  We present molecular line and submillimeter dust continuum observations of
the Lynds 870 cloud in the vicinity of IRAS 20231+3440.
  Two submillimeter cores, SMM1 and SMM2, are identified mapping the 870 micron
dust continuum and ammonia emission. The total molecular mass is ~70-110 solar
mass. The northern core is warmer and denser than the southern one. Molecular
outflows are discovered in both cores. In the northern one a significant amount
of low velocity (1.3-2.8 km/s) outflowing gas is found, that is hidden in the
relatively broad CO lines but that is revealed by the narrower HCO+ spectra.
While IRAS 20231+3440 is most likely the exciting star of the northern outflow,
the driving source of the southern outflow is not detected by infrared surveys
and must be deeply embedded in the cloud core. Large scale (~0.2 pc) infall
motion is indicated by blue asymmetric profiles observed in the HCO+ J = 3-2
spectra. Red K_s band YSO candidates revealed by the 2MASS survey indicate
ongoing star formation throughout the cloud. The calculated masses and the
measured degree of turbulence are also reminiscent of clouds forming groups of
stars. The excitation of the molecular lines, molecular abundances, and outflow
properties are discussed. It is concluded that IRAS 20231+3440 is a ClassI
object, while the southern core most likely contains a Class0 source.
