1935-PLANNING BOARD A meeting, of the Planning Board was held on Monday, February 11,
II' 1935, at 7.30 o' clock P. M. Mr. Pitman, Mr. --Perkins, Mr. O'Donnell
and Mr. John T. Whitmore (appointed to serve Mr. Webber' s unexpired
term) were present. The chairman presided.
Mr. Pitman read the report for 1934 which was considered and
accepted.
Mr. Pitman reported on a hearing before the Public Works Com-
mission relative to the proposed shore boulevard, which was also
attended by the Mayor, Mr. Harlan P. Kelsey,_ _Mrr._ Lewix Newell, rep-
resenting the Chamber of Commerce, and two of the local Representatives.
Mr. Malcolm Bell was not present but requested to be recorded in
favor of the proposition. The Commission stated they were not in-
terested in a route involving scenic beauty or creating property
values, but in the shortest and least expensive route: They were
willing to make a rough survey and report on the same.
The question of grade crossing elimination by the Federal gov-
ernment was discussed and its possible effect on the plan for railroad
alterations in Salem.
On motion of Mr . Perkins, it was voted to endorse Senate Bill
215, Housd Bill 419 and House Bill 1564, all of which provide for
the establishment of a State Planning Board in Massachusetts.
On motion of Mr. Perkins, it was voted that copies of the fore-
going vote be sent to the local representatives and senator.
On motion of Mr. Petkins, it was voted that the Board recommend
to the City Council that action be taken relative to zoning all the
islands under the jurisdiction of the City of Salem for the purposes
• of general residence, and that hearings be held under the provisions
of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 1933.
The Board adjourned at 8.45 o' clock P. M.
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Attest: -
cretary
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A meeting of the Planning Board was held on July 1, 19352
• at four o'clock P. M.
Mr. Perkins, Mr. Whitmore end Mr. O'Donnell were present .
It was voted to approve the Grade Crossings plan calling
for the elimination of grade crossings on North, Bridge, Norman
and ill Streets,t eets, which are on the main line of the Boston &
Maine Railroad in the City of Salem; and it was further
Voted that a copy of this vote be sent to His Honor the
Mayor.
The meeting adjourned at 4.15 o' clock P. M.
Attest:-
� l Secretary —
A meeting of the Planning Board was held on Monday, September
• 23, 1935, at 7.30 otclock P. M. Mr. Pitman, Mr . Wiswall and Mr.
Perkins were present, and the Chairman presided. Mr . Wallace
Williams, of the Chamber of Commerce Committee on Elimination of
. Grade Crossings, and Mr. Opie, engineer for the Boston & Maine
Railroad,were also present.
Mr. Pitman presented Mr. Williams .
Mr. Williams spoke on the grade+ crossing proposition as it
affects -the section between the Bridge Street and North Street
crossings . It is .at present planned to ka.ve the tracks run in
a valley back of property of B. & M. R. R. on Bridge Street now
occupied. by Eldridge Baker Co. , Armour, Swift, etc . , - the tracks
to be raised to cross over North Street . He thought it would be
advisable to have the land deeded to the City and the buildings
removed so that the tunnel could be continued beyond North Street
and the area affected could be covered over from Bridge Street to
the North River. The buildings involved are occupied by whole-
salers who could be easily* relocated elsewhere . This would
provide a parking space for the County buildings and also an
esplanade on the North River. It would be also advisable to put
the North River above Forth Street into a conduit . To offset the
additional expense involved, it must be taken into consideration
that there are two buildings on Bridge Street r-hick will involve
a considerable amount of damages .
Mr. Opie explained the details of the proposed plan. The
• tunnel will have' to be air-conditioned, because of its length.
Any water entering the tunnel from drainage; seepage or possible
overflow will be pumped out .
Mr. Pitman and Mr . Williams explained the proposed financing
of the plan. Mr. Williams suggested that as the B. & M. R. R. is •
not in a position to contribute a considerable amount of money, it
might be desirable if they would deed land 'to the City to the amount
of about $500,000. The suggested financing is as follows:
From the Federal Government - $11750,000. - this representing
45% of the total cost, including land damage, provided said land
damage does not exceed more than 15% of the total cost.
From the Stat6 - $750,000 - and possibly more
From the County - $450,000
From the City - $450,000 (for land damages)
From the Boston & Maine Railroad -• $500,000 - either in cash
or in land.. .
If the tunnel is closed to traffic, there will be an approximate
saving .of $300,000 on• the total cost. •
On motion of Mr. Wiswall, it was voted that the action taken
by Mr. Pitman approving on behalf of the Planning Board the general
geatures of the plan for the elimination of grade crossings as
shown on the plan prepared by the Office of the Chief Engineer of
the Boston & Maine Railroad, dated September 1935, be and hereby
is approved.
The Board proceeded to the election of a Chairman. . Mr. Wiswall
nominated )Ar . Pitman and Mr. Pitman was elected by. a unanimous vote .
F £ R
Mr. Pitman read excerps from the Traffic Report,, prepared as
part of a Federal CWP_ and ERA Project to study and report on Highway
Accidents in Massachusetts, recommending that- the Planning Board be •
represented on a Traffic Committee . (Page 35-37 and Page 108 of the
Traffic Report . )
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It was voted to request His Honor the Payor to act on the
• recommendation of the Traffic Report by organizing a Traffic
Commission. (Page 108) .
The meeting adjourned at 9.05 o'clock P. P.
Attest:-
�� �v
Secretary
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