HomeMy WebLinkAbout1955-03-07 Annual Town Meeting Minutes Annual Town Sleeting
New High School Auditorium March 21, 1955
In the absence of the Moderator, the Town Clerk, Boyd H. Stewart,
called the meeting to order at 8:00 P. M. and asked for nominations
for a temporary moderator to act at this meeting.
Kenneth C. Latham moved that Samuel H. Davis be elected to act as
temporary moderator at this meeting.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the nominations
be closed.
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that the Town Clerk
be instructed to cast one ballot for Samuel H. Davis for Moderator
to act at this meeting.
The Town Clerk then cast one ballot for Mr. Davis to act as
temporary morderator, and declared him elected.
Mr. Davis was then sworn in, by the Town Clerk, as temporary
Moderator.
The new Town Meeting Members were asked to stand and be sworn
to office.by the Moderator
The warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk when on motion
of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to dispense with the further
reading of the warrant except the Constable' s Return, which was
then read by the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Robert G. Clinch.
The Planning Board respectfully reports progress in their
assigned task of revising the Building Code for the Town of
Reading. The Board believes that a final draft will be submitted to
the Town Meeting at the regular meeting in March 1956.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the report be
accepted as a report of progress and placed on file .
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by William H. Blandy
REPORT OF COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO CONSIDER
the NAME of the NEW HIGH SCHOOL
The Committee reviewed the matter of a suitable memorial for the
veterans of all wars and considered two proposals:
1. That the new high school building be named the Reading
Memorial High School
2. That the auditorium in the new high school be dedicated to
this purpose and named "Memorial Auditorium"
On a motion duly made and seconded the majority of the Committee
voted to adopt proposal number 1, namely that the building be
named the Reading Memorial High School. The Committee feel that
the provision of the memorial be a matter for the town with all
expenses necessary for the establishment of this memorial to come
from the tax levy or other available funds . And further if this
report is accepted that a committee consisting of members of the
School Committee and the Veterans Organizations work out the
necessary details to provide for such memorial.
Irving C. Austin
C. Nelson Bishop
Fred A. Nyberg
Mrs . Barbara Sumner
Robert E. Turner
Ralph E. Wilson
William H. Blandy, Chm.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that report be ac-
cepted and placed on file .
17
Annual Town Meeting March 21, 1955
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Harold L. Jones:
Report of the Personnel Board, to the 1955
Annual Town Meetin_p,_on Vacations and Sick Leave
The general vacation policyin Reading is based on Section #111
of the General Laws Chapter # 1, which is the only law relative to
vacation now in effect in the Town. This applies directly only to
Laborers, Mechanics or Craftsmen, but the rest of the Town Employees
receive the same vacation allowances of two weeks except for Librar-
ians, who, by custom receive three weeks.
Many towns seem to have liberalized their vacation allowance to
three weeks after certain periods of service. Comparatively few
Towns seem to have accepted Section #lllg which provides for three
weeks after five years service and four weeks after ten years ser-
vice.
The sick leave policy seems to be completely informal in many
Towns as it is in Reading where each Department makes its own policy
as need arises. In Towns where a formal policy is indicated no com-
pletely consistent pattern seems evident.
Our Town Counsel has ruled that the enabling Legislation under
which our Wage and Salary plan was established does not include the
right to regulate vacations or Sick leave for Town Employees and
that we could not legally include them in our reguh tions . In view
of this and the salary increases proposed this year the Personnel
Board recommends that no action be taken at the present time .
We do feel that some liberalization of the Vacation allowance is
indicated for the near future although we would not be in favor of
accepting Section #lllg. We also believe that some means of formal-
izing a uniform Sick leave policy for the Town is desirable. Further
research on both problems is recommended.
(Signed) James E. Calvin
if William F. Murphy
If Harold L. Jones, Chm.
On motion of Kenneth C. �Latham it was voted that report be ac-
cepted and placed on file
ARTICLE�2. The following report was read by Frank J. Zee:
A REPORT ON THE PROBLEM OF ADDITIONAL
SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
!in book form)
attached herewith
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted to accept report
with thanks and place on file.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by William H. Dolben,Chm.
REPORT OF THE BIRCH MEADOW STUDY COMMITTEE
(in book form)
attached herewith
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that report be ac-
cepted with thanks and placed on file .
On motion of Kenneth C . -Latham it was voted to place Article 2
on the table .
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up Article 3
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the
Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are instructed to lease upon
such terms andconditions as they may determine quarters for the use
of a unit of the State Militia, provided there is available space in
any municipally owned building.
18
Annual Town Meeting March 21, 1955
ARTICLE 3 • On motion of Frank C. Sawyer it was voted that there
be and hereby is .established a Special Committee composed of eight
members for the purpose of making a comprehensive study of the flu-
oridation of the Town of Reading public water supply, for the reduc-
tion of tooth decay; such Committee to consist of one member from
the Board of Public Works , one from the Board of Health, one from
the School Committee, one from the Finance Committee, such members to
be appointed by their respective Boards and Committees, and four Town
Meeting Members at large to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen,
one from each precinct, such Committee to report at a subsequent Town . +
Meeting to be held not later than the Annual Town Meeting, of March J]
1956.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to place Article 3
on the table .
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up Article 24.
ARTICLE 24. On motion of Harold L. Jones it was voted that the
Schedule of Minimum and Maximum salaries to be paid to employees in
the positions included in the Employees Cls ssification Plan be and the
same hereby is amended by striking out the hourly and weekly minimum
and maximums as appearing,_ therein and substituting in place thereof
under the Job Classifications the following new hourly and weekly.
minimum and maximum rates:
CLASSIFICATION
Hourly Weekly
Min. Max. Min. Max
Section 1. Clerical Employees
Junior Clerk 0.00 45.00
Senior Clerk .5.00 55.00
Section 2. Supervisory Employees
Foreman 92.00
Supervisory Employees,
Mechanic and Shovel operator 1.95 78.00
Section 3 . Hourly Paid Employees
Skilled labor 1.51 1.76 60.40 70.40
Section 5. Municipal Light Dept.
Manager 145.00
Comptroller 125.00
Assistant to Comptroller 75.Oo
Distribution Engineer 120.00
Construction Superintendent 112.00
Line Truck Foreman 2.47 98.80
Cable splicer 2.4.79q8.80
Lineman-1st Class 2.21 88.L.0
Lineman-2nd class 1.94 77.060
Lineman-3rd class 1.79 'p71.60
Groundsman 1.74 69.60
Patrolman-1st class 1.875 75.00
Mechanic 1.95 78.00
Meter Tester 1.81 72.40
Meter Reader 1.50 60.00
Chief Operator 2.125 85.00
Operator 1.84 'j3.60
Stockroom Man 1.50 60.00
Service ran 1.875 75.00
Janitor 1.45 58.00
Section 6. Cemetery Dept.
Superintendent 92.00
,.,,Working Foreman 1.85 74.00
*Use of house et $20.00 per month
Section 7. Public Library
Librarian 60,38
Assistant Librarian 50.90
Section 8. Tree and Moth Dept .
Superintendent 83.92
Annual Town Meeting March 21, 1955
continued art. 24
Section 9. Police Dept.
Annually
Min. Max.
Chief 4250. 6000.00
Sergeant !}200.00
Patrolman 3400. 3800.00
Section 10. Fire Dept.
Chief 4250. 5000. 00
Deputy 00.00
Captain1}200.00
Lieutenant V00.00
Private 3400. 3800.00
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up Article 25
ARTICLE 25. On motion of Harold L. Jones it was voted that
Schedule A Job Classifications under Article VIII-A of the By-Laws
relating to the Wage and Hour Classification Plan be and the same
hereby is amended in the manner following:
Add to Municipal Light Department the following new Classifica-
tion:
ASSISTANT CABLE SPLICER: Works with cable splicer on all under-
ground work, capable of doing some splicing and also fills in on
overhead work.
Amend Section 5, Municipal Light Department by establishing the
hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates for the new Job Classi-
fication of Assistant Cable Splicer as follows:
Hourly Weekly
Min. Max. Min. Max.
1.81 1.90 72.40 76.00
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up Article 26.
ARTICLE 26. on motion of Herold L. Jones it was voted that
Schedule A Job Classifications under Article VIII-A of the By-Laws
relating to the Rage and Hour Classification Plan be and the same
hereby is amended by striking out under the Board of Public Works
the classification of "Land Surveyor" and substituting in place there-
of the following:
LAND SURVEYOR
Shall be a person capable of performing and supervising work on
land and construction surveys. Shall be experienced in the pro-
cedures, calculations, plans and records relating thereto. Shall
have the equivalent of two years of study at an accredited en-
gineering school
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted to adjourn, to meet
in the New High School auditorium on Monday evening, March 28, 1955,
after the adjournment of the Special Town Meeting held on that
evening.
Adjourned at 10:10 P. M.
158 Precinct Members were present
A true copy. Attest
Boyd H. Stewart, Town Clerk
20
TOWN WARRANT
(SEAL)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSTPTS
Middlesex, as.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby required to notify
and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote
in elections and town affairs, to meet at the new High School, 62
Oakland Road, in said Reading on Monday, March 28, 1955, at seven
forty-five o' clock in the evening to act on the following articles:
ARTICLE 1. To hear and act on the reports of Town Officers and
special committees and determine what instructions will be given
Town officers and special committees,
ARTICLE 2. To see if the Town will vote to accept the gift of
Estella B. Brown and Leo J. Brown of $1000.00 to be held in trust
by the Town in memory of their late son Kenneth L. Brown under the
terms of Trust Instrument dated February 15, 1955, or what 1t will
do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 3 • To see if the Town will vote to accept the gift of
$5000.00 under the will of the late Carl B. Sawyer to be held in
Trust as provided in said will, or what it will do in relation
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to increase the per-
sonnel of the Recreation Committee from seven to nine members,
such additional two members to be appointed at large by the Board
of Selectmen, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 5. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropri-
ate for the furnishing and installing a new steam boiler and
power oil burner with the necessary equipment and controls used
in connection therewieh, for the Highland School, or what it will
do in relation thereto.
School Committee
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to rescind $50,000.00
being the unissued portion of the loan of $200,000.00 appropriated
for the construction of the sub-station in the Town of North
Reading under vote duly adopted under Article 21 at the Special
Town Meeting held on December 1, 1952, or what it will do in re-
lation thereto.
Municipal Light Board
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an at-
tested copy thereof in at least three public places in each pre-
cinct of the Town, not less than seven days prior to March 28, 1955,
the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this
Warrant in the Reading Chronicle, one day at least prior to said date.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your
doings thereon to the Town Clerk, at or before the time appointed
for said meeting,.
Given under our hands this fourteenth day of March, 195$
Kenneth C . Latham
Lawrence Drew
Gilbert M. Lothrop
Selectmen of Reading
A true copy. Attest
William H. Dewsnap
Constable of Reading
21
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHNSETTS
Officer' s Return Middlesex, ss . Reading March 21, 1955
By virtue of this Warrant, I, on March 19, 1955 notified and
warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote
in elections and town affairs, to meet at the new High School, 62
Oakland Road, in said Reading at the time specified, as the desig-
nated place for the four precincts of the Town, by posting attested
copies of this warrant in the following public places within the
Town of Reading:
Precinct 1. Austin' s Lunch Room 17 Harnden Street
Central Fire Station
Police Headquarters
Precinct 2. Masonic Temple Building
M. F. Charles' Store 610 Main Street
Boston & Maine R. R. Depot
Precinct 3 . Keene' s Corner Store 36 Mineral Street
Benny' s Store 168 Lowell Street
Fire Station, Engine #2
Precinct II. Municipal Building
Zitzow' s Store 287 Lowell Street
McLaughlin' s Store 1051 Main Street
The date of posting being more than seven days prior to March
28, 1955, the date set for the meeting in this warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this warrant to be published
in the Reading Chronicle in the issue of March 24, 1955 the same
being more than one day prior to the date of said meeting.
(Signed) William H. Dewsnap
® Constable of Reading
SPECTAL TOW71 MFETIN.^,
New High School Auditorium March 28, 1955
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Charles P.
Howard at 7:45 P. M.
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk when, on
motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted to dispense with further
reading of the warrant except the Constable 's return which was read
by the Town Clerk.
ARTIBLE 1. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
Article 1 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the
gift of Estella B. Brown and Leo J. Brown of One Thousand Dollars
($1,000) to be held in trust by the Town in memory of their late
son Kenneth L. Brown under the terms of Trust Instrument dated
February 15, 1955, be and the same hereby is accepted and the Town
Treasurer be and hereby is authorized to execute for and in behalf
of the Town receipt and other documents which may be necessary to
carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted t1hat the
gift of Five Thousand Dollars ((;5,000) under the will of the late
Carl B. Sawyer to be held in Trust as provided in said will be and
the same hereby is accepted and the Town Treasurer be and hereby is
authorized to execute for and in behalf of the Town receipt and other
22
Special Town Meeting, March 28 , 1955
documents which may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this
vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
personnel of the Recreation Committee be increased from seven to
nine members and the two additional members be appointed at large by
the Board of Selectmen.
ARTICLE 5. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that the
sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars 01500) be transferred from the
Junior High School Repairs Account; Four Hundred Sixty-Seven Dollars
0467.00) from the Highland School Repairs Account and Twelve Thousand
Your Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars and Forty-Three Cents ($12,488 .43 )
be raised from the Tax Levy and said sums aggregating Fourteen Thousand
Four Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars and Forty-three Cents (0,11},1}55.4,3 )
be appropriated for furnishing and installing a new steam boiler and
power oil burner with the necessary equipment and controls used in
connection therewith for the Highlnd School and that the Town Ac-
countant be and hereby is authorized to transfer said sums to carry
out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 6. On motion of Alfred H. Dolben it was voted that
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) being the unissued portion of the
loan of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) appropriated for the
construction by the Electric Light Department of the sub-station in
the Town of North Reading under vote duly adopted under Artible 21 at
the Special Town Meeting held on December 1, 1952 be and the same
hereby is rescinded.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to adjourn sine die
at 8:o5 P. M.
153 Precinct Members were present.
A true copy
Attest
Boyd .Stewart,Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
New High School Auditorium March 28, 1955
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Charles P.
Howard„ at 8:05 P. M.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that the
sum of Twenty-Seven Thousand, Four Hundred Nine Dollars ($27,409.00)
be raised and appropriated for HEALTH AND SANITATION as follows:
Board of Health Salaries $ 1,526.00
Health Officers Salary 675.00
Inspector of Plumbing Salary 1,458.Oo
Inspector of Animals Salary 400.00
Inspector of Milk and Food Salary 350.00 4,409.00
Board of Health Expense 700.00
Inspector of Milk and Food Expense 50.00
Care of Contagious Diseases 4,000.00
Premature Babies 1,000.00
Garbage Collection14,400.00
Dental Clinic 2,850.00 23„000.00
$27,409.00
23
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1955
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
the sum of Sixty-four Thousand, Two Hundred Twenty-Seven Dollars and
Seventy-Two Cents ($64,227.72) be raised and appropriated for
GENERAL GOVERNMENT as follows:
Selectmen' s Clerical $ 1,404.00
Selectmen' s Expense 1500, 00 2,904.00
Accountant' s Salary , . 0
Accountantts Clerical 702.72
Accountant' s Expense (Including travel out-
side the State, not to
exceed $200.00) 6o0.0o 6,264.22
Treasurers Salary T6$17-0
Treasurers Clerical 1,100.00
Treasurer' s Expense 1 625 00 5,412.50
Collector' s Salary (Fees to Town Treasury) , 0.0
Collector's Clerical , 77.80
Collectors Expense 2 .100.00 12,857.80
Assessors' Salaries ,0 0. tr
Assessors ' Clerical ,196.30
Assessorsf Expense 2 1 00 12,961.30
Town Counsel' s Salary 2, 0
Town Counsells Expense 1 7 0.00 4,437-50
Town Clerk' s Salary (Fees to Town Treasury) 1, 00.00
Town Clerk' s Clerical 3,171.60
Town Clerk' s Expense (Including travel out-
side the State, not
to exceed $200.00) 7 0.00 5,621.6o
Registrarst Salaries 00.00
Registrars' Expense 2,600.00
Election and Registration Expense 2 000 00 5,100.00
Municipal Building Janitor ,
Municipal Building Maintenance 000.00 7,168.80
Planning Board Expense 700.00
Board of Appeals Expense 350.00
Capital Expenditures Planning; Committee 300.00
Expense
Finance Committee Expense 100.00
Personnel Board Expense 50.00
800.00
64,227.72
*Chairman $2, 187.50
Secretary 1,175.00
Other Member 687.50
014, 050.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
the sum of Two Hundred Sixtyy-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred One Dollars
and Seventy-Eight Cents (95262,901.78) be raised and appropriated for
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY as follows.-
Police Dept. Salaries $ 95,251.12
Police Dept. Janitor 1,200.00
Dog Officer's Salary 375.00 96,826.12
Police Dept. Maintenance (Including travel
outside State, not to
exceed 9200.00) 10,170.00
Police Station Maintenance 2,593.00
Police Dept. Pensions 9,888.36
Dog Officerls Expense 400.00 2 051. 6
9, 7 .
24
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1955
(PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY - continued)
Fire Dept. Salaries 79,444.82
Fire Dept. Callmen Salaries 5,400.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Salaries 1,450.00
Fire Alarm Extension Salaries 1, 000.00 87,294.82
Fire Dept. Maintenance (including travel
outside State,not to exceed
,200.00) 8, 150.00
Fire Stations Maintenance 2,955.00
Fire Dept. Pensions 1,375.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance - 2,550.00
Fire Alarm Extension 600.00 1 6 0.00
lW:4 2
Moth and Tree Dept. Salaries 19,489.48
Moth and Tree Dept. Expense 5,480.00 24,969.48
Inspector of Buildings Salary 3,750.00
Inspector of Buildings Expense 455.00 4,205.00
Inspector of Wires Salary 700.00
Inspector of Wires Expense 300.00 1,000.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Salary 700.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Expense 250.00 950.00
Game Warden' s Salary - 105.00
Hydrant Rentals - 6,270.00
Drinking Fountains 100.00
Traffic Control 2,500.00
ARTICLE 4. . On motion of Daniel L. Chamberlain it was voted
that the sum of One Hundred Eiphty-Five Thousand Eight Hundred
Sixty-Eight ,185,868 .00) be raised and appropriated for CHARITY AND
A.ID as follows
Welfare General Aid , 25,500.00
Personal services 2,108.00
Expenses 760.00 28,368.00
Aid to Dependent Children 15,500.00
Administrative 5,000.00 20,500.00
Old Ape Assistance 119,500.00
Administrative 7,500.00 127,000.00
Disability Assistance 8,500.00
Administrative 1,500.00 10, 000.00
Total 90185,868.00
ARTICLE 4. . On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that i
the sum of Seventeen Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Eight Dollars J
andForty-four Cents (,17,868.44) be raised and appropriated for
VETERANS' BENEFITS as follows:
Administrative Salaries 2,118.14
Administrative Expense 750.00
Aid 15,000.00 15,750.00
,17,868.W!
25
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1955
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that
the sum of Eight Hundred Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Seventy-Two
and 59/100 Dollars (8812,572.59) be raised and appropriated for
the SCHOOL DEPARTMENT as follows:
General salaries $664,307.79
General Maintenance 111,848.80
Vocational Tuition 4,000.00
Transportation 24,466.00
Athletics 4,500.00
Pension 3,450.00
Total $812,572.59
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Harold F. Davis it was voted that the
sum of Twenty-Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($23,500) be
raised and appropriated for the maintenance, care and development
of Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery as follows:
Personal Services $21,000.00
*Expenses 2,500.00 $23,500.00
*Including travel outside the State limited to the sum of Two
Hundred Dollars ($200.00) .
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Sydney M. Hodson it was voted that the
sum of Twenty-One Thousand Six Hundred Fifteen and 72/100 Dollars
($21,615.72) be raised and appropriated for the Public Library as
follows:
Personal Service 13,875.72
Expenses 7,740-00 $21,615.72
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. , as amended by
Carl H. Amon, it was- voted that the sum of Four Hundred Eighty-one
Thousand Six-Hundred One and 14/100 Dollars (9481.601.14) be
raised and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows:
Salaries for Administration $ 8,736.32
Expenses for Administration 1,750.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of
Highways 54.,376.50
Expenses for Repairs, Construction and Maintenance
of Highways, setting curbs, purchase or
otherwise acquiring land for sand and gravel
purposes, purchase of materials , tools - and
` equipment and other incidental expenses per-
taining thereto 36,550.00
Salaries for Engineering Division 24,752.80
Expenses for Engineering Division 2, 160.00
Salaries for Construction of Storm Drains 18,000.00
Expenses for Construction of Storm Drains 22,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Storm Drains - 7,750.00
ExpensesforMaintenance of Storm Drains 4, 250.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of
Sidewalks 12,000.00
Expenses for Construction and Maintenance of
Sidewalks 7,500.00
Salaries for Removal of Snow and Ice 9,900.00
Expenses for Removal of Snow and Ice 10, 56.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Dumps 500.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Dumps 1,.100.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Park Department and
Commons and Supervised Play 16,000.00
96
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 28 , 1955
Board of Public Works (continued)
Expenses for Maintenance of Park Department
and Commons and Supervised Play $ . 9,325.00
Salaries for Construction, Maintenance and
operation of Water 'Works 65,200.00
of which amount the sum of Nine Thousand
Seven Hundred Dollars shall be transferred
from Water Available Surplus and the Town
Accountant be and he hereby is authorized
and instructed to transfer said sum to
carry out the purpose of this vote.
Expenses for Construction, Maintenance and Operation
of Water Works, including travel outside the
State, not to exceed $250.00 62,500.00
Expenses for the Payment of Water Bonds and
Interest 27,200.00
Salaries for the Extension of the Sewer System 19,000.00
Expenses for the Extension of the Sewer System 21,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of
Sewer System 7,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of the
Sewer System and Payment of Interest on
Sewer Bonds including travel outside
the State 8,230.00
Salaries for Connecting Estates with the Common
Sewer 7,000.00
Expenses for Connecting Estates with the Common
Sewer 4,600.00
Public Works Pensions 7,'364.52
Total 481,601.14
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted
that the following sum in the amount of One Hundred Seventy-Four
Thousand Dollars (90174,000) be raised and appropriated for
MATURING DEBT, not including Light and Water.
Sewer - $24,000.00
School 140,000.00
Library 10 000.00
;174,000-00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that
the sum of Fifty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars
($53,775.00) be raised and appropriated for INTEREST not including
Water, Light and Sewer.
School 9051,.900.00
Library 625.00
Ant. of Rev. (Should be added to 1,250.00
Unclassified)
$53,775.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
the sum of Thirty Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($30,500.00) be
raised and appropriated for INSURANCE. 7
' ARTICLE 4. On motion of Alfred H. Dolben it was voted that
there be included in the tax levy, for electricity used for street
lights, the sum of Seventeen Thousand Dollars($17,000) and that
said" sum and the income from sales of electricity to private con-
sumers and for electricity supplies to municipal buildings, and
for municipal power, and from sales of appliances and jobbing
during the current fiscal year be appropriated for the Municipal
Light Plant, and that the sum of Twelve Thousand($12, 000) Dollars
be appropriated from the said receipts of the department for the
sale, installation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils,
i
27
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1955
and chattels, as provided in Section 34 of Chapter 164 of the
General Laws, said appropriations to be expended by the Manager
of the Municipal Lighting Plant under the direction and control of
the Municipal Light Board, for the expense of the plant, including
payments of Bonds and Notes, the sale, installation and servicing
of merchandise, equipment, utensils and chattels , as defined in
Chapter 164, Section 57, of the General Laws, or any amendments
thereof or addition thereto, and that if said a= of $17,000.00 and
said income shall exceed said expense for said fiscal year, such ex-
cess up to the amount of 24% of the primary cost of plant and General
Equipment as of December 31st of the preceding year plus 10% of the
net profit for the preceding year as defined in Chapter 164 of the
General Laws, such amount shall be paid into the Town Treasury, and
the balance, if any, shall be transferred to the Construction Fund
of said Plant and appropriated and used for such additions thereto
as may thereafter be authorized by the Municipal Light Board.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Nineteen Hundred Sixty Dollars ($1,960.00) be raised and ap-
propriated for MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE to be expended under the
direction of Post 62, American Legion, and Post 685, Veterans of
Foreign Wars. -
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Gilbert M. Lothrup it was voted that
the sum of Seventeen Hundred Fifty Dollars (? 1,750.00) be raised and
appropriated for printing the TOWN REPORT for the year 1954•
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Gilbert M. Lothrop it was voted that
the sum of Four Hundred Dollars (9$400.00) be raised and appropriated
for the maintenance of the PARKING AREAS.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) be raised and appropriated for
the CARE AND LIGHTING OF OLD SOUTH CLOCK.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be raised and appropriated
for RECORDING INSTRUMENTS in the Middlesex South District Registry
of Deeds.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Samuel H. Davis it was voted that the
sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-Five Dollars and
Twenty-Six Cents (139,595.26) be raised and appropriated for the
Contributory Retirement System to be divided as follows;
Pension Accumulation Fund . x$38,172.00
Expense Fund 1,400.00
Military Service Fund _ 23.26
$39,595.26
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr, it was voted that
the star of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars (125,000.00) be appropriated
by transferring said sum from the OVERLAY SURPLUS RESERVE FUND to
the RESERVE FUND, and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is
authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the
purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Gilbert M. Lothrop it was voted that
the sum of Nine Hundred Dollars (1900.00) be raised and appropriated
for the preparation and printing of the STREET LIST for the year
1955, such sums to be expended under the direction of the Board
of Selectmen.
28
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 28, 1955
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that Article 4
be laid on the table.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the meet-
ing Stand adjourned until April 4, 1955 at 7:45 P. M. to meet in
the New High School Auditorium.
153 Precinct T.Tembers were present.
A tree copy
Attest:
Boyd H. Stewart, Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
New High School Auditorium April I+, 1955
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Charles
P. Howard, at 7:55 P. M.
ARTICLE 5. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that
the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is authorized with the approval
of the Selectmen to borrow money from time to time in anticipation
of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1956,
and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and
to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less
than one year in accordance with Sections 4. and 17 of Chapter 44
of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 6. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted
that the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) be raised and ap-
propriated for the purpose of foreclosing in the Land Court pursuant
to provisions of Section 65 0£ Chapter 60 of the General Laws, the
right of redemption to any and all real estate taken by the Town
for nonpayment of taxes.
ARTICLE 7. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that
the sum of Three'Thousand Dollars ($3,000) be transferred from
Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the maintenance of various
streets previously constructed under Chapter 90 of the General
Laws, and that the sum of Nineteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars
($19,500) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for
the construction under Chapter 90 of the General Lbws of a portion
of West Street from Woburn Street northerly toward the Wilmington
Town Line, provided however that such sums received as reimburse-
ment from the State and County shall be credited to Surplus Revenue
and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and in-
structed to transfer said sums to carry out the purpose of this
vote.
29
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 4, 1955
ARTICLE 8. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted
that Article 8 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 9. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
Article 9 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 10. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and em-
powered to sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they
may determine, the 1950 Chevrolet used by the Police Department,
and that the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1500. ), together with
the proceeds from such sale or exchange, be raised and appropriated
for the purchase of a new Station Wagon for the Police Department..
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and empowered
to sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they may
determine, the 1954 Ford Police cruising car, and that the sum of
Seven Hundred Dollars 0700. ), together with the proceeds from such
sale or exchange, be raised and appropriated for the purchase of a
new cruising car for the Police Department.
ARTICLE 12. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and empowered
to sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they may
determine, the 1954 Ford Police cruising car, and that the sum of
Seven Hundred Dollars 0700. ), together with the proceeds from such
sale or exchange, be raised and appropriated for the purchase of a
new cruising car for the Police Department.
ARTICLE 13. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
Article 13 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 14. On motion. of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
Article 14 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 15. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
am of Twelve Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,250. ) be raised and ap-
propriated for the purchase of uniforms for members of the Police
Department.
ARTICLE 16. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550.00) be raised and ap-
propriated for the purchase of uniforms- for members of the Fire
Department.
ARTICLE 17. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) be raised and appropriated
for the purchase and installation of a two-way radio for ad-
ditional piece of equipment of the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 18. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted
that the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) be raised and ap-
propriated for extension of the fire alarm system so as to furnish
mutual aid between this Town and the Town of North Reading.
ARTICLE 19. . On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) be raised and appropriated
for the further development and maintenance of the Town Forest.
ARTICLE 20. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Twelve Hundred Dollars ($1,200) be raised and appropriated
for the care of graves of any persons who have served in the Army,
Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States in time of war or in-
surrection, and who have been honorably discharged from such ser-
vice, as provided by Section 9 of Chapter 115 of the General Laws.
30
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 4. 1955
ARTICLE 21. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted
that the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000. ) be raised and ap-
propriated for the use of a helicopter in spraying the trees by
the Tree and Moth Department.
ARTICLE 22. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted
that Article 22 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 23. On motion of Robert G. Clinch it was voted that
the sum of Seven Hundred Dollars ($700. ) be raised and ap-
propriated to defray the legal expenses in relation to the appeal
taken by Eva Cole to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from
the decree of the Superior Court entered January 19, 1955.
On motion of Robert E. Turner it was voted to take up
Article 35.
ARTICLE 35. On motion of Robert E. Turney it was voted that
- the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized for and
in behalf of the Town to acquire by purchase, right of eminent
domain, or otherwise for school purposes the following described
parcel of land adjacent to the new High School in Birch Meadow and
that the sum of Twenty-Five Hundred Dollars ($2, 500. ) be transferred
from the following Accounts: Five Hundred Eighty-Nine and 50/100
Dollars (589.50) from the School Land Purchase Oak Street and
Summer Avenue Account; Four Hundred Fifty-Five and 20/100 Dollars
(455.20) from the Birch Meadow Land Purchase Account; Fifty Dollars
( 50. ) from the School Land Purchase white Property Account; Fifty-
five Dollars ($555. ) from the School Land Purchase Forest Street
Account; Two Hundred Eighty-Seven and 55/100 Dollars (W7.55)
from the Sewer Pumping Station willow Street Land Purchase Ac-
count; Ten Dollars ($510.00) from the Account for Land Taking
Municipal Parking Area #1, and Ten Hundred Fifty-Two and 75/100
Dollars ($1,052.75) from the Surplus Revenue, and appropriate said
sums aggregating Twenty-Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500. ) for the
acquisition of such land, and the Town Accountant be and he here-
by is authorizedand instructed to transfer said sums to carry out
the purpose of this vote:
Beginning at the southwesterly corner thereof; thence northwesterly
six hundred twenty-three (623 ) feet; thence turning and running
northeasterly by two courses three hundred fifty and 34/100 (350.34)
feet and one hundred fifty-two and 84/100 (152.84) feet; thence
turning and running in a general easterly direction three hundred
sixty-six and 91/100 (366.91) feet; thence southeasterly by two
courses one hundred ninety-two and 72/100 (192.72) feet and two
hundred three and 2/100 (203.02) feet; thence turning and running
southwesterly two hundred fifty-six and 6/loo (256.06) feet; thence
running in a general westerly direction one hundred forty-seven and
63/100 (147.63) feet; thence turning and running southwesterly
three hundred twenty-seven and 81/100 (327..81.) feet, thence running
southeasterly two hundred fifty-nine and 75/100 (259.75) feet;
thence running easterly twenty-seven and 77/100 (27.77) feet and
thence in a general westerly direction two hundred seventy-five and
70/100 (275.70) feet to the point of beginning.
Said parcel is shown as Lot 9 on Plat 66 of Town of Reading Assessors
Plans and said parcel is estimated to contain 10.896 acres.
i
132 voted in the affirmative
1 voted in the negative
On motion of Robert E. Turner it was voted to take up
Article 29.
ARTICLE 29. On motion of Robert E. Turner it was voted that
the care, custody, management and control of a parcel of land in
31
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 4, 1955
Birch Meadow adjacent to the site of the new High School and shown
as area 10 on plan dated June, 1930, filed in the Town Clark' s
Office, which land is now being used for playground purposes, be
and the same hereby is transferred for school purposes.
E 132 voted in the affirmative.
0 voted in the negative.
ARTICLE 27. On motion of Robert E. Turner it was voted that
the sum of Twenty-Four Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($2},600. ) be
transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for rough grading
the land in Birch Meadow adjacent to the new High School and being
areas, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as shown on Plan. dated June 1930 duly
filed in the Town Clerk's Office, which appropriation is to be
added to the previous appropriations voted for the construction of
the new High School. Building and for originally equipping and furnish-
ing the said Building and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is
authorized and instructed to transfer said sums to carry out the
purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 28. On motion of Robert E. Turner it was voted that
the sum of Sixty-One Thousand Dollars ($61,000) be raised and ap-
propriated for the finish grading of land at Birch Meadow adjacent
to the new High School and being shown as areas L4, 1B, 1C and 1D
on Plan dated June, 1930, filedin the Town Clerk' s Office, which
appropriation is to be added to the previous appropriations voted
for the construction of the new High School Building and for
originally equipping and furnishing the said Building.
ARTICLE 30. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that the
School Committee be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to
sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they may determine
the 1947 Chevrolet Automobile and that the sum of Sixty-Nine and
83/100 Dollars ($69.83) be transferred from the School Department
Station Wagon Purchase Account and Seventeen Hundred Thirty and 17/100
($1.,730.17) be raised from the Tax Levy and said sums aggregating
Eighteen Hundred Dollars ($1,800) ,together with the proceeds from
such sale or exchange be raised and appropriated for the purchase of
a new Automobile for the School Department and the Town Accountant
be and hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to
carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 31. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that
there be and hereby is established a Building Committee for the
purpose of the construction of an Elementary School upon land owned
by the Town on Forest Street, such Committee to consist of seven
Members, one to be chosen from the School Committee, one from the
Board of Public Works, one from the Finance Committee and four to
be appointed at large by the Board of Selectmen.
ARTICLE 32. On motion of PhiliR. White it was voted that the
sum of Thirteen and 83/100 Dollars (13.83) be transferred from the
new High School Preliminary Plans Account and Ninety-Nine Hundred
Eighty-Six and 17/100 Dollars ($9,986.17) be raised from the Tax
Levy and said sums aggregating Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) be
appropriated for consulting engineers and architectural services,
preliminary plans and surveys for the construction of a new
Elementary School upon land owned by the Town on Forest Street, and
the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized and instructed to
transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 33. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that
there be and hereby is established a Special Committee to make a
comprehensive study and investigation of ,suitable sites in the
Town for Schools and of suitable sites for recreational areas, such
32
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 4, 1955
Committee to consist of seven Members, one to be chosen from the
School Committee, one from the Planning Board, one from the Board
of Public Works, one from the Recreation Committee, one from the
Finance Committee, and two Members at large to be appointed by
the Board of Selectmen -
ARTICLE 34. On motion of Philip A. White it was voted that
the sum of Twenty-Three and 40/100 ($23.40) Dollars be raised and
appropriated for the payment of a 1953 Account of the School
Department due the City of Boston for vocational tuition.
133 voted in the affirmative.
0 voted in the negative.
ARTICLE 36. On motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr, it was voted
that the sum of Sixty-Two Hundred Dollars ($6,200. ) be transferred
from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the installation of a
skating area in Birch Meadow upon the parcel of Land No. 2 as shown
on plan dated June 1930 filed in the Town Clerk's Office and the
Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and- instructed to
transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 37. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was voted that
the provisions of Sections forty-two A, to forty-two F, inclusive,
of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, being a law relative to the
Collection of Water Rates and imposing Liens therefor upon real
estate, be and the same hereby are accepted.
ARTICLE 38. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was voted
that the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500. ) be
raised from the Tax Levy and appropriated for the payment of land
damages caused by the relocation of the Westerly side line of
South Street.
ARTICLE 39. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was voted
that the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200. ) be
raised from the Tax Levy and appropriated for the purpose of making
specific repairs to the Mineral Street Bridge andapproaches there-
to, said appropriation to be apportioned $900.00 for Salaries and
$300.00 for Expenses.
ARTICLE 40. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was voted
that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on
the relocating or altering of the location lines of a portion of
Lincoln Street and a portion of Arlington Street at the Northerly
terminal of said streets and adopt the recommendations contained
therein.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
ON THE RELOCATION OR ALTERATION OF THE
CORNER OF ARLINGTON STREET AND LINCOLN
STREET.
The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading, having de- ■
terminad and adjudged that common convenience and necessity re-
quire that the public highways be laid out, relocated or altered
as and in the location hereinafter described, having complied with
all requirements of law relating to notice to owners of land thereof,
and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place ap-
pointed for such hearing, and then and there heard all persons
present who desired to be heard, have laid out, relocated or altered
as public highways for the use of the Town, the corner of Arlington
Street and Lincoln Street. The boundaries and measurements of said
public highways as so laid out, relocated or altered are as follows:
Beginning at a stone bound located at the intersection
of the Easterly side line of said Arlington Street and
the Southerly side line of Woburn Street;:
A REPORT ON
THE PROBLEM OF ADDITIONAL SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
Prepared For
The Town Meeting
Reading, Massachusetts
By The
COMMITTEE ON ADDITIONAL SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
'�,, March, 1955
H-I1;-H-L-IS-H_TS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENROLiMENT--Enrollment in grades 1 to 6 has Jumped from 1146
pupils in school year 1945-46 to 1680 in 1954-55--an increase of 534 pupils
or 48% in the last 10 years.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OVERCAPACITY--The elementary school plant is now 100 pupils
overcapacity. Enrollments total 1680 pupils compared with a working plant
capacity of 1580.
ENROL.114M PRESSURE FELT--All of the 271 grade nine pupils have been transferred
to the new High School, with the Junior High School housing grades 7 and 8 and
100 sixth grade pupils.
ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM NEEDS--A shortage of 10 elementary classrooms by September,
1957 and of 16 by September, 1960, indicates the need for a new elementary
school to open by September, 1957. Reading must anticipate about 1878 pupils
in grades 1 to 6 by school year 1957-58--an increase of 198 or 12% over the
1680 presently enrolled. By 1960-61, Reading must anticipate about 2068
pupils in grades 1 to 6--an increase of 388 pupils or 23% over the 1680 pres-
ently enrolled.
JUNIOR HIGH ENROLLMENT AND NEEDS--Enrollment in grades 7 to 9 has increased by
213 pupils or 41.4% in the last 10 years. There are 727 Junior high pupils
enrolled this year as compared with 514 in school year 1945-46. Enrollment
increases in grades 7 to 9 represent 9 additional classrooms by 1960-61--and
15 additional classrooms by 1966-67.
ENROLLMENTS IN GRADES 10 TO 12--By 1960-61 Reading must anticipate about 712 pu-
pils in grades 10 to 12--an increase of 178 or 33% over the 534 presently en-
rolled--by 1967-68, an estimated 888 pupils or an increase of 66% over the 534
presently enrolled.
TOTAL ENROLIlMENT__Total enrollment in grades 1 to 12 has increased by 882 pupils
or 43% since school year 1945-46. By school year 1960-61, total estimated
enrollment will be 3734, an increase of 793 or 27% over the 2941 presently en-
rolled.
SCHOOL PLANT CAPACITY--Opening of the new High School brought the capacity of
the school plant to 3450 pupils. The working capacity of the elementary
schools is 1580; Junior High School, 670; High School, 1200,
TOTAL ENROLIMENTS AGAIN REACHING CAPACITY--The Reading school plant will again
be at capacity by 1958--with 3440 pupils vs. a capacity of 3450. Starting in
1959, enrollments will exceed capacity.
1959 A CRITICAL YEAR--Even with construction of a new elementary school, the
schoolhousing situation will again be critical in 1959.
READING POPULATION--Reading population has doubled in the last 30 years. The
present population is estimated at 17,560 as compared with 14,006 in 1950;
and 8693 in 1925. By 1960 the population may exceed 20,000.
BIRTHS--The annual number of Reading births has more than doubled since 1940.
There were 373 births in 1954 compared with 163 in 1940.
DWELLING UNITS--There has been an average of 135 new homes each year in Reading
since 1940 with 175 permits anticipated in 1955 There are now about 4200
dwelling units in Reading and suitable areas to accommodate about 4000 more.
OLD HIGH SCHOOL--Because it would have to meet current safety requirements for
new construction, remodeling costs of old High School are estimated at $200,000
providing 10 usable rooms. This compares with $269,000 estimated net cost of
a new 10-room school building.
■Erb C O N T E N T S
L Page
HIGHLIGHTS
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
II. THE PROBLEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
III. PUBLIC SCHOOI�� ENROLLMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
IV. PRESENT SCHO OUSE FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
V. FUTURE SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
VI. SCHOOL SITES OR THE FUTURE . 18
VII. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Tables
Table 1: Re ding Public Schools, Actual and Pro-
,je ted Public School Population, October
1, 19 45-1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Table 2: Noth Reading Enrollment in Reading
Pudic Schools, 1945-1957 . . . . . . . . . 9
El Table 3: Enrollment in St. Agnes School, 1950-1959. 9
Table 4: Present Schoolhouse Facilities . . . . . . . 10
Table 5: Elementary School Enrollment vs. Capacity. . 14
Table 6: Junior High Enrollment vs. Capacity . . . . 15
Table 7: Possible Allocation of Pupils to School
Buildings by Grades, Showing Effect of One
New Elementary School Upon Reading School-
housing Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Charts
Chart 1: Population Growth Chert . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chart 2: How Reading Births Keep Rising . . . . . . . 4
Chart 3: Eollment and Capacity, Reading Elementary
S oole Grades 1 to 6 . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maps
Map 1: Distribution of Building Permits, 1950-1954 21
Map 2: D} tribion of Children of Pre-school Age,
Ja uary 1ut, 1955 . . 22
I find the great thing in this world
is not so much where we stand as in
what direction we are moving.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes
Respectfully submitted,
couriam off ADDITIONAL BCHCCLW= FACII.I m
Frank J. Zeo,
Irving C. Anetin
A. Lloyd David
Kenneth.
ohn Kay
H 11 H. 1(orton
Eleanor C. Bishop, Becre nay
THE COIM 0N ADDITIONAL SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
The Committee was established by the following vote at the
Annual Town Meeting on April 5, 1954 for the purpose of studying
the matter of additional schoolhouse facilities:
Article 30. On motion of Philip R. White it was
voted that there be and hereby is established a com-
mittee composed of seven members for the purpose of
studying the matter of additional schoolhouse facili-
ties, .suchcommittee to consist of one member from the
School Committee, one from the Planning Board, one
from the B lard of Public Works, one from the Finance
Committee, '.such members to be appointed by their re-
spective Boards and Committees, and three members to
be appointed by the Moderator from the Town at large,
and such committee to report at subsequent Town Meet-
ing to be held not later than the Annual Town Meeting
of March, 055.
Membership
FRANK J. ZED, Chairman
ELEANOR C. BISHOP, Secretary
IRVING C. AUSTIN
NEW= H. MORTON (School Committee)
A. LLOYD DAVID (Planning Board)
KENNETH R. JOHNSON (Public Works)
JOHN R. iCAY (Finance Committee)
-I-
I. IRTRODDCTICH
Since its first meeting on June 16, 1954, your Committee on Addi-
t1onal Schoolhouse Facilities has met thirty times. Included have been
special meetings with the School Committee; the Superintendent of Schools;
the Finance Committee; the Capital Expenditures Planning Committee; the
Birchmeadow Study Committee; Mr, John R. Marshall, Administrator of the
Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission; Mr. Frank W. Crimp,
partner of the architectural firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch & Crimp; and
Mr, Bernard B. Whitney, School Building Inspector of the State Department
of Public Safety.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the cooperation and assist-
ance it has received from various sources.
Superintendent of Schools Arthur B, Lord, Jr., and his office staff
provided pertinent data on school facilities and school enrollment, In
January and February, 1955, when the state-wide five-year census was taken,
the Board of Selectmen arranged for the collection of special data on
children of pre-school age, Town Clerk Boyd H. Stewart provided data on
Reading births. Inspector of Buildings Harold B. Currell furnished infor-
mation on new home construction. Additional information on Reading and
its growth was supplied by Mr, Joseph F. Turley of the Massachusetts
Department of Commerce. Information on the St, Agnes School was provided
by Monsignor William F. Reilly and by the Superintendent of Schools for
the Archdiocese of Boston. Mrs. Helen MCRnroe, Welcome Wagon Hostess,
supplied statistics on families recently moving to Reading.
Special technical assistance and guidance on enrollment projection
techniques and on the projection of Reading's school population were given
by Mr, Simeon J. Doman, widely recognized specialist on the staff of the
Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission,
During the course of its study, the Committee visited each building
in the school systemand the Old High School Building. It also visited
the Forest Street site purchased several years ago for a contemplated ele-
mentary school. The Committee also studied the extent and location of new
home construction throughout the town and analyzed the recent census data
on children of pre-school age,
-2-
This report presents the story of Reading's growth and of its
school enrollment--past, present, and future. Ever-mounting enrollments
are measured against clur school plant capacity.
What additional classrooms are needed? For how many? When?
These are a few of th questions the Committee has tried to answer in its
report.
II. THE PROBLEM
' The Committee's task was to study the matter of additional school-
house facilities--a problem now facing thousands of communities through-
out the country.
More and More Babies
Reading babies -more and more of them--are causing Reading's school-
house problem. Readiog has followed the national pattern of record crops
of babies since the end of World War II. More than four million babies
were born in the United States in 1954--double the rate of fifteen years
ago. A larger number is expected in 1955•
Reading births .reached an all-time high of 373 in 1954--more than
double the number (163) for 1941. The ever increasing number of children
largely accounts for the strain on our school plant today.
The January 1, 19,5.5 state census showed 2044 children in Reading
under the age of 5 years •10 months, as compared with 1792 children under
6 years old reported in the 1950 census.
Population Has Doubled
Underlying the growth of Reading's baby population is the total
growth of Reading.
Reading's popu4ation (about 17,560) has doubled in the last 30 years.
It is expected to dou le again In the next forty years and to reach a
saturation point oY sout 35,000 by the year 2000.
135 New Homes A Year
An average of 35 new homes a year since 1940, except for the war
-3-
years, has been constructed in Reading. There is every indication the
trend will continue. Present activity indicates another 175 or more new
homes in 1955. There are now about 4,200 dwelling units in town. There
are suitable areas to accommodate eventually about 4,000 more.
Influx of Families Brings More Children
Reading is attracting many new families. This influx of families
is an important factor in Reading's growth. Almost every day during the
last seven months of 1954 brought a new family to Reading.' During the
period May 20 to December 21, 1954, Reading welcomed, through the Welcome
Wagon Hostess, 196 new families which had moved to town. They brought with
them 276 children of school age or under--an average of 1.37 children per
family. There were 161 children under age 6 and 115 of school age.
These figures are dramatic evidence of Reading's growth and expected
future growth and give rise to several questions: What has been the effect
of the increased number of births and the general growth of the town upon the
Reading school population? How high are school enrollments expected to go?
How many additional classrooms will be needed?
III. PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Method of Protecting Enrollments
Two well tested and generally accepted methods for projecting en-
rollments are the use of census data and the use of births and so-called
retention ratios. Current census data were lacking when the Committee's
study was initiated. Upon recommendation of the enrollment projection
specialist of the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission, your
Committee used the retention ratio method -- a method found to be reliable
by the Commission and similar commissions in other states. This method
is commonly referred to as the percent of retention technique. A retention
ratio is simply the ratio of the enrollment of one grade to the enrollment
one grade lower one year earlier. The enrollment, for example, of the second
grade this year to the enrollment of the first grade last year gives a retent-
ion ratio which can be applied against this year's grade 1 enrollment figures
CHART 1
35000________________ ____ _—___—_ -95..9
POPV ATION GROWTH CHART 9.III
192.0- 1950 ACTUAL 1955-2000 ESTIMMD 31923
32041
- 30519
30000 _______________ ___________________—____—_____ — _ _ _ _
Sa]zo
16656
2143)
11692
C
)760
15000 --------------
+----------- —_ —
Hee6
11949
1.566
0066
1 - 9741
.693
3419
0 �
1lb 1915 Im 1935 1910 1995 1950 1935 1960 1965 19)0 MTf 19M 19x5 1996 M15 20.0
CHART 2
406 -------------------------
-----------------------------------
NOW PEADING'S BIRTHS KEEP RISING
970 ----_-----+------------—_____------------------
-______ ____—__—_
I
160 NS> 1Ho OH 191E 1911 pM )995 IN6 1Hf 1Ha 1)N 199. 1951 -In y!) q56
D1mny No 1y 1T} In Ep I, XT too ISS 106 M E69 311 3@ 36] 3)3
-5-
to estimate next year's second grade enrollments.
To determine its projection, the Committee recorded the birth sta-
tistics and enrollment data for the period 1945 through 1954. The average
annual public school enrollment as of October 1 in the first grade was
divided by the average number of births six years earlier. The resulting
quotient, referred to as "percent of survival or retention", was then applied
to known annual births for each year to determine the expected public school
enrollment in grade 1 six years later. This provided the projected first
grade enrollments for the school years 1955-56 through 1960-61.
The average annual public school enrollment as of October 1 in the
second grade was divided by the average annual public school enrollment in
the first grade far the preceding year. The resulting quotient was then
applied to known and expected first grade enrollments for each year to deter-
mine the expected enrollment in grade 2 for the following year. The method
was used similarly for grades 3 through 12. The percentages of retention used
were based on an average derived by going back to 1947 except for the percent-
age factor used to determine the number of first graders. Known births for
. calendar years 1942 through 1948 (as shown on Table 1 opposite school years ,ya
1948-49 through 1954-55) were used to determine the percentage factor of J]
113% used to obtain Grade 1 figures.
The Committee's projection is presented in Table 1 which reflects the
projected public school enrollment for grades 1 to 6 for the school years
1955-56 through 1960-61; grades 7 to 9 for 1955-56 through 1966-67; and grades
10 to 12 for 1955-56 through 1}67-68.
It 1s important to note that this table concerns itself with only
Reading public school pupils. To prevent a distortion of the projection, the
mown enrollment figures for 1945-46 through 1954-55 exclude North Reading
Pupils who were in the Reading system during those years (see Table 2). On
the other hand, the parochial pupils expected to enter grade 9 of the Reading
public schools beginning in 1956 are included.
No adjustment of the average retention ratios derived from past ex-
perience was made for trends and influences which eight affect the ratios in
the future. No adjustment seemed warranted at this time for grades 1 to 9,
but this year's experience with grades 10 to 12 may indicate the need for an
upward adjustment for grades 10 to 12. The attractiveness of the new High
-6'
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School and the special program to influence high school students to remain
through graduation may well increase the retention ratios for these upper
grades.
It will be desirable to watch trends and influences which may af-
fect the retention ratios (and thus the projected enrollments) used. The
Committee has made a start by collecting and analyzing special census data
on children of pre-school age. The collection ofpertinent and related
data will serve to test projected enrollments in the elementary grades and
to show the geographical distribution of the children of pre-school age.
The latter will help in the determination of future school sites.
Projection Reflects Increasing Enrollments
Table 1 shows that Reading has experienced a substantial increase
in school population in the last decade and that it faces constantly increas-
ing enrollments in the years ahead.
Elementary school enrollment (grades 1 to 6) has increased from
1146 in the school year 1945-46 to 1680 in 1954-55--an increase of 534
pupils or 48%. The projection shows that Reading must anticipate about
2068 pupils in grades 1 to 6 by the school year 1960-61, an increase of 388
pupils or 23% over the 1680 presently enrolled (1954-55) . This increase
represents 13 classrooms (30 per class) which with a present shortage of
three classrooms indicates a need for 16 classrooms.
Enrollment in grades 7 to 9 has increased from 514 in the school
year 1945-46 to 727 in 1954-55--an increase of 213 pupils or 41%. The proj-
ection shows that Reading must anticipate about 954 pupils in grades 7 to 9
by the school year 1960-61, an increase of 227 or 31% over the 727 presently
enrolled. This increase represents 9 classrooms (25 per class) . By the
school year 1966-67, the projection shows that Reading must anticipate about
1129 pupils in grades 7 to 9, an increase of 402 or 55% over the 727 presently
enrolled. This increase represents 16 classrooms.
Enrollment in grades 10 to 12 has increased from 399 in 1945-46 to
534 in 1954-55--an increase of 135 pupils or 34%. By the school year 1960-
61, Reading must anticipate about 712 pupils in grades 10-12, an increase
of 178 or 33% over the 534 presently enrolled. The projection also shows an
estimated 888 pupils in grades 10 to 12 by 1967-68, an increase of 354 or
66% over the 534 presently enrolled.
Total enro lment in grades 1 to 12 has increased from 2059 in 1949-
46 to 2941 in 1954-!55--an increase of 882 pupils or 43%. By the school year
195$-591 total enrolment will reach the total capacity (3450) of present
school buildings. 'ly the school year 1960-61, the total enrollment is estim-
ated at 3734, an increase of 793 or 27% over the 2941 presently enrolled. The
1960-61 enrollment Ifigure of 3734 is 284 overcapacity.
As mentioned above, the figures in Table 1 do not include the en-
rollment of North leading pupils in the Reading public schools which are shown
separately in Table 2.
Table 1 which forecasts the Reading public school enrollment is
based on the following assumptions: (1) that no addition to the St. Agnes
School facilities will be constructed; (2) that the present parochial
school will not cakry pupils beyond the eighth grade; and (3) that 50% of
each eighth grade graduating from St. Agnes School will enter grade 9 of the
Reading public school system.
Reading has and is taking several steps to meet the ever-increasing
number of school accommodations required. Before discussing these steps,
there follows a brief listing the present schoolhouses and their capacities.
IV. PRESENT SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
Seven buildings comprise the Reading public schoolhouse facilities
presently in use. 1, These include five elementary school buildings (the
Joshua Eaton School, the Highland School, the Pearl Street School, the Lowell
Street School, an& the Prospect Street School) , the Junior High School, and
the new High School.
The totallcapacity of these schoolhouses is 3450 pupils. As shown
in Table 4 below, the present five elementary schools have a working capacity
of 1580 pupils; the Junior High, 670; and the new High School, 1200.
Abandonment of Lowell Street School
The Lower Street School which is included in these figures has four
classrooms with a total capacity of 120. This school, built in 1890, is a
-9-
TABLE 2
NORTH READING ENROLLMENT IN READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Actual and Projected, 1945-46 - 1957-58
School Grade Grade Grade Grade Total
Year 9 10 11 12
1945-46 49 27 17 93
1946-47 41 32 25 98
1947-48 6o 37 28 125
1948-49 49 48 34 131
1949-50 4o 46 43 129
1950-51 65 37 41 143
1951-52 60 56 30 146
1952-53 52 48 33
1953-54 47 39 31 117
1954-55 70 72 42 32 216
1955-56 0 27 72 42 141
1956-57 O o 0 72 72
1957-58 0 0 0 0 0
Starting in the school year 1957-58, there will be no
North Reading pupils in the Reading public school system.
The enrollment figures for the St, Agnes School are
shown in Table 3.
TABLE 3
ENROLLMENT IN TEE ST. AGNES SCHOOL
Actual and Projected, 1950-51 to 1959-60
School Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
1950-51 4o 40 43 0 0 0 0 0 123
1951-52 54 48 49 43 0 0 0 0 194
1952-53 74 50 44 49 41 0 0 0 258
1953-54 61 66 57 43 45 42 0 0 314
1954-55 57 55 63 50 45 45 42 0 357
1955-56* 50 57 55 63 5o 45 45 42 407
1956-57* 50 50 57 55 63 50 45 45 415
157-58* 50 50 50 5 55 63 0 45 420
1958 59* 50 50 50 50 57 55 63 50 425
1959-60* 50 50 50 50 50 57 55 63 425
* Enrollments for these years are estimated.
Ali -10-
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-11-
frame building now 65 years old. In terms of safety, utility, and economy,
the Committee feels the Lovell Street School has outlived its usefulness as
a school. Serious consideration should be given to its abandonment as has
been recommended in previous reports. Continued use of this building should
be only on an emergency basis until a new elementary school is provided.
The Old High School
While considering the matter of additional schoolhouse facilities,
your Committee seriously considered the question, "What can be done with the
Old High School Building?"
The Old High School was constructed in 1906 at a cost of $92,723. It
was then considered a model high school building. School officials and
architects from far and wide came to inspect it. More than one community
closely copied it. It has served the town well for half a century.
With the new High School scheduled for opening in September, 1954,
the School Committee vacated the Old High School Building during the summer
of 1954 and turned the building over to the Board of Selectmen in October,
1954. Since then, the building has been on a stand-by basis.
Your Committee inspected the building several times and then conferred J
with an architect representing the firm which designed the building and with
the state building inspector of the State Department of Public Safety whose
responsibility it is to inspect and approve school buildings.
Safety Requirements Call for Major Changes
The most serious obstacle to any further use of the old High School
building for school purposes are state safety inspection requirements. In
any rehabilitation program the changes needed are so mayor that the State
Department of Public Safety would view the building as new construction to
which current safety standards and requirements for egress, heating, ventila-
tion, plumbing, etc., would apply.
The building does not meet present safety requirements for school
buildings, particularly as such requirements relate to stairways, egress
from rooms, fire escapes, and general fire hazard. The present stairways
and fire escapes would have to be demolished. The third floor would have to
be sealed off as a fire prevention precaution. A new heating, ventilation,
-12-
and electrical systemdl uld be required. Toilets would have to be modernized
to meet current health.11standards. The architect feels that such major
changes would probably (require stripping the inside of the building.
Rehabilitation Costs Estimated At $200,000
Such major changes to meet school building safety requirements would
be expensive. The architect estimates the remodeling costs to be about
$200,000. Reading would have to meet the total costs as the Massachusetts
School Building Assistance Commission is not authorized to participate in
these costs. In meeting safety requirements, the number of usable classrooms
would be reduced to 10 providing for 300 pupils.
Rehabilitation and New School Costs Compared
The architect estimates the costs of constructing a new and complete
10-classroom building to be about $425,000, exclusive of land and landscaping
costs. Under present formulas, the Massachusetts School Building Assistance
�� Commission would assume 36,6% of the costs. With a 36.6% grant which would
amount to about $156,000, the net cost to Reading would be approximately
$269,000, exclusive of land and landscaping costs. Thus from a financial
viewpoint, Reading could provide from its own funds a new schoolhouse for only
$69,000 more than it would cost to rehabilitate the Old High School. It can
be presumed that a new building would have a longer life expectancy and lower
maintenance costs. There would be the added advantage that a new building
would be in a more suitable location with ample acreage.
The Old High School, if reconstructed, would have little or no value
as a modern school building. It would still fail to meet modern educational
standards and design. , The amount of land (69,780 square feet) on which the
building is located falls far short of minimum standards. The lack of space
would preclude any addition to accommodate projected school population in-
creases.
Recommendation
Thus your Comm�ttee feels that from both financial and educational
standpoints any use o� this building should be for other than school purposes.
The Committee theref4e recommends the Old High School be excluded from all
-13-
future consideration in school plant planning.
If the building is used for other than school purposes and if the
auditorium is eliminated or reduced below a capacity of 400, the State Depart-
ment of Public Safety will no longer have ,jurisdiction. The renovation will
be subject only to Reading's own building inspection requirements. While
renovation costs for such use would be much less than the $2o0,OOo previously
mentioned, the project will still be expensive because of the extensive
character of the many changes required.
V. FUTURE SCHOOL BUILDING REEDS
Thus far Reading has been able to meet the pressure of increasing en-
rollments. In 1949, the Joshua Eaton School with a capacity of 540 pupils
was opened, superseding the Chestnut Hill School (capacity 75) and the Pros-
pect Street School (capacity 120) . In 1.950 the St. Agnes School was started,
using the Prospect Street School. The opening of the St. Agnes School and
its later expansion served to provide additional spaces for the growing i
Reading school population. After the parochial pupils were transferred to
the new St. Agnes School, mounting school enrollments forced the School Com-
mittee in 1952 to reopen the Prospect Street School. Construction of the
new High School (capacity 1200) was then started and it was opened in 1954
at which time the Old High School reverted to the Town.
To date, Reading's school building program has kept pace or a step
ahead of the Town's growing needs.
Reading Continuing To Grow
Reading, however, as we have already seen in Chapter II, is exper-
iencing a definite pattern of continuing growth. Each day another Reading
baby is born. Every 2.7 days a permit Por a new dwelling unit is issued. A
steady flow of new families--almost one a day in recent months--is being
attracted to Reading.
The growth pattern may be expected to continue for many years to come.
There is plenty of room for Reading to grow. Always attractive, Reading has
been made more inviting by its new schools.
Reading's growth pattern suggests one course of action with respect to
14-
school plant! Keep moving'I� To stand still is to lose ground. The schools
should grow along with th'o Town.
Constantly increasing enrollments will again fill the Reading school
plant to capacity by 19581, At that time there will be an estimated 3410
pupils enrolled as compsrled with a total capacity of 3450. Starting in 1959,
enrollments will exceed capacity.
These facts take on real significance however, when schoolhousing
conditions are analyzed separately for the elementary and Junior high grades.
All Reading schools, with the exception of the new High School, are at
capacity. The situation is particularly critical in the elementary schools.
Even now the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools are
resorting to cumbersome expedients to house the elementary. and Junior high
pupils.
Shortage of 16 Elementary Classrooms Predicted
The projected enrollments contained in Table 1 indicate an immediate
need for a new elementary school. Table 5 shows that this year elementary
school. enrollments exceed reasonable building capacity by 100 pupils (3 class-
rooms) . The 100 pupils were transferred to the Junior High School Building.
The situation will worsen rapidly. By 1957 the elementary schools will be
298 pupils or 10 classrooms over capacity; by 1960, a total of 488 pupils or
16 classrooms over capacity. The increasing shortage of school plant is
shown in Chart 3 below.
TABLE 5
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT vs. CAPACITY
Projected Capacity Number of Classrooms
School Enrollment Elementary Pupils Over Over
Year 1-6 Schools Capacity Capacity
1954-55 1680■ 1580 100 3
1955-56 1737 1580 157 6
1956-57 1778 1580 198 7
1957-58 1878 1580 298 10
1958-59 1890 1580 310 10
1959-60 1940 1580 360 13
L960-61 2068 1580 488 16
• Actual
-15-
The Junior High School capacity (670) is now not sufficient to house
grades 7, 8 and 9 which this year have a total enrollment of 727. The 100
elementary pupils transferred to the Junior High School, plus the 268 and
258 in the seventh and eighth grades respectively, totaled 626 pupils, only
44 short of the Junior High School capacity. As a result, the Superintend-
ent transferred all the ninth grade classes (271 pupils including North
Reading students) to the High School Building where space is available. Thus
to meet enrollment pressures this year, the Junior High School is housing
grades 7, 8 and pest of 6, and the High School is housing grades 9 through 12.
Table 6 presents the enrollment-capacity figures for the Junior High
School.
TABLE 6
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT vs. CAPACITY
Projected Capacity Number of Classrooms
School Enrollment Junior High Pupils Over Over
Year 7-9 School Capacity Capacity aaa
1954-55 797* 670 127 5
1955-56 776 670 1o6 4
1956-57 783 670 113 5
1957-58 764 670 94 4
1958-59 829 670 159 6
1959-6o 930 670 26o 10
196o-61 954 670 284 11
* Actual. This figure has been adjusted to include 70 North Reading pupils
In the ninth grade.
The extra capacity of the new High School can and is being used to
relieve the growing pressure in the school system caused by increasing elem-
entary school enrollments. Available rooms in the new High School will permit
the School Committee to continue the use of expedients permitting the housing
of the extra elementary school pupils in the Junior High School Building while
transferring the ninth grade ,junior high school pupils to the High School.
But, unfortunately, the School Committee can continue these devices for only
one more year (through 1955-56) without serious distortion of the educational
system--a distortion which will operate to the particular detriment of the
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-17-
elementary grade pupils. If no action is taken now, starting in 1957-58
about 120 eighth graders (as well as 272 ninth graders) will have to be
transferred to the High School Building to make room for the 298 elementary
pupils who will have to be transferred to the Junior High School Building.
By 1959-60, some fifth graders will have to be removed to the Junior High
School and some seventh graders to the High School.
Educators and parents alike recognize the undesirability of housing
in the same school building seventh and eighth grade students, most of whom
are only 11 to 13 years of age, with High School students 17 and 18 years
old. This is what will happen unless an elementary school is constructed.
The only alternatives are double sessions or a substantial increase in the
pupil-teacher ratios in the elementary schools. Neither of these alternat-
ives appear to be the satisfactory solution.
After careful consideration, your Committee recommends that sums be
appropriated immediately for the preparation of plans for an elementary
school and that an elementary school be constructed as soon as possible to
open in September, 1957.
The opening of a new elementary school (say, 16 classrooms or 480
capacity) will relieve pressure by increasing the present elementary school
capacity from 1580 to 2060 (1940 if Lowell Street School is abandoned as
recommended) . This will be adequate until 1960. A new elementary school
would free the Junior High School of 6th grade pupils, thus permitting the
building to house 7th and 8th graders for several years to come. It would
also increase the total capacity of Reading Schools to 3810, thus postponing
from 1958-59 to 1960-61 or 1961-62 the time when total enrollments will again
reach total capacity. Table 7 shows the effect of one new elementary school
upon Reading's schoolhouse problem.
1959 A Critical Year
Further study of Table 7 shows 1959 to be a critical year even though
a new elementary school is opened in September, 1957. The elementary school
buildings will again be at capacity. In 1960 they will be 128 overcapacity.
This would mean the transfer again of elementary pupils to the Junior High
School or to the High School Building. In 1959, the Junior Hipp School, ya
housing only the seventh and eighth grades, will be at capacity. The following ■
year (1960-61) it will a 75 over capacity due to the necessary transfer of
128 elementary school pals. The only extra space will be found in the
High School which will ,'have an enrollment of 993 (for grades 9 through 12)
as against a capacity aT_ 1200. Should trends and influences during the next
several years make the projected enrollment figures conservative, even this
space would not be ava4able.
Additional ISchool Building Construction 1n 1960
Projected enrollments indicate that Reading will be faced in 1960
with the alternatives 4f a Junior High School addition or another new element-
ary school. The experience of the next few years will permit the refinement
of projections so that the year of construction can be more accurately determ-
ined. In-migration ratios, retention ratios in the high school, the rapidity
and extent of new housing development, continued increases in births--all are
factors to be watched during the next few years. The effect upon enrollment
of these trends and influences in the next few years may be to hasten or post-
pone the need for further construction.
VIj SCHOOL SITES FOR THE FUTURE
Forest Street Site Recommended
The Committee's, studies support the selection of the Forest Street
site previously approved by the School Committee and the Planning Board as
the site of the next elementary school. This location is also in the vicinity
chosen by Dr. William K. Wilson in his 1944 school plant survey in which he
recommended a site on the western edge of Birchmeadow.
The Forest Street site is a desirable one from the standpoint of
present and projected population. It is the center of potential growth.
Three-fourths of the available land is north of the geographical center of
Town.
A recent survey made by the School Superintendent disclosed 102
Highland School pupils, in grades 1 through 4 and 50 in grades 5 and 6 who
lived north of Forest Street and the immediate vicinity. It also showed
75 Pearl Street pupilsi, in grades 1 through 4 and 40 in grades 5 and 6 living
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-20-
on Wakefield Street, FQ�est Glen Road, and all streets north in the Pearl
Street School district;
Two maps are offered as part of this report to show how the town may
best be served by the proper location of elementary school buildings.
Distribution of New Dwellings
The first map shows the areas of residential development. This map
was prepared by indicating, with pins, the location of the 760 new dwellings
for which building permits were issued in the years 1950 through 1954. Each
pin represents two dwelling units.
This method shoVs in a convincing manner that the distribution of the
potential school population is not confined to any particular area but is
spaced in small concentrations throughout the town. It also reveals that
about three-fifths of the building activity occurred in the northerly half of
the town.
Distribution of Children of Pre-School Age
The second map reflects the geographical distribution of children under
the age of 5 years and 10 months on January 1, 1955 as reported for the cur-
rent State census.
The census shows there are 2044 children in this category as compared
with the 2068 predicted in Table 1 to be in the elementary schools In 1960.
Of the total of 2044 children in this category 472 are located in
Precinct 1, 574 in Precinct 2, 357 in Precinct 3, and 641 in Precinct 4.
Although there is little geographical relationship between the precincts and
the school districts, it may be assumed that the schools will serve children
in the various precincts as follows:
Pearl Street School: northerly part of Precinct 1 and a part of
_ Precinct 4.
Joshua Eaton School: southerly pert of Precinct 1, and a greater
part of Precinct 2.
Forest Street School: northwesterly pert of Precinct 2, a greater
part of Precinct 3, and a greater part of
Precinct 4.
Highland School: parts of Precincts 3 and 4.
The distribution, as may be expected, follows closely the pattern of
-21-
MAP 1
DISTRIBUTION OF BUILDING PERMITS
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_22_
MAP 2
DISTRIBUTION OF C'�HILDREN OF PRE-SCHOOL AGE - January 1, 1955
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-23-
dwellings with greater concentration in areas adjacent to the shopping center
of the town, particularly in the area bounded by Main, Salem, John, and
Washington Streets. J
From a study of the map, it is evident that a school located on the site
off Forest Street, recently purchased by the Town, would not only serve a
potentially populous area but could be used to relieve the pressure on the
Pearl Street, Joshua Eaton, and Highland Schools.
Using the Joshua Eaton and Pearl Street Schools and the site of the pro-
posed school off Forest Street as centers, three circles of one-mile radius
are drawn to show the almost complete coverage obtained in the area within
these circles. The Highland School, located within all three circles, can
be utilized to relieve the other three schools.
Selection of Additional Sites
The continued growth of the town along with projected increases in school
Population suggest the advisability of selecting at least two school sites in
addition to the Forest Street site. The Committee has given only limited
study to this problem, but examination of Maps 1 and 2 indicates two possible
sites: the extreme end of West Street, and the area near Franklin and Haver-
hill Streets east of Main Street. Further study by a Site Selection Commit-
tee is recommended.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-,Authorize money for the preparation of plans and
surveys for the construction of an elementary school of approximately
16 rooms to open in September, 1957.
2. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE--Establish a School Building Committee for the
Purpose of the construction of an elementary school.
3. SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE--Establish a Site Selection Committee to study
and investigate suitable sites in the Town for additional schools where
growth is expected.
4. OLD HIGH SCHOOL--Exclude the Old High School from all future considera-
tion in School plant planning.
5. LOWELL STREET SCHOOL-Abandon the Lowell Street School upon opening of
the recommended new elementary school.
6. ANNUAL CENSUS-.Make an annual census of children of
pre-school age.
7. ENROLLMENT PROJECTION--Revise yearly the school enrollment projection
and related statistics.
: r x
SII Reading, Mass., February 24, 1955
B6CH MEADOW STUDY COMMITTEE
A comprehensive study of the future development
of the Birch Meadow area and
Recommendations in respect thereto.
Authority:
This special committee known as the "Birch Meadow Study Committee" was
appointed pursuant to a vote of the Town of Reading at its adjourned annual Town
Meeting held on March 22, 1954.
Purpose:
As stated in Article 3 of the Town Warrant this special committee which is
comprised of eight members (one (1) member from each of the School Committee,
Board of Public Works, Finance Committee, Capital Expenditures Planning Com-
mittee, and four (4) Town Meeting Members at large appointed by the Board of
Selectmen) was created "for the purpose of making a comprehensive study of the
future development of the Birch Meadow area relating to school athletic facilities,
public playground areas, public utilities, access roads, parking areas, swimming
pool and other related matters."
Birch Meadow Site:
Birch Meadow is located about three-quarters of a mile north of Reading
Square just west of Route 28 and adjacent to the new high school.
The Meadow is situated at the head of a watershed that drains easterly to
the Ipswich River and to Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield and thence into the
Saugus River.
The Meadow drains westerly by open ditch across the Birch Meadow area
and thence by pipe and culvert under the Boston and Maine Railroad tracks to
West Street and on down the Aberjona River through Mishawum Lake and even-
tually into the Mystic River.
Thus, one of the sources of the Mystic River is found in the east end of
Birch Meadow which concerns one of the chief problems of adequately draining and
developing this area.
The Birch Meadow area to be developed contains some twenty-eight (28)
acres of rough swampy Ind comprised mostly of clay, muck and some gravel with
varying elevations coverod in places by a growth of underbrush and trees. As
indicated by the map attached to this report, the area is most irregular in shape.
-2-
This factor of area irregularity together with the present location of the open ditch
running through the Meadow required much study before our "lay-out" plan for
roads, recreational and other facilities could be developed.
Preliminary Procedure:
In determining our course of action and to thoroughly acquaint ourselves
with the area to be developed, we made on numerous occasions physical inspec-
tions of the entire area with qualified persons using maps showing grades, eleva-
tions and contours. Also, we requested of and received recommendations from
the School Committee relating to intramural and other athletic and recreational
facilities and parking requirements; requested of and received recommendations
from the Board of Public Works relating to access and utility roads to service the
area and for other matters; requested of and received recommendations from the
Board of Selectmen relating to the site of the proposed swimming pool and con-
sulted with (at no cost) a qualified engineer in respect to this committee's re-
sponsibilities and objectives in the overall development of the Birch Meadow area.
The result of these early preliminary investigations and deliberations
clearly indicated that there were many complex and inter-related factors involved
in developing this area, the cost of which would be substantial. Therefore, this
committee felt that it would not be in the best interest of the citizens and the tax-
payers of the Town of Reading if it went forward without the benefit of advice and
counsel of an experienced and qualified consulting engineer.
As a result, this committee requested and the Town approved at a special
town meeting held on June 30, 1954, an appropriation of $2,200. Subsequently, the
committee engaged the firm of Whitman & Howard, Engineers of Boston, Massa-
chusetts for the sum of $1,850.
The cost of this service included the following:
1. Meetings and consultation with this committee.
2. Preparation of topographical maps, etc.
3. Preliminary sketches of layout plans of recreational areas and access
roads as developed by this committee.
4. Program for draining Birch Meadow.
5. Sewage disposal for proposed elementary school on Forest Street by
connecting with high school sewer in Birch Meadow.
6. Preparation of cost estimates of various projects, by units.
7. Preparation of master plan as finally determined by this committee.
1
-3-
Areas and Projects:
To develop the entire Birch Meadow area as a single project would subject
the citizens and taxpayers to an unreasonable if not impossible burden. In view of
the substantial expense involved it was determined that the cost should be spread
I` over a period of years as: money becomes available. In developing the area it was
necessary to give consideration to existing roads, new roads, play area and sew-
age disposal in relation to the site for the proposed new elementary school on
Forest Street, presupposing that this site is selected by the Special Committee
now studying school sites.
Drainage and Grading:
A physical examination of the area revealed the necessity of providing
proper drainage and grading. In order to analyze this specific problem we re-
quested the engineers to make a contour map and provide us with estimated costs
of two methods of obtaining a firm dry ground in the area.
The first method which we considered provided for the raising of the
present grade in the Birch Meadow approximately two feet. This would involve
purchasing about 50,000 cubic yards of fill per foot of elevation or a total of
100,000 cubic yards at a cost of $,10 per cubic yard, or $80,000. Further, it
would be necessary to distribute and grade this acquired fill at a cost of an ad-
ditional $.75 per cubic yard, or $75,000. Thus, the total cost of carrying out this
method was estimated to be $155,000.
The second method considered provided for the lowering of the drainage
ditch by two feet from West Street to Birch Meadow and the redistribution of the
existing material which had been dumped in the area over the years and grading
to predetermined elevations. This method would eliminate the necessity for the
purchase of expensive fill and the cost of spreading and grading related thereto at
a substantial saving.
The cost under this plan is estimated as follows:
*Grading the Birch Meadow area $32,000
Lowering the drainage ditch $21,000
Installation of a new culvert at West Street 16,000
under B&M Railroad 22,000
Lowell Street 8,000
Intervale Terrace 6,000 73,000
Total cost $105,000
*Note: The rouge grading of the Birch Meadow area itself will provide
proper drainage in all but exceptionally wet conditions when the westerly
-4-
portion may be expected to become partly flooded for short periods. How-
ever, it is expected that Area No. 1 (the area which we recommend be
developed this year) would not be subject to flooding even under the most
adverse conditions. But most important, this initial overall grading of
the "Meadow' will permit "piecemeal" development of the separate areas
at substantial savings as only loaming and seeding (no expensive fill)
will be required. This rough grading is a prerequisite if the "Meadow' is
to be properly and economically developed over a period of years.
The Board of Public Works has advised us that it is committed to build and
install new culverts at West Street as the existing culverts are of insufficient size.
The estimated cost of this work would in the normal course of events come from
funds appropriated for drainage purposes. The Board of Public Works has ad-
vised us that it is delaying the start of this work pending recommendations from
this committee. Thus, the installation of the West Street culverts is an expense
properly allocated to the Board of Public Works.
It is important to note that under this second method not only does a sub-
stantial savings result in the Birch Meadow area but the entire watershed that this
drainage ditch services is benefited by a more rapid drainage than otherwise
would be possible.
Acquisition of Additional Land
The map of the Birch Meadow area shows its shape to be very irregular.
In order to obtain economical and maximum utilization of the "Meadow' and to lay
out properly an access road, a parking area, and play areas - all of which will be
taken up later in this report - it is the recommendation of this committee that an
area of approximately 10.8 acres belonging to Edward C. and Martha L. Small
adjoining the area to the northeast be acquired. To this end, the Town Courm4l
upon the request of this committee has secured an option to purchase this property-
on or before April 30, 1955 at a price of $2,500.
The records at the assessors' office show the 1954 assessment to be
$1,625.
Access Roads
One of the many problems confronting the committee was the development
of a road to adequately service the new high school, the Birch Meadow recreation-
al area in general, and the proposed new elementary school on Forest Street ad-
jacent to Birch Meadow. This road should be of minimum length with maximum
safety and economical utilization of land.
It is the opinion of this committee that Hillside Road is inadequate to meet
the traffic demands imposed on it because of the new high school. The approach to
I
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North
North Main Street is poor l, because of insufficient width and present grade. In fact,
both our consulting engi+r and the Board of Public Works advised this com-
mittee that Hillside Road (Main Street to Oakland Road) presents a very serious
entry and egress problem because of its steep and narrow grade.
Birch Meadow Drive from North Main Street to Oakland Road
IIt is recommended that a new road be constructed to be known as Birch
Meadow Drive from North Main Street to Oakland Road - a distance of 800 Feet.
The route chosen is the shortest, most economical and logical connection between
Oakland Road and North Main Street. Also the land on which the proposed road
would be located is owned by the Town so no land taking would be required with
resultant expense to the taxpayer. It is further recommended that a sidewalk be
constructed on the south side of this road. If at some future time it is felt neces-
sary or desirable to add a second sidewalk, there would be sufficient room along
the north side. This approach to North Main Street will be sufficiently wide to
provide for safety.
Also, it should be noted that at the intersection visibility to the north and
south on Main Street is at a maximum. We have been informed that the daily
traffic count on Route 28 at this location is presently 16,000 vehicles. Upon com-
pletion of the new Route 28 it is estimated that the count will drop to 5,000. This
should reduce the risk hazard considerably at this proposed intersection. It is
estimated that the cost of this road would be as follows:
For filling to elevations required, placing 12 inches of
gravel sub-base 60 feet wide, installing drains and placing
stone bounds $26,000
For building a sidewalk on the south side, 6-foot width of
bituminous concrete; for placing bituminous concrete 2i
inches thick on the roadway, and for tree - lawn,
curbing etc. 8,100
Total $34,100
Birch Meadow Drive from Oakland Road to John Carver Road
It is recommended that a road be constructed from Oakland Road to John
Carver Road. The purpoFse of this road is to provide access to the proposed site of
the elementary school on! Forest Street. Forest Street is a twisting, narrow, hilly
road that is dangerous under present traffic conditions. To impose the entire in-
crease in traffic occasioned by a new school on this obsolete road would be highly
undesirable in our opinion. Because this proposed road would be used by com-
muting children, we recopmmend that a sidewalk on the south side be constructed.
-6-
If
6-If at some future time it is felt necessary or desirable to add a second sidewalk,
there is sufficient room within the 8-foot strip on the north side of this road. It is
the recommendation of this committee that the surface of this road be oil treated
because of two reasons: first, it is much less costly - $3,500 vs. $16,000; and
second, the traffic should be much less than that on Oakland Road. If conditions
in the future require it, a bituminous concrete surface can be laid. This section
of road would be 2,700 feet long, the estimated cost of which would be as follows:
For grading to elevations required, placing 12 inches of
gravel sub-base 50 feet wide, installing drains and placing
stone bounds $28,000
For constructing culverts under road near Waverly Street
and near John Carver Road 4,500
For placing oil surface treatment on roadway width of 34 feet 3,500
For building sidewalk on south side 4.5-foot width of
bituminous concrete and a loam border 3.5 feet wide 4,000
Total *$40,000
*The above estimated cost presupposes that rough grading of the
entire Birch Meadow area will have been completed as recommended.
Birch Meadow Drive from John Carver Road to Hartshorn Street
It is recommended that a road be constructed from John Carver Road to
Hartshorn Street. This is a continuation of the road described in the foregoing
section and is primarily for the same purpose. As an extension of Bancroft
Avenue, it provides ready access from areas served by principal connecting
streets, i.e., Woburn Street, Middlesex Avenue, Lowell Street and Hartshorn
Street. Because this proposed road would be used by commuting children, we
recommend that a sidewalk on the east side be constructed. If at some future
time it is felt necessary or desirable to add a second sidewalk, there is sufficient
room within the 8-foot strip on the west side of this road. It is the recommenda-
tion of this committee that the surface of this road be oil treated because it is
much less costly - $2,000 vs. $8,300 - and the traffic would be no greater than the
previously described section. If conditions in the future require it, a bituminous.
concrete surface can be laid. This section of road is 1,400 feet long, the esti-
mated cost of which would be as follows:
' k
-7-
For grading to ele{�ations required, placing 12 inches of C
gravel sub-base 5 , feet wide, installing drains and placing
stone bounds1 $15,000
For placing oil surface treatment on roadway width of
34 feet 2,000
For building sidewalk on east side 4.5-foot width of bitumin-
ous concrete and a loam border 3.5 feet wide 2,100
Total *$19,100
*The above estimated cost presupposes that rough grading of the
entire Birch Meadow area will have been completed as recommended.
Elementary School Road from Forest Street to Birch Meadow Drive
It is recommended that a road be constructed from Forest Street to the
proposed Birch Meadow Drive. At the present time there exists no convenient
route to this area from that section of town to the north of the Birch Meadow area
from North Main Street over to Grove Street - a section where there is growth
potential. Furthermore, an access road to the new elementary school building
from Forest Street and from Birch Meadow Drive is a necessity in the opinion of
the committee. This road has been located on the easterly side of the elementary
school lot, within the school site to give the safest confluence with Forest Street
and shortest connection to Birch Meadow Drive. Because this proposed road
would be used by commuting children, we recommend that a sidewalk on the west
side be constructed. If at some future time it is felt necessary or desirable to
add a second sidewalk, there is sufficient room within the 0-foot strip on the east
side of this road. It is the recommendation of this committee that the surface of
this road be oil treated because it is much less costly - $1,200 vs. $4,600 - and
the traffic should be no greater than the previously described section. If condi-
tions in the future require it, a bituminous concrete surface can be laid. This sec-
tion of road is 700 feet long and it is estimated would cost:
For grading to elevations required, placing 12 inches of
gravel sub-base 50 feet wide, installing drains and placing
stone bounds $15,000
For placing oil supface treatment on roadway width of 34 feet 1,200
For building sidewalk on west side 4.5-foot width of
bituminous concrete and loam border 3.5 feet wide 1,100
Total $17,300
_The Extension of Hartshorn Street to Longfellow Road
It is recommended that Hartshorn Street be extended past Longfellow Road
to the line of the high school property, and that a circle be constructed to permit a
turn around. We are informed that funds are available for the extension in the
High School Access Roads Fund.
The Extension of Longfellow Road to Hartshorn Street
We do not recommend that Longfellow Road be extended to Hartshorn Street
at the present time. It is felt that the development of the Birch Meadow area to-
gether with the existence of the new high school will result in an increase in de-
sirability of vacant land now abutting the unfinished portion of Longfellow Road.
Consequently, it is anticipated that the cost of extending Longfellow Road will be
borne by the builder(s) of new houses.
Should the future reveal that such is not the case, appropriate action may be
taken at that time in light of conditions then prevailing.
It is the feeling of this committee that while it would be desirable to extend
Longfellow Road at this time, in the interest of economy it would be wise to await
the development of new houses. a!
Traffic Regulation J
It is recommended that access roads proposed in this report be posted to
limit the speed of vehicles to 20 miles per hour, and further that commercial
vehicles be prohibited from using the roads.
The Committee recommends that the necessary steps be taken to insure the
installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Birch Meadow Drive and North
Main Street at the earliest possible time.
Wading Pool
The southerly end of the wading pool would be cut off by the extension of
Hartshorn Street. The Board of Public Works has informed this committee that it
has funds available to rebuild the wading pool, moving it slightly to the north. We
recommend that the extension of Hartshorn Street be delayed until after the summer
recreational program has been completed.
Swimming Pool
It is this committee's understanding that a special committee has been ap-
pointed to study, as a part of its deliberations, the desirability of building a swim-
I
-9-
i
ming pool within the civic 1.recreation centre of Birch Meadow. For this reason we j
are making no specific reFommendation although it is the feeling of the committee
that it should be located it Area No. 5 within which there is ample space.
fffi�i Recreational Facilities
In the consideration of the over-all plan, we have given much thought and
study to the play areas which we have designated for specific purposes. We have
considered the location of the areas with respect to the high school, parking areas,
access roads both present and contemplated, the proposed site of the new elemen-
tary school, and the topography of the entire area after rough grading.
We requested the School Committee to indicate the number of students
that would use the outdoor athletic facilities at the new high school during and
after school hours when full facilities are available and used for the specific pur-
poses. Their estimate is as follows:
Fall Program Spring Program
Interscholastic Teams
Football 11 Baseball 40
Soccer 30 Tennis 72
Cross Country 15 Golf 12
Field Hockey 30 Track 30
Intramural Teams
Soccer 50 Tennis 30
Touch Football 40 Track 60
Archery 36 Softball 50
Horseshoes 16 Archery 36
Speedball _ 50 Horseshoes 16
Speedball 50
Other Activities
Band 60 Band 60
Baton Squad 40 Baton Squad 40
Cheer Leaders 10 Cheer Leaders 10
Classes During Day
TOTAL 400 400
*852 *846
*These figures will fluctuate with enrollment.
-10-
Play Area No. 1
As of this date Birch Meadow provides no adequate area for intramural and
physical education activities. In our opinion this situation should be corrected at
the earliest possible date.
Area No. 1 (see map) has been laid out adjacent to the high school and par-
allel to the proposed Birch Meadow Drive, but within a minimum distance from
North Main Street, Oakland Road and present and proposed parking areas. Due to
the topography of the meadow with its grades and drainage problems, it was de-
termined that this area should be developed first for intramural and physical edu-
cation activities. When other areas are developed, this area will be converted to
a football field. Because this future use would require the installation of under-
drains, we believe it would be more economical to install these drains at the out-
set thereby eliminating the wasteful destruction of established sod. The estimated
cost of drainage indicated below also includes piping the brook under a small sec-
tion at the northerly end of the area.
In the interest of economy we recommend that the quarter mile oval cinder
track and 220-yard straight-away be constructed at the time the area is developed
rather than to delay until the area is converted to a football field. It is estimated
that a savings of $6,000 will result if the cinder track is initially provided. Thus,
not only will a substantial savings result but a facility (which the school does not
now enjoy) will be provided for track activities which will increase interest and
activity in this field of sport for a greater number of students.
The cost estimated of developing Area No. I for intramural and physical
activities is as follows:
Drainage $13,000
Loaming (6" deep after compaction) and Seeding 33,000
Construction of Cinder Track 15,000
Total $61,000
When, as, and if the area is converted to a football field the principal ex-
pense will then include only the cost of a permanent type grandstand and fence, as
the area will have previously been properly graded and drained. The field has
been planned to provide participants and spectators protection from the rays of the
afternoon sun. The cost for converting the area into a football field is estimated
to be as follows:
Chain link fence (entire area) $ 9,500
Permanent type grandstand for one side of field
2,500 capacity 35,000
Total $44,500
J
II
-11-
Play Area No. 2
The construction o� Birch Meadow Drive in the area and the rough grading
will eliminate the existing skating area which is located to the west of the un-
finished road which can be identified as the extension of Bancroft Road. It is our
opinion that with the few areas in the town available for ice-skating it becomes
highly desirable to provide a substitute for the area to be eliminated.
Play Area No. 2 (see map) contains 125,000 square feet. We recommend
that 75,000 square feet (approximately 1.7 acres) be set aside for winter ice-
skating area. A circumfetential strip of land surrounding this area, consisting of
some 50,000 square feet is provided as a safety measure from Birch Meadow
Drive and the open ditch. The work necessary to establish grades for the skating
area of 75,000 square feet (which will be 6 inches to 1 foot below those grades of
the circumferential strip) would be done at the time the entire Birch Meadow Area
is rough-graded. This would involve no extra expense in so far as grading is con-
cerned - in fact a savings would result. We recommend that a dam with flash boards
be constructed across the.brook to regulate the amount of area to be flooded.
The total estimated cost of the work to be done in this area is as follows:
For constructing dam and flash boards $1,300
For loaming and seeding 50,000 sq. ft., loam to be
6" deep after compaction 5,500
Total $6,800
It is recommended that loaming and seeding in the circumferential strip be
deferred until after Birch Meadow Drive has been constructed at the northwesterly
boundary of this area. This would eliminate damage that would otherwise be
caused to a sodded area.
Play Area No. 3
Play Area No. 3 (see map) contains about 356,000 square feet or 8.2 acres.
It is recommended that this area be developed for intramural and physical educa-
tion activities in place of Play Area No. 1 when the latter is converted to a football
field. This site has been laid out in close proximity to the high school gymnasium.
The area is of sufficient size to accommodate the requirements as indicated by the
School Committee; i.e., two soccer fields, a field-hockey field, and two softball
diamonds or such other intramural activities as it may determihe. The School
Committee will have the responsibility of assigning the specific areas within the
general area.
The absence of r(ads bounding this area should be noted as there is no
necessity for general vehicular access.
The cost estimate for developing this area is as follows:
For loaming and seeding - loamtobe 6 inches deep after compaction- $41,000
-12-
Play Area No. 4
Play Area No. 4 (see map) contains about 214,000 square feet or 4.9 acres.
Itis recommended that this area be developed for the high school baseball field.
The field has been planned to have ready access to Birch Meadow Drive and to
provide the pitcher, catcher and batter protection from the rays of the afternoon
sun. Sufficient room has been assigned to this area to permit the unrestricted
play of baseball. It is separated from the other play areas by the brook to the
north and the wooded knoll to the east, thus reducing the danger of batted balls to
those using other areas. Also, this location is most favorable because of elevation
and drainage factors which are of primary importance.
The estimated cost for developing this area is as follows:
For loaming and seeding the area shown on the plan, loam $26,000
6 inches deep after compaction
For back-stop of chain link fencing 150 feet long and
20 feet high. 3,500
For miscellaneous equipment, players' benches, etc. 500
Total
'x$30,000
*This above estimated cost presupposes that rough grading of the
entire Birch Meadow area will have been completed as recommended.
Play Area No. 5
We recommend that this area of about 310,000 square feet (7.1 acres) be
developed for general play area for the citizens of the Town. This area has been
planned to have ready access to Birch Meadow Drive, Elementary School Road,
and the proposed parking area.
The cost estimate is as follows:
For loaming and seeding the area shown on the plan, loam
6-inches deep after compaction $36,000
Play Area No. 6
We recommend that this area of about 80,000 square feet (1.8 acres) be
developed for general play area for the citizens of the Town. The cost estimate
is as follows:
For loaming and seeding the area shown on the plan, loam
to be 6-inches deep after compaction $10,500
-13-
Area No. 7
We recommend that this area of about 130,000 square feet be developed for
parking initially to accom odate about 400 cars. Should the future indicate the
necessity, more area is available.
As this parking area is designed primarily to accommodate the public at-
tending functions in the football and track field, it is recommended that it be
developed at the time the football field is made available. Reference to the map
will show its location to be on the north side of Birch Meadow Drive adjacent to
the eventual site of the football field with easy and quick entrance to and exit from
the area.
The estimated cost for developing this parking area is as follows:
For filling the area to the elevations required and placing $23,000
12-inches of gravel sub-base
For placing oil surface treatment on entire area
6,000
Total $29,000
Parking Areas - General
We have observed the conditions that existed at the few times when there
was a sizeable crowd at the high school. As a result, it is our opinion that the
parking areas that are now in existence plus the curb parking space along Oakland
Road provide adequate space. Within these areas, 271 cars may be accommodated.
The School Committee concurs in this opinion.
Water Outlets - Drinking, Fountains
We recommend that water be piped to the sites of the football and baseball
fields to preserve established turf during prolonged dry periods.
It is further recommended that drinking fountains be provided in the general
play areas. The installation of the pipe would progress only as the areas are ac-
tually developed. The estimated cost that follows is for the completed project.
1700 feet of 2-inch W. I. pipe and fittings @ $.90 $1,530
700
1700 feet of 2-inC,h pipe installed @ $1.00 1, 0
Hose connections, fountains, etc. $3,37370
700
Construction contingencies, etc. $4,300
Total
-14-
Street Lighting
It is recommended that adequate street lighting be provided for Birch
Meadow Drive and Elementary School Road. The Reading Municipal Light Depart-
,
ment has furnished this committee with an estimate of $7600 for this purpose.
Such lighting to be provided only upon completion of the roads.
Included in the estimate of $7,600, but separated for clarification, is the
estimate of $1,350 to light Birch Meadow Drive from North Main Street to Oakland
Road,
Landscaping
While the appropriate laying out and planting of trees, shrubs and hedges
would add comfort, charm and attractiveness to the "Meadow" it was the feeling of
this committee that the expense involved for such a project should be delayed until
such time as the recreational areas, their related projects and facilities have been
completed.
Summary and Recommendations
Early in this report (see page 2) this committee stated that its preliminary
investigations indicated that the overall costs of developing Birch Meadow would
be substantial. Based upon costs prevailing as of this date, it is estimated that the J
overall cost of developing Birch Meadow will be close to $500,000. The finances of
the Town will not permit such an expenditure except over a period of years.
If possible, it is desirable and probably advisable that some start in the
development of the area be made during the year 1955. With this in mind, we have
listed by priority those projects which we believe should be developed first.
These priority projects, eight in number, have been recommended for priority
only after an exhaustive study including consultations and advice from our Con-
sulting Engineer, Board of Public Works, other Town departments and officials.
The order of priority has been determined from factors, including economical out-
lay and engineering expediency, and should not be altered except upon competent
advice. The cost of developing these priority projects is estimated to be $287,900.
It is recommended that the first five (5) projects listed on the priority list
amounting to $132,250 be undertaken and developed during the calendar year 1955.
Number 6 priority project involving drainage (lowering of ditch Birch Meadow to
West Street) is a prerequisite to the proper drainage of the entire "Meadow." Also,
as earlier pointed out, the surrounding residential area will be greatly benefited by
this drainage project. This project should be undertaken as soon as funds are
available. Priority projects seven (7) and eight (8) should be undertaken coincident
with the completion of the new elementary school if it is determined that it is to be
I I
-15-
located on the Forest Strut site. This is an expense that might properly be al-
located tothe elementary choo1 as its use is primarily for the benefit of the pro-
,tf posed new school.
Priority Projects:
1. Acquisition of Small property (see Acquisition of Additional Land - $
2,500
page 4)
2. (a) Construction of Birch Meadow Drive, North Main Street to 34,100
Oakland Road - (see page 5) 1,350
(b) Street lighting under 2(a) above (see Street Lighting - page 14)
3. Rough grading of entire "Meadow' (see Drainage and Grading-page 3) 32,000
4. Development of ice-skating area (see Play Area No. 2 - page Il)
1,300
5, play Area No. 1 (see page 10)
61,000
6, Drainage Birch Meadow to West Street (see Drainage and Grading - 73,000
page 3)
Note: This completes the drainage project, i.e., the lowering of
the brook from Birch Meadow to West Street and permits the
development of the remaining areas within the "Meadow' with
the assurance of dry, firm ground, and the construction of
Birch Meadow Drive from Oakland Road to Hartshorn Street.
7. Construction of Birch Meadow Drive from Oakland Road to Hartshorn
Street and the proposed road connecting Forest Street with Birch
Meadow Drive. These roads to be constructed coincident with the 76,400
completion of the new elementary school (see pages 5, 6, and 7)
8. Electric Lights - Birch Meadow Drive - Oakland Road to Hartshorn 6,250
Street and new elementary school road (see page 14)
Total $287,900
Listed as 'bther Projects but not necessarily in order of priority are ten
(10) projects, the completion of which will depend upon the availability of funds and
the essentiality for their needs and the Towns requirements. Generally, they
may be considered as projects of the future.
-16-
Other Projects:
1. Area No. 1 (see page 10)
When area is converted to football field:
Chain link fence bordering area $ 9,500
Grandstand 35,000
2. Skating area (see page 11)
Loaming and seeding circumferential area 5,500
3. Play Area No. 3 (see page 11) 41,000
4. Play Area No. 4 (see page 12) 30,000
5. Play Area No. 5 (see page 12) 36,000
6. Play Area No. 6 (see page 12) 10,500
7. Parking Area (see page 13) 29,000
8. Water facilities (see page 13) 4,300
9. Swimming pool (see page 8) no estimate
10. Landscaping (see page 14)
no estimate
Total
$200,800
Conclusions
We wish to emphasize that the estimates of costs of developing the Birch
Meadow area as furnished by the engineering firm of Whitman and Howard are
predicated on the work being done by private contractors under economic conditions
that prevail as of this date. The actual incurred costs may vary from these esti-
mates either upwards or downwards depending upon conditions that prevail as of
the date bids are advertised. It is further anticipated that some of this work may
be done by the Board of Public Works and in such instances we assume that there
may be some savings.
In pursuit of our objective, and acting under our authorization, we have met
in Committee Session over twenty times. We are deeply grateful to those with
whom we have consulted and who have given so freely of their time and knowledge.
Their expert advice and counsel have been of inestimable value.
To develop the "Meadow' will require some courage, much foresight, and
wise counsel. This committee believes the Town is rich in all.
Respectfully submitted,
IRCH MEADO STUDY COMMITTEE
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SUPPLEME�T,_RY INFORMATION ON OLD HIGH SCHOOL
FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 21, 1955
By The
COMMITTEE OTT ADDITIONAL SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
As a result of discussions on the Old High School which took place at
precinct meetings, the Committee wishes to discuss further the problem of the
Old High School.
Additional information on the cost of remodeling the schoolhouse compared
with the cost of constructing a new one and material on the inadequacy of the
Old High School site are conisined in this supplementary statement.
The Committee wishes to emphasize that the only reason for discussing
a 10-room schoolhouse is for the purpose of comparing the cost of a schoolhouse '
of that size with the estimated cost of the reconstruction, of the Old High
School, the remodeling of which the architect feels would provide only 10 usable
classrooms. Your Committee is not recommending the constructionof a new 10-
room schoolhouse. Your committee sp_oorts the recommendation of the School
Committee that a 16-classroom elementary school be constructed.
Cost Estimates Conservative
A word of caution about costs. The estimated $200,000 cost of remodeling
the Old High School building was based upon a three-hour conference with the
architect and the state building inspector. The architect, familiar with both
the building and current costs, states this is a conservative figure which may
well prove to be too low. Any decision to utilize this building for school
purposes because of a possible saving to the Town should be based on detailed
cost estimates resulting from further study.
Mention was also made at the precinct sleeting that the Massachusetts
School Building Assistance Commission's grant of $156,000 would be offset by
interest charges on the bond issue over a twenty-year period. Your Committee
pursued this matter during the last few days with these interesting results:
To begin with, the architect's estimated cost of constructing a new and
complete 10-classroom building for %425,000, exclusive of land and landscaping
costs, was found to be reliable.
The Town of Beverly has presently under construction a new 12-room con-
servatively designed elementary school for $434,000, including construction costs,
grading, equipment, architects' fees and insurance. In 1954 Holliston built an
elementary school of 300 capacity for $397,000; Taunton, one for $454,000. These
costs include cost of construction, fees, equipment, site development, but do
not include land costs. Your Committee selected 10 elementary schools constructed
U-1-957 1-95-7 capacities ranging from 290 pupils to 360 pupils and cost per pupil
E (including cost of construction, fees, equipment, site development, but not
Including land costs) averaged $1500. Using this figure as an average, a 300-
pupil new elementary school would cost, exclusive of land, approximately $450,000.
The Administrator of the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission
states that $450,000, plus or minus 10°%, is a good figure. Allowing an additional
-2- „
$12,000 for the cost of land, the total would be $462,000.
Assuming a bond issue of $450,000 for a new 10-room elementary school,
maturing serially for 1 to 20 years with interest at 2-1/4% and with an estimated
state grant of $8,235 for each of 20 years, net costs, as shown in Appendix C,
were arrived at as follows:
Principal $450,000.00
Total Interest 106,312.50
Total Cost $556,312.50
Less State Grant 164,700.00
Total Net Cost
To Reading $391,612.50
Assuming a $200,000 bond issue for reconstruction of the Old High School,
the loan maturing serially 1 to 10 years with interest of 1-3/4%, the costs, as
shown in Appendix D, totaled $219,250:
Principal $200,000
Interest 19,250
Total $219,250
There is no state grant auT,horized for reconstruction and the term of the
bond issue is limited to 10 years.
In comparing cost, the net cost of a new 10-room school would be about
$172,362.50 more than reconstruction cost of the Old High School arrived at as
follows:
Net Cost of Financing Construction
of New 10-Room School $391,612.50
Less Cost of Financing Reconstruc-
tion of Old High School Building 219,250.00
Difference in Net Costs $172,362.50
Is The Old High School ^Site Adequate?
So much for comparative costs. What about value received?
Your Committee submits for your special consideration what it considers
one factor of utmost importance in answering that question. Is the Old High
School site adequate for a 10-room elementary school?
At your March, 1947 Annual Town Meeting, your High School Site Committee,
headed by G. Warren Cochrane, Jr., had this to say about the Old High School Site:
"Next is the Senior High School site of which the Town now owns
1.59 acres. The 1.54 acres that should be taken if this site is
to be used, have an assessed valuation of $38,675.00. It is im-
p, practical to take land to the south in this same block because of
the nature of the property, which includes the First Baptist Church
and parsonage. Another objection is the fairly steep slope of the
land to the south of the present school property. The total
acreage available here is 3.13 and is too small to show an outline
of the high school building. "
-3-
The weighted score of that Committee placed the Old High School site at
the bottom of the list slang with Sweetser Field.
The terrain definitely restricts the use or development of the site.
Desirable Minimum Standards For Acreage
What about desirable minimum standards for acreage? The National Council
on Schoolhouse Construction--an organization of persons dealing with school
building problems--has set for elementary schools a minimum site of five acres
plus an additional acre for each 100 pupils of predicted ultimate enrollment.
Thus the Council would suggest a minimum site of 8 acres for an elementary
school of 300 pupils.
The Commissioner of Education of the State of New York, in approving
modernization projects, applies as a standard a minimum of three acres plus 1
acre for each 100 pupils enrolled. This would mean 6 acres for a 300-pupil
elementary school.
The Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission follows the
nationally accepted minimum standard and thus would suggest 8 acres. The State,
however, works out with each community its site selection problem. It is im-
possible for some communities, Somerville, for example, to meet the national
standards because of lack of available space. Reading is fortunate in having
ample available space. The Commission reports, however, that most Massachusetts
communities are adhering to nationally accepted minimums and in many cases
exceeding them. With the development of the Birchmeadow area, Reading too will
exceed national standards.
Reading Standards
What about the standard Reading has already set? The following table shows
the acreage and number of acres per 100 pupils of capacity for each of the Reading
Schools, for a remodeled Old High School Building and for the Forest Street Site.
No. of Acres of Land
School or (Including Land For Acres Per
_ Site Building) 100 Pupils
Elementary:
Joshua Eaton 7.79 1.44
Highland School 1.63 0.44
Pearl Street 4.84 1.02
Lowell Street 0.85 .71
Prospect Street 0.86 .72
Forest Street Site 8.8 (1) 1.83 (1)
Junior High 16.21 2.42
New High School 5.5 (1) .46 (1)
Old High School 1.6 .53 (2)
(1) Exclusive of Blrchmeadow Area (28 acres) . The 1.83 acres per 100 pupils for
Forest Street site is based on 480 pupils (16 classrooms) .
(2) Based on remodeled building,10 rooms (300 Pupils) .
Joshua Eaton has 7.79 acres for 540 pupils or 1.44 acres for 100 pupils.
If Joshua Eaton standards were applied, 4.34 acres would be required. Pearl
Street has 4.84 acres for 475 Pupils or 1.02 acres per 100 pupils. Pearl Street
standards would require 3.06 acres. Lowell Street and Prospect Street standards
would require 2.13 acres.
The Forest Street site for the contemplated elementary school provides
8.8 acres, exclusive of the Birchmeadow area.
Thus, Reading, in its newer schools and in the school site it has already
purchased for an elementary school, is meeting or exceeding national standards.
These thoughts relative to the limitations of the Old High School site
were further confirmed in a letter from the architect for the old and new high
school buildings. (See Appendix A) .
Also enclosed as Appendix B is a copy of a letter from the State Depart-
ment of Public Safety relative to the conversion of the Old High School.
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON ADDITIONAL SCHOOLHOUSE FACILITIES
Frank J. �o, hairman
Irving
C. Au tin (�
A. Lloyd David
nnt6th R. Jo son
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EQo C . C
Eleanor C. Bishop, Secretary
Appendix "A"
ADDER, PARKER, CLINCH & CRIMP
Architects
177 State Street, Boston
March 21, 1955
Mr. Frank J. Zeo, Chairman
Committee on Additional Schoolhouse Facilities
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Zeo:
We have discussed the possibility of using the old High School
Building for elementary school purposes, and have agreed that space in
the building can be provided for ten classrooms which in themselves
might be considered adequate.
However, to state that such a remodeled building would make a de-
sirable ten room elementary school building, in my opinion, is com-
pletely impossible.
In the first place, the site, less than 70,000 square feet, is en-
tirely inadequate. The desirable minimum to provide for important out-
side activities is six acres.
Then the building itself, a high ceilinged, rather monumental
structure, is not suited for housing young children. A building some-
what domestic in scale would be better.
Wood frame floor and roof construction throughout in a two story
elementary school building is no longer accepted. It would not be too
bad if the first floor was of incombustible construction, especially
over the boiler room, but to consider making such a change is econom-
ically unsound.
Stairways would normally be avoided in a small, modern elementary
school building. The old High School in addition has steps at the
front entrance, which are dangerous for young children in icy weather,
and further has steps from the front entrance lobby to the first floor
level; also steps from the basement floor to the playroom.
Basements too are out in modern school planning.
The toilet and locker facilities in the present building are en-
tirely outmoded and the building layout does not permit desirable
planning of new facilities.
Mr. Frank J. Zeo - Reading Appendix "A"
March 21, 1955 - 2
Where to stop in the remodeling of the structure to make it an
acceptable elementary school building is the problem, a problem from
the point of view of use and also a problem from the point of view of
operation and maintenance.
Regardless of the money spent in renovating, the result would be a
makeshift and the estimate of $200,000 that 1 gave you would be most
restrictive. The height of the building and the roof design certainly
is not economical from a maintenance viewpoint.
The basic structure is good from a building point of view, but as
a schoolhouse it is entirely outmoded and furthermore unsuited to sat-
isfactory remodeling.
The expenditure of a little more money for a new building with
the state aid that the Town would receive in my opinion is justified.
A new building would be a better educational unit and more economical
to operate and maintain.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Frank W. Crimp
Appendix "B"
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Department of :ublic Safety
DIVISION OF INSPECTION
1010 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston 15, Massachusetts
February 8, 1955
Mr, Frank Zen, Chairman
Reading Comm. on Additional Schoolhouses
9 Orchard Park Drive
Reading, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Zen:
This letter will confirm our recent telephone conversation
relative to the conversion of the old Reading High School to an ele-
mentary school, at which time I told you that this Department would
EE••:: treat this the same as a new building. All requirements relative to
egress, heating, ventilation, plumbing, etc., will apply.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) Bernard B. Whitney
State Building Inspector
BBW:CT
" Appendix C
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW 10-ROO14 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 111
Bond issue of $450,000.
r Maturing serially 1 to 20 years
Interest at 2 1/4%
Annual Interest Annual
Bonds Outstanding Maturity Payments State Grant
$45o,000 $22,500 $10,125 $8,235
427,500 22,500 9,618.75 8,235
405,000 22,500 9,112.50 8,235
382,500 22,500 8,6o6.25 8,235
36o,000 22,500 8,100 8,235
337,500 22,500 7,593.75 8,235
315,000 22,500 7,087.50 8,235
292,500 22,500 6,581.25 8,235
270,000 22,500 6,075 8,235
247,500 22,500 5,568.75 8,235
225,000 22,500 5,062.50 8,235
202,500 22,500 4,556.25 8,235
180,000 22,500 4,050 8,235
157,500 22,500 3,543.75 8,235
135,000 22,500 3,037.50 8,235
112,500 22,500 2,531.25 8,235
90,000 22,500 2,025 8,235
67,500 22,500 1,518.75 8,235
45,000 22,500 1,012.50 8,235
_22,500 22,500 506.25 8,235
0 $45o,000 $106,312.50 $164,700
* 36.6% of the cost (assuming entire cost will be bonded) divided by 20.
Principal $450,000.00
Interest 106,312.50
Total $556,312.50
Less Grants 164,700.00
Net Cost $391,612.50
Appendix D
REMODELING OF OLD HIGH SCHOOL BDII,DING
Bond issue of $200,000
Matir:ing serially 1 to 10 years
Interest at 1 3/4%
Annual Interest Total Principal
Bonds Outstanding Maturity Payments And Interest
$200,000 $20,000 $3,500 $23,500
180,000 20,000 3,150 23,150
16o,000 20,000 2,800 22,800
140,000 20,000 2,450 22,450
120,000 20,000 2,100 22,100
100,000 20,000 1,750 21,750
80,000 20,000 1,400 21,400
6o,o0o 20,000 1,050 21,050
4o,000 20,000 700 20,700
20,000 20,000 350 20,350
0 $200,000 $19,250 $219,250
• No State Grants authorized for Re-construction
ri
r 1
M- JI
33
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 5, 1955
Thence N. 700-421-35" E., along said Southerly side
line of Woburn Street, a distance of 13 .5 feet to
an angle point at the intersection of the said
Southerly side line of Woburn Street and the South-
Westerly side line of said Lincoln Street;
Thence S. 48°-09"-00" E. by the said South-Westerly
side line of Lincoln Street, a distance of 46.67 feet
to a point of curve;
Thence running South-Westerly by a curved line on a
radius of 19.00 feet, a length of 50.26 feet through
lands of John F. Sawyer and Louise H. Sawyer to a point
of tangent on the said Easterly side line of Arlington
Street;
Thence N. 180-34t -00" W. along said Easterly side
line of Arlington Street a distance of 49.95 feet to
the point of beginning of this description.
The approximate area taken is seven hundred and seventy nine
(779) square feet.
The above described lines being more fully shown on a Plan en-
titled "Relocation and Alteration of the corner- of Arlington and
Lincoln Streets, Reading, Mass. ", dated February, 1955, Board of
Public Works, James T. Putnam, Supt., said Plan being a part of
this description.
We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for
f:l this improvement.
ii No betterments are to be assessed for this . improvement.
This laying out, relocation or alteration so made by us, we
hereby report to the Town for acceptance and recommehd that when
this report . is accepted and adopted by the Town, that said public
highways shall thereafter be laid out, relocated or altered in ac-
cordance with said Plan.
Chairman
Secretary
(signed) Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
(signed) Domenick Zanni, Jr.
(signed) Kenneth ,R. Johnson
emh erF ie o�of Fu a orTs -
Town of Reading
ARTICLE 41. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was voted that
the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the
laying out of a Private Way known as Birch Meadow Drive and adopt
the recommendations contained therein and that the sum of Thirty-
Four Thousand One hundred Dollars 034,100. ) be appropriated for the
original construction of Birch Meadow Drive, from Main Street to
Oakland Road being an access road to the new High School including
the cost of bituminous macadam or other permanent pavement of
similar lasting character and for the sidewalks to be laid at the
time of said construction, and to meet said appropriation the a=
of Twenty Five Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Nine Dollars ($25,849. )
ba transferred from the unexpended balance of the High School Access
Roads Account and the sum of Eight Thousand Two Hundred Fifty one
Dollars ($8,251. ) be appropriated -by transferring said sum from
34
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 5, 1955
Surplus Revenue and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is
authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to said accouht
to carry out the purpose of this vote.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING
OUT OF BIRCH MEADOW DRIVE
The Board. of Public Works of the Town of Reading having de-
termined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity re-
quire the laying out of a Town Way under the provisions of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, substantially in the
location hereinafter described, having complied with all require-
ments of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and
of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed
for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who
desired to be heard, have laid out as a Town Way for the use of the
Town running North-Westerly from a State Highway now known as Main
Street to a public. town way known as Oakland Road as accepted
March 23, 1953, substantially as and in the location of the private
way known as Birch Meadow Drive, the boundaries and measurements of
said way as so laid out are as follows:
Beginning at a point on the Wester�y side line of said
Main Street, said point being N. 0 -03"-10"E., a dis-
tance of 225.39 feet measured along the said Westerly
side Line of Main Street from. a Massachusetts Highway
stone bound set at an angle point, Station 725 plus 38.20
Left, as defined by the alteration and layout as a State
Highway of said Main Street by the Massachusetts Depart-
ment of Public Works, March 5, 1929;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Westerly direction, having a radius of 30.00 feet by J
lands of the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading, a
length of 47.12 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running in a
North-Westerly direction, having a radius of 708.00
feet by lands of said Inhabitants of the Town of Read-
ing, a length of 388.06 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N. 580-32'-35" w. still by lands of said In-
habitants of the Town of Reading, a distance of 230..81
feet to a point of curve;.
Thence by a .curved line to the Left, running in a
South-Westerly direction, having a radius of 60.00 feet,
still by lands of said Inhabitants of the Town of Read-
ing, and by a private way known as Waverly Road, a
length of 94.57 feet to a point of tangent;:
Thence S. 310-091 -051"W. across said Waverly (Private)
Road a distance of 30.38 feet to the North-Easterly
terminus of Oakland -Road as accepted March 23, 1953;
Thence N. 580-15+-45"W, by said North-Easterly ter-
minus of Oakland Road a distance of 60.01 feet to an
angle point;: _
Thence N. 310-09t-05"E., still by lands of said In-
habitants of the Town of Reading, a distance of 4o.73
feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a
North-Westerly direction, having a radius of 60.00
feet, stillby lands of said Inhabitants of the Town
of Reading, a length of 93.93 feet to a point; said
point being the North-Westerly terminus of the South-
35
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 5, 1955
Westerly side line of this layout;
Thence N. 310-271 -25" E. , by lands of said Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Reading, a distance of 50.00
feet to a point; said point being the North-Westerly
terminus of the North-Easterly side line of' this
layout;
Thence S. 580-32' -35" E., by lands of said Inhabi
tants of the Town of Reading a distance of )}10.51
feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a
South-Easterly direction, having a radius of 6)}8.00
feet by lands of said Inhabitants of the Town of
Reading, a length of 355.17 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a
North-Easterly direction, having a radius of 30.00
feet still by lands of said Inhabitants of the Town of
Reading, a length of 47.12 feet to a point on the
said Westerly side line of Main Street;
Thence S. 02031 -10"W. along said Westerly side line
of Main Street, a distance of 120.00 feet to the
point of beginning of this description.
The above described lines being more fully shown on a Plan
entitled "Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, Mass .", dated February 25,
1955, Board of Public Works, James T. Putnam, Supt., said Plan
being a part of this description.
We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person
or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made
for this improvement. '
This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town
for acceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be
known as a Public Town Way and named Birch Meadow Drive.
Chairman
Secretary
(signed) Kenneth R. Johnson
(signed) Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
Members of the Board of Public
Works - Town of Reading
j On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up
i Article 55.
ARTICLE 55. On motion of Alfred H. Dolben it was voted that
the subject matter of Article 55 be referred to the Municipal Light
Board, and that said Board be, and it hereby is, authorized to
install such additional street lights, as in its judgment are re-
quired, and to make such changes in the size, type, and location
of existing street lights, as it may deem advisable, the expense
of same to be paid from the income of the plant.
36
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 4, 1955
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up
Article 56. '
ARTICLE 56. On motion of Alfred H. Dolben it was voted that
the Municipal Light Board be authorized and empowered to ex-
tend and enlarge the Municipal Light Plant by installing neces- ■
sary additional power lines from the Ash Street Plant to the J
present substations in the towns of-North Reading and Wilmington,
and by installing such other appliances and equipment which may
be necessary in connection therewith and that there be raised
and appropriated for the above purpose the stun of One Hundred
Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($125,000) in addition to the amount
which may be available in the Depreciation Fund to be expended
by the Manager of the Municipal Lighting Department under the di-
rection and control of the Municipal Light Board for the above pur-
pose; and that the Treasurer be and he hereby is authorized and
directed with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow said soon
of $125,000' and to issue therefor bonds or notes of the Town,
such bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the Provisions
of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, to that the whole loan shall be
payable in not more than twenty years from the date of the first
bond or note or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and the
Selectmen may determine; and said bonds or notes shall be signed
by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Selectmen.
132 voted in the affirmative.
0 voted in the negative.
on motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the meet-
ing stand adjourned until April' ll, 195$ at 7:45 P. M. to meet
in the New High School Auditorium. ]
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 P. M. _ J
V4 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy
Attest:
�,
Boyd ,
S ewer own Clem--
37
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
New High School Auditorium
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Charles P.
Howard , at 8:00 P. M.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take Article 3
from the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Robert G. Clinch it was voted that the
Planning Board of the town of Reading as constituted on January 19,
1955 be and the same is hereby authorized and instructed to employ
counsel, other than the Town Counsel, for the purpose of defending
an appeal filed by one Eva Cole of Reading, to the Supreme Judicial
Court of Massachusetts, of a decree entered in the Superior Court
held in Middlesex County on January 19, 1955, Egilitp Number 18422,
and to defray the expenses of said counsel in relation to said ap-
peal out of funds raised and appropriated by vote passed at an ad-
journed town meeting held on March 28, 1955 under Article 23 .
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the
following be chosen to serve as Measurers of' Lumber for the ensuing
year:
Harold B. Currell
Fred F. Smith
Maurice H. Donegan
and that the following be chosen to serve as Measurers of Wood and
Bark:
Harold B. Currell
Thomas E. Brogan
Maurice H. Donegan
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Edward C. Emslie it was voted that the
Finance Committee be, and hereby is, instructed with the assistance
of the Town Accountant and Board of Public Works, to provide in its
Annual Report to the Town Meeting for a reporting of all appropria-
tions and expenditures for Sidewalks and for the Water Department
under the respective headings of Construction and Maintenance, the
practice now followed in respect to Sewers and Drainage.
on motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 3 be
laid on the table .
ARTICLE 42. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was 'voted that
the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the lay-
ing out of a Private Way known as Glenmere Circle and adopt the re-
commendations contained therein, and that the sum of Eight Thousand
Five Hundred Eighteen aid Fifty one hundredths 08,$18.50) Dollars
be appropriated from the unexpended balances of the following ac-
counts:
$671.01 from Evergreen Road Betterment Salaried
122.14 from Evergreen Road Betterment Expenses
4$.03 from Tennyson Road Betterment Salaries
103.80 from Tennyson Road Betterment Expenses
29.63 from Wentworth Road Betterment Salaries
290.02 from Wentworth Road Betterment Expenses
783.64 from Woodland Street Betterment Salaries
425.02 from Woodland Street Betterment Expenses
2.04 from Resurfacing Streets Account Expenses
and that the sum of $5,646.17 be transferred from Surplus Revenue
and that add sums shall be appropriated and transferred for the lay-
ing out and construction of said way, said sum to be apportioned as
follows: $4,618.50 for Salaries and $3,900.00 for Expenses, and
that the Town Accountant be and he bereby is authorized and instructed
to transfer said sums to carry out the purpose of this vote.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF
GLENMERE CIRCLE
The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined
and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying
out of a Town Way under the provisions of law authorizing the assess-
ment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter de-
scribed, having complied with all requirements of law relating to
notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and
38
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then
and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have
laid out as a Town Way for the use of the Tovn running South-easterly
and South-westerly from a Town Way now known as Winslow Road as ac-
cepted March 27, 1950, to the North-Easterly terminus of a Town Way
known as Glenmere Circle as accepted March 14, 1952, substantially as
and in the location of the private way known as Glenmere Circle, the
Boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows:
Beginning at a point on the Southerly side line of said public
town way known as Winslow Road as accepted March 27, 1950; said
point being N. 710-30f -50"E., a distance of 208.42 feet measured
along the said Sputherly side line of Winslow Road from a atone y+i
bound set at the North-Westerly terminus of a curved line having
a -radius of 20.00 feet and a total length of 31.12 feet, to point
of intersection of said Southerly side line of Winslow Road and the
Westerly side line of West Street;
Thence by a curved line to the left, running in a South-Westerly
direction, by lands of Henry A. Brodecki and Anna L. Brodecki,
having a radius of 20.00 feet a length of 31.42 feet to a point of
tangent;
Thence 5.180-291-10"E. still by lands of said Henry A. Brodecki
and Anna L. Brodecki and by lands of Edward J. Sullivan, Jr. , Roy
0. Beck and Mary F. Beck, John E. Weed and Virginia B. Weed, and
lands of George Roman and Ella Roman a distance of 429.52 feet to an
angle point at lands of M. Elwyn Walker and Ruth A. Walker;
Thence 5.710-30t -50"W. , by lands of said M. Elwyn Walker et ux
and by lands of Russell C. Copley, Stanton J. Dempsey and Katherine
E. Dempsey, Robert E. Webb and Virginia P. Webb an unnumbered parcel
of land shown as a. future street, lands of Elmer B. Lincoln and Doris
Lincoln and lands of Donald T. Teel a distance of 509.00 feet to a
point, said point being the Westerly terminus of the Southerly side
line of this layout; and at the North-Easterly terminus of the public
town way known as Glenmere Circle as accepted March 14, 1952';
Thence N.180-291-10"W., by the North-Easterly terminus of said
public town way known as Glenmere Circle as accepted March 14, 1952,
a distance of 40.00 feet to a point; said point being at the Westerly
terminus on the Northerly side line of this layout;
Thence X.710-30' -50"E. , by lands of William L. Gordon and Grace
E. Gordon, Carl C. O'Brien and Elizabeth C. O'Brien, Howard T. Winter,
Priend Lumber Company and lands of Walter J. Smith aid Josephine
Smith, a distance of }50.00 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the left, running in a North-Easterly
direction, having a radius of 20.00 feet, stillby lands of said Walter
J. Smith et ux, a length of 31.42 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N.180-29f -10"W. , still by lands of said Walter J. Smith
et ux, and lands of George E. Earl and Helen D. Earl, George R. Barrie
and Lottie T. Barris, and lands of Raymond I. Parker and Doris A.
Parker a distance of 369.92 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the left, running in a Nopth-Westerly
direction, having a radius of 20.00 feet still by lands of said
Raymond I. Parker, at ux a length of 31.42 feet to a point of tangent
at the said Southerly side line of Winslow Road;
Thence N.710-301-50"E. , along said Southerly side line of Winslow
Road, a distance of 80.00 feet to the point of beginning of this de-
scription.
The above described lines being more fully shown on a Plan en-
titled "Glenmere Circle (Extension), Reading, Mass. ," dated January
1955, Board of Public Works, James T. Putnam, Superintendent, said
Plan being a part of this description.
We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this
improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done
under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments,
39
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
and betterments are to be assessed therefore.
This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for
acceptence and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known
as a Public Town Way and named Glenmere Circle, and that the sum
of Eight Thousand Five Hundred Eighteen ($8,518.00) Dollars be
raised and appropriated for said layingout and for the construc-
tion of said way.
(Signed) Harold D. Kilgore Chairman
Coleman J. Donahue Secretary
Members of the Domenick Zanni, Jr
Board of Public Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
Works - Town of Kenneth R. Johnson
Reading
ARTICLE 43. On motion of Kenneth R. Johnson it was voted that
the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the
laying out of a Private Way known as Lothrop Road and adopt the
recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of Twelve
Thousand Six Hundred Six ($12,606.00) Dollars be transferred from
Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the laying out and construc-
tion of said way, said sum to be apportioned as follows;
Seven Thousand One Hundred Six 0.7,106.00) Dollars for Salaries
and Five Thousand Five Hundred ($5,500.00) Dollars for expenses,
and that the Town Accountant be and he .hereby is authorized and in-
structed to transfer said a= to carry out the purpose of this vote .
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, as. Town of Reading
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF
LOTHROP ROAD
The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having deter-
mined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity requires
the laying out of a Town Way under the provisions of law authoriz-
ing the assessment of betterments, substantially in the location
hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of
law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hear-
ing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for
such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who de-
sired to be heard, have laid out as a Town Way for use of the Town
running from a Town Way known as County Road as accepted March 19,
1934 in Westerly, Northerly and Easterly directions . to said Town
Way known as County Road, substantially as and in the location of
the private way known as Lothrop Road, the boundaries and measure-
ments of said way as so laid out are as follows ;
Beginning at a point on the Westerly side line of said
public town way known as County .Road as accepted March 19
1934, said point being X.090-171 -4011W., a distance of 6.41
feet measured along the said Westerly side line of County
Road from the Southerly terminus of the said Westerly side
line of County Road;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Westerly direction, having a radius of 25.00 feet, by lands
of Roy L. Bettis and Gladys H. Bettis, a length of 38.51
feet to a point tangent;
Thence 5.820-271 -20'hN. , still by lands of said Roy L.
Battis at ux, and by lands of Arthur Raedle Nelson and Anna
Marion Nelson, Leslie H. York and Irene M. York and by a
private way known as Jere Road, a distance of 361.85 feet to
an angle point;
Thence N.310-22, -60"W. , by said Jere (Private) Road and
by lands of Henry 0. Swain Jr., and Ruth A. Swain and lands
of George H. Varney and Bessie F. Varney a distance of 162.03
feet to a point of curve;
40
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running in a North-
Westerly direction, having a radius of 556.00 feet, still by land
of said George H. Varney at ux, and by lands of Wayne E.Whittemore
and Alice W. Whittemore and lands of Ralph A. Crosby Trustee, a
length of 215.56 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N.080-541 -40"W• . by said lands of Ralph A. Crosby
Trustee a distance of 42.56 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 138.80 feet, still by lands
of said Ralph A. Crosby Trustee and lands of Herman W. Holmberg and
Janet A. Holmberg and by a parcel of land marked, "40 feet Right of J
Way, " and lands of Avis G. Sargent, Adella L. Sargent and Grace E.
Sargent, a length of 218.71 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N.810-22v -20"W. , still by lands of said Avis G.Sargent
et al, and by lands of Bertil R. Swanberg and Thelma E. Swanberg and
by lands of Edna M. Kemp aid Florence H. Sanborn, a distance of
136.76 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to .the Left, running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 251.94 feet, still by lands
of said Edna M. Kemp mid Florence H. Sanborn andby lands of Alfred
E. Murphy and Barbara C. Murphy, a length of 98.72 feetto a point
of tangent;
Thence N.580-551-20"E., by said lands of Alfred E. Murphy
and Barbara C. Murphy a distance of 47.50 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 25.00 feet, stillby lands of
said Alfred E. Murphy at ux, a length of 39.27 feet to a point on
the said Westerly side line of County Road;
Thence S.310-041 -40"E., along said Westerly side line of
County Road a distance of 41.00 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running in a South-
Easterly direction having a radius of 560.00 feet still along said
Westerly side line of County Road, a length of 61.21 feet to a
point bn said curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left running in a South-
westerly direction, having a radius of 4.42 feet, by lands of
Ralph S. Sulmonetti and Phyllis A. Sulmonetti, a length of 41.03
feet to a point of tangent;
Thence 5.580-55'*20"W. , still by lands of said Ralph S.
Sulmonetti at ux a distance of 44.89 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running inna Westerly
direction, having a radius of 301.94 feet, still by lands of said
Ralph S. Sulmonetti at ux, and by lands of Kenneth L. Snow and
Beverly P. Snow a length of 118 .31 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence S.810-22f -2011W. , still by lands of said Kenneth L.
Snow at ux and by lands of F. Clarabell Jackson and Wilma E.Buck
andby lands of Harold D. Guy and Betty E. Guy a distance of
136.76 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-
Westerly direction, having a radius of 88.80 feet, still by lands
of said Harold D. Guy at ux a length of 139.93 feet to a point
of tangent;
Thence 5.080-541 -40"E. , still by lands of said Harold D.
Guy at ux a length of 42.56 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 500.00 feet, still by lands
of said Harold D. Guy et ux and by lands of Louis Davis and
Prsicilla T. Davis and by lands of Robert E. Culver and Elizabeth
L. Culver a distance of 195.96 feet to a point of tangent;
41
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
Thence S.310-221 -00"E. , by lands of said Robert E. Culver
at ux a distance of 44.75 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-East-
erly direction, having a radius of 130.00 feet by land of said
Robert E. Culver at ux and by lands of Chester C. Pease, Jr. , and
Elizabeth B. Pease a length of 150.15 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N. 820-27t -20"E. still by lands of said Cheater C.
Pease, Jr. , at ux and by lands of Clifford W. Libby and Charlotte
A. Libby and by lands of William W. Kimball, Jr. , and Eleanor C.
Kimball, a distance of 241.51 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 25.00 feet, still by lands
of said William W. Kimball, Jr., et ux alength of )}0.03 feet to
a point on the said Westerly side line of County Road;
Thence 5.090-171 -)}0"E., by said .Westerly side line of County
Road a distance of 100.05 feet to the point of beginning of this
description.
The above described lines being more fully .shown on a Plan en-
titled, "Lothrop Road, Reading, Mass., " dated January, 1955, Board
of Public Works, James T. Putnam, Supt. , said Plan being a part of
this description.
We determine .that no damage will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason .of the taking to be made for
this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are
done under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of
betterments, and betterments ar e to be assessed therefore.
This laying out so made by us we hereby report to. the Town for
acceptance and recommend that said way shall- thereafter be known
as a Public Town Way and named Lothrop Road, and that the sum of
Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred Six, ($12,606.00) Dollars, be raised
and appropriated for said laying out aid for the construction of
said way.
(Signed) Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. Chairman
Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
Dominick Zanni, Jr.
Kenneth R. Johnson
Members of the Board of
Public Works
Town of Reading
ARTICLE 44. On motion of Walter S. Hopkins, Jr. it was voted
that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on
the laying out of a Private Way known as Jere Road aid adopt the
recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of One Thousand
Five Hundred Fifty-seven ($1,557.00) Dollars be transferred from
Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the laying out and construc-
tion of said way, said sum to be apportioned as follows: Eight
Hundred Fifty Seven ($857.00) Dollars for Salaries and Seven Hundred
3700.00 Dollars for Expenses, and that the Town Accountant be and
he hereby is authorised and instructed to transfer said am to carry
out the purpose of this vote.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, as. Town of Reading
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF
JERE ROAD
The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having deter-
mined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require
the laying out of a Town Way under the provisions of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, substantially in the location herein-
after described, having complied with all requirements of law relat-
ing to notice to the owners of land thereof aid of a h a in there n,
and having met at the time and place appointed for sue ea�ing anc,
42
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard,
have laid out as a Town way for the use. of the Town ,running South-
Westerly from a private way known as Lothrop Road to a dead end,
substantially as aM in the location of the private way known as
Jere Road, the boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid
out are as follows ;
Beginning at a point on the Southerly side line of said
private way known as Lathrop Road said point being S.820-271 -20"W. ,
a distance of 328.63 feet measured .along the said Southerly side
line of Lothrop Road from the Westerly side lineof a. public town
way known as County Road;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-
Westerly direction, having a radius of 150.35 feet by lands of
Leslie H. York aid Irene M. York and by lands of Ralph A.Crosby
Trustee alength of 83.85 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence 5.500-301W., stillby lands of said Ralph A. Crosby
Trustee, a distance of 39.92 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left running in a South-Westerly
direction, having a radius of 30.00 feet, still by lands of Ralph
A. Crosby Trustee, a length of 26.87 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running in South-Westerly,
Northerly and North-Easterly directions, having a radius of 50.00
feet, by lands of said Ralph A. Crosby, Trustee and by lands of
Norman E. Jones and Margaret E. Jones, Marion D. MacDonald and by
lands of Henry 0. Swain, Jr. , and Ruth A. Swain, a length of
246.64 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-Easter-
ly direction, having a radius of 30.00 feet, still by lands of
said Henry 0. Swain, Jr., and Ruth A. Swain, a length of 26.87
feet to a point of tangent; f■
Thence N. 500-30fE., still by lands of said Henry 0.. Swain,Jr. , f
and Ruth A. Swain a distance of 40.67 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 40.00 feet, still by
lands of said Henry 0. Swain, Jr., and Ruth A. Swain, a length
of 57.15 feet to a point of tangent at the South-Westerly side
line of said Lothrop Road;
Thence S. 310-22'E., along said South-Westerly side line of
Lothrop Road, a distance of 67.39 feet to an angle point;
Thence N. 820-271 -20"E. , along said Southerly sideline of
Lothrop Road a distance of 57.47 feet to the point of beginn-
ing of this description.
The above described lines being more fully shown on Plan enti-
tled "Jere Road, Reading, Masa. ," .dated February 1955, Board of
Public Works, James T. Putnam, Supt. , said Plan being a part of
this description.
We determine that no damage will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for
this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are
done under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of
betterments , and betterments are to be assessed therefore.
This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for
acceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known
as a Public Town Way and named Jere Road, and that the sum of One
Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-seven ($1557.00) Dollars be raised and
appropriated for said laying out and for the construction of said
way.
(Signed) Harold D. Kilgore Chairman
Kenneth R. Johnson
Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
Members of Board of Public
Works - Town of Reading
4.3
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
ARTICLE 45. On motion of Walter S. Hopkins , Jr. , it was voted
that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the
laying out of a Private Way known as Batchelder Road and adopt the
recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of Eight Thous-
and Four Hundred Sixty ($8,460.00) Dollars be transferred from Sur-
plus Revenue and appropriated for the laying out and construction of
said way, said sum to be apportioned as follows;
Four Thousand Six Hundred Sixty ($4,660.00 Dollars for Salaries
and Three Thousand Eight Hundred ($3,800.00) Dollars for Expenses,
and that the Tom Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and in-
structed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Town of Reading
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF
BATCHELDER ROAD
The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having deter-
mined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require
the lying out of a Town Way under the provisions of law authoriz-
ing the assessments of betterments, substantially in the location
hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of
law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hear-
ing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such
hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired, to
be heard, have laid out as a Town Way for the use of the Town run-
ning Westerly and Northerly from a County Way known as. Haverhill
Street as ordered by the County Commissioners in 1933, to a dead
end, substantially as and in the location of the private way known
as Batchelder Road, the boundaries and measurements of said way as
so laid out are as follows; -
Beginning at a point on the Westerly side line of said
Haverhill Street, said point being located in a Northerly direc-
tion along the said Westerly curved side line of Haverhill. Street,
having a radius of 1356.35 feet, a length of 323.95 feet from a
drill hole in a County stone bound set at a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Westerly direction, by lands of Norman J. Atkinson and Carol G.
Atkinson, having aradius of 60.00 feet, a length of 103.96
feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N. 680-581 -10"W., still by lands of said Norman J.
Atkinson and Carol G. Atkinson a distance of 73.37 feet to a
Point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right, running in a North-
Westerly direction, having a radius of 100.00 feet by lands of
Melvin C. Sverker aid Violet L. Sverker and by lands of Robert
E. Marchand and Louise Marchand a distance of 142.04 feet to a
point of curve;
Thence N. 120-241 -50" E., still by lands of said Robert E.
Marchand and Louise Marchand and by lands of Alban G. Sheehan
and Mary C. Sheehan, Peter Govostes and Alice Govostes,Anthony
J. Dileso and Francis M. Dileso and by lands of Charles
Laquidara Jr, and Joan L. Laquidara a distance of 373.87 feet
to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Right running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 2040.00 feet by lands of
said Charles Laquidara Jr. and Joan L. Laquidara a-length of
79.35 feet to a point, said point being at the Northerly terminus
of the Westerly side line of this layout;
Thence S. 750-211 -29"E., by the Northerly terminus of this lay-
out to lands of Oscar W. Batchelder and Dorothy J. Batchelder a
distance of 40.00 feet to a point, said point being at the North-
erly terminus of the Easterly side I+nc o£ this ]B 70ut;
Tliehee by A ;curved ,litre tv kile Deft: rfi ITW in a Southerly
44 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
direction by lands of said Oscar W. Batchelder and Dorothy J. Batch-
elder and by lands of Walter Vetromile and Lillian G. Vetromile,
having a radius of 2000.00 feet, alength of 77.79 feet to a point of
tangent;
Thence S. 120-2){1 -50"W., stillby lands of said Walter Vetromile
and Lillian G, Vetromile, and by lands of Bradley S. Stevens and Helen
A, Stevens, Domenic C. Scavangelli and Mary C. Scavangelli and lands
of Alvin L. MacLeod and Mary E. MacLeod a distance of 373.87 feet to
a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-East-
erly direction, having a radius of 60.00 feet, still by lands of
Alvin L. MacLeod and Mary E. MacLeod, a length of 85.22 feet to a
point of tangent;
Thence S. 680-581 -10"E. , still by lands of said Alvin L. Mac-
Leod and Mary E. MacLeod and by lands of Joseph E. Callahan and
Anna H. Callahan a distance of 108.32- feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
Easterly direction, having a radius of 60.00 feet, by lands of said
Joseph E. Callahan and Anna H. Callahan, a length of 79.57 feet to
a point of tangent at the said Westerly side line. of Haverhill St;
Thence S. 350-021 -30"W., along said Westerly side line of
Haverhill Street, a distance of )}6.87 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left running in a Southerly
direction, still along the said Westerly side line of Haverhill
Street, having a radius of 1356.35 feet, a length of 112.02 feet
to the point of beginning of this description.
The above describedlines being more fully shown on a Plan en-
titled "Batchelder Road, Reading, Mass. " dated January 1955, Board
of Public Works, James T. Putnam, Supt.
We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for
this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are
done under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of
betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefore.
This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for
acceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known
as a Public Town Way and named Batchelder Road, and that the sum of
Eight Thousand Four Hundred Sixty ($8,)}60.00) Dollars be raised and
appropriated for said laying out and for the construction of said way.
Signed) Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. Chairman
Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
Domenick Zanni, Jr.
Kenneth R. Johnson
Members of the Board of Public
Works - Town of Reading
ARTICLE 46. On motion of Walter S. Hopkins, Jr. it was voted
that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the
laying out of a Private way known as Bolton Street and adopt the
recommendations contained therein, and that the sum of Five Thousand
Seven Iiundred Ninety-five and Twenty-one one hundredths ($5,795.21)
Follars be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the
laying out and construction of said way, said sum to be apportioned
as follows:
Three Thousand one Hundred Ninety-five and Twenty-one one hundredths
($3,195.21) Dollars for Salaries and Two Thousand Six Hundred ($2,600.00)
Dollars for expenses, and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is
authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose
of this vote.
45
Adjourned Town Meeting April 11, 1955
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, as. Town of Reading
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF
BOLTON STREET
The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having deter-
mined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require
the laying out of a Town Way under the provisions of law authoriz-
ing the assessment of betterments, substantially In the location
hereinafter described, having complied with all requirements of
law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a
hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed
for such hearing and then and there heard allpersons present who
desired to be heard, have laid out as a Town Way for use of the
Town running South-Easterly from a private way now known as Goodall-
Sanford Road to a dead end, substantially as and in the location of
the, private way known as Bolton Street, the boundaries and measure-
ments of said way as so laid out are as follows:
Beginning at a point on the North-Easterly side line of said
private way known as Goodall-Sanford Road saidolnt being
located by three courses respectively 3.1}0-54, 40"w. , a distance
of 255.00 feet measurer along the Easterly side line oa Main
Street, S. 170-03t -55"E. , a distance of 88.30 feet measured along
the North-Easterly side line of Ash Street and 3.480-09' -10"E. , a
distance of 25.66 feet measured along the said North-Easterly side
line of Goodall-Sanford (Private ) Road, from a stone bound set at
the intersection of the said Easterly side line of Main Street and
the Southerly side line of Washington Street;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, having a radius of 40.00
feet, running in a South-Easterly direction by lands of Frederick
M. Bowker and Natalie R. Bowker, a length of 24.60 feet to a
point of tangent;
Thence 5.830-241 -10"E. , still by lands of said Frederick M.
Bowker and Natalie M. Bowker aid by lands of Muriel Bolton, etal. ,
Fred Granelli and Lena Granelli, Fred Granelli, Jr. , and Frances
P. Granelli, Quirin W. Jordan and Mary Ann Jordan and by lands of
Charles H. Castor and Mary E. Castor, a distance of 564.76 feet
to a point, said point being the Easterly terminus of the Norther-
ly side line of this layout;
Thence s.o60-351 -50"W. , by the Easterly terminus of this lay-
out a distance of 40.00 feet to a point at lands of Goodall-San-
ford, Inc;
Thence X.830-241 -10"W., by lands of said Goodall-Sanford, Inc . ,
and by lands of Myron E. Wing and Charles H. Strout, Reading
Lumber Company, and by lands of Simon D. Hubbard and Mary D.
Hubbard, a distance of 489-32 feet to a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left running in a South-Westerly
direction having a radius of 10.00 feet, still by lands of said
Simon D. Hubbard and Mary D. Hubbard, a length of 25.56 feet to a
point of tangent at the said North-Easterly side line of Goodall-
Sanford Road;
Thence N.480-09f -10"w., along said North-Easterly side line of
Goodall-Sanford Road, a distance of 113 .42 feet to the point of
beginning of this 'description.
The above described lines being more fully shown on a Plan entitled,
"Bolton Street, Reading, Mass., " dated January 17, 1955, Board of
Public Works, James T. Putnam, Su2t., said Plan being a part of this
description.
We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this
improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done
under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments,
and betterments are to be assessed therefore.
46
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for
acceptance aid recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as
a public Town Way and named Bolton Street, and that the* Sum of Five
Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-five ($5795.00) Dollars, be raised
and appropriated for said laying out and for the construction of
said way.
(Signed) Harold D. Kilgore, Chairman
Kenneth R. Johnson
Walter S. Hopkins, Jr.
Members of the Board of
Public Works - Town of Reading
ARTICLE 47. On motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. it was voted
that the sum of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fbrty and Sixteen
One Hundredths ($3,70.0.16) Dollars be appropriated from Surplus
Revenue for the construction of sewers, sewerage works and other
sewerage facilities to be used in such locations as the Board of
Public Works may determine, said appropriation shallbe apportioned
as follows: Two Thousand Forty-one and one hundredth ($2,00.1.01)
Dollars for Salaries and Ore Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-nine and
Fifteen one hundredths ($1,699.15) Dollars for Expenses, said sum
to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public
Works, and that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized
and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of
this vote.
ARTICLE 48. On motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. it was voted
that the sum of One Thousand Six Hundred (1,600.00) Dollars be
transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the resur-
facing with bituminous Macadam of two tennis courts in Birch Meadow
Playground, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of
the Board of Public Works and that the Town Accountant be and he
hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry
out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 49. on Motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. it was voted
that the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred (1,200.00) Dollars be
raised and appropriated for the construction of two cement block
field houses not exceeding One Hundred (100) square feet in floor
area for the storage of playground equipment at Washington Street
Playground and Memorial Park, said sum to be expended by and under
the direction of the Board of Public Works.
ARTICLE 50. On motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. it was voted
that the sum of Thirty-nine Thousand Five Hundred Fifty ($39,550.00)
Dollars be raised and appropriated by transferring Twenty-three
Thousand Four Hundred Forty-eight and Thirty-one hundredths
($23,448.30) Dollars of said sum from the Road Machinery Fund to
the Road Machinery Operating Account and the remaining sum of Six-
teen Thousand One Hundred One and Seventy-one hundredths ($16, 101.70)
Dollars be raised from the Tax Lev and that the total sum of Thirty-
nine Thousand Five Hundred Fifty (39,550.00) Dollars be appropria-
ted for the maintenance, repair and operation of road machinery and
for the purchase by the Board of Public Works of Two 12) 3A Ton
Pick-up Trucks, Two (2) 12 Ton Dump Trucks, Two (2) 2e Ton Dump
Trucks, and One (1) Cubic Yard Front End Loader and the proceeds re-
ceived from the old equipment not exceeding Four Thousand ($4,000.00)
shall be appropriated in addition to the 'above mentioned sum o£
Thirty-nine Thousand Five Hundred Fifty ($39550.00) Dollars as part
of the purchase price for the above mentioned equipment and that the
Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to
transfer said amount to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 51. On motion of Walter S. Hopkins, Jr. it was voted that
the sum of Six Thousand Five Hundred ($6,500.00) Dollars be raised
and appropriated for the purpose of improving and constructing a por-
tion of West Street from Woburn Street toward the Wilmington-Reading
Town Line, of which amount One Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-four and
Forty-one One Hundredths ($1,274.41) Dollars shall be transferred
from the unexpended balance of the 1953 Charles Street Chapter 90
Construction Account and Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-three
and Ninety-six One Hundredths ($3,333.96) Dollars shall be transferred
47
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
from the unexpended balance of the 1954 Charles Street Chapter 90
Construction Account and One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-one
and Sixty-three one hundredths ($1,891.63 ) Dollars shall be raised
from the Tax Levy, tohether with such sums as may be provided by
the State and County under Section 34 of Chapter 90 of the General
Laws, and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized
and instructed to transfer said sums to carry out the purpose of
this vote.
ARTICLE 52. On motion of Walter S. Hopkins, Jr. it was voted
that the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred ($1,500.00) Dollars be
raised and appropriated from the Tax Levy for maintaining, re-
pairing and resurfacing streets constructed under Section 34 of
Chapter 90 of the General Laws together with such sums as may be
provided by the State and County..
On motion of Harold D. Kilgore, Jr. it was voted that ARTICLE 53
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 54• On motion of. Walter S. Hopkins, Jr. , it was voted
that the sum of Nine Hundred Sixty ($960.00) Dollars be raised
and appropriated for salaries for cleaning the Town Parking Areas
located westerly of Main Street and Northerly of Haven Street, and
Northerly of Haven Street and Easterly of Chute Street.
Article 55 and 56 see Pages 35 and 36 .
ARTICLE 57. On motion of Harold F. Davis it was voted that the
sum of Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars be appropriated from the
Cemetery Reserve Fund receipts from the sale of lots and graves in
Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery for maintenance,
care, improvement and embellishment of said cemeteries under the
provisions of Section 15 of Chapter 114 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 58. On motion of Robert E. Turner it was voted that the
sum of Seven Thousand ($7,000.00) Dollars of which sum $5,350.00 is
for personal services and $1,650.00 for expenses, be raised and ap-
propriated for the purpose of conducting and promoting recreation,
play„sports, physical education and other social, educational and
recreational activities upon such land and buildings as defined in
Section 14 of Chapter 45 of the General Laws with authority to ex-
ercise all powers conferred therein including the purchase of the
necessary equipment and the employment of teachers, supervisors
and other officers and employees and the fixing of their compensa-
tion.
ARTICLE 59. On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that
the sum of Twenty-five Hundred ($2500.00) Dollars be raised and
appropriated for the purpose of settling litigation pending in the
Middlesex Superior Court relating to accident which occurred on
August 27, 1951 on Summer Avenue, involving Marion A. Conant now
deceased.
ARTICLE 60. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of Six Hundred ($600.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated
for the eradication of mosquitoes In the Town, swh sum to be ex-
pended under the supervision of the Board of Health.
ARTICLE 61. On motion of Lawrence A. Cate it was voted that
Article 61 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 62. On motion of James T. Putnam, a member of the
Committee of Town Forests it was voted that the Board of Selectmen
be and they hereby are authorized to acquire for and in behalf of
the Town by purchase, right of eminent domain or otherwise for the
purpose of extending the Public Domain or Town Forest the following
described parcel of land and that the sum of One Hundred ($100.00)
Dollars be raised and appropriated for the acquisition of said land:
A parcel of land containing four (4) acres, more or less, in
Dividence Meadow, so called, bounded and describes) as follows:
Northerly by lands of the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading
known as the Reading Town Forest;
Westerly and Southerly by lands now or formerly of David W. Davis;
Easterly by lands now or formerly of Frank H. Whitchurch.
127 Voted in the affirmative
0 Voted in the negative.
48
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 11, 1955
ARTICLE 63. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars be raised and appropria-
ted for the observance of the Christmas Season of 1955 by the de-
coration aid illumination of� public buildings and public streets
and the decoration of Christmas trees upon municipal land.
ARTICLE 64. On motion of Frank M. Stevens it was voted that
the sum of Fifteen Hundred (1500.00) Dollars be raised and ap-
propriated for the purpose of providing by lease or otherwise
suitable headquarters for Reading Post 62 of the American Legion.
86 Voted in the affirmative
29 Voted in the negative.
ARTICLE 65. On motion of Ernest C. Metcalf it was voted that
the sum of Six Hundred Sixty ($660.00) Dollars be raised and ap-
propriated for the purpose of providing by lease or otherwise,
suitable headquarters for Reading Post 685. Veterans of Foreign
Wars.
ARTICLE 66. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that
the sum of Six Hundred ($6.00.00) Dollars be raised and appropria-
ted for Child Welfare Work to be expended under the direction of
the Reading Visiting Nurse Association and the Board of Health.
ARTICLE 67. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated
under the provisions of Sections 40 and 45, Chapter 128 of the
General Laws, and the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are
authorized to appoint a Director to cooperate with the Middlesex
County Trustees for the County Aid to Agriculture and work of the
Middlesex County Extension Service and the 4-H Clubs.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take Article 4
from the table.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 4 be
indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take Article 3
from the table.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 3 be
indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted to take Article 2
from the table.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 2 be
indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the meeting
be adjourned, sine die, at 9:15 P. M.
133 Precinct Members were present.
A true copy
Attest /
Boyd H. Stewart
Town Clerk