HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-03-01 Town-Wide Beautification Comm.rpt Y y
REPORT OF THE
TOWN -WIDE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
MARCH 1969
"I look forward to an America which will not be afraid
Of grace and beauty, which will protect the beauty of
our national environment, which will preserve the great
old American houses and squares and parks of our
national past, and which will build handsome and
balanced cities for our future. °"
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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To the 34 fi9 T s
We have the honor to oft he Lexington
ToWn -Wide Beautificahion Z titee= °aia ixolude a
prehensive set of recommendations far mantaih3ng and i�uprov�
the quality of our environment. These re e hdations ake` ais on the following ten point program:
1. Coordination among the various Boards, Committees, and
Commissions involved in planned improvements relating to
Town -owned land.
2. A continued program of upkeep and maintenance of Town -
owned property.
3. A master plan for tree planting, including a log of exist-
ing Town -owned trees with a schedule of replacement.
4. Careful selection of fencing and equipment for playgrounds
and parks for their esthetic quality.
5. A review of current and proposed signs used by the Town'for
marking streets, parks, directions to historic areas, etc.
6. Placement of utility wires underground wherever and when-
ever possible.
7. Promotion of neighborhood participation in the maintenance
and improvement of parks and playgrounds.
8. Completion of the Center Beautification Project from the
Town Office Building to the Battle Green.
9. An accelerated program of acquisition of open space for
recreational and conservation purposes.
10. Immediate acquisition of connecting links and design of an
inter- connected open space and trail system.
The implementation of this program will require the concern and
cooperation of both our town officials and citizens if we are to
maintain those characteristics of Lexington that make the Town
one of the most desirable places in the Metropolitan area to live
and to work.
Lexington Town -Wide Beautification Committee
Herbert W. Eisenberg, Chairman
George Emery
Lilah Groisser
Paul E. Mazerall
Ruth Morey
Natalie Riffin
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CONTENTS
Page
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Letter of Transmittal
Introduction 1
The Program 3
Implementation 9
Financing the Program 12
Area Surveys
Historic Districts 14
Traffic Island Planting 15
Public Streets and Sidewalks 16
Commercial Areas 17
Schools 20
Parks and Playgrounds 24
Appendix - Expenditures 1964 -1968 27
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INTRODUCTION
The Town -Wide Beautification Committee was established
under Article 75 of the March 1967 Annual Town Meeting
to "study and prepare a program for the improvement and
beautification of streets, mails, parks, playgrounds and
other public places, land and buildings owned by the Town
and places of historic interest in the Town and to report
its findings and recommendations including methods of
financing such program, to a future Town Meeting, not
later than the 1968 Annual Town Meeting . . ." The
Committee submitted an interim report to the 1968 Town
Meeting requesting an extension to the 1969 Annual Town
Meeting. As noted in the Interim Report, the Committee
found that a need existed for a town -wide beautification
program carried out with local funds and citizen parti-
cipation.
Fundamentally, the Town is the property of all the
citizens who live there, and a beautification program for
the Town is little different than that for one's own home.
Such a program has two basic functions: first, the
maintenance and upkeep of the property including such
mundane chores as mowing lawns, raking leaves, pruning
trees and bushes and keeping exteriors of buildings,
fences and outside furniture or equipment in good repair;
second, improvements to the property which may be as
small as planting a new garden or some new bushes or size-
able improvements involving major landscaping elements.
Again, as noted in the Interim report, the Committee
spent its first efforts in the investigation of Federal
funds to implement a beautification program. This
investigation revealed that Federal funds were both
scarce and primarily intended for communities with prob-
lems of urban blight, so that Lexington would probably
have very low priority among communities competing for
allocation of limited Federal funds. Next the Committee
investigated the current programs of the Town that could
be defined as beautification and the amounts that the
Town has been spending in this area in the past.
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Included = wage programs which have been
proposed Town Meeting for which only
e stimated 'a such as the swimming area
at the Marrett Load
During the past year the Coto4 ttee has conducted a survey
of the areas and neighborhoods of the Town to determine
the need for beautification and to assign a priority for
the allocation of funds to meet these needs. The areas
-_ included school lands, parks and playgrounds, historic
districts, business and commercial areas, and public
streets, walks, etc. The committee also met with a repre-
sentative of the Design Advisory Group, representatives
of the Bowman Park Association in connection with improve-
ments to Bowman Park, and held discussion with represen-
tatives of the Capital Expenditures Committee and the
Conservation Commission.
Lexington is considered b most to be a "nice" town.
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When pressed to define what is "nice" about Lexington,
people usually answer that it is well -kept, the houses
are maintained, and the public spaces are pleasant to
look at and visit. Some will comment about the amount
of open space which is,indeed,a unique feature of a town
close to the center of a large city. Suprisingly, open
space is still visible from the street as one passes
through town; and it is this juxtaposition of open space
and developed areas which creates a feeling of spacious -
ness and naturalness.
In effect, this is a report on the quality of our en-
vironment and what can be done to maintain and enhance it.
It is this broader definition of beautification, the
quality of our environment, rather than its obvious
cosmetic connotation, that should concern us, both as
citizens and as human beings: concern for the elimina-
tion of ugliness, the creation of attractive areas for
living and working, and the introduction of quality and
beauty into the life of our community.
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THE PROGRAM
"As we consider the appearance of the town and
the environment which we are proud to call
Lexington, we are reminded again of the pres-
sures occasioned by the expanding metropolis
of which we are in reality a part. How can we
continue to enjoy the benefits and attributes
of a town with its open spaces, its outdoor
recreational opportunities, and the kind of
environment which many of us have been able to
enjoy in former years? The work of the plan-
ning board, recreation committee, and con-
servation commission is directly related to
these considerations which add up to the
quality of a community."
1967 Annual Report of the Board of Selectmen
The Beautification Committee recommends the following basic
proposals to maintain and improve the quality of our environ-
ment.
1. Coordination among the various Boards, Committees,
and Commissions involved in planned improvements
relating to Town -owned land.
2. A continued program of upkeep and maintenance of
Town -owned property.
3. A master plan for tree planting, including a log
of existing Town -owned trees with a schedule of
replacement.
4. Careful selection of fencing and equipment for
playgrounds and parks for their esthetic quality.
5. A review of current and proposed signs used by
the Town for marking streets, parks, directions
to historic areas, etc.
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6. Ply - 1ity wires underground wherever
7. , parti in the
mantece .,_�-
of
parks and play-
grounds .
8. Completion of the Center Beautification Project
from the Town Office Building to the Battle
Green.
9. An accelerated program of acquisition of open
space for recreational and conservation purposes.
10. Immediate acquisition of connecting links and
design of an inter - connected open space and trail
system.
These recommendations are predicated on a concern with our
environment requiring constant attention over a period of
several decades. At the present rate of development, our
program will soon be concerned with renewal rather than
development. The quality of our actions today will set a
standard for the future and provide the "kind of environment
which many of us have been able to enjoy in former years."
Coordination - The need for coordinating an extended
improvement program is self - evident and needs little
justification. Indeed, the greatest need will be to
assign priorities for the tasks to be done with the funds
available. All of the various town boards, committees
and commissions must plan their programs in the long -
range context of town development. In addition, the
development of regional plans and the impetus for metro-
politan planning will require our planning to be well
documented and implemented if we are to be an effective
force in the larger context.
I Maintenance - The importance of a good maintenance
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program cannot be overstated. We have been fortunate in
having an excellent and dedicated force keeping Lexington
in good order. This is a task that requires constant
attention, and the work of the maintenance force must
increase with the increase in town -owned land and property.
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Tree Platxrc seease, road salt, road con -
structi a =dr taken their toll of our
tree -lined ste+sts - leaving them nearly
bare. It appears tt 011 : doomed
unless a cure for the d e 6= Gaon. We
must anticipate the replaceinen s3 ._ i £ trees, as well
as replant areas already devastated. To be most effective,
young trees should be planted well before mature trees
start to require extensive maintenance. A master tree
plan would give an accurate picture of the condition and
location of existing town -owned trees, as well as a plan
directing our tree planting program for maximum effec-
tiveness. Areas of the town might be designated for a
specific kind of tree, and residents urged to plant the
same kind, so that neighborhoods would gain distinction
by the trees growing there, as the sycamores along Memorial
Drive in Cambridge.
Fencing and Equipment - Most municipal governments,
including Lexington, are inclined to use chain link
fencing. Although it is exceptional in retaining balls
and people, it is one of the least attractive fences
obtainable on the market today, and is difficult to keep
clean of windblown trash. Surely post and rail or spaced
cedar fences are more appropriate and will accomplish the
same deterrent purpose with immeasurably improved
appearance.
Playground equipment and park benches should also be
selected with great care. In recent years there has
been some advance in the design of park and playground
equipment, (using wood, concrete and aluminum or stainless
steel) that are esthetically satisfactory, durable, fun
for children in playgrounds, and comfortable for adults in
parks. A concerted effort by the purchasing department to
obtain new and well - designed equipment and furnishings is
highly recommended.
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Utility Wires - UnfortUnately, the electric power and
telephone - communicati46`
to our homes and
businesses have led to an unsightly accretion of over-
head wires. Although it J.S.easy to recommend that they
be buried, the cost not only to the cQmmun-ity, but to
the individual who will have to pay for underground
service to his home, is often prohibitive. Street lights
are also of generally poor design and should be replaced
with more attractive fixtures (not of the mecury vapor
type which gives everything a blue cast). In new sub-
divisions, the subdividers are required to place the
wiring underground; and in the commercial areas, a pro-
gram of pole line replacement should be undertaken. In
the residential areas, poles with multitudinous cross-
arms should be replaced with the new spacer cable which
does away with cross-arms and allows poles to be spaced
twice as far apart. New poles with spacer cable can be
of stainless steel or aluminum and much thinner than the
usual wood pole. Well designed incandescent light
fixtures, which have a warm yellow glow, and the new
spacer cable and poles would be a great improvement to
our streets without the cost problems of buried wires.
Neighborhood Participation - Small town parks (Country-
side, Robbins, Bowman at Pleasant Street, Hastings, Vine
Brook, etc.) can be improved by landscaping and planting
with the help of neighborhood groups. During the past
year, representatives of the Bowman Park Association met
with the Beautification Committee and presented a pro-
posal for cleaning and planting the park, which had
become a local dumping ground for leaves and debris.
The plan includes a nature trail, weeding, and the planting
of new trees and bushes. The plan was subsequently pre-
sented to the Board of Selectmen and permission was granted
to the Bowman Park Association to work in the park 'under
the direction of our Superintendent of Trees. With the
volunteer help of the neighborhood and the aid of the Park
Division considerable progress has been made toward the
realization of the plan which will make Bowman Park one of
the most attractive small parks in Lexington. Similar
efforts can be encouraged by the Board of Selectmen and
the Town Meeting Members Association.
Center B The first phase of the
center , h *pMlete and the results
are evil be.T 4 . 1sag-reement over the
type of trees, th :
I. i4th of the street,
there can be no di appearance
of the center in the area now finished. It is recommended
that the entire project as presented, from the Town Office
Buildings to the Battle Green, after a careful and critical
review and evaluation of the "first step ", be completed
in phases consistent with available funds. (The project
should include such details as moving the manhole from the
middle of Massachusetts Avenue at Waltham Street to a
sidewalk location.) As construction costs continue to
rise, a long delay in this program will add unnecessarily
to the cost. The project itself will stand as an example
of achievement for the Town of Lexington, a significant
change in the quality of environment created by the
community itself.
Open Space - The acquisition of open space is of the very
highest priority, for it is a commodity that cannot be
obtained or replaced once the land is developed. It is
the open space that gives Lexington its unique character
and the loss of this aspect of our town would be disastrous.
Increasing pressure for housing will enhance the' , desira-
bility of this land for house lots. Our problem today is
not where to build, but where not to build. Open space
will provide much in addition to the view from the road:
protection of wetlands, natural buffer zones between
varying land uses and neighborhoods, a diversity of
recreational opportunities, and natural areas within the
reach of everyone. The Long Range Comprehensive Town and
Financial Plan, the Capital Appropriations Committee, and
the Conservation Commission have all recommended an
accelerated program for acquisition of open space.
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Interconnected Open Space System - Trail systems through-
out the town should be provided to connect the open
spaces and conservation areas, to increase their accessi-
bility for nature study, and other use. Trail systems,
for the most part, should follow brooks and stream beds,
but in some natural areas should skirt the site to assure
a natural environment. Segments of the trail should
include wooden walks, so that hikers and birdwatchers can
walk through wetlands without damaging the environment.
A well - defined system of town trails will generate a
degree of use well beyond the level of investment required.
The trails can also incorporate various means of travel
including foot, horseback, and bicycle, as well as skis in
the winter. Plans for the development of such trails and
the acquisition of the connecting links required are
! considered a high priority in the beautification program.
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IMPLEMENTATION
"I am committed to the notion that attractive
external surroundings can mean a great deal,
and to the corollary that something ought to
be done about it; just how and just what,
being, of course, the question. Next in order
of consideration is the question: Who'knows
what is_ beautiful? Perhaps it boils down to
the easier question: Who will decide what is
beautiful? That, after all, is merely a
matter of political arrangement."
From a speech to architects by William F. Buckley, Jr.
The question of who shall carry out the beautification
program is, indeed, a matter of political arrangement.
This section of the report deals with the boards,
committees, and commissions involved as they are currently
constituted, without considering changes in responsibility
for portions of the program that would occur under the
Town Manager form of government.
Board of Selectmen - Overall coordination and the setting
of priorities is the responsibility of the Board of
Selectmen. Their commitment to beauty and quality in
decisions affecting the appearance of the town will do
more for our environment than all the reports that will
ever be written. It is to the Board of Selectmen that
we look for leadership in carrying out the recommenda-
tions contained in this report.
Park Division - The Park Division maintains all parks,
playgrounds, recreation areas, conservation areas, and
street plantings. As the town has acquired more of these
areas the scope of the division's responsibility has
increased accordingly. The appearance of the town is in
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the hands ha =� Funds should be allocated
to enable t he tasks it must perform,
and the question Division's becoming a
separate departmenth as -part of the Depart-
ment of Public Works - M The town should
engage a landscape arehitt rr basis to
assist the Park Superintendent and various boards and
committees. The Park Division personnel are doing a
commendable job, and we recommend continued and increased
t support of their efforts.
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Planning Board - The published statements and reports of
the Planning Board indicate their concern for our environ-
ment. In the 1967 Annual Report the Board stressed the
importance of the preservation of open space as one of the
unique characteristics of Lexington. It was instrumental
in the formation of The Design Advisory Group and has
recently established a Design Advisory Committee to aid
in reviewing proposed subdivisions and planned unit
development schemes. The Planning Board proposed an
ammendment to the by -laws that would require an advisory
design review of town projects, utilizing the services of
the Design Advisory Committee. The Beautification
Committee believes that the advice of the Design Advisory
Committee, which is composed of architects, planners, and
landscape architects, will provide an objective profes-
sional view of proposed town improvements.
Conservation Commission - The commitment e mm tment of the Conserva-
tion Commission to the acquisition of open space is well
known, and they have indicated that their future concern
will continue to emphasize acquisition and the interim
management of areas already acquired.
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Recreation Committee - The by -laws state that the Recrea-
tion Committee shall "carry on continuous study and
planning in reference to the development, improvement,
maintenance and equipment of playgrounds and recreation
centers in the town and shall make recommendations
thereon from time to time to the Board of Selectmen."
It is the primary responsibility of the Committee to
operate the recreation programs. It is desirable that
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the Recre - pax7rX on its study and planning
within
Mz NvM all development concept
of open 00 ` enez- lly recommended by
this repdrt .ty ef. the Committee
is the purchasing of �fi # Vhh should
be chosen for esthetic
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FINANCING THE PROGRAM J '
The beautification program presented in-this report con-
sists of three parts: maintenance, improvements, and
open space acquisition. With the exception of open space
acquisition for which federal and state reimbursement
funds are available, the program must be financed from the
tax rate. Recommendations for financing the maintenance
program are the responsibility of the Appropriation
Committee; recommendations for financing improvements and
land acquisition are the responsibility of the Capital
Expenditures Committee. The Beautification Committee
presents this report in the hope that it will aid those
two important town committees in assigning priorities
and in financing beautification projects.
The article which established the Beautification Committee
included a charge to recommend methods of financing a
beautification program. The Committee discussed Federal
Title VII Grants for Urban Beautification and Improvement
with a representative of the U. S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development and found that federal funds are
directed toward areas of urban blight. Lexington would
scarcely be eligible for these very limited federal funds.
Maintenance - The town has been spending approximately
$100,000. per year to maintain its parks, recreation
areas, and trees and these costs for 1964 -1968 are
attached to this report. These funds must come from the
tax rate.
Improvements - In addition to several major projects such
as the Visitors Building at Buckman Tavern and the Center
Beautification, capital expenditures for beautification
have been made every year. Funds for these expenditures
must be raised from the tax rate.
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Open Spy dike the 19 68 Capital Expen-
diturestt _ sizes the importance of
mme
iiat aist� 4 a ,� for ew.ch space is
rapidly d sappearzng ire cketing.
Large sums of money must
funding should be through -rate.
Land acquired now will benef €tttUre
Lexingtonians and it is not unreasonable that they help
bear the cost. Furthermore, future inflation will
probably benefit borrowers. Since federal and state
funds are available to reimburse towns for the acquisition
of lands in natural drainage areas, special attention
should be paid to acquiring this type of land, as well as
to general conservation of open areas. The Beautification
Committee urges all relevant boards, committees and
commissions to give land acquisition the highest priority
in the next few years.
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AREA SURVEYS
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
The Historic Districts include the properties on both
sides of Massachusetts Avenue from Hastings Park to the
East Lexington Railroad Station, both sides of'Bedford
Street from Worthen Road to Massachusetts Avenue, and
both sides of Hancock Street from Bedford Street to
Brigham Road. The Districts were created by an act of
the Legislature accepted by the Town in 1956 and were
enlarged to their present size in 1966. The Act estab-
lished the Historic Districts Commission and provided it
with the authority to approve or disapprove external
architectural features of new buildings and structures
or changes in existing buildings and structures for the
purpose of maintaining and developing appropriate
settings for the Town's most historic buildings and
places.
The responsibilities and authority of the Historic Dis-
tricts Commission are limited to the following items:
1. The Commission has jurisdiction to act only within
the areas designated by statute as historic dis-
tricts.
2. The Commission's primary function is architectural,
sign, and demolition control.
3. The Commission's control over landscape features
, is limited to those items which the Commission deems
necessary in connection with approval of architec-
tural features of a building or structure, including
fences.
4. The Commission has no control over development of
land, streets, and park areas, except to the extent
the developments involve buildings, structures,
fences, and signs.
The work of the Historic Districts Commission is directly
related to the beautification of Lexington, and serves a
very important role in the continuing effort of our Town
officials and citizens to create an environment in
keeping with our heritage.
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TRAF`';
The ���� 'Club has over the years
lcarh ft�- �xeeal Bequest
the fo l gig traf zc =
Pleasant Street and Mass achusetts Ave - nue
Revere Street and Hancock Street
Hancock Street and Burlington Street
Maple Street and Lowell (at Winchester Drive)
Hancock Street and Adams Street
Other Islands that have been suggested to them for future
consideration are Lincoln Street at Marrett Road, Liberty
Avenue and Ledgelawn Avenue, as well as the plantings
around Buckman Tavern.
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PUBZII
I n cnera.� a asks in accepted public
ways are in g r _ at et _ tire is a
grass strip betsn�te =t_ there
should be a regular prvgrt �aneiance 1t side-
walks should be carefully planned to preserve gees and
such existing landscape features as stone walls and
planted areas. Grass strips less than three feet in width
should be avoided.
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COMMERCIAL A
The Center Refer l en made in the body of the
report to the Nib _ ,, The, improvement is
manifest and should == ae ,beauti-
fication projects in the tam
Town Line, Arlington on Massachusetts Avenue - Paving,- curbs
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and sidewalks in good condition. Trees scarce and lar-"a`
elms are dying. Mercury vapor street lights and many over-
head wires. Sidewalk lawn strips generally unkept. Drive-
way entrances well defined.
Recommendations: Provide underground wiring or replace
cross -arms with spacer cable. Initiate tree planting
program and urge property owners to participate. Eliminate
Sidewalk grass strips and replace with brick laid in sand
or with crushed stone.
Massachusetts Avenue, from Arlington Line to East Lexington
Railroad Station - Residential areas are scattered between
the commercial areas. In general the same comments as
above apply.
Recommendations: Same as above.
Massachusetts Avenue at Independence Avenue - Small neigh-
borhood shopping
Aping area. Paving, curbs and sidewalks in
good condition. Surrounding residential area well -kept.
Many overhead wires.
Recommendations: Installation of sidewalk planters and
benches would enhance the neighborhood.
Countryside - Woburn and Lowell Streets - Major neighbor-
hood shopping center, extremely busy. - Three corners
occupied by stores and gas stations, one corner by a
town -owned lot. Area bare of trees, except for one dying
elm, and lacking sidewalks and curbs.
Recommendations: Major beautification program with
professional advice required. Plan could be carried out
in phases to include burying of wires, definition of
pedestrian spaces, curbs and sidewalks, tree planting and
screening of parking areas. With the widening of Lowell
Street in the planning stage, this program is of high
priority.
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Bedford Strecs � - - , Road - Major commercial area,
partly in histoeid_ U � W%� ,Vary few trees, curbs and
driveways well develz� 4s clear sidewalk and
pedestrian spaces. Planter AZs letween parking lots and
Worthen Road not kept up. One `sto bias exposed trash
i area.
C Recommendations: Provide sidewalks and screen planting.
Institute a regular maintenance program for grassed areas
belonging to town. Create walking and waiting spaces
for pedestrians.
Bedford Street at Reed Street - Small neighborhood center.
Tree planting adequate. Curbs and driveways well defined;
sidewalk lacking. Office development will increase
pedestrian traffic. Overhead wiring detracts from area.
Recommendations: Provide sidewalk and pedestrian space,
underground wiring. Planters and benches in wider area
would enhance appearance of this center.
Bedford Street at Railroad Crossing - Area of mainly
service and office occupancy. Stores facing on Bedford
Street offer a fine and attractive example of screen
planting. The rest of the area is devoid of planting
and trees. Sidewalks and driveways are not defined.
Recommendations: Provide curbing and define driveway
entrance. Some tree planting would be advisable. The
interior space would be enhanced by island planting to
break up the large parking area and to screen the car
and bus storage area.
Bedford Street from Route 128 to the Cemetery - One side
of this part of Bedford Street is zoned "Hotel, Office,
and Research Park: and is currently a dumping place for
solid fill. There is also a Veterinarian Hospital and a
garden shop on the same side. The opposite side is zoned
residential but errection of an Armory and Tennis Club
have been permitted with attendant large parking lots.
The corner of Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street, abutting
the cemetery is a small privately owned area which shows
the effects of gravel removal. The new buildings that
have been erected lack screen planting of buildings and
parking lots.
Recommendations: When the traffic study of this area is
completed and recommendations accepted by the Town Meeting,
there is little doubt the area will be developed and
roadways relocated. Careful planting wherever it is with-
in the province of the town should be made and whatever
portion of land abutting the cemetery remains undeveloped
should be acquired by the town and landscaped.
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Marrett Road at T4 et - Primarily a commercial
area. Traffic island�._kegt. Sidewalks are not
defined although curbing b installed and driveway
entrances are controlled. VA � 0f the area needs trees,
and the overhead wiring is pac%]rly noticeable.
Recommendations: Define sidewalks and encourage tree
planting. Long range plan should include underground
wiring,and development of planting and sitting area in
the traffic island-would be an asset to this area.
Marrett Road at Spring Street - There has been considerable
recent development of this commercial area with little
thought given to the landscaping of the new buildings.
Curbing has been provided, but there is no definition of
the sidewalk area. Tree and screen planting generally lack -
ing.
Recommendations: Screen planting of parking lots adjacent
to street. Define pedestrian areas and put wiring under-
ground.
Marrett Road and Waltham Street - Medium size commercial
area with heavy traffic. Three corners occupied by gas
stations; newer shopping area set back from road with
good screen planting and tree cover. Area needs side-
walk definition and waiting space for bus riders. Small
traffic island attractively planted and well kept.
Recommendations: After Countryside, this area would
benefit most from a long -range beautification program
prepared with professional advice. Control of traffic
and definition of pedestrian space is major need.
Waltham Street and Concord Avenue - Three corners developed
for commercial use. No sidewalks or bus waiting space.
Very few trees or screen planting. The new gas station
has been attractively planted and has improved the appear -
ance of the area.
Recommendations: Some tree and screen planting. Provide
sidewalks and bus waiting space. Heavy traffic indicates
need for traffic lights. Street signs and stop signs
should be better located.
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SCHOOLS
Elementary Schools
Adams - 1913, addition 1931 - 11 acres - Site well
developed and maintained for neighborhood recreation use
(baseball, tennis, basketball, floodlit ice skating).
Large trees around perimeter of site.
Recommendations: Planting could make asphalt area at
rear of school more attractive.
Bowman - 1967 - 15.5 acres - Stark, bare, very sparsely
landscaped, with a preponderance of blacktop which serves
as general play area. No suitable grassy play areas
developed yet.
Recommendations: Wet, low area might be converted into
a skating pond and remainder developed into a natural
area for active play. Additional trees and shrubs
needed to enhance the area.
Bridge - 1966 - 30 acres - In contrast to Bowman, this
new school of similar design presents a well laid -out,
nicely planned combination of playgrounds and landscaped
areas. A variety of new trees (30 to 40 in all) plus
older trees and bushes bordering a grassy slope at the
rear present an attractive setting.
Recommendations: No further work needed at this time.
Estabrook - 1961 - 13 acres - Minimal but effective
landscaping softens the lines of this school. Older
trees frame entire periphery of the site. Parking lots
and asphalt playgrounds are well separated from one
another by grassy areas. In rear of school is unique
rest area with planting and benches, sheltered from the
wind by the building.
Recommendations: None at this time.
Fiske - 1949, addition 1954) - 10 acres - Trees and
foundation plantings have had time to become established,
and form an effective frame for the school. Paved walk-
ways nicely laid out. School site well insulated from
surrounding residential areas by trees and shrubs.
Recommendations: Observers visited school during the
summer, at which time the foundation planting needed
trimming, especially large shrubs at front, so that the
name of the school and front entranceway would be
revealed and defined.
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21
Franklin - 1931, addit 1956 - 10 acres - Mature, well
kept hedges and trees frame front of school. Large,
attractive playground n.�bagk, with a handsome stand of
pines at rear of site. This area is adjacent to town -
owned conservation land, which extends its use.
Recommendations: None at this time.
Hancock - 1891 - 2 acres - Small site, with well - planned
multiple recreation uses. Parking and paved areas for play
cover more than three quarters of area immediately
abutting school. Several old trees, and a few young ones.
Belfry Hill adds variety to the landscape and acts as
visual buffer from Massachusetts Avenue.
Recommendations: If possible, an attempt should be made
to reseed the dirt play areas at the rear of the school
Minor repairs to fence along Clarke Street may be
necessary.
Harrington - 1956, addition 1958 - 10 acres - Spacious,
well landscaped grassy areas, with large existing trees
left in strategic locations. Some foundation planting
at school. Large areas are cleared for play fields. Well
maintained. Adjacent recreation area will be second in
importance only to the Center playground.
Recommendations: One way vehicular circulation should be
indicated by appropriate signs at entrance and exit.
Hastings - 1955, addition 1958 - 10 acres - Mature shrub-
bery and multi -level layout of school contribute to
pleasant, attractive impression. Area to one side and at
rear of school has been left in a natural state, with
trees and shrubs acting as buffer for neighboring homes.
Recommendations: Clean up area around swings.
Munroe - 1904, addition 1915 - 1.7 acres - Smallest school
site, with limited outdoor areas for formal use and for
landscaping. Rear has open grassed area bounded by trees
along Munroe Cemetery. Chain link fences on one side and
at rear are topped by barbed wire.
Recommendations: School regarded as inadequate in size,
but would be appropriate and attractive for some other
civic use.
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22
Parker - 1920, additions 1924, 1950 - 5.5 acres - Older
school. Site has limited adaptability for organized
sports because of the uneven terrain. Sharply sloping
wooded area in back of school with pleasant, distant
view. Grassy areas are heavily used and therefore bare
in many places. Ivy growing on school, and several
mature trees on site.
Recommendations: Seed rear playground. Site inadequate
` for an outdoor play program.
1
Junior High Schools
Diamond - 1958 - 32 acres - Attractive, spacious, well -
kept site. Large level grassy areas can accomodate eight
soccer fields and a football field. Unusually attractive
landscaping, with much thought to group planting and the
use of such flowering shrubs as laurel, rhododendron, etc.
Trees planted in islands are unique feature of parking lots.
The landscaping of this school is outstanding in design
layout of drives, parking areas, playgrounds and variety
of planting.
Recommendations: Addition of a few fast- growing trees
and shrubs would further enhance this extensive site.
As of last summer, the need for minor repairs to asphalt
and curbs of light standards was in evidence.
Muzzev - 1902, additions 1926, 1958, 1962 - 3 acres - Site
inadequate for a junior high school. Play fields are
1 extremely limited. No trees at rear of school property,
and a rear play area is full of weeds. East side of site
contains the only open, well - grassed play area. Asphalt
driveway and parking area in poor condition. Extremely
unattractive old brick incinerator is used daily for
burning trash at close proximity to the school, causing
a fire hazard and air pollution.
Recommendations: Rear area must be completely reland-
scaped, with special attention to improving the soil
conditions and then reseeding. Repair all asphalted areas.
Paint the trim on the building. An alternative method of
disposing of trash is necessary to improve the esthetics
and the limited usefulness of the rear play area.
{
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APPENDIX
Expenditures
1964 - 1968
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27
1964
Park Department
2,000 feet of Evergreen Sod $ 180.00
Loam, seed fertilizer and lime 6,292.98
Water 180.00
Weed Control 221.45
Equipment rental 7,058.34
Miscellaneous 1,672.33
Small equipment and repairs 2,999.00
$18,604.10
Labor $56,541.90
Shade Tree Department
Equipment tools and repairs $ 1,465.83
Equipment rental 1,406.50
New trees, loam and fertilizer 1,858.70
Insecticides 2,140.25
Miscellaneous 260.14
$ 7,131.42
Labor $11,805.43
Improvements
Article 4 - Park Department - Construction
of two tennis courts at Center
Playground. Resurfacing two
courts at Adams School. $12,925.00
Small equipment building - Center Playground 2,500.00
Two Little League backstops 1,500.00
Article 42 - Engineering survey for play-
ground purposes. Appropriated $ 2,000.00
Spent 966.36
Article 44 - Recreational play area.
Sutherland Road $ 2,000.00
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28
1965
Park Department Equipment Rental 6,160.00
Loam, seed, fertilizer and lime 5,421.57
Weed control 72.35
_ Miscellaneous 1,316.26
Small equipment 2,287.14
Shrubs and flowers 518.50
Painting and repairing stands 307.61
Fill 25.85
Baskin Playground backstop 400.00
Swings at Kinneens Pond 271.46
$16,780.74
Labor $63,504.24
Shade Tree Department
Equipment tools $ 988.10
Equipment rental 1,587.75
New trees, loam and fertilizer 1,316.38
Insecticides 2,097.55
Contract for trees 154.08
Miscellaneous 282.70
$ 6,426.56
Labor $17,165.96
Improvements
Article 33 - Cost of land for playground -- $ 2,000.00
Rindge Avenue
Article 72 - Public Facilities Building on $60,000.00
Buckman Tavern Grounds
Article 80 - Center Playground Backstop $ 1,800.00
Article 81 - Basketball Court - -Adams School $ .1,000.00
Article 82 - Combination Basketball and $ 3,000.00
outside skating area
1
1966
29
' Department
Equipment rental $ 5,567.75
Loam, seed and fertilizer 5,064.53
Water 186.90
Weed Control 378.67
Miscellaneous 745.04
Equipment tools and repairs 2,146.72
Trees, shrubs and plants 373.29
Drinking fountain 94.37
Painting and repair of stands 441.71
Sprinklers for Buckman and Emery Park 600.00
$15,598.98
Labor $66,806.63
Shade Tree Department
p ent
Equipment, tools and repairs $ 873.68
Equipment rental 1,478.25
Trees and shrubs 3,286.25
Insecticides 1,750.00
Miscellaneous 268.71
$ 7,656.89
Labor $ 8,354.94
Improvements
Article 41 - Part of major playground area
at Harrington School
Appropriation $10,000.00
Spent 9,953.71
Article 42 - Baskin playground basketball
center Appropriation $ 1,500.00
Spent 1,344.91
Article 43 - Resurfaced center playground
tracks Appropriation $ 1,000.00
Spent 887.71
Article 44 - Backstop at William Diamond
School Appropriation $ 750.00
Spent 750.00
Article 45 - Playground purposes - Rindge
Avenue Appropriation $ 3,000.00
Spent 3,000.00
Article 96 - Bioengineering survey of the
Old Reservoir Spent $ 1,000.00
Signs for Belfrey, Buckman, Common - Trustees
of Public Trust $ 967.00
30
1967
Park Department
Equipment rental $ 8,208.00
Loam, seed and fertilizer 6 1 107.78
Weed control 348.65
Water 283.88
Miscellaneous 1,084.45
Equipment, tools and repairs 2,686.38
Trees, shrubs and plants 303.90
Paint and repair of stands 135.66
Wrought iron fence 560.00
Sutherland Ct. - swings, outdoor baskets 2,600.00
Backstops - Bridge and Harrington 2,550.00
Drinking Fountain 87.50
$24,956.20
Labor $84,714.06
Shade Tree Department
Equipment,tools and repairs $ 1,228.43
Equipment rental 1,772.25
Trees, shrubs and plants 1,950.00
Insecticides 1,600.00
Loam, seed, fertilizer 243.00
Miscellaneous 563.95
$ 7,357.63
Labor $18,460.61
Improvements
Article 46 - Winter Street ballfield area $ 3,000.00
(Working on this area)
Article 47 - 1966 - Poplar Street playground
Appropriation $ 1,000.00
Spent 1,000.00
Article 69 - Two sections of spectator stands $ 850.00
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31
1968
Park' Department
Equipment rental $12,718.00
Loam, seed and fertilizer 5,097.54
Weed control 164.70
Water 207.65
Miscellaneous 1,973.58
Equipment, tools and repairs 4,140.02
Trees, shrubs and plants 325.34
Paint and repair of stands 817.75
Backstops - Bowman and Harrington 1,700.00
Chain link fence - Rindge Avenue 926.80
Basketball court - Marvin Street 2,000.00
Basketball court - Rindge Avenue 1,320.00
Swing and slides - Center Playground 725.00
$32,116.38
Labor $101,207.26
Shade Tree Department
Equipment, tools and repairs $ 2,132.75
Equipment rental 2,076.00
Trees, shrubs and plants 2,079.97
Insecticides 2,042.09
Loam, seed, fertilizer 251.10
Miscellaneous 453.76
$ 9,053.67
Labor $13,559.33
Improvements
e Article 52 - Beautification at Center $ 3,137.00
Publid Works Building Planting 109.30
Article 67 Lincoln Street Dump Plantings $ 237.50
Article 71 - Harrington School $ 7,403.81
Article 72 - Baskin Playground $ 5,288.46
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