The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-03-11
SPANNING THE HARLEM.

VIEWS OF PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNING THE
ENTERPRIsK--THE QUESTION OF GRADING THE
STREET.
The Park Commissioners held . meeting yesterday,
which attended by property owners on the line
the proposed bridge from Madison avenue 70 3Sth
street.
President Martin presided, and Mayor Ely Comp
troer K ely and President Purroy, Of the Board OF
Aldermen. present There were also present =
large number OF OF property on this and the
Westminster size OF the river, among whom
Henry }. Cram, l. ). Norris ex-Judges MCGOWAN and
Cowes, James Manchester ex-senator Cauldwell. Jor-
dan l. Mott. &c.
The views expressed by them were varied. some
were In favor Of nigh permanent bridge, some Tor
low temporary bridge, and some for no bridge at all
Mr.. Jordan l. Mott spoke strongly favor OF the
proposed bridge, and met The objection that would
tend 10 obstruct the navigation OF river by saying
that the commerce OF the and
more important TO the city Than that Of the river
The oDJections 10 the bridge came from owners OF
property on this side the river, who wanted TO keep
the population on this side the build up their
own properly and make II valuable at the expense Of
the OF property In the portion OF the
city Better facilities tor crossing Harlem River
were absolutely necessary and he hoped objections
OF lew Interested Individuals would prevail
the wishes and wants OF . very large portion OF tho
citizens Tho cost was mere riae comparatively,
beng estimated at 500, OO0
Mr. Henry j. Cram said he owned the property along
Madison avenue, from both street TO the river the
grade OF which would have be II the bridge
was built, and he supposed he would be
this work He did not OBJECT bridge. II was
pubic improvement, desirable long as no principle
OF justice or equity Is violated. All the benefit would
result TO owners OF property the WesIcheser sde
OF the river and he IL would DO an Injustice
make him individually pay for Tao grading OF the
approach on this SIDE Real estate Of
the burdens which load II down Tho real estate
market has revived, and he hoped there would be no
hurry At least 10 depress again by additional burdens
OF assessments. He owned the land Madison avenue
from l3Sth street. where tho OF the approach
the bridge would begin, the rvef and he certainly
would object TO the construction of tho bridge he had
TO pay individually for this grading.
Comptroller Kelly asked hin II q trestlework on the
centre Of Madison avenue, from l3sth street TO
briage which would obvate tho necessity OF nng IN
and grading, would 90 any INJURY TO bis properly.
Mr. Cram replied that II would do drsct injury
hereafter be taken away and his houses which might
be built In the meantime might be covered up 10 the
second story windows by new grading lie preferred
solid Ming In OF tho approach, that the grade
would be permanently established and the
filing in should be included IN the cost OF the bridge
aud assessed upon the whole city.
President Martin said Madison avenue would have
to be filled in and graded for only blocks,
135ih l37th Streets and the cost Of this has been
estimated py General Greene at S. 600, So 900 Tor
the ming in OF the approaches on both SIDES
Mr. Cram said hc would gladly deposit So 600 II he
more. He knew too much about assessments for pub
lie works TO rely on so small figure
Nr. ]. j. Morris sad he was favor OF every fac-
ity Tor crossing the Harlem River, but thought any
bridge which might now DO built should be only tenn
porary. The federal government have the improve
ment Of the navigation OF tho Harlem River con-
temptation. General Newton has examined the
matter ana planneu out us improvements, and the
Congressional Committee Oh Lakes and Rivers Just
before ADJOURNMENT included their report 500, 900
Tor General Newton 10 on with the work oil nprov-
ing the navigation OF that stream. In view OF this
fact he thought no obstruction in the shape OF
bridge should be placed across the river. He advo.
Gated system OF tunnels under the river referred
the fact that Chicago had found Il could not get
along with bridges and we're cutting tunnels under
the In the meantime he thought a wooden
structure with draw which would be opened every
fifteen minutes, should DO built now TO allow the
people to pass over the rver but this any event.
should be only temporary.