Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-07-29
For the Spectator.
The New Street Improvement.

EdatoT Spectator:
1t seems to US that it would be
well for the Council to consider for what pur-
pose the opening of N eW street was undertaken.
IL was not, we suppose, as mere local improve
ment, but was intended for the benefit Of the
trade and travel of the whole city. 1t appeared
that Augusta street was insufficient to meet the
demands of our growing business and increasing
population. 1t was found that Augusta street
was very frequently so blockaded up by wagons
and other vehicles as to make it almost impassa-
BILE, and that this same street with Its narrow
sidewalk was very often so INSTRUCTED by tides
of foot passengers-especially on those frequent
occasions by night or day when the colored peo-
pie are going to and returning from their
ch1rohes-as to make locomotion' both difficult
and dsagreeable Therefore, it was, we presume,
that it was determined that the only other street
which was parallel with Augusta through the
entire city, should be opened If these were OF
the considerations, then the expensive work
which was undertaken is indefensible; but if
these were the cogent reasons, the question arises
how should the work be done? Obviously, as
1t seems to US; it should be completed in tAs mast
perfect manner possible Much expense has al
ready been incurred, and considerable private
inconvenience has been sustained, for which the
law, we believe, allows no compensation in dam
ages The late very competent City Engineer
has reported. we understand. that it is still nee
essary to remove foprr or FIVE feet more from the
top eff the hill, in order to make the grade the
best possible. A few hundred dollars will &C.
compish this object; and we respectfully en-
quire, where so MUCH has already been spent is
1t not the only true policy to go on and perfect
the grading of this street once for all. This ad-
ditional grading if done at this time, will infict
but little additional inconvenience on private in
dividuals but if not now, when it shall hereaf-
ter become Indispensable to do it. the curblng
and paving, which it is proposed to lay will
haye to be removed at cost to the public, and
private individuals will again be REQUIRED to re
model their premises. But aside and above all
this, the money thus far expended will have been
spent to but little purpose unless this street shall
be made an easy thoroughfare for loaded vehi-
Giles In opr judgment the completion of this
work on the most perfect grade possible is due to
the business interests of the entire city, and to
the comfort and convenience of all it's people
It is further due to the property holders on the
business end of New street, whose property has
been deprecated IN value, and whose trade has
been diminished, because this street has not here
tofore been made convenient thoroughfare. 1t
is due to the property holders who have already
been put to expense and inconvenience by the
grading already done. 1t will certainly be some
compensation for them to know that the street
on which their property is situated has been inn
proved to the utmost degree of which it is sus-
ceptble. It is finally due to wise and far see
ing economy, which, in view of the much that
has already been expended, requires that the
work shall be made complete as possible now,
when it can be done al less expense and with
far less inconvenience than if it be left to be done
hereafter.
There is no question in our minds that this will
prove most valuable public improvement if
completed; but let it not be left half done. The
Council have gone too far to halt, and leave it
incomplete. We respectfully suggest that it will
not be wise in them to put themselves n the cat
egory of the man, against whose con duct the
Scriptures warn u.s. who shaving begun work,
and not being able to finish it, all that behold
him begin to mock him, saying, this man began
to build and was not able to finish"
TAx PAYERS