HomeMy WebLinkAbout1927-1942 Reports of Committees, Volume 3Reports of Committees
Book 3
1927-1942
IDs: TC -12, PP 45
Drainage of
Vine Brook Watershed •
•
in South Central Portion of Lexington
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ins la a
APRIL »•
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 f
The Selectmen, F
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 I , •
& Eddy, under date of September 29, 1928, upon the subject of
drainage of the Vine Brook area. The copy lacks a reproduction ss _
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 F
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-
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The trouble with the General Betterment Act has been
more, the entire project, if executed at once, would also possibly that the entire cost of any improvement must necessarilybe
throw into the market more land for residential building than
assessed 'as betterments, — it is not possible to divide the cost ; e
could be well digested in a period of time that would make it and these betterments can not be assessed until after the work
profitable.
is completed. If any error is found to have occurred in method ! -
Therefore, the Planning Board feels that it would be wiser of assessment or in the apportionment among the properties
to undertake a part only of the work at this time, leaving the _
especially benefited, the entire assessment can be thrown out I
balance to be executed at a later date when the need therefor I ■
shall have become more immediately imperative. The Tov��t and the cost of the completed work would then fall back upon
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the Town. ,
should, however, immediately make such layouts and takings II ._
as will make possible eventual accomplishment of the entire In June last a new Betterment Act was passed, Acts of 1 ,
project. 1929, Chapter 380, evidently with the purpose of removing some
I The trunk line section extending from a point just above of the objections to the earlier act. This recent act makes pos-
i -
Vine Brook Road to and under Massachusetts Avenue and the sible, among other things, the assessment of a part of the con-
railroad to an outlet point some thousand feet below the rail- struction cost only instead of the whole cost, where the situa-
road, being Iocated almost in the heart of the business section tion justifies, and provides also for outlining a plan and taking
of the Town, is the key to the entire situation. The capacity the matter before the court for approval or disapproval before
I of this section must be increased in the immediate future to any costs of construction are incurred. If the court approves, a
take care of the surface drainage from the center of the Town then the work may be carried out with comparative certainty
without considering the problem of conducting away the waters 1 ' that the betterments assessed according to the approved plan
received from the areas beyond. This trunk section must be may be collected, and if, after the court has considered the
lowered some eight feet before the South Branch area above proposed plan, it appears to the Town that the cost is likely to
can be properly drained for building ; the North Branch area be heavier than it anticipated, the Town may abandon the entire
will require a lowering of not more than six and one-half feet. project, reimbursing land owners for any expense they may
The Planning Board has felt that this trunk line section have been put to in opposing the plan before the court.
should be deepened and constructed by the Town as a Town Apparently many of our citizens feel that any work of this
project and at the expense of the Town , its location in the very - 4;
P sort should be constructed under a Betterment Act, and if a
heart of the Town ; the fact that it drains the entire business majority of the Town Meeting members entertain that view,
center as well as the area surrounding the center , the fact that this new Betterment Act above referred to would appear to
the entire Town would benefit from this improvement just as furnish the most desirable plan upon which to proceed, for it
the entire Town benefits from any improvement in the center would not, like the earlier act, require the entire cost of the
of the Town ; and the complications that accompany any effort trunk section to be borne by the properties especially benefited
to assess betterments in respect to that particular section of
along its line and along the North and South Branch areas, to
the brook would seem to make it more properly a Town propo- the exclusion of the Town as a whole.
sition than one relating to bordering properties only. It would
seem that every municipality is under obligation to maintain Just what betterments would, under this act, be assessable
along the trunk line cannot yet be stated at this time, but this
drainage structures, adequate for the normal growth of the new act would make possible the assessment of only so much
town. Furthermore, the Planning Board believes that the en-
hanced values of property throughout the center of the Town of the entire cost as would appear to be just and fair.
appears
As the sentiment of the Town to have developed,
and the area drained eventually into this trunk section of the
it
brook would in a comparatively few years return to the Town would seem to be wise to undertake at once not only the deep- I
in taxes more than the reconstruction of this particular sec- ening and improvement of the trunk section, but, in addition,
tion would cost.
what is known as the South Branch section extending to Mar-
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The cost from Vine Brook Road to the new
rett Road. There can be no question but what the South Branch junction point : $15,000 ! 1 G_
section should be constructed under one of the Betterment Acts. 4 Thence to Marrett Road • 17,000 it! ii
Roads `.
We suggest that the roads be omitted from consideration A total of • $32,000 i. '�'
at this time except that the Town should adopt a definite plan -
should in any event be assessed under the Betterment Act upon �
and make any necessary layouts, and takings where necessary, the land specially benefited. -
to assure that such roads as eventually may be built, shall be
built in accordance with that approved layout. As such roads There are 166 acres of unusable land in the South Branch '
are found necessary, they may be built like other roads in area. Deducting 20 acres for land which, when drained, may still
newly developed 'areas in the Town, the cost of the same to be be found unsuited for building, and good for parks only, leaves 1I
charged back against the abutting lands. This cost at the 146 acres of unusable lands to be reclaimed ; at 43,560 feet per
present time averages from $7.00 to $10.00 per lineal foot of acre, this would mean a total of 6,359,760 square feet. A bet- i� i
a terment assessment of one-half cent per square foot upon this
road. ,
In the present instance, some of the roads should be built area alone — $218 per acre — would bring a total of $31,798.80, h to serve as through roads, to relieve Massachusetts Avenue or approximately the cost of the drainage channel from Vine
and the center of the Town of as much traffic as possible. To Brook Road to Marrett Road. This does not take into account , ' ,
1 that end such roads should be built as indicated on the Shurt- additional betterments that may be assessed upon higher lands,
fronting upon the unusable areas and now inaccessible because ■
leff plan, wider than would be necessary for purely local needs
and as a consequence, the Town and possibly the State, should ' , of the same. -
1
bear a proper part of the construction cost. It would seem, therefore, wise to take in the entire South -
Sewers Branch area with the initial construction of the trunk line under
Sewers also, so far as necessary to accommodate the areas Massachusetts Avenue and the railroad. To make this possible,
under development, should be built under our present act, and another meeting must be called, the warrant for which shall
therefore form no necessary part of the present drainage prob- contain an article of broader scope than Article 34 of the war-
lem except that such sewer as must extend from Vine Brook rant for the present meeting
• Road to junction with the present sewer trunk line in the The engineers, following a further examination, confirm ��•I
vicinity of Sheridan Street, estimated to cost $8,000, must be the report originally made to the Planning Board, that for the
built at the expense of the Town because the locality through present there will be no appreciable damage to the areas below
which that section must extend is already served by and has Grant Street from such increased rate of flow as may result
been assessed for the present sewer system. from the deepening of the brook throughout the trunk and
Costs South Branch sections under consideration , that such increase
Messrs. Metcalf & Eddy estimate the cost of the trunk line as may result will be accommodated by enlarging the culvert
drainage section, extending from its outlet near the junction under Hayes Lane, which is included in the scheme already pro-
of Sheridan and Grant Streets to Vine Brook Road, and includ- posed, and by substituting two culvert pipes each of about five
',
ing necessary engineering, at $88,000 feet in diameter for the single culvert under East Street now
From Vine Brook Road to the new junction existing and cleaning the brooks, at an additional cost esti-
1
point a short distance beyond the proposed exten- mated by the engineers at something less than a thousand
sion of Winthrop Road . 15,000 dollars. i i
From the new junction point to Marrett Road : 17,000 Later it may be found desirable to improve the lands be-
i .
• A total of . $120,000
low Grant Street as much as is now proposed for the North and
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South Branch areas, thereby to remove danger from increased ;
flow from above Vine Brook Road as building in that locality )1
proceeds, and at the same time render the lands south of Grant i ''i
Street available for building just as the upper areas will be 71 it11 1
,
1
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 18
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 fir
should be constructed by the property owners to drain their ft ,
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 1
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- S
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- t'
cause the laying out of streets and lots necessarily constitute
parts of a single problem — neither should be laid out inde- :1
pendently or in advance of the other
1
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 c
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 1'
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.
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TOWN OF LEXINGTON . -i j3/4%‘)t mVIT
C .PLAN OF PROPOSED HIGHWAYS ;, •nr.. atii a 1 tesT
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SOUTH CENTRAL PORTION TOWN .� 111
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AItTM UQ A. SHURTL EFF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT / - ��+�
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OCTOBER 4 '1926 19 �,
2avicao To Ocroear 29 , 192 ,
APRIL.
17, 1926
Dcccwuw 30, 192L ��� . ,.
APRL 22,1927 O ,
•• • APRIL 27, 1927
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, ( By undertaking the work under consideration, the Planning
1
Board feels that the Town will protect itself against any un-
desirable development within this large drainage area, and will ,;
il invite and assure itself the kind of development that will be in
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every way to the best interests of the Town.
) Respectfully submitted,
'''s F L. EMERY, Chairman
ILIr.
:y Reports of the Selectmen ,Al
THE MAJORITY REPORT t
May 6, 1930
Id
To the Town Meeting Members,
Lexington, Massachusetts •
r,
The subject of drainage as it is related to the Vine Brook
area now under consideration and which the Town Meeting
,.4 I members will be asked to consider at a meeting May 19, 1930,
has been discussed from many points of view While it has
; jbeen studied by a number of our townspeople, we ask that
:Ibeen
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 4
. of April 15, 1930.
While we as a Board have been giving a great deal of study c.•
;`
��` ' 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 s
•
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- i
i 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.
1 While it is not possible to anticipate how rapidly this land
will develop once it is drained, Winthrop Road is already being
7
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extended to Waltham Street by private enterprise, and it seems
reasonable to expect that more streets will be laid out in the Belmont. This is the only portion in which the Town will en-
near future. Even if all the area is not immediately developed, counter damages of any consequence. In this section the Town t
its value is obviously greatly enhanced by changing it to a well will have to take 29,920 square feet of land and one house, and ,
drained piece of property in close proximity to the center ofthis should be done before the land becomes more valuable. 41
the Town. We respectfully urge every Town Meeting Member to study
with great care the entire report of Metcalf & Eddy and the
It must be conceded that no amount of money spent on
clearing the present channel of Vine Brook and rebuilding walls recommendations of the Planning Board. We further urge a I#
will be of any avail as long as that part of the trunk line sec- personal inspection of that portion of the drainage area that is
easily accessible, so that the fullest possible knowledge may be
tion which runs under Massachusetts Avenue is eight feet
higher than the point to which the water table must be lowered obtained of this important improvement.
to make this land available for building purposes. Respectfully submitted,
1 I ,
In view of the fact that many citizens are of the opinion THEODORE A. CUSTANCE `�
that this entire project should be authorized under the Better- ROBERT P TRASK . .1
ment Act, and since most of the property owners in the south CLARENCE SHANNON
branch area have expressed a willingness to agree to a reason- HALLIE C. BLAKE
able betterment assessment, we now recommend this procedure Selectmen
in order that the Town may have immediate returns on its
investment.
We have secured definite estimates on this work bydiffer- THE MINORITY REPORT
ent contractors based on the specifications of the Town Engi-
neer These firms have had experience in this type of work, and My reasons for a minority report on Vine Brook drainage ?,
we are confident that a substantial saving can be made over the are as follows :
estimates submitted by the Engineers, so that it seems probable Ido not believe that the closed drain proposed from Vine
that the entire south branch area can be drained for only a Brook road to Sheridan Street will take care of the drainage in
little more than the amount estimated by them to construct the
the area between these two streets. This is to be a tight cement
trunk line alone. pipe, and I cannot see any way for the ground water to enter
This lay out is in line with the studies we have had of the It will only take care of the street water trough catch basins.
proposed through highways that will be of great value to the Also, no borings have been made so far to determine the
Town. It seems wise to us to encourage the land owners to lay nature of the soil through which this drain must pass. If it
out and drain their property along the lines suggested so that should be quicksand (the same as encountered when. the Cary
when the Town is ready to take over the street, under the Memorial Building was built and the sewers in Massachusetts
•, Betterment Act, it will not be necessary for any drainage to be Avenue constructed) it will add very much to the cost of con-
I done at that time. struction. I think this information should be in the hands of
' it should be remembered that the Board of Survey laid the voters before they are asked to vote on this project.
out a street from Massachusetts Avenue to Vine Brook Road So far as the South Branch is concerned, lowering the
in 1918 over Vine Brook. This matter has been held in abeyance brook only will not take care of lowering the water table any
until the drainage of Vine Brook has been done. This, when great distance back from the brook itself. In order to accom-
constructed, will form an entrance to that territory between plish this, laterals must be put in close enough to each other
Massachusetts Avenue and Marrett Road, and is an important to take care of the water in the ground in the areas removed ,
s link of highway which will later lead to Cambridge by way of from the main brook. If these laterals are not provided and the �;
1 $ water in these back areas taken care of, I do not think the Town
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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. 11
f "
In regard to the question of betterments, this drainage pro-
ject,
ro-
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 II
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
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MErcAcr dE EDDY PL ACE -LFj/IK61.p/K MASS__ _ _ _
�;onsu//inv Engineers _ _
"Wrote Mies
TABLE 2" COMPUTATIONS FOR DRAINS OR COMBnN5D SEWERS
DATE 3.21-2 7 SHEET NO. F_ _
DISTRICT _ _VINE_ _BRD_o k _ _ _ _ _ RA/Nnj LL CURVE BDsxa/KC• .. a-R. 72EQ. -_ _ r _ - _ _ . - _ �Evisto w.2 - o - - SHEETS
COMPUTED SY _ J W _ CHECKED SY .411R__ _
MA/N DRAIN _ _ _ _ _ _ .. _ _ _ SUB - MAIN CAPACITY OF ORI/INS HOW DETERMINED
int
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{ 4 = Time-NfraeS i feet.
I Surface Ekr. Invert Flc v elver.
Na Prom o Naive of greet Acnrs � Actin Am `xf Ci i Ci A. I7aa Flow. 1E/oci y Ca/xrci B' Cut lengAl
REMRRIi$
Norte trnz�,e , Location Im crr of C.f. Rs. upper in , ERS. CtR$ (Inches) ; upper Lower Upper lower
Imp. A r ) p� ft Tota/ End End- end End feet feet
Imp. Fnd' Sec!lon ; sae
0) f (2) AV (4) (5) (6) (:',l (5) (3) (Ic) Ii Ot O If 03) I (Mt) ('5) . (i6,1 (1 V 08) 8) _ (n) (20 (22) (23) (244
/ ;w e k E ick Alt/Qenfad nr 2/ 9 2 S 2 / 9 . 2 S 39 ' 86 30.0 32 I 6•t 86 41" .0034 44 2210 2/6.6
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
•i
Page No. ) .)
Letter of transmittal 14
Report
Outline of Problem 17 ,
Basis of Design 18 j1
Types of Channels 21
Soil Conditions 22
Sewerage 23 k ,
Drainage Projects Studied . 24 ,'
Proposed Drainage Project 25 VI.
Open Channels . 25 ,41
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 i, ,
Vine Brook Betterments . 31 •
Drainage Benefits 31
Park Benefits . . . . . . . . 34 ``.
Through Highway Benefits 35
+ LIST OF TABLES ` ,
No. Page No. i :)
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 v,
2 Map of Vine Brook Drainage District 25 'tj
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 . . . . 36
9 Park Benefit Map . . . . . . . . . . . . • 36
10 Through Highway Benefit Map. 36 4'`
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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Town Planning Board North Branch district and discharge into an existing sewer r
Lexington, Mass. near Waltham Street at the present brook culvert. Portions of
• Gentlemen : the South Branch Districts are so low that a satisfactory sewer
it}
We transmit herewith our report upon "Drainage of Vine to serve the area cannot discharge into the existing main sewer ,ts ,
Brook Watershed in South Central Portion of Lexington." near the junction of the present North and South Branches. It
1 j This report may be summarized as follows : will, therefore, be necessary to build a new sewer substantially
The drainage area of Vine Brook south of Massachusetts parallel to the existing main sewer from the junction of the F' ;
existing2+1
North and South Branches to a location near Grant .�
Avenue, comprises about 900 acres much of which is close to
the center of the Town and unsuitable for residences because and Sheridan Streets where it will discharge into the existing ?,•1
and
of its low swampy nature. main sewer. l',�
Considerable portions of these areas can be made avail- The proposed drainage project involves an open brook ky
able for residences by the construction of suitable drainage channel for the South Branch of Vine Brook following near the
channels and conduits. Other portions have firm bottom so easterlylborder of the swamp from a point 700 to 800 ft. north ;,
deep that it will be best to reserve them for use as parks or t.
of Marrett Road to the junction with the proposed channel for ti
playgrounds, because foundations would be too expensive to the North Branch. The channel of the North Branch will be 1 x,
j
warrant development into house lots. relocated following the easterly and southerly shore of the r
It is advisable for the Town to adopt a plan for the drain- swamp, thus diverting the flow from the present brook channel '.ti
which is parallel to the park road west of Waltham Street.
age and development of this district, in order to control the
develpoment and forestall difficult drainage and sewerage prob-
From the junction of the North and South Branches, an open
lems which would probably result from uncontrolled develop- channel will extend north to a point near the southerly line of R>
ment. Massachusetts Avenue , thence the channel will be a covered ',
conduit to the end of the steepdrop several hundred feet north
For the brook channels, it is economical to build portions
of open earth channels and portions of closed masonry conduits of Sheridan Street with a relatively short open channel to con- `
and to so locate them that they can be constructed in firm nect with the present brook channel. If preferred, the covered
ground where deep foundations of piles or masonry will not be conduit can be extended from Massachusetts Avenue to Vine
required. Brook Road.
•
channels and
The estimates of cost of the main draina a
We have designed the main brook channels and conduits to g
•
care for the run-off from a two-year frequency rainfall gage at conduits are as follows •
the Chestnut Hill Reservoir of the Metropolitan Water Works. North Branch $71,000
South Branch
Occasionally, very heavy storms will occur, which will cause
17,000
Main channel from junction of North and South
some flooding of streets and cellars in the low areas. Branches to Massachusetts Avenue 30,000
The soil in the swampy areas consists of a soft muck over- Main channel east of Massachusetts Avenue 67,000 .i
lying sand, gravel, rock or clay. After the ground water level ?
has been lowered in these areas by the construction of the pro- Total $185,000
posed channels and conduits, a subsidence of the surface of a The estimated cost of the through highways required to j ;
foot or more will take place because of decomposition and com- provide access to the areas within the district is $241,000. This
pression. This fact has been taken into consideration in our estimate is based upon a gravel surfaced roadway 24 ft. wide. k,'
design of the drainage channels. When permanent paved surfaces are required for these high- !t
Cesspools will be impracticable of operation in the swampy ways, an additional expenditure of about $163,000 will be re •
-
areas, because the soil will be very slow to drain. Therefore, quired.
sewers must be provided before development can be made in We have studied the problem of assessment of betterments I
the low portions. A submain sewer can be built to serve the upon the areas within the district, to cover the cost of drainage : '
14 15 3,
4y�
` . � r . ._ rr .x. c 7. wz sfn +c.c A"xvvl :MPH.+M�J`dxl trR79NLLiGYn�I ' R
I•
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1
•
and through highways. We recommend that the cost of con- REPORT
, ,
structing the drainage channels and conduits be assessed uni-
formly upon the drainage area for the reasons given in the re- - i
port. We recommend that the cost of through highways be
Sept. 29, 1928 sr 1
assessed in accordance with the principles described in the re- - P
port and illustrated by the through highway benefit map (No. Town Planning Board
10, opposite page 36) �},
Lexington, Mass.
The construction of the drainage channels and conduits
Gentlemen :
will make possible the development into parks or playgrounds ,'!
of considerable areas which will not be suitable for residences. As authorized by the Lexington Board of Selectmen, we
bj
Certain adjacent areas will be benefitted by these parks, and we have completed our studies for the drainage of the Vine Brook FI
recommend that such areas be assessed the cost of the con- watershed in the south central portion of Lexington and pre-
struction of main drainage channels which would otherwise be sent the following report thereon. ) ;'
assessable to the park areas. We recommend that these assess-
ments be made in accordance with the principles described in OUTLINE OF PROBLEM
h"
the report and illustrated by the park benefit map (No. 9, ,
' `
opposite page 36) .
Avenue comprises about 900 acres, including extensive areas of ! :.v
We have worked out assessment units for the three differ- nearly level swamp lands which are subject, to flooding during ' r�'
ent types of benefits. It is probable that some modification will rainy seasons and are for the most part unsuitable even for ;"
be made in the relative assessments, but we believe the grin- agricultural purposes. Portions of the high sloping firm land 4'
• ciples upon which the proposed assessments have been based :
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.
M
x x x x x
NOt�NmmMNrIM
rloo-�o �oommmin
.y.-�00000poo
x x x x
HO Mtp 1[]d1000O
rl rlrno-tio-o- mcoo
ri r• C:) c; pGGGCo
x x x
OON tO t�J of if �mO>V.1
N NrI O�TOJ WNN
7414110000000
MTMd1M d�NrnW00
V1MNr-1110000MM
H 1111 rlH HHOOO
N�cmci cmi lei Nl�o
1111 r4 v4 r4 r4 7'1 r4 141'1
k
NMMt no�amrl
oo-ln u���ncmMN
N r1 11117-1111111 rl rl
o MeM N 1nN N111[a .+
Iq 00�0)0000NI[J�
N N 4117-1.1.4 11.1 ri
x
M NNN000 tp llJO pp
.no-mwmrl o ooMN
MNNNNNrfHHH
x
N �co�orn 11 <nmmo
<G . . . . .V. . .
y1M MNNNNNNN
x x
1nwMMM000rn
1r, In wln lr lr��a
000000000
x x
t�0 �i~O fPD LL�]1�Li 1M[]1iM71
000000000
x
N NNC��cCp tOp tOp
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
x
�O O M 00 00 O 1fi �M dl
M MOD I�L�CL�I�I�
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
o- Mr+M MMoo In In
a o>aMMMooMM
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
o�d7m 11a PC•C•Ip
r1 .-1111-+ 0 0 0 0 0
rl 11 ri rl rl r111 r1 rl
Y
1nwo�wMNom
eM V1MMMMMMN
rl 71 r1 rl rl rl r1 r1 rf
M d�MNO Pln d1
I�PL�L�Po-l�mlei
11 ri 11 ri 111l ry ri 11
omcommN o�nM
Mr11111 ri rY00T
NNNNNNNNr1
I��ON7-1 tO M 010)M 7D �0 <D 1:J d14'J V1<D tD
C r1bd1'd1M OL t 0 4'J 101[J UJ 11)�d�C�JM
UG VCM MMMMNNN NNNNNNNNN
C1P'J OMi OMO C�•OOi 1�(J d1MP O OOO�iATAO>NN
ep�dl ylMMMMMM MMNNNNNNN
H V1 d1 uN'.,�CMD��NN Nr~1 Obi OOiW CNNN
it
x x x x x
NOt�NmmMNrIM
rloo-�o �oommmin
.y.-�00000poo
x x x x
HO Mtp 1[]d1000O
rl rlrno-tio-o- mcoo
ri r• C:) c; pGGGCo
x x x
OON tO t�J of if �mO>V.1
N NrI O�TOJ WNN
7414110000000
MTMd1M d�NrnW00
V1MNr-1110000MM
H 1111 rlH HHOOO
N�cmci cmi lei Nl�o
1111 r4 v4 r4 r4 7'1 r4 141'1
k
NMMt no�amrl
oo-ln u���ncmMN
N r1 11117-1111111 rl rl
o MeM N 1nN N111[a .+
Iq 00�0)0000NI[J�
N N 4117-1.1.4 11.1 ri
x
M NNN000 tp llJO pp
.no-mwmrl o ooMN
MNNNNNrfHHH
x
N �co�orn 11 <nmmo
<G . . . . .V. . .
y1M MNNNNNNN
x x
1nwMMM000rn
1r, In wln lr lr��a
000000000
x x
t�0 �i~O fPD LL�]1�Li 1M[]1iM71
000000000
x
N NNC��cCp tOp tOp
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
x
�O O M 00 00 O 1fi �M dl
M MOD I�L�CL�I�I�
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
o- Mr+M MMoo In In
a o>aMMMooMM
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
o�d7m 11a PC•C•Ip
r1 .-1111-+ 0 0 0 0 0
rl 11 ri rl rl r111 r1 rl
Y
1nwo�wMNom
eM V1MMMMMMN
rl 71 r1 rl rl rl r1 r1 rf
M d�MNO Pln d1
I�PL�L�Po-l�mlei
11 ri 11 ri 111l ry ri 11
omcommN o�nM
Mr11111 ri rY00T
NNNNNNNNr1
I��ON7-1 tO M 010)M 7D �0 <D 1:J d14'J V1<D tD
C r1bd1'd1M OL t 0 4'J 101[J UJ 11)�d�C�JM
UG VCM MMMMNNN NNNNNNNNN
C1P'J OMi OMO C�•OOi 1�(J d1MP O OOO�iATAO>NN
ep�dl ylMMMMMM MMNNNNNNN
H V1 d1 uN'.,�CMD��NN Nr~1 Obi OOiW CNNN
7-1NMV1�eOt Op pyo 7'1NM�Y]O.L�Op Oi
r1 r, r1 r1 r1 .. 11 r, r, r1
20
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 greater 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
M NICUM I�dI Oi�
1~-1tD\\N H1�•I�
b
M�GV
MrO1�ANeD V1 MM
CV 4VN�NN
7-1NMV1�eOt Op pyo 7'1NM�Y]O.L�Op Oi
r1 r, r1 r1 r1 .. 11 r, r, r1
20
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 greater 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
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
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P. ��
VV
.y �I►�� � p''rt b 'AT` y iL ��.µQy y2
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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
OrdinaryW*r.rarfba %-
4. "
NORTH BRANCH STA - 17+00 TO 30+50
Wa*surface fOrruaoj (Ar2)rearfrapaencysform
Ordimry npirr/ �I"
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
Ficj, 4
i
Fig. 5.
225
?20—
48P'Pe
//
c
215
/
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e
y
rAj
/ 1
Approx. har
bottom . /
A
-16
215
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S '0022
LEXINGT
N,MASS.
/8.7
VINE BROOK
DISTRICT
x,205
"_—
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eal-
i ---
1.1 _lonl
Ion I
3.0' lona
PROFI
E. OF
-
- \
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PROPOSED
RELOCATED NORTH
BRANCH CHANNEL
- - /
��
22.4
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OF VINE
BROOK
$x.0022
3.0
-/on/
.3/'
— -loin
3
NOR. ZOOFZ.T
SCALES -VERS.
IIN.
JULY 1928.
5 FT.T
IIN.
,44'
23.2—
_(on/
,
3.0-
-/onl
-
---
—
lon 3
30
'
BOSTOt
MASS.
-S2on3
4.5
Distance in Feet.
1
__ 200.
3
340
0 4
5
0 6
0 6500
...4,..11 1.,, .,,a.... ,,., •1i1y ...
i
IF
.220
215
i
i
/
/ APProx. har
bottom . /
A•?
0
Approx.
e5ent
/
�� ��
so.
Grou
5 rface ---
//
\`—/
�`/ y
% 48"P'pe
/
r�=.
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5 = .0022
.o
_ ���
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18.7-1
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3.0--- -Ion3
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—
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43
IL
Distance in Feet
.
0 1
100
/
2400
3
300
0 4
...4,..11 1.,, .,,a.... ,,., •1i1y ...
Ficl.5.
225
y —
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/Jz
�
,
A 5..00
,
o
/
Approx. hard
bottom .
76
215
0
Approx.
e5er�t
1 /
�� r�
„
5`
Grou
5 face---
//
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5 = .0022
LEXINGT
N,MASS.
/
1B 7'
VINE BR00
DISTRICT
o$ea� r-/+�'
/ ---
1' I _lonl
3.0-• — _ /on3
PROFI
E OF
� �
p'O
30o
_414
PROPOSED
RELOCATED N
RTH BRANCH CHANNEL
i'�--
---
22.4'
--
/on 3
' o71
2F VINE
BROOK
Ion 1
/0173
SCALES- HR.20 FT.
T
IIx. JULY 1928.
- ---
1
[N61 N
C£RS
BOSTON,
MASS.
Distance in Feet
.
l
20
- 200_
30
14
.0 4-
5
0 6
0 6
0
"-lonl
/on
I
.3.0
Rppr� ;Bed of ' ristiny Brook_
r^
7� "Circ ula
5�.o
� O X
g z
1
Q a
Culver} ---
5 =.0012
i
I
I
S�•pO3 --j
1 -'Bol m of TS a
if ......usee Insfe°d
/on
cironnel
Approx.
BOtto 01
-3.0'
Yon 3
C
.o
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
M
V
h � R
2 ro
y R CQ
0 "'
Approx. hard bottom .
APProx. Present' Ground Surfcte
Culvert
-Water Surface 5=.00085
A>proi ;Bed Of isfinyBrcbk___ ---- — — —� ----- �_---- —
5=.00085 -, I n /
5=.0012
5= i . a Sotto o
sed Q" Io I
.0012
/on33.0 -.IonI0 12
/on/ 4-30 451 Ion3
i
75" u1aY E-3.0%Ion3
Circe S 003 J du%t %/0,7 3 J .0/
S..0p3`�' ---A_ of 7S pen ohonne!
/ if used /2sfe�d
/ Ss 3&O JOn/
01
in
3.0
o .0
/ 5
./onI
-3.0i.
i -/on I r
in Feet
a�
Cu/vert
5 o.0012
/on 3-
.O
Approx. Prese Ground Surfcoe -- tz
-
- -Water Surface
5=.00085
gy ,0 12 BottO 0 sed ern --
3 .0'_./on/
33.
Ion l E 30 5/
-5.0'lon3
._ Ion 3 /4.0
Distancd in Feet
� � �
,,i: porox. hard botiom .
*%-Ion
7-I �5=.000855=.0008514.8 _,Ion148 / n/ I
1 — 4 Z l lona
,0 1%19 3 1 2.8
2.8
25rPipe
.0004 C
_ o
Q
LEXINGTON , M A55 .
VINE BRdb D15TRICT
PROFI E of
SED SOUTH BRAN AND MAIN CHANN
SCALES-HOR.200FT.T IIN. JULY 19Z8.
VENT. SFT.T IIN.
REVISED SEPT. 281928
METCAL E• EDDY
ENoi ccws
BOSTO ,MASS.
W
I
:r 4 r
II! .1
Main Channel East of Massachusetts Avenue $46,685
+ � Allowance for rock — 20% 9,337
i
$56,022
Engineering and Contingencies — 20% 11,204
;j
Total 67,226
Grand Total $184,649
• The above estimates do not include allowances for future "i
F
1 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 1
cost of all work.
Clearing location, one-third of area $100 per acre '„
Excavation for open channels including disposal =4
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 arches0.0
3 0 per cu. yd.
The covered conduits have been estimated upon the as-
I
sumption that they will be constructed of pre-cast reinforced -
concrete pipe. The unit prices for different sections of these
3.
conduits will be found in the detailed estimates. .
PROPOSED THROUGH HIGHWAYS
In order to make accessible those areas which will become
1 available through drainage and to provide connecting links
i through the district with existing and contemplated trunk high- _
ways, it will be necessary to construct about 41/2 miles of ft
through highways. t
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
•
0 •
- v a 4
westerly parallel with the existing North Branch of Vine Brook ±I.
. to Muzzey Street ; thence southwesterly along Muzzey Street if t,.
;A; extended, to a proposed double barreled highway along the pro- { ,
posed relocated North Branch open channel ; thence northwest- '
ii; 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. a '
It is estimated that about 4 miles of these through high- 1
ways will be constructed upon firm ground and about 1/2 mile 1
1•:' across soft ground. We have made estimates of cost of the con- i
4 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- 1
struction of the through highways. We have estimated that •
t' ' these culverts will be of the flat arch masonry type. I
The estimates of cost of the through highways are as1:follows .
1
4 miles of highways in firm ground at $34,000 $136,000 ,,
1/2 mile highway in soft ground at 96,000 48,000 4
Contingencies, and engineering — 15 % 28,000 1
'
r'•, Total cost of through highways, exclusive
of culverts, land and pavement $212,000
i
c, 4 arch culverts at $6,000 24,000 •,`
Contingencies and engineering — 20% 5,000 29,000
1. ti
' ,'; Total cost of through highways
excluding land and pavement $241,000 I
t, 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
• canrobabl be postponed for some years and their cost need ,
P Y
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
r
to the Lexington-Belmont line, its cost, exclusive of land and
t; 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 : I
• Excavation for roadway in firm ground 50c per cu. yd.
Ekcavation for roadway in soft ground 65c per cu. yd.
30 t
.;, in 1
Y , W"i .. ___ ... 1 j
Fir, 7
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 `
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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
JWR:CH
36
METCALF & EDDY
By Almon L. Fales
LEXINGTON, MASS.
VINE BROOK DISTRICT
DRAINAGE BENEFIT MAP
SCALE IN FEET(APPROX.)
0 1000 Z000
SEPT, 1928.
MBTCALF o- lODY
6NB1N![RS
BOSTON, MASS.
- L66EN0 -
5treeds and Roads laid aLri. Lid
0� Proposed Highways agl 9�
E.1 Proposed and ExivI inq Parks .e1n/LI a
Proposed Open Channels D. I I I�Opy
Proposed Covered Channels in Roadway Ilrl
Proposed Covered Channels
h' I I A
EX;SBrook or Ditches
T. Class l,! 0052 per5g. H. Rssesememl 16 i
MZP Class 3,0.0052
tajZ C10e9440.0052 1%I
I
>9 I I I� I I �� ♦•
FIG. 8 1
LEXINGTON, MASS.
VINE BROOK DISTRICT I i i I I I Igepglly 5t.1
PARK BENEFIT MAP
SCALL IN FELT (APRROX.) I I I O
0 1000 2000 I
LtAfAYC
SEPT. 1920.
METCALF V EDW
LN
B05T0N14 EA M
95.LEGEND
t / s
= 3lreeis and Roads laid oUfI I I I I
Proposed High vvaYsi67/,
/,,'`t• % %/ / P j'
may., Proposed and Exisdng Parks
Proposed Open Channels /
9 Proposed Corered Channels in Xoadwoy
Proposed Covered Channels
- Existing Brook or DHches Ir1111
j
E•SS Class ; 0!001068 per sq. Ff ,9sseesmenf
Z17 Closs 2 0.0007/2
Close 3,9.000356/10 1„ to
/
/GEx1NOrON - y '
/
C
9
I // I /QARRLTT IR '. .: / '1 Y'• /'YV , /
FIG.9
F'iG. 10
1
1
t
i
}
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
i '1 Sta. 30 ± 50 to 17 ± 0
1350 ft. open channel 7,285 cu. yd. excavation at 0.65 = 4,740
f 3,600 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 1,800
Sta. 17 + 0 to 7 + 40
.1 960 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
+ ,
t 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 -I- 80 to 2 + 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 -f- 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
n
I'i $54,080 ,
Estimate of Construction Cost of
South Branch Channel
Middle St. to
i Sta. 48 + 00
s 700 ft. of 21-in. pipe av cut 3.0 at $4.20 = $2,940
Sta. 48 + 0 to 40 + 80
720 ft. of open channel
•. 1,680 cu. yd. excavation at $0.65 = 1,090
`i 1,250 sq. yd. slopes at 0.50 = 625
37
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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 ,
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y' r1 ._r .0—HT1. .. . • ,n,..- ... -. - I _. ly'.
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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 1
are of the opinion that the increase in flooding will be very
slight. 1.
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.