Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-14
CITY AFFAIR 9.
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.


ed, old graded and paved and several substantial
works, conducive alike to the comfort and convenience
OF the citizens, prosecuted to completion. Amongst the
most valuable of these may reckon the erection of
Gas Works and the lighting OF the principal streets with
one OF the finest Illuminating agents known to modem
times. Having recently given full description of theso
works, it becomes unnecessary for to travel over the
same ground again; so we proceed simply to remark,
that after giving the gas fair trial. citizens are
well satisfied with it, and generally regard the heavy
expenditure incurred in the erection of the works as
judcious one. The streets regarded as safe
and pleasant promenades alter nghtfa even by sran-
gers sojournpg with the stores on Broad and Main
streets present peculiarly brilliant and attractive APP
pearance night under the influence of gas lights and
not doubt is entertained that accession OF custom
has been the result. But we know ONO body icorpo
rate or oherwse) who have greater be CRATE
full for the introduction of gas lights than the Stale
Convention and strikes u.s. the members OF that body
would only evince lively appreciation ofvaue received
they to to be inserted in the Constitution
clause auhorising the payment to the corporate au.
thorities OF Richmond OF good round sum to aid in
reimbursng it for its original outlay in the erection of
the works. clause Of the kind indicated we venture
to assert, would not appear more anomalous, or moro
out of place. than many others which that instru
will contain, provided the Soons at present enga.
ged in framing it, shall be able to bring their abours to
close-a result, by the bye, about which we begin to
entertain serious doubts. Under the guidance of the
gas lights OF the members of the Convention
have doubtless visited all of places" with entire
exemption from broken bones and "barked shins" and
if, as has been shrewdly sumsed, the Convention in
tend declaring its sessions en- permanence who
innate the degree Of personal comfort the members will
derive from our well-ligh,ed streets7 Then, by all
means, let the clause be framed and introduced. But
to more important matters:
A few yeass ago, Gary street regarded as the
Southern street boundary ofthe city, the ground lying
between it, the canal and the river being irregularly
laid off, and mperecty improved. Now however, we
have two streets South Of Cary. First. we have
Canal street, commencing at the Western boundary
of the city and terminating at the head OF the basin
and secondly, Byrd street, commencing at the same
point, traversng portion ofthe northern side ofGam-
be's Hill (Which has been cut down tor the purpose
opening this sreet and crossing the canal at point
Immediately above Messrs. Burr, Pea & Simpsons
Foundry. Both these streets have been graded and
handsomely laid off, and afford positive evidence OF
the rapid increase in wealth and population OF the
portion of the city in which they lie. Canal street
possesses some really charming locations for private
residences and pleased to obser the DISPOSE
ton manifested by property -ownes to improve their
Carr str eet above 7h, has also been sensiby inl
proved during the past year; and learn to be the
intention of the Commissioners of Streets speedily to
prosecute the Improvement the Western limits ofths
city, so as to invite and accommodate the trade and
travel over the Westham Plank Road. which road will
n,ersect Cary street, al its western termination The
City Council ALSO at its last monthly meeting, ss the
reader has been already apprised, concured in re-
commentator Of the Commissioners OF Streets gene.
rally for the thorough improvement and extension Of
this important thoroughfae through nearly to Rock
etts. To accomplish this, it will become necessary
| to pierce the hills lying East Of Twenty-hrs and
West of Pear street - an arduous undertaking.
truly, and one VIII ich will require in its consumms-
ton, heavy outlay As the hills through which the
extension is to be made, however belong to the city, no
land damages will be encountered. When finished,
the Eastern termination of Gary street will be in Pear
street, nearly opposite the ship lock to the Dock The
whole improvements on this street from 7h to Pear
will cost about $l8 coo. Cary street. from our ear
Hest recollection, has been regarded as the principal
business street in the city Its proximity to the canal
the State tobacco warehouses, and the Dock, render
ing the most suitable location tor those engaged in
the produce and shipping interests nearly all the hea-
Wy dealers and manufacturers have warehouses that
street. We are therefore glad to see 10 see that an
effort is about to be made give increased facilities to
the heavy trade on Cary street.
Union street, between Franklin street and the Central
Ra road Depot has been greatly improved, alta cost OF
about $1,000; an arch having been thrown over Shoe
koe creek, so 10 give the trade and travel over
that street direct outlet into franklin street. We
know OF few sections in the city where the spirit of inn
provement is rife than is this portion Of the VAL
ley and none where it is more needed.
Broad street has also come in for portion of the
improvements completed during the year. Eastward
y, from Adams Valley TO the corporation line, has
this handsome street been substantially graded tagged
and gu,tered Its Western termination has also been
graded and substantial cutters paved either side, so
as to conduct the which falls it during heavy
rains of the city, instead Contemplating it, as here
totore into the streets lying North of it, on Shockoe
Hill. This street is now lighted by the public lamps
from Brook Avenue 9th street, distance fully two
miles.
Clay street has likewise been improved from I'd st.
westwa rdly, al d learn it is the intention the COM
mssiones of streets speedily TO prosecute the improve
ment to the Western limits of this street.
Third street, from Leigh to Marshall streets, has
been thorough improved during the year. and recent
sale of lots the of Leigh and Sd street affords
abundant evidence ofthe value of this improvement
the corner lot commanding $40 per foot, and the adj
Joining lots selling at fine prices
Fourth street has been extended from Main street to
Candles Hill-the deep ravine between these two
points having been partially filled up and graded by
cutting down portion of the hill. This street will
speedily be completed, and when finished will bring
into market for building purposes, large number OF
lots hitherto unmproyed because almost unapproacha-
Bile by vehicles.
Sixth street has also been substantially improved
from the Canal to the ravne the Northern border o.
the city.
Ninth street, from Broad to Main street, will be re-
graded and paved understand, as soon as practical
ble The building the Washington Monument has
alone retarded the permanent improvement street
The massive blocks of granie-some OF them weighing