Two points of information:
#1: To chmod an entire tree (everything under directory "X" and X itself) do :
chmod -R [permissions] X
the "-R" causes it to do every file and directory within and under "X"
#2: This is a risky configuration. You probably should not do this to "/usr". arbitrarily changing permission on system files WILL break your system.
I suggest creating another directory else and letting the user(s) upload files to that safe place, then moving the files into your system yourself after they arrive. (Or have some trusted admin do it.
I really can't move the files. BUT, I will not be modifying /usr. I will be modifying the rights to one directory under /usr and its subs. So if there's a directory like /usr/thisisit, thisisit is where the chmod will happen. Otherwise /usr will be left completely as is.
Thanks for all the info.
James