to co-operate with us in our
efforts to make this part of our
town a safe place in which to
walk and ride by complying
with the automobile regulations
with respect to thickly settled
areas, and we further urge
64
that pedestrians use due care in
crossing the Avenue at points where
there is heavy traffic.
Signed
Robert P Trask Board
Theodore A Custance of
John E Gilcreast Selectmen
Clarence Shannon
Hallie C Blake
Report of the Vine Brook Committee.
"To the Citizens of the Town of Lexington: -
The Town Meeting of June 9th
1930 passed the following vote: -
" Voted: - "That the Moderator appoint
a Committee of fifteen Town Meeting Members
representative of all sections of the Town
to review the reports of Metcalf and Eddy
and McClintock and Woodfall, and the
studies of the Planning Board and the
Board of Selectmen relative to Vine Brook
Drainage, said Committee to have access
to all the records of the Selectmen
and the Planning Board, and to be
at liberty to consult with any board,
committee or individual and secure
any additional engineering data which
they may deem essential to a decision
on this project, and that they submit
their recommendations at the next
Town Meeting." Amendment. - That said
Committee incur no expense with -
out further vote of the Town."
65
The Vine Brook Committee was
organized on September 3rd, 1930 and has
since held thirteen meetings. It has
studied the report of McClintock and
Woodfall dated March 17th, 1913 and
that of Metcalf and Eddy dated
September 29th 1928. It has studied the
Brook and a considerable part of the
area it drains, consulted with the
Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board
and citizens of the Town familiar with
and particularly interested in the pro-
ject with which we are dealing.
To eliminate the possibility of
further confusion and to simplify our
report we have divided Vine Brook
into four sections and present them
to you in the order in which we be-
lieve they should be taken up and
built by the Town when and if
ever so voted.
Section I
From Butterfield's Pond to the south-
erly side of Hayes Lane including
the Culvert under Hayes Lane.
Section II
From Hayes Lane to the southerly
side of Vine Brook Road.
Section III
The South Branch of Vine Brook
and the Main Channel between
Vine Brook Road and the present
junction of the North and South
Branches.
Section IV
The North Branch of Vine Brook.
66
Section I.
It is evident to your Committee
that while Section II is to be the most important
as well as expensive section considered the
building of it will necessitate the im-
provement of Section I. This for the reason
that Section II once built will discharge
the storm waters into Section I at a
much faster rate than under present
conditions. The brook below Hayes Lane
is not in shape to absorb this faster
run off being at present in a deplorable
condition. We therefore studied this section
between Butterfields Pond and Hayes Lane
and find that the improvement should
start at a point about 1500 feet north
of East Street, from which point to the
Pond the fall is ample to take care
of the flow of water. The work in
this section would consist of straightening
widening and deepening the brook
through to Hayes Lane. Preliminary estimates
based on an open channel with an
average width of 8 feet at the bottom
with 1 to 1 slopes - raked smooth and
grassed show the cost of this section
would run approximately $6000. exclusive
of the culvert under East Street. This
East Street culvert we are advised
will be rebuilt by the State at the
same time they are constructing the
State Highway now being planned to
pass through this part of the Town.
It is obvious that work on Section I
should not be started until the State
Highway Engineers and our Engineering
Department have come to an agreement
as to grades and until the State
67
actually begins the construction work.
Whether the Town votes to pro-
ceed with the Vine Brook program
or not the State plans of the culvert
at East Street should accord with
the Town's plan for widening and
deepening Vine Brook at this point.
Section II - Your Committee approves the layout
of Metcalf and Eddy pertaining to this
Section lying between Hayes Lane and
the southerly side of Vine Brook Road
with a few changes. We believe the
brook should be covered between Vine
Brook Road and Massachusetts Avenue.
That a basin be built at Vine Brook
Road and a screen erected at this
point to catch floating debis before
it can enter the covered part of the
Brook. From Massachusetts Avenue to
Hayes Lane the Metcalf and Eddy plans
should be substantially followed. This
would give a basin located probably
on the southerly side of Vine Brook Road,
then a covered brook from this point
to a headwall to Hayes Lane. We
recommend the straightening of the
brook at Hayes Lane and the relocation
of the culvert under Hayes Lane. Preliminary
estimates covering the construction of
Section II vary, but from information
gathered, your Committee believes
that the cost of this section will
run to approximately $90,000
Section III.
The South Branch of Vine Brook
runs through private lands throughout
its length. The Town discharges storm
water from the Highland Centre area
68
into this Branch but the fall is sufficient
to care for this drainage with the bottom
of the South Branch at its present grade.
Therefore your Committee does not
recommend the Town entering the South
Branch. It believes if the Town constructs
Section II as outlined in this report that
the South Branch will have all the out
let it will need to handle any drainage
system which may be installed.
Section IV
The North Branch of Vine Brook
drains the Park Land of the Town and
should the Town at some future date
wish to improve the drainage of the
Park area it will have an Outlet
prepared in advance with the construction
of Section II. For the present your
Committee feels that no work need
be done on the North Branch
other than a general cleaning out of
the brook through the Town property
only.
Recommendations.
Your Committee recommends
that the Town build Section II as
outlined in the report as soon as
the financial condition of the Town
will allow.
That any vote to build Section
II have an accompanying vote to im-
prove Section I as outlined in the re-
port.
That the Town do not enter
Section III.
That the Town do no construction
work on Section IV and that any
cleaning of that portion located
69
in the Park Land be paid for out of the
"Lowering Brooks Account."
We further recommend that no
appropriation be made for further studies
of Vine Brook; believing that the sur-
veys of Metcalf and Eddy, and
McClintock and Woodfall are
sufficient for the purpose, and that
the Engineering Department of the Town
is able from the data and studies
now available to draw up plans and
specifications to cover the construction
work.
We also recommend that when
the Town is ready to proceed with
the construction work plans and speci-
fications be prepared calling for
Estimates on three types of construct-
ion for the covered part of the
brook. First a reinforced concrete
conduit cast in place; second a
reinforced concrete pipe conduit; third
a vitrified segment block conduit.
Procedure
After giving the matter consid-
eration from every angle your
Committee recommends that the work
contemplated be done under a Betterment
Act. It is our belief that the returns
from the Betterment Assessments will
not be large. We also believe the
Town should; before entering any
of the private lands in Sections
I and II, make a taking of sufficient
width to enable the Contractor
to do his work without inter-
ference and to allow the Town
later on to maintain the brook.
70
without entering on private property.
Respectfully submitted.
|
---------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------
Eugene Buckley | Frank P Cutter | Charles H [Schofeld?]
Wm C Mulliken | Robert H Eldridge | Wm Shanahan
L. Jellis | Sheldon A Robinson | Ray C Ferguson Secy
James J. Walsh | E. E. Taylor
Harold B Needham | Charles H Beaudry
A Edward [?] Jr. | James G Robertson | Chairman
| Committee March 23 - 1931.
Robert P. Trask | John E. Gilcreast | Board of
Clarence Shannon | Theodore A. Custance | Selectmen
Hallie C. Blake |
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex, ssLexington, Mass. July 14, 1931
Town of Lexington, Selectmen's Room.
At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town
of Lexington, after having given due written notice of the
intention of said Board, as required by law, to lay out as a
town way the way known as Allen Street, from a street
now or formerly called Allen Street, a distance of about 600 ft.
northerly, all as hereinafter more fully appears, and after
public hearing thereon held this day, and no objections
having been made;
Now, upon consideration of the matter, it is
Ordered: That this Board of Selectmen is of the opinion
that public necessity and convenience require that said Allen
Street be laid out and established as a public town way,
and that the same hereby is laid ^out and established as a public
town way respectively, as follows: —
The westerly line of Allen Street begins at a point in the
northerly line of a street now or formerly called Allen Street said
point being southeasterly and distant about 337 feet from the
easterly line of Waltham Street, thence bearing to the left with a
curve of radius 30.00 feet distant 53.59 feet to a point of tangency,
thence N 1 59' 30" W distant 209.01 feet to a point of curvature,
thence bearing to the right with a curve of 1144.53 feet radius
distant 122.02 feet to a point of tangency, thence N 4 07'
71
E distant 73.63 feet to a point of curvature, thence
bearing to the left with a curve of 532.40 feet radius
distant 76.97 feet to a point of tangency, thence N
4 10' W distant 75.89 feet to a point.
The easterly line of Allen Street begins at a point
in the easterly line of a street now or formerly called
Allen Street, thence bearing to the right with a curve of
521.49 feet radius distant 281.85 to a point of tangency,
thence N 1 59' 30" W distant 124.36 feet to a point
of curvature, thence bearing to the right with a curve
of 1104.53 feet radius distant 117.75 feet to a point of
tangency, thence N 4 07' E distant 73.63 feet to a
point of curvature, thence bearing to the left with a
curve of 572.40 feet radius distant 83.75 feet to a
point of tangency, thence N 4 10' W distant 75.89 feet
to a point.
The above described lines are parallel with and
distant 40.00 feet from each other, with the exception
of the curved intersections with the street now or form-
erly called Allen Street. Said Allen Street is hereby
laid out and established as shown on a plan entitled,
"Plan of Allen Street at Franklin School Property,
Lexington, Mass., July 2, 1931, Scale 1 in. = 40 ft.,
John J. Cosgrove, Town Engineer", which plan is on file
in the Town Clerk's office in said Lexington and a copy
of which will be recorded with Middlesex South District
Deeds with a copy of this order.
And said Board having considered the question
of damages sustained by the owners of lands across
and through which said way have been laid out and
established as aforesaid, hereby determines that no
damages are sustained and no damages are awarded,
and said Board hereby declares that all acts herein are
done under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment
of betterments.
---------------- | -------------------- | ---------
Robert P. Trask | John E. Gilcreast | Board of
Clarence Shannon | Theodore A. Custance | Selectmen
Hallie C. Blake |
72
Report of the Planning Board under Article 13 of the
Warrant of September 15th, 1931, upon the petition of
Daniel J. O'Connell to change the triangular parcel of
land bounded by Fletcher Avenue, Woburn Street and the
Boston & Lowell Railroad from an R 1 District to a C 1 District.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Zoning By-Law a
hearing was held by the Planning Board on July 9, 1931,
at 8:15 P.M., at which the petitioner appeared with fourteen
other citizens and one out-of-town owner of property
within the affected area with previously designated by
the Planning Board.
Of those present, the petitioner Mr. O'Connell and
eight others spoke in favor of the Change. Two spoke in opposition.
Mr. O'Connell did not state definitely the kind of business
that he desired to set up on the property in question if the
change in zoning petitioned for was granted, but that he
contemplated either stores, an automobile showroom and
salesroom, or a filling station.
The property itself lies on the border line between the
principal business section of the town and an important
residential section. There would seem to be no occasion
for enlarging the business section or district until all
property within the present bounds shall have been so
nearly utilized as to cause congestion or undue appreciation
of values. That status has not yet been reached and
apparently will not be reached for some years to come.
Until that time is reached no reason is seen for enlarging
the present business district. In the present business or C 1
district on Massachusetts Avenue extending from Meriam Street
to Woburn Street there is still a total of 1310 ft. frontage of
property not yet availed of for business uses.
In acting upon petitions for changes in zoning, the re-
quirements of the town as a whole should be considered
rather than individual preferences or interests. Otherwise, the
town would quickly lose its orderly development and would be
covered with isolated business areas in the midst of
residential areas, and isolated values on the one hand
73
would be unduly appreciated, and on the other
hand adjoining values would be depreciated. It was
to avoid just such spotty development that zoning
was adopted, and the whole benefit of zoning
would be lost if individual petitions for changes as
the present are granted.
Changes should be made when public need requires.
No business district should be enlarged nor should a new
business district be created unless and until public con-
venience reasonably requires the change.
With the large frontage of property in the present
business district on Massachusetts Avenue between Meriam
Street and Woburn Street now available for business
but not yet utilized for business, it is felt that there
is no present need for amending our zoning law to
provide additional business area, and while it may
be true that at some future time the property covered
by the present petition, together with other prop-
erties in different parts of the town, may in the
natural and orderly growth of the town be required
to accommodate the demands of business, that time
is probably many years ahead, and until then its
status should not be changed.
The Planning Board, after full consideration
of the petition and the arguments in favor of it
and in opposition to it, unanimously recommends
that the change be not made.
Frederick L. Emery
C. Edward Glynn
J. Henry Duffy
Wm. D. Milne
Clarence H. Cutler
Edgar V. Schiebe
Clerk
Sept. 28, 1931
74
Report of the Planning Board upon the Petition of Catherine T.
Herbert to amend the Zoning By-Law and Map by Changing
from an R 1 District to a C 1 District a certain parcel of land
owned by her at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and
Marrett Road
Pursuant to the provisions of the Zoning Law in respect
to petitions of this sort, the Planning Board gave the necessary
public notice of a hearing to be held by it on November 2, 1931,
at eight o'clock P.M. Notice was also given to the petitioner
and to others within the district designated by the Planning
Board as affected by the proposed change.
Five citizens appeared in behalf of the petition, namely,
the petitioner, her husband and son, and two others, one of
whom was Mr. Daniel J. O'Connell who we understood to appear
as her counsel.
Attention was called to the fact that this was the fourth
petition by the same petitioner to have the zoning of this part-
icular lot changed, and the petitioner was asked if she had
any new reason to give or ground to state for recommendation
that the petition be now granted, when upon three earlier occasions
the Planning Board had recommended that the petition be not
granted and that the change be not made. Petitioner stated
that she had no new reason and could state no additional
ground.
The Planning Board recommends that the petition be not
granted for reasons previously stated.
Frederick L. Emery
C. Edward Glynn
J. Henry Duffy
Nov. 23, 1931 Wm. D. Milne
Clarence H. Cutler
Edgar F. Scheibe
75
Report of the Planning Board on a Proposed Amendment
to the Lexington Zoning By-Law as it appears under Article 8
in the Warrant for the Town Meeting to be held July 1, 1940.
A public hearing was held May 18, 1940 after notices
were given in accordance with the zoning by-law and the
Planning Board now submits a final report with recom-
mendations to the Town.
The Board received word from the Petitioner early last
year that he was proceeding to file a petition for a business
zone on Vine Brook Road. About the same time the
Board of Assessors called a conference with the Planning
Board, Board of Appeals, Board of Selectmen and Board
of Trade to urge the need of apartments in Lexington. The
Planning Board proposed to Mr. Viano that he abandon
his efforts to obtain a business zone, and wait until
the Board should have presented to the Town a plan
for special residence zones for apartments. He followed
the Board's suggestion. The Board presented its plan
in Town Meeting, and the meeting voted in favor of apart-
ment zones. The Attorney General received a copy of
the proposed by-law, and of the vote of the meeting, and
is withholding approval until the Town asks to apply
the new zoning restriction to a specific parcel of land.
Meanwhile Mr. Viano suggested that he was ready
to petition for such an apartment zone, and the Planning
Board designated the area affected, from which owners
representing 50% of the valuation must join in petitions
for a zoning change. The petition was presented and
found to be sufficient and proper.
A hearing was given at which one or two appeared
in favor and some 32 opposed. The Article was then
inserted in the Warrant for action by this meeting. Be-
fore a vote can be taken the Board must have submitted
its recommendations.
The Board is under mandate to carry out definite
instructions from the Town. The voters in this case
have determined already to provide for the establishment
of apartment zones. The Board finds the area described
76
in this petition to be suitably located for such use.
It adjoins the Town’s principle business zone, and yet
is so located that there might be maintained upon it
an apartment attractive enough in its surroundings to
command occupants of such a character that the Property
would not tend to become a social menace. The Board
does not pass upon any specific building plans, speci-
fications or restrictions. This power is given to the
Board of Appeal.
The Board does not ignore the fact that many citizens
in the neighborhood have registered themselves in oppos-
ition, and have a right to present their objections, and vote
according to those objections.
The Board, however, recommends favorable action.
---------- | ---------------------
Signed | D. E. Nickerson
| Wm. Roger Greeley
| Edward W. Kimball
| Lester T. Ellis
Dissenting | Clem H. Ferguson
| Edwin B. Worthen, Jr.
77
Report of the Planning Board on the
Following Proposed Amendment, as it
Appears Under Article 7 in the Warrant for
the Town Meeting, to be held September 24, 1936.
To amend the Lexington Zoning
By-Law and Map by changing from an
R 1 District to a C 1 District the
parcel of land described as follows:
“A triangular parcel of land
bounded on the northwest by
Fletcher Avenue distant 183.90 feet, on
the southwest by Woburn Street
distant 320.22 feet, and on the
northeast by the Boston and
Lowell Railroad Corp. right of
way distant 317.40 feet, containing
about 27,994 square feet.”
A public hearing was held
on September 17, 1936, on the
proposed amendment, after the
notice given in accordance with
the Lexington By-Laws, and the
Planning Board now submits a
final report with recommendations
to the Town Meeting.
The Board believes that the
fundamental of sound zoning is
to protect property values through
adherance to established zones,
unless a change is justified by
public need. It believes that the
Town should not grant to any
owner of peculiarly located or
otherwise unusuable tracts the
privileges of business or other special
uses unless such uses are clearly
78
proven to be required.
Former Boards have ex-
pressed the opinion that the
areas already zoned for business
were laid down for a popula-
tion growth very considerably in
excess of both what had
actually occurred or might be
reasonably expected for some time
to come. The unprofitable uses
of many buildings around the
Town convinces the present
Board that these opinions
apply at present, and that there
is no necessity for additional
business areas at this time.
That there is no demand
for additional business in this
particular locality is evinced
by the lack of business development
in the area now zoned for
business along Woburn Street on
the opposite side of the railroad
track.
The Town has recognized
the advisability of protecting
its heavy investment in public
buildings by establishing a
solid residential area on this
side of Massachusetts Avenue from
Vine Brook south.
The Planning Board believes
that the future needs of the
Town will require the
acquisition of not only this
tract of land but the land
intervening between this lot
and the present Town Hall lot
79
in order to provide adequate
facilities for the police, fire,
and other departments of the
Town.
It also believes that the
changing of this wedge into
a Business area is unsound
zoning and that no change
should be made until there
is a definite public need
or until a civic use for
it can be found.
In view of these con-
siderations, the Planning Board
recommends to the Town
Meeting that this petition be
denied.
Signed: Neil H. Borden
Edward H. Kimball
Clem H. Ferguson
Lester F. Ellis
Donald E. Nickerson
John A. Sellars
80
Survey of Salaries and Wages
Town of Lexington, Mass.
December 1, 1941
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Lexington, Massachusetts.
Pursuant to the following
vote passed by the Town Meeting,
March 3, 1941
Voted: That it is the sense
of the Town Meeting that the
Selectmen shall appoint a committee
of five to make a complete
study of salaries of all Town
Employees for the establishing of
minimums, maximums, and
automatic increases, or any other
matter pertaining thereto, this
report to be submitted to the
Selectmen before December 1, 1941,
the report of your committee
follows:
The investigation and
determination of the reward for
personal services are tasks that
require serious thought and
judgement. Furthermore, the
fixing of salaries of one's neigh-
bors and acquaintances
presents difficulties because of
the personal element involved.
This Committee has recognized
that fact in its recommendations,
and has endeavored to base
its conclusions on
81
first - a fair and proper compensa-
tion for the individual;
second - a reasonable salary for the
position as compared to
similar occupations in other
municipalities and private
industry; and
third - a careful consideration as
to the cost of service to
the tax payer.
The committee held twenty-
one meetings during which heads
of various departments, and others,
were interviewed, and has made
a thorough study of the wages
and salaries paid all town
employees.
The committee has also
obtained reports from the Fire
Department, Police Department,
School Department and the Trustees
of Cary Memorial Library out-
lining salary and wage plan
now in effect.
The committee in determin-
ing minimum and maximum
Salary and wage schedules
has given consideration to the
fact that local positions have
a distinct advantage over
out-of-town employment from
the financial standpoint. We
believe there is a differential
of approximately $4.50 per week
in favor of the town employee.
82
As a result of our investiga-
tions, we offer the following recommendations:
1. Clerical Workers Maximum salary $18.00 per week
(a) Junior Grade - Minimum salary $15.00 per week Minimum salary $19.00 per week
(b) Senior Grade - Maximum salary $25.00 per week
(c) Annual Increase - $1.00 per week
Qualification - Junior Clerk. Works under supervision, exercises
independent judgement only on
details of work.
Qualification - Senior Clerk
Requires special training, exercises
considerable independent judge-
ment; assumes the responsibility
for the department in the absence
of the Department head.
(d) The Junior Clerks should be selected
from qualified graduates of
the Commercial course in the
High School and shall start at
the minimum salary. Appoint-
ments to fill vacancies shall
be made when possible from
the existing personnel by the
promotion of qualified employes.
(e) In the interest of fairness and
justice, it is recommended that
uniform working hours, lunch
periods and vacations be
established for all clerical
employes, and that the necessary
steps be taken to set up and
enforce such a schedule.
83
2. Board of Selectmen The committee is satisfied
that the Board of Selectmen shall
serve without salary.
3. Part Time Paid Appointees
Present Annual Salary | Annual Car Allowance
----------------------------- | -------------------- | -------
Building Inspector | $1100.00 | $100.00
Dog Clinic Animal Inspector | 600.00 | -
Dog Officer | 100.00 | -
Health Milk Inspector | 900.00 | 100.00
Plumbing Inspector | 900.00 | 250.00
Sealer of Weights Measures | 500.00 | 200.00
Slaughter Inspector | 800.00 | -
Town Counsel | 1000.00 and fees | -
Town Physician | 750.00 | -
Wire Electric Inspector | 600.00 | 75.00
Registrars of Voters (4) | 75.00 each | -
The Board of Selectmen shall
continue to regulate the salaries
of the above part time paid
appointees. In making this
recommendation the committee
feels that no minimum and
maximum salary should be made
for these positions because of
the fluctuation in the hours
required for them to perform
their duties conscientiously and
efficiently.
84
**4. Accounting Department**
| Present Annual Salary | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate | | | | | | | Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ---------------- | | | | | | | | | |
Town Accountant | $ 3100.00 | $ 2500.00 | $ 3000.00 | $ 100.00
Plus Salary As- | | | |
sisting Approp. Com. | 450.00 | 200.00 | 300.00 | 50.00
1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 13.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Chairman | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
Executive Assistant | 2700.00 | 2000.00 | 2700.00 | 100.00
Car Allowance | 100.00 | (no recommendation) | - |
Other Assessors (each) | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 24.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 13.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Superintendent | 600.00 | 600.00 | 600.00 | -
1 Part Time Clerk | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
Collector of Taxes | 2850.00 | 2500.00 | 2850.00 | 100.00
Senior Clerk (weekly) | 22.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
Junior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Town Engineer | 2990.00 | 2000.00 | 3990.00 | 100.00
Assistant Engineer (wk) | 44.00 | 37.00 | 50.00 | 2.00
Chief of Party (weekly) | 34.00 | 30.00 | 37.00 | 1.00
Transit Man (weekly) | 27.50 | 25.00 | 32.00 | 1.00
Rod Man (weekly) | 22.00 | 18.00 | 24.00 | 1.00
Draftsman and | | | |
Designer (weekly) | 33.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | 1.00
Supervisor (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
**5. Assessors Department**
| | | | | | Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ---------------- | | | | |
Chairman | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
Executive Assistant | 2700.00 | 2000.00 | 2700.00 | 100.00
Car Allowance | 100.00 | (no recommendation) | - |
Other Assessors (each) | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 24.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 13.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Superintendent | 600.00 | 600.00 | 600.00 | -
1 Part Time Clerk | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
Collector of Taxes | 2850.00 | 2500.00 | 2850.00 | 100.00
Senior Clerk (weekly) | 22.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
Junior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Town Engineer | 2990.00 | 2000.00 | 3990.00 | 100.00
Assistant Engineer (wk) | 44.00 | 37.00 | 50.00 | 2.00
Chief of Party (weekly) | 34.00 | 30.00 | 37.00 | 1.00
Transit Man (weekly) | 27.50 | 25.00 | 32.00 | 1.00
Rod Man (weekly) | 22.00 | 18.00 | 24.00 | 1.00
Draftsman and | | | |
Designer (weekly) | 33.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | 1.00
Supervisor (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Approximately 10 men to take up Census at $4.00 per day for about ten days per year.
**6. Cemetery Department**
| | | | | Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ---------------- | | | |
Superintendent | 600.00 | 600.00 | 600.00 | -
1 Part Time Clerk | 200.00 | 200.00 | 200.00 | -
Collector of Taxes | 2850.00 | 2500.00 | 2850.00 | 100.00
Senior Clerk (weekly) | 22.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
Junior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Town Engineer | 2990.00 | 2000.00 | 3990.00 | 100.00
Assistant Engineer (wk) | 44.00 | 37.00 | 50.00 | 2.00
Chief of Party (weekly) | 34.00 | 30.00 | 37.00 | 1.00
Transit Man (weekly) | 27.50 | 25.00 | 32.00 | 1.00
Rod Man (weekly) | 22.00 | 18.00 | 24.00 | 1.00
Draftsman and | | | |
Designer (weekly) | 33.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | 1.00
Supervisor (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
**7. Collector of Taxes Dept.**
| | | | Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ---------------- | | |
Collector of Taxes | 2850.00 | 2500.00 | 2850.00 | 100.00
Senior Clerk (weekly) | 22.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
Junior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
Town Engineer | 2990.00 | 2000.00 | 3990.00 | 100.00
Assistant Engineer (wk) | 44.00 | 37.00 | 50.00 | 2.00
Chief of Party (weekly) | 34.00 | 30.00 | 37.00 | 1.00
Transit Man (weekly) | 27.50 | 25.00 | 32.00 | 1.00
Rod Man (weekly) | 22.00 | 18.00 | 24.00 | 1.00
Draftsman and | | | |
Designer (weekly) | 33.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | 1.00
Supervisor (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
**8. Engineering Department**
| | | Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ---------------- | |
Town Engineer | 2990.00 | 2000.00 | 3990.00 | 100.00
Assistant Engineer (wk) | 44.00 | 37.00 | 50.00 | 2.00
Chief of Party (weekly) | 34.00 | 30.00 | 37.00 | 1.00
Transit Man (weekly) | 27.50 | 25.00 | 32.00 | 1.00
Rod Man (weekly) | 22.00 | 18.00 | 24.00 | 1.00
Draftsman and | | | |
Designer (weekly) | 33.00 | 25.00 | 35.00 | 1.00
Supervisor (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
85
**9. Highway Department**
Highway Department
| | Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ---------------- |
Supervisor (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
**10. Park and Moth Department**
| Present Annual | Minimum | Maximum | Annual Step Rate
------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------- | --------- | ----------------
* Park Superintendent | $ 1900.00 | $ 1500.00 | $ 1900.00 | $ 100.00
* Moth Dept. Supt. | 300.00 | 300.00 | 300.00 |
Car Allowance | 400.00 | (no recommendation) | |
(Park and Moth Dept.) | | | |
Park Foreman (weekly) | 32.00 | 28.00 | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Pool Caretaker (10 wks) | 25.00 (wkly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | -
1 Playground Super- | 20.00 | 20.00 | 20.00 |
visor (10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
2 Playground Instructors | 18.00 | 16.00 | 16.00 | -
(10 weeks) (weekly) | | | |
4 Playground Instructors | | | |
(10 weeks) (weekly) | 18.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | -
3 Assistant Instructors | | | |
(10 wks) (weekly) | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 | -
1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
* In addition to compensation indicated
above, the superintendent of the Park
and Moth Department has the privilege
of occupancy, rent free, of the house
in which he lives, owned by the Town.
86
11. | _Public Works Department_ | | |
| Superintendent | 3600.00 | 2860.00 | 4000.00 | 200.00
| Mechanic (weekly) | 35.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 1.00
| Mechanic's helper (new job) | — | 28.00 | 35.00 | 1.00
| 3 Watchmen | 25.00 ea. | 21.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| Head Janitor – Town Office | | |
| Bldgs, also Cary | | |
| Memorial Hall (weekly) | 37.00 | 29.00 | 38.00 | 1.00
| 1st Asst. Janitor (same) | 25.00 (wk) | 21.00 | 27.00 | 1.00
| 2nd Asst. Janitor (same) | 22.00 (wk) | 21.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| 1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 21.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| | | |
12. Public Welfare Department
| Agent | 1080.00 | 1500.00 | 2080.00 | 100.00
| Investigator (weekly) | 25.00 | 20.00 | 30.00 | 1.00
| Intake Interviewer (weekly) | 20.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| 1 Social Worker (weekly) | 20.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| 1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 20.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| 1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| Junior Clerk (weekly) | 17.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
| 1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
| | | |
13. Selectmen's Department
| Executive Clerk (weekly) | 36.00 | 25.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
| 1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 18.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| | | |
14. Town Clerk's Department
| Town Clerk | 1800.00 | 1500.00 | 1800.00 | 100.00
| 1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 16.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| | | |
15. Town Treasurer's Department
| Town Treasurer | 1000.00 | 800.00 | 1000.00 | 100.00
| 1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 13.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
87
16 | _Water and Sewer Department_ | | |
| 1 Water Department Super- | | |
| visor (weekly) | 29.00 | 30.00 | 40.00 | 2.00
| 1 Meter Reader (weekly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | 30.00 | 1.00
| 1 Senior Clerk (weekly) | 31.00 | 19.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
| 1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
| | | |
| 1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
| 1 Agent (weekly) | 37.50 | 30.00 | 37.50 | 1.00
17 | _W.P.A. Department_
-- | ----------------------- | ----- | ----- | ----- | ----
| 1 Junior Clerk (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 18.00 | 1.00
| 1 Agent (weekly) | 37.50 | 30.00 | 37.50 | 1.00
18. _Fire Department_
Privates – $4.50 per day for the first year with
50 cents per day increase each
following year until the maxi-
mum amount of $6.00 per day is
reached.
Lieutenants – Maximum pay plus $100.00 per year.
Captains – Maximum pay plus $200.00 per year
Fire Engineer – $250.00 per year
District Chiefs – $250.00 per year (Call Force)
Call Men – $125.00 per year for Privates
– $ 137.00 " " Lieutenants –
$ 150.00 " " Captains
Chief of Department – $1,500 per year
19. _Police Department_
Patrolman's Rate – 1st 6 months – $4.75 per day
2nd 6 months – 5.00 per day
2nd year – 5.25 per day
3rd year – 5.50 per day 4th year – 6.00 per day
($6.00 per day is the maximum rate
paid to a patrolman.)
Sergeant's Rate – $45.00 per week – no increase
Chief's Rate – $3,000.00 per year.
20 Library Department
| Present Annual | Salary | Minimum | Maximum | Annual | Step Rate
-------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------- | -------- | ------- | ------ | ---------
Chief Librarian | $2000.00 | $1880.00 | $2220.00 | $120.00
Asst. Librarian | | 1500.00 | 1680.00 | 60.00
Children's Librarian | 1500.00 | 1330.00 | 1570.00 | 60.00
Branch Librarian | 900.00 | 1020.00 | 1200.00 | 60.00
Senior Library Asst. | 1380.00 | 1260.00 | 1440.00 | 60.00
Junior Library Asst. | 1080.00 | 1020.00 | 1200.00 | 60.00
Junior Library Asst. | 1020.00 | 1020.00 | 1200.00 | 60.00
Janitor - Center (weekly) | 23.00 | 21.00 | 29.00 | 1.00
Janitor - E. Lex (weekly) | 10.00 + rent | (no recommendation) | |
21 School Department
Clerks *
-------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------ | ------- | ----
1 High School (weekly) | 17.00 | 13.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
1 Jr. High School (weekly) | 15.00 | 13.00 | 25.00 | 1.00
1 Supt of Schools (weekly) | 25.00 | 13.00 | 30.00 | 1.00
2 (Senior High (weekly) | 25.00 | 25.00 | 29.00 | 1.00
1 (Junior High (weekly) | 28.00 | 25.00 | 29.00 | 1.00
5 (Elementary) (weekly) | 29.00 | 25.00 | 29.00 | 1.00
1 | 34.00 | (not estab.) | 34.00 | 1.00
1 Nurse | 1700.00 | 100.00
(no established starting | 200.00 Supt. of Attendance |
salary) | |
* Starting salary based on girls with no
experience. If a girl in the system is
promoted from one position to another,
the beginning salary depends upon the
amount of previous experience.
Future starting salary will undoubtedly
be governed by the minimum wage
law.
**89**
Teachers *
Elementary
-------- | ---------------------- | -------- | -------
2 Female | 850.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
1 " | 950.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
3 " | 700.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
4 " | 750.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
3 " | 1200.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
2 " | 1250.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
2 " | 1300.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
3 " | 1350.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
3 " | 1400.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1450.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1500.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
12 " | 1700.00 | 1700.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1800.00 (Chg. of Bldg) | 1700.00 | 100.00
Junior High
2 Male | $2200.00 | $2400.00 | $100.00
1 " | 2400.00 | 2400.00 | 100.00
1 Female | 1250.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1350.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1500.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
2 " | 1600.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1700.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1750.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1800.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 1838.50 | 1900.00 | 100.00
6 " | 1900.00 | 1900.00 | 100.00
1 " | 2000.00 (Acts as Asst. | 1900.00 | 100.00
| Principal extra | |
| work) | |
Senior High
2 Male | 3000.00 | 2500.00 | 100.00
8 " | 2500.00 | 2500.00 | 100.00
1 Female | 1600.00 | 2000.00 | 100.00
2 " | 1900.00 | 2000.00 | 100.00
10 " | 2000.00 | 2000.00 | 100.00
1 " | 2100.00 (Extra work) | 2000.00 | 100.00
90
* The starting salary depends upon the
amount of previous experience before
entering our system. We usually require
two years of experience and a begin-
ning salary as low as we can secure
outstanding candidates. For several
years we have engaged inexperienced
teachers who act as building assistants
and substitute teachers in the
elementary grades. These girls are
now paid a beginning salary of
$850.00 per school year. If their work
is satisfactory, they are given a
regular position the second year
at a salary of $1100.00 per school year.
Our present plan of salary payment is
similar to that used in other com-
munities. All employees are hired
with the understanding that if their
work is satisfactory, they will be
given an annual increase until the
maximum salary is reached.
Principals *
|
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------- | -------- | ------
| Teaching Principals - Elementary | | |
| 2 | $2000.00 | $2000.00 | 100.00
| Supervising Principals - Elementary | | |
| 2 | $2200.00 | 2200.00 | 100.00
| Junior High (1) | 3500.00 | 3500.00 | 100.00
| Senior High (1) | 4000.00 | 4000.00 | 100.00
| Superintendent of Schools | | |
| | 4800.00 | 4800.00 | 100.00
| Laborers | 55¢ to 65¢ per hour
| Equipment and | 60¢ to 70¢ per hour
| Compressor operators | 60¢ to 70¢ per hour
| Truck Drivers | 60¢ to 70¢ per hour
| Town Painter | 65¢ to 75¢ per hour
| Foremen | 65¢ to 75¢ per hour
| Dynamite man, steam - |
| roller operator and |
| Gas shovel operators | $1.00 per hour
* No established starting salary.
91
The Committee has reviewed the present
salary and wage schedule
now in effect in the Fire, Police
and School Departments listed a
bove and approves the present plan.
General Recommendations
Laborers – In reviewing the hourly rates
of laborers, the Committee found a
number of variations and apparent
inconsistencies between different
departments. It is understood that
certain classes of the more ex-
perienced labor merit recognition
in setting wage standards. It is
therefore recommended that the
following scale of hourly rates be
paid to employees in such depart-
ments as Park and Moth, Public
Works, Cemetery, Water and Sewer
Departments.
| --------------------- | -------------------
| Laborers | 55¢ to 65¢ per hour
| Equipment and | 60¢ to 70¢ per hour
| Compressor operators | 60¢ to 70¢ per hour
| Truck Drivers | 60¢ to 70¢ per hour
| Town Painter | 65¢ to 75¢ per hour
| Foremen | 65¢ to 75¢ per hour
| Dynamite man, steam - |
| roller operator and |
| Gas shovel operators | $1.00 per hour
Occasions arise where it becomes
imperative to increase a clerical
salary, or it becomes desirable to
employ an experienced clerk at a rate
above the minimum. In such cases
the Board having jurisdiction, or
elected officials not under the juris-
92
diction of a Board, shall submit
the facts to the appropriations
committee and request a trans-
fer from the reserve fund to
cover the needed salary increase
in the first case, or an amount
to cover the difference between
the minimum and the higher rate
in the second case. The Committee
hopes that this provision of the
Report will not be exercised
except in very remote cases.
All Departments shall keep a
record of actual time employees
are absent from work due to sickness,
accident, et cetera, and a month-
ly report covering said absence shall
be submitted to the responsible
department head or board having juris-
diction.
Department heads shall have
the authority to approve two weeks
full pay for personal illness or
absence from work due to other causes.
In all cases of over two weeks absence
the matter shall be referred to the
Board having jurisdiction for further
consideration. In cases where depart-
ment heads or boards are elected
officials, and a longer period than
two weeks absence is necessary,
the Appropriation Committee shall
be consulted before further salary
extensions are granted.
93
All regular employees who
complete one or more years of
continuous service shall be
given an annual vacation of
two weeks with pay, and
those who, when, ^the vacation
season arrives, have been in
the employ of the town six
months but less than a year,
shall be given one week’s vacation
with pay. This provision shall
apply to employees not covered
by Section III General Laws
Chapter 41 as amended.
In cases where the
present incumbent is receiving
a higher salary or wage than
the maximum set by this
report for the position, no
reduction in the salary or wage
of such incumbent is recom-
mended.
The renumeration of all
town employees listed on the
attached sheet shall be adjusted
accordingly as of April 1, 1942.
Subsequent annual increases
shall become effective as of
April 1 each year.
The committee appreciates the
cooperation of Department heads and
others who assisted in the prepara-
tion of this Report.
Respectfully submitted
signed: J. Milton Brown, Chairman
Thomas J. Donnelly, Jr.
Eugene F. Buckley
William F. Driscoll
Committee on Survey of Salaries and Wages
94
Report
of
Advance Programming and Budgeting Committee
The 1942 Town Meeting instructed
the moderator to appoint a
committee to continue the survey
of advance programming and
budgeting, which was instituted
by the Planning Board in 1941.
This committee has prepared new
data incorporating the 1942 actual
figures. It has projected budget
figures through 1948.
Due to unsettled wartime
conditions which have resulted
in shortage of labor and material
the committee has included only
such capital expenditures for 1943
as have been recommended by the
Selectmen and Appropriation
Committee, and has deferred into
succeeding years such capital
expenditures as it considers
should be made at the earliest
opportunity, and has segregated
them into years according to
the evident necessity for such
expenditures.
It was deemed inadvisable,
from a standpoint of expense,
to print a large number of copies
of these figures for Town dis-
tribution, but copies have been
prepared for the Board of
Selectmen, Appropriations Committee
and Planning Board, and a copy
95
is available in the Planning
Board files for public inspection.*
We acknowledge the co-
operation of the Town Department
heads in providing the necessary
data for preparing these tables.
Respectfully submitted,
signed: Ronald D. Brown
Leland N. Emery
Errol H. Locke
Fred C. Newhall
Donald E. Nickerson
* Town Clerk's copy - Box # of Reports
of Committee's files.
Drainage of
Vine Brook Watershed
in South Central Portion of Lexington
Reports of the
Selectmen and Planning Board
and Copy of the Report of
METCALF & EDDY, Engineers
LEXINGTON, MASS.
May 6, 1930
Report of the Planning Board
April 15, 1930
The Selectmen,
Town Offices,
Lexington, Mass.
Gentlemen.
Pursuant to vote of the adjourned Town Meeting of March
31, 1930, the Planning Board submits herewith copy of the
principal part of the report of the Engineers, Messrs. Metcalf
& Eddy, under date of September 29, 1928, upon the subject of
drainage of the Vine Brook area. The copy lacks a reproduction
of the plan giving the soundings taken throughout the drainage
area because the data on said plan is so small it would not re-
produce satisfactorily Bound with the report is a copy of the
plan prepared by A. A. Shurtleff of street layout to' harmonize
with the drainage channels. This street layout has already been
changed somewhat and will be subject to further changes as the
detail work of development proceeds, but it affords a good idea
of the plan of through ways and principal connecting streets as
they will eventually be built if present plans are carried out.
Except as above, the copy of the Metcalf & Eddy report is com-
plete. That report discusses present conditions, outlines a sys-
tem for draining the area south of Massachusetts Avenue to
reclaim the present low and unusable portions thereof , lays
down a system of through highways to fit in with the proposed
drainage channels; gives plans for installing sewers to serve
the territory and finally presents a careful analysis as a guide
to the assessment of betterments upon the benfited areas.
The drainage system suggested covers both the North
Branch and South Branch areas, respectively at opposite sides
of Waltham Street, also the trunk line section which extends
beneath Vine Brook Road, Massachusetts Avenue and the rail-
road. These areas aggregate some 900 acres.
While the entire project could be carried out as a unit with
large savings in cost, and while the entire plan, if executed as
a single undertaking, would undoubtedly simplify the problem
of assessment of betterments and would probably permit the
Town to recover most of the cost, if not the entire cost of con-
struction by assessment of betterments, the Planning Board
feels that the entire project would involve so much money that
the Town would hesitate to undertake it all at once. Further -
1
more, the entire project, if executed at once, would also possibly
throw into the market more land for residential building than
could be well digested in a period of time that would make it
profitable.
Therefore, the Planning Board feels that it would be wiser
to undertake a part only of the work at this time, leaving the
balance to be executed at a later date when the need therefor
shall have become more immediately imperative. The Towii
should, however, immediately make such layouts and takings
as will make possible eventual accomplishment of the entire
proj ect.
The trunk line section extending from a point just above
Vine Brook Road to and under Massachusetts Avenue and the
railroad to an outlet point some thousand feet below the rail-
road, being Iocated almost in the heart of the business section
of the Town, is the key to the entire situation. The capacity
of this section must be increased in the immediate future to
take care of the surface drainage from the center of the Town
without considering the problem of conducting away the waters
received from the areas beyond. This trunk section must be
lowered some eight feet before the South Branch area above
can be properly drained for building; the North Branch area
will require a lowering of not more than six and one-half feet.
The Planning Board has felt that this trunk line section
should be deepened and constructed by the Town as a Town
project and at the expense of the Town, its location in the very
heart of the Town; the fact that it drains the entire business
center as well as the area surrounding the center, the fact that
the entire Town would benefit from this improvement just as
the entire Town benefits from any improvement in the center
of the Town; and the complications that accompany any effort
to assess betterments in respect to that particular section of
the brook would seem to make it more properly a Town propo-
sition than one relating to bordering properties only. It would
seem that every municipality is under obligation to maintain
drainage structures, adequate for the normal growth of the
town. Furthermore, the Planning Board believes that the en-
hanced values; of property throughout the center of the Town
and the area drained eventually into this trunk section of the
brook would in a comparatively few years return to the Town
in taxes more than the reconstruction of this particular sec-
tion would cost.
2
_._,. :
The trouble with the General Betterment Act has been
that the entire cost of any improvement must necessarily be
assessed as betterments, — it is not possible to divide the cost;
and these betterments can not be assessed until after the work
is completed. If any error is found to have occurred in method
of assessment or in the apportionment among the properties
especially benefited, the entire assessment can be thrown out
and the cost of the completed work would then fall back upon
the Town.
In June last a new Betterment Act was passed, Acts of
1929, Chapter 380, evidently with the purpose of removing some
of the objections to the earlier act. This recent act makes pos-
sible, among other things, the assessment of a part of the con-
struction cost only instead of the whole cost, where the situa-
tion justifies, and provides also for outlining a plan and taking
the matter before the court for approval or disapproval before
any costs of construction are incurred. If the court approves,
then the work may be carried out with comparative certainty
that the betterments assessed according to the approved plan
may be collected, and if, after the court has considered the
proposed plan, it appears to the Town that the cost is likely to
be heavier than it anticipated, the Town may abandon the entire
project, reimbursing land owners for any expense they may
have been put to in opposing the plan before the court.
Apparently many of our citizens feel that any work of this
sort should be constructed under a Betterment Act, and if a
majority of the Town Meeting members entertain that view,
this new Betterment Act above referred to would appear to
furnish the most desirable plan upon which to proceed, for it
would not, like the earlier act, require the entire cost of the
trunk section to be borne by the properties especially benefited
along its line and along the North and South Branch areas, to
the exclusion of the Town as a whole.
Just what betterments would, under this act, be assessable
along the trunk line cannot yet be stated at this time, but this
new act would make possible the assessment of only so much
of the entire cost as would appear to be just and fair.
As the sentiment of the Town appears to have developed,
it would seem to be wise to undertake at once not only the deep-
ening and improvement of the trunk section, but, in addition,
what is known as the South Branch section extending to Mar -
3
rett Road. There can be no question but what the South Branch
section should be constructed under one of the Betterment Acts.
Roads
We suggest that the roads be omitted from consideration
at this time except that the Town should adopt a definite plan
and make any necessary layouts, and takings where necessary,
to assure than such roads as eventually may be built, shall be
built in accordance with that approved layout. As such roads
are found necessary, they may be built like other roads in
newly developed 'areas in the Town, the cost of the same to be
charged back against the abutting lands. This cost at the
present time averages from $7.00 to $10.00 per lineal foot of
road.
In the present instance, some of the roads should be built
to serve as through roads, to relieve Massachusetts Avenue
and the center of the Town of as much traffic as possible. To
that end such roads should be built as indicated on the Shurt-
leff plan, wider than would be necessary for purely local needs
and, as a consequence, the Town, and possibly the State, should
bear a proper part of the construction cost.
Sewers
Sewers also, so far as necessary to accommodate the areas
under development, should be built under our present act, and
therefore form no necessary part of the present drainage prob-
lem except that such sewer as must extend from Vine Brook
Road to j unction with the present sewer trunk line in the
vicinity of Sheridan Street, estimated to cost $8,000, must be
built at the expense of the Town because the locality through
which that section must extend is already served by and has
been assessed for the present sewer system.
Costs
Messrs. Metcalf & Eddy estimate the cost of the trunk line
drainage section, extending from its outlet near the junction
of Sheridan and Grant Streets to Vine Brook Road, and includ-
ing necessary engineering, at: $88,000
From Vine Brook Road to the new junction
point a short distance beyond the proposed exten-
sion of Winthrop Road: 15,000
From the new junction point to Marrett Road: 17,000
A total of: $120,000
4
The cost from Vine Brook Road to the new
junction point: $15,000
Thence to Marrett Road: 17,000
A total of: $32,000
should in any event be assessed under the Betterment Act upon
the land specially benefited.
There are 166 acres of unusable land in the South Branch
area. Deducting 20 acres for land which, when drained, may still
be found unsuited for building, and good for parks only, leaves
146 acres of unusable lands to be reclaimed; at 43,560 feet per
acre, this would mean a total of 6,359,760 square feet. A bet-
terment assessment of one-half cent per square foot upon this
area alone — $218 per acre — would bring a total of $31,798.80,
or approximately the cost of the drainage channel from Vine
Brook Road to Marrett Road. This does not take into account
additional betterments that may be assessed upon higher lands,
fronting upon the unusable areas and now inaccessible because
of the same.
It would seem, therefore, wise to take in the entire South
Branch area with the initial construction of the trunk line under
Massachusetts Avenue and the railroad. To make this possible,
another meeting must be called, the warrant for which shall
contain an article of broader scope than Article 34 of the war-
rant for the present meeting
The engineers, following a further examination, confirm
the report originally made to the Planning Board, that for the
present there will be no appreciable damage to the areas below
Grant Street from such increased rate of flow as may result
from the deepening of the brook throughout the trunk and
South Branch sections under consideration, that such increase
as may result will be accommodated by enlarging the culvert
under Hayes Lane, which is included in the scheme already pro-
posed, and by substituting two culvert pipes each of about five
feet in diameter for the single culvert under East Street now
existing and cleaning the brooks, at an additional cost esti-
mated by the engineers at something less than a thousand
dollars.
Later it may be found desirable to improve the lands be-
low Grant Street as much as is now proposed for the North and
5
South Branch areas, thereby to remove danger from increased
flow from above Vine Brook Road as building in that locality
proceeds, and at the same time render the lands south of Grant
Street available for building just as the upper areas will be
made available by the proposed drainage scheme.
The engineers also report that in their opinion there will
be little liability from damage claims arising from shifting the
locations of brooks in the North and South Branch areas — at
most a relatively small liability
The matter of connecting necessary or desired laterals with
the main drainage channels would appear to involve no serious
difficulty The engineers advise that, in general, these laterals
should be constructed by the property owners to drain their
several properties into the main channels to whatever extent
necessary to adapt the properties to desired uses.
Most of the large individual properties in the South Branch
area adjoin one or both sides of the proposed South Branch
channel and can with little difficulty be drained thereinto: If
it is desired to convert these properties into residential develop-
ments, laterals would probably be necessary, but in general such
laterals should follow the streets laid out and approved by the
Board of Survey for residential development, they would or-
dinarily take the form of drains or pipes underlying the streets
and would be constructed at the time the streets are con-
structed. Obviously it is impracticable to lay down those laterals
in advance of the detail plans for residential development be-
cause the laying out of streets and lots necessarily constitute
parts of a single problem — neither should be laid out inde-
pendently or in advance of the other
There are some small properties in the South Branch area
that will not be directly reached by the proposed main drainage
channel but such properties can easily be accommodated, when
necessary or desired, over the layouts for some one or more of
the projected streets. In the nature of the case many details
must be left until the work is entered upon but we are convinced
the project involves no insurmountable nor unduly expensive
problems.
The plan of betterment assessments suggested by Messrs.
Metcalf & Eddy is probably more extensive than would be prac-
ticable for the Town to adopt; but will be exceedingly helpful
in estimating any betterment plan that may be proposed.
6
Townof Lexington
Plan of Proposed Highways
in
South Central Portion of Town
By undertaking the work under consideration, the Planning
Board feels that the Town will protect itself against any un-
desirable development within this large drainage area, and will
invite and assure itself the kind of development that will be in
every way to the best interests of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
F L. EMERY, Chairman
Reports of the Selectmen
THE MAJORITY REPORT
May 6, 1930
To the Town Meeting Members,
Lexington, Massachusetts •
The subject of drainage as it is related to the Vine Brook
area now under consideration and which the Town Meeting
members will be asked to consider at a meeting May 19, 1930,
has been discussed from many points of view While it has
been studied by a number of our townspeople, we ask that
you study the enclosed report of Metcalf & Eddy, Engineers,
under date of September 29, 1928 to the Planning Board, and
the report of the Planning Board to the Selectmen under date
of April 15, 1930.
While we as a Board have been giving a great deal of study
to this project for a number of years, we have studied it more
intensely in the last few months.
The report of Metcalf & Eddy, Engineers, which is sub-
mitted herewith, shows us very conclusively- what must be done
to make this drainages possible. The Planning Board has made
an exhaustive study of this report and has made specific recom-
mendations concerning its adoption. Your Selectmen have also
made a careful study of the report of Metcalf & Eddy, have con-
ferred with the Planning Board, have held several informal
meetings with interested groups and made independent investi-
gations, and we are of the opinion that the Town should adopt
the plan as a whole and proceed at once with that part of the
project which includes the trunk system and the south branch.
While it is not possible to anticipate how rapidly this land
will develop once it is drained, Winthrop Road is already being
7
extended to Waltham Street by private enterprise, and it seems
reasonable to expect that more streets will be laid out in the
near future. Even if all the area is not immediately developed,
its value is obviously greatly enhanced by changing it to a well
drained piece of property in close proximity to the center of
the Town.
It must be conceded that no amount of money spent on
clearing the present channel of Vine Brook and rebuilding walls
will be of any avail as long as that part of the trunk line sec-
tion which runs under Massachusetts Avenue is eight feet
higher than the point to which the water table must be lowered
to make this land available for building purposes.
In view of the fact that many citizens are of the opinion
that this entire project should be authorized under the Better-
ment Act, and since most of the property owners in the south
branch area have expressed a willingness to agree to a reason-
able betterment assessment, we now recommend this procedure
in order that the Town may have immediate returns on its
investment.
We have secured definite estimates on this work by differ-
ent contractors based on the specifications of the Town Engi-
neer These firms have had experience in this type of work, and
we are confident that a substantial saving can be made over the
estimates submitted by the Engineers, so that it seems probable
that the entire south branch area can be drained for only a
little more than the amount estimated by them to construct the
trunk line alone.
This lay out is in line with the studies we have had of the
proposed through highways that will be of great value to the
Town. It seems wise to us to encourage the land owners to lay
out and drain their property along the lines suggested so that
when the Town is ready to take over the street, under the
Betterment Act, it will not be necessary for any drainage to be
done at that time.
It should be remembered that the Board of Survey laid
out a street from Massachusetts Avenue to Vine Brook Road
in 1918 over Vine Brook. This matter has been held in abeyance
until the drainage of Vine Brook has been done. This, when
constructed, will form an entrance to that territory between
Massachusetts Avenue and Marrett Road, and is an important
link of highway which will later lead to Cambridge by way of
8
Belmont. This is the only portion in which the Town will en-
counter damages of any consequence. In this section the Town
will have to take 29,920 square feet of land and one house, and
this should be done before the land becomes more valuable.
We respectfully urge every Town Meeting Member to study
with great care the entire report of Metcalf & Eddy and the
recommendations of the Planning Board. We further urge a
personal inspection of that portion of the drainage area that is
easily accessible, so that the fullest possible knowledge may be
obtained of this important improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE A. CUSTANCE
ROBERT P TRASK
CLARENCE SHANNON
HALLIE C. BLAKE
Selectmen
THE MINORITY REPORT
My reasons for a minority report on Vine Brook drainage
are as follows:
I do not believe that the closed drain proposed from Vine
Brook road to Sheridan Street will take care of the drainage in
the area between these two streets. This is to be a tight cement
pipe, and I cannot see any way for the ground water to enter
It will only take care of the street water trough catch basins.
Also, no borings have been made so far to determine the
nature of the soil through which this drain must pass. If it
should be quicksand (the same as encountered when. the Cary
Memorial Building was built and the sewers in Massachusetts
Avenue constructed) it will add very much to the cost of con-
struction. I' think this information should be in the hands of
the voters before they are asked to vote on this project.
So far as the South Branch is concerned, lowering the
brook only will not take care of lowering the water table any
great distance back from the brook itself. In order to accom-
plish this, laterals must be put in close enough to each other
to take care of the water in the ground in the areas removed
from the main brook. If these laterals are not provided and the
water in these back areas taken care of, I do not think the Town
9
can collect betterments on the areas not drained. No plans for
these laterals have been presented, and no money provided for
their construction in the figures presented to the Town.
In regard to the question of betterments, this drainage pro-
ject, when carried out, benefits the owners of the area involved
so that they receive a very distinct improvement. It seems to
me that they should be willing to make a definite agreement
with the Town as to what extent they are willing to stand bet-
terment assessments, thus relieving the Town at some future
time of probable litigation or the alternative of abating them.
Respectfully yours,
ALBERT H. BURNHAM,
Selectman
10
Metcalf & Eddy
Consulting Engineers
Boston, Mass.
Table 2 Computations for Drains or Combined Sewers
Copy of the
Report
of
Metcalf & Eddy,
Engineers
11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Letter of transmittal 14
Report
Outline of Problem 17
Basis of Design 18
Types of Channels 21
Soil Conditions 22
Sewerage 23
Drainage Projects Studied 24
Proposed Drainage Project 25
Open Channels 25
Portions of Channels to be Covered.... 25
Old Lexington Reservoir 26
Soundings . . . ... ... • • 26
Location of Channels 27
Area Tributary to Channels 27
Estimates of Cost of Proposed Drainage Project 28
Proposed Through Highways. 29
Vine Brook Betterments 31
Drainage Benefits 31
Park Benefits .. .. . . ....34
Through Highway Benefits 35
LIST OF TABLES
No. Page No.
1 Maximum Average Intensities of Rainfall at Chestnut Hill Ar-
ranged in Order of Magnitude Based on Records from 1879
to 1916, inclusive 20
2 Computations of Design . . Opposite 32
LIST OF FIGURES
Opposite
Page No.
1 Rainfall and Runoff Curves for Use in Design of Drains for
Vine Brook District ....... ............ . .... ... ... 22
2 Map of Vine Brook Drainage District 25
3 Preliminary Development Map 28
4 Typical Sections of Open Channels .. ... ..... 28
5 Profile of Proposed' Relocated North Branch Channel of Vine
Brook 28
6 Profile of Proposed South Branch and Main Channels of Vine
Brook .. . ... 28
7 Map Showing Proposed Through Highways 30
8 Drainage Benefit Map floe 36
9 Park Benefit Map ...... .. .... • 36
10 Through Highway Benefit Map. 36
13
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Town Planning Board
Lexington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We transmit herewith our report upon "Drainage of Vine
Brook Watershed in South Central Portion of Lexington."
This report may be summarized as follows:
The drainage area of Vine Brook south of Massachusetts
Avenue, comprises about 900 acres much of which is close to
the center of the Town and unsuitable for residences because
of its low swampy nature.
Considerable portions of these areas can be made avail-
able for residences by the construction of suitable drainage
channels and conduits. Other portions have firm bottom so
deep that it will be best to reserve them for use as parks or
playgrounds, because foundations would be too expensive to
warrant development into house lots.
It is advisable for the Town to adopt a plan for the drain-
age and development of this district, in order to control the
develpoment and forestall difficult drainage and sewerage prob-
lems which would probably result from uncontrolled develop-
ment.
For the brook channels, it is economical to build portions
of open earth channels and portions of closed masonry conduits
and to so locate them that they can be constructed in firm
ground where deep foundations of piles or masonry will not be
required.
We have designed the main brook channels and conduits to
care for the run-off from a two-year frequency rainfall gage at
the Chestnut Hill Reservoir of the Metropolitan Water Works.
Occasionally, very heavy storms will occur, which will cause
some flooding' of streets and cellars in the low areas.
The soil in the swampy areas consists of a soft muck over-
lying sand, gravel, rock or clay. After the ground water level
has been lowered in these areas by the construction of the pro-
posed channels and conduits, a subsidence of the surface of a
foot or more will take place because of decomposition and com-
pression. This fact has been taken into consideration in our
design of the drainage channels.
Cesspools will be impracticable of operation in the swampy
areas, because the soil will be very slow to drain. Therefore,
sewers must be provided before development can be made in
the low portions. A submain sewer can be built to serve the
14
•
•
North Branch district and discharge into an existing sewer
near Waltham Street at the present brook culvert. Portions of
the South Branch Districts are so low that a satisfactory sewer
to serve the area cannot discharge into the existing main sewern
near the junction of the present North and South Branches. It
will, therefore, be necessary to build a new sewer substantially
parallel to the existing main sewer from the junction of the
existing North and South Branches to a location near Grant
and Sheridan Streets where it will discharge into the existing
main sewer.
The proposed drainage project involves an open brook
channel for the South Branch of Vine Brook following near the
easterly border of the swamp from a pint 700 to 800 ft. north
of Marrett Road to the junction with the proposed channel for
the North Branch. The channel of the North Branch will be
relocated following the easterly and southerly shore of the
swamp, thus diverting the flow from the present brook channel
which is paralle to the park road west of Waltham Street.
From the junction of the North and South Branches, an open
channel will extend north to a point near the southerly line of
Massachusetts Avenue; thence the channel will be a covered
conduit to the end of the steep drop several hundred feet north
of Sheridan Street with a relatively short open channel to con-
nect with the present brook channel. If preferred, the covered
conduit can be extended from Massachusetts Avenue to Vine
Brook Road.
The estimates of cost of the main drainage channels and
conduits are as follows:
North Branch $71,000
South Branch 17,000
Main channel from junction of North and South
Branches to Massachusetts Avenue 30,000
Main channel east of Massachusetts Avenue 67,000
Total $185,000
The estimated cost of the through highways required to
provide access to the areas within the district is $241,000. This
estimate is based upon a gravel surfaced roadways 24 ft. wide.
When permanent paved surfaces are required for these high-
ways, an additional expenditure of about $163,00 will be re-
quired.
We have studied the problem of assessment of betterments
upon the areas within the district, to cover the cost of drainage
15
and through highways. We recommend that the cost of con-
structing the drainage channels and conduits be assessed uni-
formly upon the drainage area for the reasons given in the re-
port. We recommend that the cost of through highways be
assessed in accordance with the principles described in the re-
port and illustrated by the through highway benefit map (No.
10, opposite page 36)
The construction of the drainage channels and conduits
will make possible the development into parks or playgrounds
of considerable areas which will not be suitable for residences.
Certain adjacent areas will be benefitted by these parks, and we
recommend that such areas be assessed the cost of the con-
struction of main drainage channels which would otherwise be
assessable to the park areas. We recommend that these assess-
ments be made in accordance with the principles described in
the report and illustrated by the park benefit map (No. 9,
opposite page 36) .
We have worked out assessment units for the three differ-
ent types of benefits. It is probable that some modification will
be made in the relative assessments, but we believe the prin-
ciples upon which the proposed assessments have been based
are sound and equitable. For the park and highway benefits,
the district should probably be divided into smaller zones so as
to make smaller differences in the benefit ratios. Such a
method would involve a large amount of work which does not
appear to us to be justified at this time.
By the methods which we have used, the maximum assess-
ment on any given area for the drainage, through highway and
park benefits combined would be $0.03137 per sq. ft. The share
of the cost of the improvements to be borne by the Town would
be $52,900.
The proposed drainage project can be carried out in sec-
tions in accordance with any financial program which the Town
may see fit to adopt. Considerable saving in expense can be
realized if the drainage channels, sewers and through highways
for contiguous portions of the project are constructed under
one contract. Our estimates have been based upon such a pro-
gram. Before any portion of the construction work is under-
taken, plans and specifications will have to be prepared.
Very truly yours,
METCALF & EDDY
By Almon L. Fales
16
REPORT
Sept. 29, 1928
Town Planning Board
Lexington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
As authorized by the Lexington Board of Selectmen, we
have completed our studies for the drainage of the Vine Brook
watershed in the south central portion of Lexington and pre-
sent the following report thereon.
OUTLINE OF PROBLEM
The drainage area of Vine Brook south of Massachusetts
Avenue comprises about 900 acres, including extensive areas of
nearly level swamp lands which are subject to flooding during
rainy seasons and are for the most part unsuitable even for
agricultural purposes. Portions of the high sloping firm land
surrounding the swamp areas, particularly those adjacent to
the swamps, are inaccessible for dwellings and are available
only for agricultural uses.
A preliminary investigation indicated that it would be
feasible td carry off the storm water and to lower the ground
water level in the low areas sufficiently to permit of their de-
velopment for residential purposes, by the construction of chan-
nels for the main brook and the north and south branches be-
ginning near Sheridan Street where there is a rapid fall in the
brook of several feet.
The greater part of the swamp lands and inaccessible
higher areas adjacent thereto is situated within one mile of
the center of Lexington, and practically all of the available
accessible land between the center of the Town and these
swamp areas has already been developed with streets and resi-
dences.
The recent rapid growth of the towns of Arlington and
Belmont as well as some developments in Lexington, indicate
that the demand for land for residential purposes in Lexington
will be far greater in the near future than it has been in the
past.
17
There has already been considerable development of the
higher lands of the district and some lateral drains have been
constructed which convey the runoff from the streets to ditches
or brooks. Some lots south of Massachusetts Avenue and cel-
lars along Vine Brook Road have been subject to flooding.
With continued development of the higher lands of the district,
more frequent and more widespread flooding will occur unless
adequate main channels and conduits are provided for Vine
Brook and its branches.
If the large areas of swamp lands and inaccessible higher
lands in the Vine Brook watershed remain unimproved and un-
controlled by the Town, it is probable that a low grade of de-
velopment will start in these areas and that serious sewerage
and drainage problems will arise in the future. It is advisable
to adopt a plan for drainage and improvement of these lands
Whereby those portions which can be made economically suit-
able for a good class of residences will be so developed and those
which are suitable only for parks will not be encroached upon.
The Town Engineer has furnished us with maps of the
Vine Brook district and with other available information bear-
ing on the problem of drainage including the Report on Lower-
ing Brooks by McClintock and Woodfall in 1913. We have
supplemented the data furnished us by some check surveys and
by many rod soundings in the swampy areas.
We have consulted with Mr. Shurtleff in regard to loca-
tions for the required brook channels, and he has furnished us
with plans of proposed highway layouts. Our Mr. Raymond
has attended several conferences of your Planning Board and
one conference of your Board with the Selectmen.
Our report deals with the basis of design of the brook
channels, types of channels, soil conditions, drainage plans con-
sidered and recommended plan of drainage with estimates of
cost. At the request of your Chairman, we have also estimated
the cost of proposed main highways through the drainage dis-
trict and have suggested a method of assessing betterments.
BASIS OF DESIGN
Under existing conditions, high flows in Vine Brook ordin-
arily occur during the spring. However, considerable areas of
land are subject to flooding from any long -continued heavy rain.
The higher rates of runoff through the brook channels under
present conditions are much less than will occur when the
18
drainage area has become developed with paved streets and the
lots have been built upon. Furthermore, the building of streets
with catch basins and drains will cause the runoff to pass into
the channels rapidly, thus resulting in a higher maximum rate
of discharge.
The problem of determining the carrying capacity which
should be provided in the design of channels to convey the run-
off resulting from storms is not a simple matter, of computa-
tion. It involves the determination of the tributary area and
the slope available for the channel, an estimate of the prob-
able future character of development, a study of the intensity,
duration and frequency of rainfalls which are to be expected
and a consideration of the relative benefits which would be de-
rived from the construction of channels having different
capacities. On rare occasions, very severe and intense storms
occur which produce rates of run-off so high that it is uneco-
nomical to build channels large enough to prevent flooding at
such times.
After the districts have been developed, some portions will
be subject to more frequent flooding than others. If covered
channels were used throughout for the main drains, a more
liberal capacity would be required than if open channels were
used, because an increased depth of flow in the open channels
would result in a greater discharge capacity, whereas no mate-
rial increase in capacity would be obtained from sur -charging
of long covered channels.
It is our judgment that if open channels be provided for
the main brook and the principal branches, and about 3 ft. of
freeboard allowed between the water surface and the tops of
the banks of the channel, provision should be made for a rain-
fall rate which may be expected to be equalled or exceeded
about once in two years on the average.
We have examined the records of the rain gage at the
Chestnut Hill pumping station of the Metropolitan Water
Works as published in the Journal of the Boston Society of
Civil Engineers, 1920, Vol. 7, p. 47, and have constructed a
curve which represents those frequencies of rainfall which may
be expected to be equialled or exceeded once in two years on the
average. Table 1 snows the intensities of precipitation in inch-
es depth per hour, the order of magnitude, the frequency and
the duration in minutes for the records from 1879 to 1916, in-
clusive.
19
Table 1. Maximum Average Intensities of Rainfall at Chestnut Hill
Arranged in Order of Magnitude based on Records from 1879 to 1916, inclusive
Duration - Minutes
Order of Frequency
magnitude once in - years 5 10 15 20 30 45 60 80 100 120 150 180
Intensity of Rainfall (inches, depth per hour)
1 38 9.12 6 30 5 77 4 62 3.53 2.50 2.02 1.74 1.43 1 28 1 11 1 12
2 19 7 45 4 93 4 14 3 56 2.72 2.03 1 78 1.45 1.39* 1.22 1 10 1 00
3 12-2/3 7 42 4 83 3 50 3.20 2.62 1.94 1 58 1.41 1.28 1.16* 0 93* 0 77*
4 9-1/2 5 52 4 74 3.42 2.96 2 42 1 92 1.57 1.36 1.14 0 95* 0.76* 0.67*
5 7-3/5 4 67 3.90 3.41 2 79 2 30 1 85 1 57 1 23 1.13* 0.94* 0.75* 0.63*
6 6-1/3 4 63 3.54 3.36 2 61 2 18* 1 72 1 50 1 23 1.04 0 85 0 74 0.63*
7 5-3/7 4.56 3.40 3 03 2 56* 1 96 1 62 1 44* 1 14 1 02 0 84 0 70 0.63
c 8 4-3/4 4.56 3 36 2 79 2 43 1.85 1 61 1 39 1.12 0 89* 0 83 0 69 '0 62
9 4-2/9 4 27 3 32 2 79 2 39 1.80 1.55 1.33 1.10 0.88 0.79 0 66* 0 61
10 3-8/10 4 24 3 02 2.68 2.30 1.78* 1.51 1.21 1.08* 0.88 0.75* 0 66 0 58*
11 3-5/11 4.20 3.01 2 56 2.30 1 78 1 45* 1 19 0 97 0.86* 0.75 0.64 0.55*
12 3-1/6 4.11 3.00 2 56 2.19 1 74 1 44 1 14 0 93 0 86 0 74 0.63 0.54
13 2-12/13 3.97 2 97 2 56 2 16 1 74 1 39 1 13 0 91 0 83 0 72* 0.61 0.53
14 2-10/14 3 96 2 96 2 55 2 13 1 73 1.37 1 11 0 88 0 78 0 72 0.60* 0 53
15 2-8/15 3 82 2 95 2 54 2 13 1.72 1.35 1.09* 0.88 0 78 0 67 0 59 0 53
16 2-6/16 3 77 2 94 2.45 2 12 1.70* 1.33 1.09 0.88 0.76 0.67 0.58* 0 50*
17 2-4/17 3.76 2 91 2.44 2.06 1.70 1.32 1.07 0.88 0.75 0.67 0 58 0.50
18 2-2/18 3.74 2 79 2.36 2.05 1.65 1 30 1 07 0 85 0 74 0.66 0.58 0.50
19 2 3.70 2.71 2 36 1.98 1 54* 1 29 1 05 0 85 0 74 0.66 0 57 0.49
*These figures are not given in the published data, but have been supplied by
Metcalf & Eddy from their analysis of the data
20
`<
:5#
',
The proportion of the rainfall which runs off immediately
and during a storm depends upon the character of the sub -soil,
the slope of the ground surface and its condition, that is,
whether of sandy or clayey nature and whether covered with
vegetation, buildings, pavement or sidewalks.
The soil of the greiater part of the district is of a sandy
nature. The slopes of the land adjacent and surrounding the
swamps are rather steep. It is expected that the development
Will result in relatively large lots, and that considerable areas
of the swamp lands impracticable of development for residen-
tial purposes will be used for parks or playgrounds, so that the
district as a whole will have a fairly low percentage of total
impervious area. Consequently, drains of less capacity will
suffice than would be required were the soil of a clayey nature
and the percentage of total impervious area high as is found in
the centers of large cities. We have estimated that the average
proportion of impervious surface in the whole area will be about
25 per cent.
The diagram, Fig. 1, shows the two-year rainfall curve
together with the runoff curve used as the, basis of design for
determining the required capacity of channels.
TYPES OF CHANNELS
To make the low areas suitable for developments for resi-
dences and parks will require main drainage channels in which
the water surface will be well below the adjacent ground surface
most of the time to insure a low ground water level and with
sufficient capacity to prevent frequent flooding of streets and
yards during heavy rains.
Two types of open channels have been considered, — one
with masonry walls on timber foundation, for use where it was
contemplated to locate the brook channel across swampy areas
where a hard bottom is at considerable depth below the swamp
surface, and the other a channel without masonry or timber
foundation to be constructed in firm soil, with sloping side sur-
faces which can be grassed and thus present an appearance
in harmony with attractive main thoroughfares bordered by
planted strips. Such a channel can be used effectively with
double-barreled highways, the brook channel to be located
between the two highway lanes.
Covered masonry channels or conduits throughout have
been considered in one project studied, and in another project
21
covered channels for the upper ends of both the north and south
branches of Vine Brook and that portion of the main channel
north of Massachusetts Avenue with open earth channels for
the remainder, except where the channels will cross under
Waltham Street and Vine Brook Road. Flat concrete arch con-
struction has been figured on for these crossings.
In determining the required size of channels, we have
computed the, velocity by the Chezy formula, using the Kutter
formula for determining the value of C, taking as 0.025 for
open channels and 0.013 for covered channels upon the assump-
tion that the covered channels will be of concrete with smooth
interior surfaces. The open channels have been designed with
side slopes of 1 vertical on 3 horizontal below the level of the
proposed water surface for the run-off from a rainfall of two-
year frequency with slopes of 1 vertical to 1 horizontal above
that level.
SOIL CONDITIONS
Much of the present low areas along both the north and
south branches will have the water level lowered several feet
after the drainage improvements have been made. The soil
consists of a black peaty muck for the most part overlying
sand, gravel or rock. When the water level is lowered in these
areas, a considerable subsidence of the soil will result, over a
period of years, as the muck contains considerable amounts of
organic matter which, when exposed to the atmosphere by the
lowering of the water level, will shrink due to decomposition
and compression. In many places, it may be expected that a
subsidence of as much as a foot may occur because of shrink-
age. In places a greater amount of subsidence will take place
if the surface is covered with filling material for grading lots
and streets.
In view of the probability that considerable areas will be
subject to subsidence and to provide a somewhat greater capac-
ity for excessive storms, we have designed the open channels
with the water surface for the runoff from a two-year fre-
quency rainfall at about 3 ft. below the present general swamp
level.
In considering the soil conditions of the swamp areas,
reference perhaps should be made to the type of construction
required for satisfactory permanent highways across locations
where the soil consists of muck. Experience has demonstrated
22
South Branch District sub -main sewer 12,000
23
Sewer from junction of present North and South
Branches of Vine Brook to point near Grant
and Sheridan Streets 5,000
Total $36,000
If these sewers are not included in the contracts with the
corresponding portions of the main brook channels and con-
duits but are constructed independently, their cost will probably
be much greater, perhaps two or even three times the above
estimates.
DRAINAGE PROJECTS STUDIED
Consideration has been given to several plans for the
principal drainage channels. A preliminary study was made
with the proposed channels substantially in the location of the
existing brook channels. These extend through portions of the
swamp areas where the muck is of considerable depth. A
brook channel in such a location would be quite expensive, re-
quiring pile foundations and to be permanent should probably
be constructed of masonry, at least those portions which would
lie above the ground water level. Such a channel would not
harmonize with the plan for parks and boulevards which your
Board has in mind. Consequently final estimates for this pro-
ject were not prepared.
A plan of development consisting of a single roadway
boulevard with the brook channel enclosed in a covered masonry
conduit located beneath the roadway was studied. Such a pro-
ject would require less area of land for the main highways and
brook channels and probably would result in some saving in the
cost of highways when compared with the double-barreled high-
way scheme. The cost of the brook channel itself, however,
would be quite expensive even if constructed in firm ground.
Furthermore, such a channel would have no excess capacity
above the design capacity, for the runoff from storms greater
than that estimated for a two-year frequency storm, and more
objectionable flooding would result than with an open channel.
At the suggestion of Mr. Shurtleff, a study was made of
open channels constructed in firm ground along the edges of
the swamp. This plan would permit of economical construction
of double-barreled highways for the main thoroughfares with
an open brook channel between the two traffic lanes in accord-
ance with the plan of development which your Board contem-
24
LEGEND -\
O'%m. Existinq Brooks or Ditches .
Proposed Open Channels .
of Covered
4%V,w Drainage Limits .
Limits 015ub-Districts .
Shaded areas require
drainage before deYefopment.
W
i
\��Y�N
�6P`4q�5
P. ��
VV
.y �I►�� � p''rt b 'AT` y iL ��.µQy y2
UA
�xz \ �"
LEXINGTON I MASS.
MAP OF VINE BROOK DRAINAGE D15TRICT
SCALE- 800 Fr. To I i w.(ApmoxL NOV.15 1927.
Yv�o 6t0-f.26,�928.
M ETCALPE"EDW
Engineers
50510N, MASS,
Irla
04
1, ,•,(r��J r/ L
\ I ' i
51•
plates. Our studies indicate that open channels for the most
part, but with certain portions covered, will be the best plan to
adopt.
PROPOSED DRAINAGE PROJECT
The layout of the proposed drainage project is shown in
Fig. 2. The computations of design are given in Table 2 in the
Appendix.
It is proposed to provide brook channel crossings under
existing highways, by means of concrete masonry arches.
Open Channels. The open type of channel can be used
advantageously south of the southerly line of Massachusetts
Avenue, since the ground surface is flat and a reasonably
shallow channel will suffice. North of Massachusetts Avenue
its use would result in so deep and wide a ditch that it would
be very expensive and undesirable excepting just northeast of
Sheridan Steeet where a relatively short open channel can be
built, to connect with the existing brook, channel.
The open channels, excepting that portion just northeast
of Sheridan Street, have been designed with side slopes of 1
vertical on 3 horizontal for the portions of the slopesi beneath
the water surface and with slopes of 1 vertical to 1 horizontal
above the water surface. The open channel just northeast of
Sheridan Street has been designed with side slopes of 1 on 1.
The depth of water will vary from 2 to 3 ft. when carrying the
runoff to be expected from the rainfall of two-year frequency
after development to the extent assumed. Some of the typical
earth channels used as the basis of our estimates are shown in
Fig. 4.
Portions of Channels to be Covered. Near the northerly
end of the old race track, which is located between the old
Lexington reservoir and Lincoln Street, the present brook bed
of the North Branch of Vine Brook falls about 8 ft. in a dist-
ance of about 800 ft. By making use of this steep drop, a
covered channel can be built through the old race track location
at an elevation low enough to permit of the development of
nearly all the area within the race track with only a nominal
amount of filling. A shallow open channel could be built
through this location at a saving of about $15,000, but there
would be about 6 acres of swamp which would be unsuitable for
residences unless filled extensively. Therefore, a covered ehan-
ne1is'proposed for the North Branch of Vine Brook upstream
25
of the location of the steep drop. This will be a circular con-
duit 42 and 48 in, in diameter.
Along the main channel between Sherman Street and Hayes
Lane, the bed of the brook falls about 13 ft. in about 700 ft.
By making use of this steep drop, a relatively steep covered
channel can be built from near the southerly line of Massachu-
setts Avenue to near the northerly terminus of the steep por-
tion of the brook and considerable economy effected by the con-
struction of a conduit of moderate size which will be suitable to
carry the flood flows of the area after development. This con-
duit will be 75 in. in diameter.
Old Lexington Reservoir. 1'n our preliminary studies which
have been discussed in considerable detail in conferences with
your Board, it was assumed that that portion of the area of the
North Branch District tributary to the old water works reser-
voir near Marrett Road would continue to remain so. Thus it
was permissible to design the brook channel leading from the
reservoir, of somewhat smaller capacity than would be required
were the reservoir not used. Such use of the reservoir would
probably result in muddy water much of the time, and a rather
rapid filling up of the bottom by the deposition of material
brought in by the storm water. After considering this matter,
your Board directed us to design the channels upon the assump-
tion that the storm flows would not discharge into the reservoir.
We have, therefore, prepared our designs and estimates herein
upon the latter assumption. This requires somewhat larger
sizes for both the open and covered channels than were used in
preparing the estimates given in our letter of October 21, 1927.
Soundings. Many bar soundings have been made to deter-
mine a location where it would be feasible to construct open
channels in firm ground. The locations together with the data
indicating the material and depth are shown upon the map ac-
companying this report. The figures on the map indicate the
depth, etc.; for example, 15' indicates that a sounding was
S ft.
made 15 ft. deep and material was soft at that depth. Similarly
Sd indicates sand, H indicates hard, R indicates rock, etc.
Where there are figures above and below the line, such as (265.5)
(6' Hd.)
the figure above the line indicates the elevation of the surface
of the ground and that below the line the depth of the sounding.
The soundings indicate that there are considerable areas
where suitable hard bottom is at such a depth that it will be
expensive to build houses, streets, sewers and gas and water
26
mains, as they would require deep foundations. Such areas
probably will be sufficiently improved by the general lowering
of the ground water level so that with a moderate amount of
filling they may be used for park or playground purposes. The
development plan accompanying this report indicates such
areas.
Location of Channels. The proposed project involves an
open brook channel for the South Branch of Vine Brook follow-
ing near the easterly border of the swamp from a point 700
to 800 ft. north of Marrett Road to the junction with a proposed
channel for the North Branch. The channel of the North
Branch will be relocated following the easterly and southerly
shore of the swamp, thus diverting the flow from the present
brook channel which is parallel to the Park Road west of Wal-
tham Street. This will result in a very small flow in the present
channel and it may become advisable to provide a closed conduit
in this location to serve the needs of local drainage. From the
junction of the north and south branches an open channel will
extend northerly to a point near the southerly line of Massachu-
setts Avenue; thence the channel will be a covered conduit to
the end of the steep drop several hundred feet north of Sher-
man Street with a relatively short open channel to connect with
the present brook channel. If preferred, the covered conduit
can be extended from Massachusetts Avenue to Vine Brook
Road.
Profiles of the proposed north and south branch channels
and the main channel are shown in Figs. 5 and 6, respectively.
Areas Tributary to Channels. In Fig. 2 are shown the ap-
proximate limits of the drainage area, the existing streets
and brook channels and those areas which will require drainage
before they can be developed.
The total area of the district tributary to the main chan-
nel (south of Massachusetts Avenue) will be about 984 acres.
This area may be subdivided as follows:
Area tributary to proposed North Branch channel
about 455 acres
Area tributary to proposed South Branch channel
about 240 acres
Area tributary to main channel between the
junction of the proposed North and South
Branches and Massachusetts Avenue about 206 acres
Area tributary to main channel north of Massa-
chusetts Avenue about 83 acres
27
The total area requiring drainage before development is
about 312 acres.
After the proposed plan shall have been completed includ-
ing roadways, there will be approximately 185 acres of low land
or at present inaccessible lands which will become suitable for
dwellings. There will remain about 215 acres of low land un-
suitable for dwellings and all of this except the portion required
for the brook channels and highways will be reservations or
parks.
Fig. 3 is a preliminary development map showing the gen-
eral arrangment of the proposed brook channels', highways and
parks and the existing adjacent streets.
ESTIMATES OF COST OF PROPOSED DRAINAGE
PROJECT
It is estimated that the construction of the proposed main
drainage channels will cost about $185,000. The detailed estim-
ates are appended to this report. A summary is given in the
following tabulation:
SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED COSTS OF MAIN DRAINAGE
CHANNELS FOR VINE BROOK
North Branch $54,080
Allowance for rock -10% 59408
$59,488
Engineering & Contingencies —20% 11,897
Total
$71,885
South Branch
$11,405
Allowance for
rock —20%
21281
$13,686
Engineering
& Contingencies -20%
2,737
Total
162423
Main Channel from Junction of North and
South
Branches to Massachusetts Avenue
$229435
Allowance for
rock -10%
2,244
$24,679
Engineering
& Contingencies — 20%
40936
Toted
29,615
28
Fiq
rtm
my Amp
Ordinary rwler
SOUTH BRANCH STA.22+80TO48+00
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NORTH BRANCH STA - 17+00 TO 30+50
Wa*surface fOrruaoj (Ar2)rearfrapaencysform
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MAIN CHANNEL SOUTH OF VINE BROOK ROAD
Grossed,furfoce-� �,� o
Lome boulders cr �^
cobbles
6Ydinary Nater ruryace
MAIN CHANNEL NORTH OFSHERIDAN ST.
LFAiNGTON, MASS.
/INE BROOK D157RICT
TYPICAL SECTIONS OF OPEN CHANNELS
SCALE 5FT.10 IIN. AuGu9T 9" 1928.
MCTOALE COCY
ENGINEERS
BOSTON, VA ASS
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5 =.0012
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if ......usee Insfe°d
/on
cironnel
Approx.
BOtto 01
-3.0'
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t Ground Sarfte -
-Water
5=.01085
5 =.0012
ed �'
3 .0' on/.
4-'3.0 1 S, Ion
�lon3
Distance in Feet .
5
/Approx. hard b0ftrn .
5=.00085
�I, /n/
-Ign3
5,000a5
5=.00085 \
11.4' --,-Ion /
%-Ion 3
`1 /on 3
Z.8
LEXINGT N,MA55.
VINE 3RA' D15TRICT
PROFIE of
SED SOUTH BRAN ^N—° MAIN CHANNEL
QF UillEBROOK -
SCALE5-HoR. Z00FT.7 IIN. JULY 1928,
VENT. 5T.T 11N.
.L REVISED SEPT 28 1928
METCALF cf EDDY
ENO K4cmms
50STO , MA55.
75 0
Fig. 6
Lexington, Mass.
Vine Brook District
Profile of
Proposed South Branch and Main Channels
of Vine Brook
Metcalf & Eddy
Engineers
Boston, Mass.
Main Channel East of Massachusetts Avenue $46,685
Allowance for rock — 20% 9,337
$56,022
Engineering and Contingencies — 20% 11,204
Total 67,226
Grand Total $184,649
The above estimates do not include allowances for future
road crossings of the open channels but do include allowances
for the crossings at Waltham Street and Vine Brook Road.
The following unit prices have been used in preparing these
estimates of cost and are believed to be sufficient to cover the
cost of all work.
Clearing location, one-third of area $100 per acre
Excavation for open channels including disposal
of and spreading on swamp and low ground 65c per cu. yd.
Loaming, grassing and seeding channel slopes
(assuming loam on site) 50c per sq. yd.
Excavation for arches at Waltham Street and
Vine Brook Road $2.50 per cu. yd.
Concrete in arches 30.00 per cu. yd.
The covered conduits have been estimated upon the as-
sumption that they will be constructed of pre -cast reinforced
concrete pipe. The unit prices for different sections of these
conduits will be found in the detailed estimates.
PROPOSED THROUGH HIGHWAYS
In order to make accessible those areas which will become
available through drainage and to provide connecting links
through the district with existing and contemplated trunk high-
ways, it will be necessary to construct about 41/2 miles of
through highways.
Such highways are indicated on Fig 7 This arrangement
will provide a highway from Massachusetts Avenue near Grant
Street to Marrett Road at a location where it will be feasible
in the future to extend it southerly to the Beaver Brook Park-
way. A connecting link will be provided from Massachusetts
Avenue near its junction with Lincoln Street to the above men-
tioned location at Marrett Road. The point where the through
highway will meet Massachusetts Avenue is such that it may
be extended in the future to Bedford Street some distance north
of Lexington Green. A through highway is provided from a
point a short distance southwest of Vine Brook Road; thence
29
westerly parallel with the existing North Branch of Vine Brook
to Muzzey Street ; thence southwesterly along Muzzey Street if
extended, to a proposed double barreled highway along the pro-
posed relocated North Branch open channel; thence northwest-
erly and southwesterly curving through proposed park lands
and westerly through lands proposed to be developed as resi-
dences and now occupied by the old race track to Marrett Road.
It is estimated that about 4 miles of these through high-
ways will be constructed upon firm ground and about 1/2 mile
across soft ground. We have made estimates of cost of the con-
struction work required to provide roadways 24 ft. wide with
gravelled surfaces. A minimum of about 4 culvert crossings of
the proposed open brook channels will be required by the con-
struction of •the through highways. We have estimated that
these culverts will be of the flat arch masonry type.
The estimates of cost of the through highways are as
follows .
4 miles of highways in firm ground at $34,000 $136,000
1/2 mile highway in soft ground at 96,000 48,000
Contingencies, and engineering —15 % 28,000
Total cost of through highways, exclusive
of culverts, land and pavement
4 arch culverts at $6,000
Contingencies and engineering — 20%
$212,000
24,000
5,000 29,000
Total cost of through highways
excluding land and pavement $241,000
If a bituminous macadam pavement is provided for the
through highways, it is estimated that the additional cost would
be about $163,000 Such pavements for the through highways
can probably be postponed for some years and their cost need
not be included in the present program of assessments.
In the event that the through highway between Massachu-
setts Avenue near' Grant Street and Marrett Road is extended
to the Lexington -Belmont line, its cost, exclusive of land and
pavement, will be about $110,000. Such an extension obviously
is not a part of the proposed improvement of the Vine Brook
district.
The following unit prices have been used in the estimates
of cost of through highways:
Excavation for roadway in firm ground
Ekcavation for roadway in soft ground 65c per cu. yd.
-
•
Fig. 7
Lexington, Mass.
Vine Book District
Proposed Through Hiways
September 1928
Metcalf & Eddy
Engineers
Boston Mass.
Gravel fill for roadways hauled from open
channel excavations 25c per cu. yd.
Rolling road surfaces $2.00 per lin. ft.
Bituminous macadam pavement 2.25 per sq. yd.
VINE BROOK BETTERMENTS
The improvement of the Vine Brook district contemplated
by your Board will probably be carried out under authority of
Chapter 263 of the Acts of 1926. Section 4 of this act states
that assessments for the improvement shall be made according
to Chapter 80 of the General Laws. Under Chapter 80, assess-
ments may be made by either frontage or area, or both, but no
assessment can exceed the amount of the benefit; thus the
problem is to apportion the assessments in accordance with the
benefit to each individual parcel of land.
Drainage Benefits. The entire area within the drainage
limit, as shown on the preliminary development map, will re-
ceive a certain amount of benefit from the construction of the
main drainage channels and conduits. The character of the
benefit differs materially for areas in different locations. These
areas may be sub -divided into several classes, as follows:
Class 1 areas which will receive complete benefit from the
construction of the main drainage channels and conduits. This
class consists of such areas as are located adjacent to the chan-
nels or conduits with their ground surfaces at such elevation
that they will not be subject to inconvenience from occasional
flooding, and because of their elevation and proximity to the
main drains, will not require systems of lateral drains.
Class 2 areas which will have nearly complete benefit from
the construction of main drainage channels and conduits. This
class consists of areas located adjacent to the channels and con-
duits, so that they will not require systems of lateral drains, but
with their surface elevation such that the streets will be sub-
ject to occasional flooding and probably some inconvenience will
be experienced from. water entering cellars.
Class 3 areas which will have partial benefit, consisting of
areas located one half block or more away from the main drain-
age channels and conduits, thus requiring systems of lateral
drainage, and with their surface elevations such that they will
be subject to occasional flooding of streets and the possibility
of water entering cellars, but to a less extent than in the case
of Class 2 areas.
31
. '. fir :1 .....r . r u ..+-_^-_ _ - .- .-• .-..ft.”..
" r t..
I
a
•
•
7" being absorbed or evaporated than is the case at present. After
Class 4 areas which will have partial benefit, consisting of such development, it is likely that there will be found small
those areas which will require or are now provided with lateral depressions which would be subs ect to periodic flooding in the l
drainage systems, but will not be subject to any material incon- absence of lateral drainage. The development of the area into
venience from flooding, streets and blocks, and the subsequent layout and construction I;
Class
Class 1 areas consist of small widel se r of lateral drainage systems will in many cases change the limits if
y pa ated sections,
but for the most part adjacent to areas in Classes 2 and 3. of the sub-drainage areas and the locations of the points of li
While Class 1 areas will not be subject to flooding, because of discharge from those limits and locations fixed by nature.
Legally, areas high in elevation may have the right to dis-
the proximity to areas of Classes 2 and 3 and the inconvenience
. caused by flooding of neighboring highways, the increase in charge storm water on to lower lying areas as long as the path '
market value of lots in Class 1 areas will probably be no greater of the water is not changed from its natural course, and the
than in the case of Classes 2 and 3. owners of such land may have a legal right to do anything to
"•'' their land whether or not it increases the amount or rate of
': We have included in Class 1 certain areas which are adja-
F` runoff It is practically impossible, however, to lay out streets
, cent to the existing open brook channel east of Massachusetts with suitable surfaces, gutters and sidewalks, make suitable
N Avenue where, under present conditions, little, if any, flooding
is experienced, but inconvenience results from the maintenance street intersections and grade house lots, so that they meet
,. of foot and driveway bridges across the brook channel to pri- the needs of tenants, without changing the limits of areas tri-
I
vate yards. In this location, it is proposed to construct a closed butary to natural water courses or changing the locations of the
conduit which will permit the abandonment of bridges and the water courses.
'. utilization, for yard and driveway purposes, of the areas now The development of the high lands may result in three or
occupied by the brook channel. more times the rate of discharge and amount of water which
G ` Class 2 areas being adjacent to the main channels will not would be discharged from these lands under natural conditions.
; i require lateral drains, but the frequency and duration of flood Such development of the high lands as well as of the low lands
periods will be greater than will be experienced by Class 3 requires more costly brook channels and conduits.
Considering the actual benefits without regard to legal
areas, which will require lateral drainage.
rights, insofar as main drainage channels and conduits are con-
Class 4 areas will be the most desirable for residences be-
cause of elevation and general freedom from flooding. Also, cerned, we think all areas within the drainage limit should share
a considerable proportion, say 25 % or more, can be developed proportionately in the cost. The required capacity of such
,, with streets and houses before lateral and main drainage sys-
channels and conduits is directly proportional to the area
t , tems are required, whereas scarcely any development can be served, disregarding minor variations in local conditions such
as character of soil, steepness of slope, etc. ; thus, 3 acres of
`": made of Class 3 areas before the installation of lateral and main
, ' high land require about 1 cu. ft. per second of capacity in the
drainage systems. Probably the highest class of development
,' ,
within the district will take place in the Class 4 areas. In view main channels and conduits, which is the provision made for
of certain developments within the town of Lexington, and one 3 acres of low land
which has already taken place within the Vine Brook district
The total drainage area is about 984 acres. The net area
(Highland Avenue) , lateral drainage in the form of under- within, the drainage limits excluding areas which will be occu-
' pied by streets and brook channels is about 818 acres. Included
ground conduits to convey storm water from street surfaces,
in this are the Municipal Building lot, the playground near Lin-
sidewalks and yards, and to prevent flooding of cellars and small
depressions, will eventually be required for the Class 4 areas. coln Street, the school yard and parts of two small parks along
', ' The development of the district with paved streets, graded Massachusetts Avenue, which should probably be considered as `
lots, and houses will result in a larger proportion of the rain- purely Town property, and their proportionate part of the cost
of drainage should consequently be met from Town funds.
fall running off and a lesser proportion entering the soil and tl
33
32
4 4
._ -.-...- - _. _
..:2 F. •1 .'M• r mow rdY. s 9 I ._ . . .. .. T'1
Pt.!
11
1
li
These areas aggregate 20.7 acres or about 2.53% of the net amount is the average assessment per acre for Class 3 areas,
drainage area. twice this amount or $30.20 is the average assessment for Class
The estimated cost of main drainage channels and conduits 2 areas and three times $15.10 or $45.30 is the average assess-
is $185,000. Of this, 2.53 % or approximately $4,700 would be ment per acre for Class 1 areas. These average assessments ;I
borne by the Town. reduced to the sq. ft. basis are as follows .
Considerable areas within the district will be reserved for - Class 1 areas $0.001040
parks aggregating about 99.4 acres. The share of the cost of Class 2 areas 0.000693
drainage which would be assessed on these park lands if they Class 3 areas 0.000347
'i were to be used for residences would be $22,500. This amount Through Highway Benefits. The benefits which will be de-
can be assessed upon the areas receiving park benefits. rived from the construction of through highways in the Vine
The assessment for main drainage channels and conduits Brook District will differ widely. The areas within the district
based on the estimated cost would be $0.00520 per sq. ft. of may be sub-divided into three general classes, as follows •
area not occupied by parks, highways or brook channels.
Class 1 — areas which will receive complete benefit consist-
Park Benefits. The areas which will be reserved for parks ing of lands abutting on the through highways and not
will benefit nearby residential land in varying proportions, de-
now accessible from present highways.
pending upon the distance from the individual parcels of land Class 2 — areas, which will receive nearly complete benefit,
` to the parks. It is a question of policy as to just how far from consisting of areas made accessible by the through' high-
ways, but which will require sub-division roads.
a park, land should be assessed. It seems reasonable to us Class 3 — areas which will receive only partial benefit, con-
,' 0 that all land within a distance of 2,000 ft. of the park limits sisting of those areas which are now or can be made
should bear a share of the drainage cost attributable to the accessible from existing roads and may or may not re- ‘1
f. easily
will
but be made more easy
sub-division roads,
parks. Such area may be subdivided into three classes as quireA,
': ' follows • accessible by the construction of the through highways. t
It is very difficult to fix upon equitable definite ratios for
Class 1 — areas which front on streets bordering on, or
adjacent to, the park areas. the benefits from through highways. It is very evident that
Class 2 — areas lying beyond Class 1 areas and within 1,000 Classes 1 and 2 receive a very substantial benefit. Likewise,
ft. of the park limits. it is evident that areas outside of these classes receive some
Class 3 — areas lying between 1,000 and 2,000 ft. from the benefit from the construction of the through highways. The
park limits. Town as a whole also will receive a considerable benefit from
It is largely a matter of judgment as to the proportions these highways. It is our judgment that the average benefit
of benefits received by the three classes. Without going into ratios of the three classes should be about as follows .
an elaborate study to determine the benefit accordingto a pro- Average Area —
E gression for; each 100 ft. zone, or perhaps less, we think it is Benefit Ratio Acres
Class 1 — areas abutting on through
reasonable to fix the average ratios of betterment between the highways 10 69. !
three classes as follows • Class 2 — areas made accessible by
Average Area — through highways 7 46.9
Benefit Ratio Acres
Class 1 (adjacent areas) 3 66.5 Class 3 — areas made more easily access-
Class 2 (1,000 ft. zone) 2 379.4 ible by through highways 3 247.
Class 3• (2,000 ft. zone) 1 553. It is possible that the benefit should be extended to a
Multiplying each area by its corresponding average benefit larger area, but it seems to us that for the purposes of this
ratio, the total cost of park drainage is to be divided into report, it will be satisfactory to assume that the additional
r 1491.3 units. The estimated amount of the drainage cost at- benefits outside of the three classes described above will be
tributable to the park areas, $22,500, divided by 1491.3 giver borne by the Town. It is our judgment that the Town's share
$15.10 as the average amount of one unit of assessment. This of the cost of through highways should be about 20% .
34 35 `
F'
I. . __ ,
The estimated cost of construction of through highway
gravelled roads is $241,000. The Town's share of this cost
(20%) would be $48,200, leaving $192,800 to be assessed upon
Classes 1, 2 and 3.
Multiplying the areas of the individual classes by the cor-
responding average benefit ratio gives 1,759.3 assessment units.
Dividing the $192,800 by 1,759.3 gives $109.50 as the amount
of one assessment unit. Class 1 areas would be assessed 10
units per acre or $1,095. Class 2 areas would be assessed 7
units per acre of $766.50. Class 3 areas would be assessed 3
units per acre or $328.50. These assessments reduced to the
sq. ft. basis are as follows:
Class 1 areas $0.02513
Class 2 areas 0.01760
Class 3 areas 0.00754
The maximum assessment on any single parcel of land for
drainage, parks and through highways would be $0.03137 per
sq. ft. This assessment would apply only on those relatively
small areas abutting on the proposed through highways.
The maps, Figs. 8, 9 and 10, show the different classes of
areas for each benefit as outlined above. In order to deter-
mine what the approximate assessment per square foot would
be on any given piece of land within the district, it is only
necessary to consult the individual maps and add the proposed
assessments for the area under consideration.
Obviously, the assessments must be levied on the basis of
the actual cost. Before any assessments are levied, it will be
necessary to make accurate surveys to determine the limits of
the drainage area and of the different classes of areas bene-
fitted.
The Town will have to acquire the lands to be used for
brook channels, streets and public parks. No allowances have
been made in the estimates of cost for the purchase of such
lands. It seems reasonable to expect that for the most part
these lands will be donated to the Town. Any lands which do
not become the property of the Town for park purposes, high-
ways or brook channels should be assessed their proportionate
shares for the benefits.
Respectfully submitted
METCALF & EDDY
By Almon L. Fales
JWR:CH
36
Fig. 8
Lexington, Mass.
Vine Brook District
Drainage Benefit Map
Fig. 9
Lexington, Mass.
Vine Brook District
Park Benefit Map
Fig. 10
Lexington, Mass.
Vine Brook District
Through Highway Benefit Map
Scale in Feet (Approx)
September 1928.
Metcals & Eddy
Engineers
Boston, Mass.
-Legend-
Estimate of Construction Cost of
North Branch Channel
W. end track to E. end track
1300 ft. of 48 -in. pipe at $12.40 = $16,100
1- 7.5 M.H. = 100
E. end track to S. end swamp
500 ft. of 42-in.pipe at $14.80 = 7,400
1 - 10.5' M.H. = 130
450 ft. of 48 -in. Pipe at $12.10 = 5,440
1 - 9' M.H. = 115
Sta. 43+0to41+0
200 ft. open channel 697 cu. yd. excavation at $0.65 = 450
471 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 235
Sta. 41+0to30+50
1050 ft. open channel 8,880 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 5,725
3,720 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 1,860
Sta. 30 ± 50 to 17 ± 0
1350 ft. open channel 7,285 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 4,740
3,600 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 1,800
Sta. 17 ± 0 to 7 + 40
960 ft. open channel .3,090 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 2,010
1,920 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 960
Sta. 7 ± 40 to 6 + 80
60 ft. Waltham St. culvert
560 cu. yd. excavation at 2.50 = 1,400
111 cu. yd. concrete at 30.00 = 3,330
Paving invert 60' at $5.00 per lin. ft = 300
Sta.6+80to2+50
430 ft. open channel 1,300 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 845
836 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 420
Sta 2+50to0+0
250 ft. open channel 572 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 372
417 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 208
Clearing 1.4 acres at $100 per acre = 140
Estimate of Construction Cost of
South Branch Channel
Middle St. to
Sta. 48 + 00
700 ft. of 21 -in. pipe av cut 3.0 at $4.20
Sta. 48 + 0 to 40 + 80
720 ft. of open channel
1,680 cu. yd. excavation at $0.65
1,250 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50
37
$54,080
$2,940
1,090
625
37
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4.
1 '
i
I
l
Sta. 40 + 80 to 30 -}- 50
1030 ft. of open channel
3,030 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 1,970 hi i
1,820 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 910
Sta. 30 + 50 to 22 + 80
770 ft. open channel , r'
2,845 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 1,850 April 9, 1930
1,575 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 790
Sta. 22 + 80 to 20 + 80 Town Planning Board,
200 ft. open channel Lexington, Mass.
417 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 270
358 Attention • Mr F L. Emery, Chairman.
sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 180 Y►
' Clearing 7.8 acres at $100 = 780
Gentlemen :
$11,405 On April 2, Mr Raymond, in company with Mr. Cosgrove,
Estimate of Construction Cost of examined the channel of Vine Brook in Lexington downstream
Main Channel from Sheridan Street to ascertain the extent to which flooding
conditions would be aggravated as a result of the construction
Sta. 20 + 80 to 7 + 00 of the proposed Vine Brook conduit between Hayes Lane and
1380, ft. open channel Vine Brook Road.
4 7,725 cu. yd. excavation at $0.65 = $5,020
2,990 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 1,495 . ' There has been periodic flooding of low lands along the
Sta. 7 +0 to 0 + 0 brook between Hayes Lane and East Street due to the slight
700 ft. open channel fall, the small size of the brook channel and the limited capacity
4,760 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 3,100 of the East Street culvert.
'+ 1,663 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 830 1
Sta. 0 + 0 to S. L. Massachusetts Avenue No appreciable damage results from flooding under present
(60 lin. ft. for culvert not included) conditions as the land subject to flooding is unimproved.
490 ft. open channel
5,440 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 3,540 Flooding as a result of the proposed construction would
1,510 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 755 not be measurably increased and would at worst be a matter
Vine Brook Road culvert of only a few inches in height greater and a few hours longer
60 ft. long duration. 4
,'' ; 765 cu. yd. excavation at 2.50 = 1,910
183 cu. yd. concrete at 30.00 = 5,485 Probably any increase can be compensated for by substitut-
" .° Paving invert 60' at $5.00 per lin, ft. = 300 ing two culvert pipes about 5 ft. in size beneath East Street in
S. L. Massachusetts Avenue to Headwall place of the present stone culvert and keeping the brook chan- '
1270 ft. of 75-in. pipe ay. cut 13.5 ft at 35.40 = 44,850 nel free from bushes and debris by annual clearing.
' '' Headwall — 380 ft. open channel
822 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 535 Very truly yours,
430 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 215
k — to Hayes Lane METCALF & EDDY,
' 400 ft open channel
1,330 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 865 By Almon L. Fales
' '' 300 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 150
ih Clearing 0.7 acre at $100 per acre = 70
a • $69,120
;'
38 30 ,
a
III
.■
April 15, 1930
Town Planning Board,
Lexington, Mass.
Attention • Mr. F. L. Emery, Chairman.
Gentlemen:
Regarding flooding along lower Vine Brook downstream
from Sheridan Street as a result of the construction of the
proposed conduit between Hayes Lane and Vine Brook Road
and the channels for the main brook and the South Branch we
are of the opinion that the increase in flooding will be very
slight.
Construction of the main channel south of Vine Brook
Road and the South Branch channel will not measurably in-
crease the flood runoff and conditions on lower Vine Brook will
be as stated in our letter of April 9, 1930, to wit.
Flooding as a result of the construction of the proposed
main brook conduit and open channel and the South Branch
channel will not be measurably increased, at worst being a
matter of a few inches greater height and a few hours longer
duration.
Such increase can be compensated for by installing two
culvert pipes about 5 ft. in size beneath East Street in place
of the present culvert and by keeping the brook channel free
from bushes and debris by annual clearing.
Very truly yours,
METCALF & EDDY,
By Almon L. Fales
40
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THE HADLEY FRESS INC.
LEBINOTONp MASS.