New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-11-04
SOME EFFECTs or RAPID Transit

SOME EFFECTS or RAPID 1RfNHT
The near prospect of rapid transit ROAD on
this island begins already to affect real estate
in the ncighbOrhood of the city. The advance
that is to he expected in Westminster County
has doubtless been largely discounted. Ii
propcrty there along tho line of the road rises
TO the prices Of few years ago during the
era of speculation, the owners ought to be
abundantly satisfied. But while the new ROAD
must benefit real estate in some quarters, 1t
will probably damage it somewhat in others.
The march of Improvement in the New-Jer-
sew counties near this city may he slightly
checked: but the railroad facilities which
New-Jcrscy offers are fully equal to any that
the new road is likely to have in respect TO
swiftness, numerous trains, and comfortable
ears; the only drawback being the inconvc-
ncnce of the ferry across the North River.
Brooklyn has no such competing facilities, and
until the East River Bridge is completed has
also the ferry disadvantage. AS to the mere
question of rise and fall of real estate, the
chief circumstance in Brooklyn's favor is that
the market ia now about as much depressed as
il well can be, and owners think that if there
is any change it must be for the better.
The present seems to be an appropriate time
to review the conditions which affect property
in Brooklyn. 1t is less valuable by at least
One-balf than property at equal distances from
the center of this city, situated on this island
or in Westchcster County. I'm many parts OF
BROOKLYN and its outskirts the difference OF
value is much greater than One-half; the
diminution with distance from the com
Il :
we recedc from the ferries. This seems
surprising when we contemplate brook
lyn's advantages as a place OF residence.
Long Island has a sandy soil, which, on the
one hand, should make the work Of building
city comparatively inexpensive, and, on the
other, should insure good drainage and free
dom from malaria. In fact, Brooklyn is
healthy city. 1t is not wanting in special at
fractions. Its great park is in many respects
rival of our own. Its public schools are better
and its private schools certainly as good as
ours. Ii is by cminence the city of churches.
Ridgcwood water is as plentiful and perhaps a
shade purer than CrOtOn.
Two conditions have set at naught all the fore
going advantages. First, corrupt and ex-
trayacant local government, that like the Old
with choking tishtness and bid fair 10 be q
perpetual burden. The effort made to dis
place this load on Tuesday deserves credit,
though its success was not complete. The
other obstacle TO BrOOklyn's prosperity is
the want OF facilities of approach and in
ternal travel. The deficiency begins on
the Ncw-York side. No stages or cars in this
CITY run to the Brooklyn ferries after midnight
The streets leading TO at least two OF the
ferries are of the kind that ladies avoid ut all
times and respectable men shun after night
fall The line OF cars that runs to the princi-
pal ferry is managed by corporation that
permits it to be discontinued for days at q
time after a Winters snowfall which scarcely
oixtructs other roads an hour. The ferrybOats
mt certain hours are fcarfully crowded an
accident of such times might sacrifice hundreds
of lives. The ferries of the Eastern District
are slabbily managed. Brooklyn is well sup
piled with horse-cars, though few of them run
after midnight, and those at intervals of nj
least three fourths Of an hour. Their routes
are generally up hill and they cannot be ex-
pectcd TO make rapid time, especially when
crowded.
Three things are absolutely necessary to give
Brooklyn fair chance in competition with
Now-York and Wcstchestcr after our rapid
transit road is completed. We have thrown off
our Ring government entirely; she must DO the
same with hers. The East River Bridge must
not lac DELAYED any longer than Is absolutely
requisite for good, honest work. Com
petcnt engineers say that it c0a'd be
finished easily within two years. Lastly,
Brooklyn must have system OF
rapid transit of her own. There is sach a
project on foot 4; but there were dozens OF them
for this city before any advanced to q pracIl
cal stage. OF course in Brooklyn rs here
raDd transit road must encounter the oppo3i-
ton OF horse car companies and of property
owners on any proposed route. The obstacles
that have been overcome in the one city can
be as readily surmounted in the other Bat to
accomplish this public sentiment must be
aroused that can push things.