The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-02-16
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.
BOARD or ALDERMEN.

The I.aurens street and Fifth Avenue Exten.
sion Project.
The final public meeting Of the committee having
charge Of the above mentioned proposed improvement
was held yesterday In the chamber Of the Board OF Al
dermsu, and was more numerousIy attended than any
OF the previous sessions Alderman Hardy occupied tho
chair and beside him Aldermen Brisn and Cuddy
Of the committee.
Shortly aftsrwelve O'Clock Alderman Hardy stated that
the meeting hold at the request Of the representa-
tives of the property owners Thompson street. to
allow them to present their Views the matter, and
that the committee was prepared TO hear from those
gentlemen. Mr. Henry, attorney for the Citizens Asso
citation, presented petition which no stated signed
BY some thirty property Fifth avenue below
Twenty third street, opposition 70 tho proposed im-
proyemsnt
Mr. HENRY BHRcH, as property owner on Fifth ave
nue. stated that ho had great objection to tho pro-
posed improvement provided there could DO some
arrangement effected that would prevent the laying Of
railroad tracks in that avenue The people Of the city
had been al an expense So 900 for the purpose
Of producing splendid drive, and 1t was imperative
that one avenue to reach thai drive should DO kept
open and free from distractions and that persons who
wish to enjoy that drive should be annoyed By the
eternal juggling OF bells and shouts OF Holloa got
out Of the way shsrs" Mr.. BsrEh then proceeded to
srcoria,e the 'aroad people," especially in regard
to their treatment Of the poor dumb beasts OF which
they kill 30 many every year. He feared that
IL the avenue were extsnded the railroad people
would endeavor TO get hold Of It He owned valuable
piece OF property Fifth avenue but he would bs
stumbling block In the way Of progress, bus for
the gormandzing Of the railroad companies who he
believed would rum they could double track through
heaven to reach the bostomles abyss. He would like
however, IL the matter passed. that the extension
should be made in straight hae through wasnngten
square t&. E
Alderman HARDY stated that 20 far the only sentiment
that seemed be universal was that n she street i'm
proved there should be no rairoad that however. was
. matter with which the Common Council could have
nothing TO do could not therefore, be considered
by the committee, although the committee was pleased
70 hsvo tue sentiments or oil interested In the matter
Mr.. Gsoss, behalf oflproperty owners on Thompson
street. opposed the proposed scheme and advocated tho
posed plan will fail IN the most important point caimod
that Is, relieve Broadway To do this the extension
should from Greenwich street. The proposed plsa
does NOS contemplate the carrying OF the improvement
below Canal street, and be believed that the relief TO
Broadway was needed most below Canal atreet The
proposed widening, no said, would not harmonixe as
Fifth avenue being 100 feet wide aurens street would
be- as proposed, but seventynvo feet wide, and West
Broadway ninety fest wids, all running into College
place, which 10 little than an alley. He believed
this improvement cannot accommodate travel enough
although may enhance properly little At the expense
OF the general community. The proposed improve
pent will destroy the beauty Of washington square and
proposed extension through block OF houses 70 Fourth
street Win be a needless expense. 3 &H.
The plan proposed by the Thompson street property
owners 30 cut through Washington square IN .
direct line from Fifth avenue 10 thompson street
widen the 6fy feet esstery side 70 Canal
ally through ~ wsst Brnad~ev. CO. f"lleye. riacc
.y ~ s l..,i.y %, o.. - Su,ton street, AND snv.s