New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-03
THE HEMPSTEAD STORAGE RESERTOIR.
RENEWED PROTESTS FROM BROOKLYN PROPERTY
OWNERS AGAINST THE ENLARGEMENT SCHEME

RENEWED PROTESTS FROM BROOKLYN PROPERTY
OWNERS AGAINST THE ENLARGEMENT SCHEME.
The hearing of property -Owners concerning
the projected enlargement and completion of the Hemp
stead storage reservoir, at estimated expense OF
$500 900, was resumed last evening in the Brooklyn
Common Council Chamber, before the Joint Committees
OF the Board OF Aldermen Water and Drainage and
Laws. Among those present were A. A. Low Wm +.
Libby ilam Marshall, s. B. Chitenden Samuel Hutch
nson Gen Stewart L. woOdford Morris Reynolds Samuel
Mclean, ex-Mayor Booth, Geo. L. Nichols, Henry L.
Pierepont James Rockwell, Harvey harrington, Vim. Ii.
Arnoux, Thomas III. Roslman and many other we'll
known citizens. ExRegister Mclaughlin, Controller
Powell, President Palmer Of the Department OF City
Works. Commissioner Fowler, with other officials were
also in attendance and the Council Chamber filed to
its utmost capacity.
A. A. Low said that he, with others who had inspected
the reservoir had found the Of the State under
which the work begun had contemplated a com
peted work for 81 100000. The contract provided that
20 per cent should be reserved from the monthly
amounts accruins the contractors of which 10 per
cent should be paid upon the acceptance of the work by
the city, and per six months later but the Board
of City Works had reserved the 90 per cent pre-
scribed by law large discrepancy in the estimate OF
earth removed and 10 be removed, compared with the
gneer of the Department of City Works The gentlemen
inspected the reservoir were OF the opinion that be-
yond the completion Of the dam no more money
ought TO be expended. They were not In favor
Of having the work proceed under its present
management. large amount of work had
been extended not originally intended TO be
taken the reservoir The original appropriation of
81 400 900 had all been expended, and bill brought in
Tor an additional 800 for extra haulage OF earth
much which could have been used for and needed
for supporting the dam. Mr. Low advised great care in
increasing the public debt, the city already
ridden and borne down by taxation and debt II an
peri should examine the work he would find that had
not done in accordance with the contract The con
tract had never been Endorsed by the taxpayers and il
;heiI sole benefit and to the detrment OF the IN
terests of the people VINO charged 50 cents per cubic
yard for removing earth which could DC removed for 80
cents per cubic yard
samncl Hutchinson read proposal from John J. Cum
mns a contractor, OF No. 11j Lbcrty-st., NowYOrk
offering complete the removal of earth for % cents
cubic yaiyi and TO give ample security for the faithful
he had visited the reservoir and found that the dam
already leaking when there q pressure from water
only eight feet deep, and tho contractor provided that
the dam should withstand pressure OF water 10 feet
deep
ExDistrct- Attorney Rodman hoped It would be borne
In mind that only side had been heard and that in
iustce TO all both citizens and officials, the Board OF
City Works and its engineer must make full statement
Then whoever should prove 10 have been responsible for
bad management let them be held to accountability;
that the law clearly roydcd that the work should he
nIlly completed for 81 100000 He asked Are you
ready 10 putin 100000 more and many voices EN-
Ex-Mayor Booth said that President Palmer OF the
Department OF City Works had just uDequivOcally as
slrcd him that the work could and would be finished
for 5000 Mr.. Booth added that he had inspected
the reservoir and knew that the work could not be n-
lshed for S2,0O0,00O. Stick pin right there, Mr.;
speak from practical standpoint" He said that some
tlling must be done, however, the money already
spent would be lost through the damaging effect OF
storms the unfinished work. After some bi1ef re-
marks by Messrs. Harrington and Mclean the meeting
was adjourned I'LL next Tuesday evening, when Tue
Water Board is expected TO present its defense