The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-01-19
WEST SIDE IMPROVEMENTS.

PROPERTY OWNERS VISIT COMMISSIONER CAMP
BELL TO ASK FOR THE COMPLETION OF MORN
INGsIDE AVENUE.
deputation Of property owners from the west sido
called upon Mr.. Allan Campbell. Commissioner OF Pao-
lie Works, at twelve O'Clock yesterday, Tor the pur-
pose OF comforting with him completing Morn
ingsde avenue and other improvements in that
ton OF tine city. This subject has been frequently
discussed within the past i've years before the present
Commissioner and his predecessors, Mcssrs Van Mort
and Porter Deputations have again and again waited
upon these &c lcmen and made of precisely the
arguments that were put forth at yesterdays
conference. The deputation which called upon Mr..
Campbell consisted OF Messrs d. II. Omstead, s. e.
Church, John Bussing, Richard V. Harnett, p. Cal
laghan and about dozen others,
Mr. Olmstead was the first speaker He called atten-
ton former VISIT in relation to the same matter,
and then went into explanation OF the difficulties
surrounding completion of Moruinzside avenue 1t
was question Us whether the Park Public Works
Department had exclusive control OF the work. Com.
missioner Van Mort had constructed about two-thirds
OF the avenue when the question arose to where
the power OF continuance was lodged The passage Of
a law then recommc nded directing how the work
should be done. The Park Department had drawn all
the necessary plans II now appeared that there
should he cooperation between both departments,
and II might be found that the Department
of Public Works could go on. II THIS was
not tnen they should agree upon some bill
to submitted to tie Legislature. Tue property
owners had done everyth in their power 10 secure
to their wants IN this respect. II Morning.
size avenue wero built 1t would be the connecting
Ink between the Central Park the SIDE and
widest part OF RIVERSIDE avenue. When the rapid
transit road was completed IL would have 10 be-
tween lO6h and 1lUth streets IN order 10 get down
into E,gntn avenue. Mr.. olmstead further con-
tended that this was the most economic time in
which to engage Iabor and tnat the avenue
could be- completed Tor about $l57, 200.
Tho original estimates placed the amount
Tor regulating and grading ut $500 900 inc property
owners had paid assessments Tor Morningside Park
and other proposed improvements IN the vicinity over
81, 800, 600 TINS money paid tho theory That
their whole property should be speedily benefited.
The CITY had allowed Gig hi years 10 elapsc before In.
ishing the avenue MI. Oimstead also alluded TO tho
condition OF Ninth avenue.
THE CONTRACTORS DELAY.
Commissioner Cimpbei, IN response, said that the
trouble in Ninth avenue was manly due to delay
the part OF the contractor He would sec 10 that
TINS work was hurried 10 conclusion. As 10 Morn
ingsidc avenue, tho comm ss'oner mad gone over the
supJect with some oil the delegation several times bc
tore. Whom he came INTO the Department Of Pubic
WORKS he ionnu that nGtning was being done pros
ecute The work. In Tact, he found that the Comptro-
cr had refused TO puy Tor the improvements Tor
Mr. Oimstcai SAID that II was because the Comp
troer bcncvcd the work should be conducted under
charge OF tne.PnrK Department
Comm issloDer Campbell stated that " 1t were en-
trey matter where tho property .Ownurs would de-
tray all tho expense oil Morn.ngsde avenue then ITO
might 20 but IN TINS insapce the city would
be responsible Ior hail the amount He (Mr. Camp
be was opposed to burdoning the city with any aJ-
dtonaI expense ut this particular time for any work
that was not absolutely necessary. ~ q did
slider the com potion OF Mvrniugsde avenue us very
necessary. Ii the Park Department. went
with the creation OF Morningside Park then
he would give the matter OF the avenue
favorable consideration. The Park Commissioners
say they have money and Will not 20 Oh. vast
deal oil unnecessary work mad beon the upper
part oil tue cty whilo the lower part been very
much neglected ~ this respect Tho speak Of 's
cstmato OF the regulating ana grading Of Mornngsde
avenue was $40, 600. There would be an additional
cost Tor sewerage. Mr.. Campbell condensed MS po-
sition In tho remark that the only question before
them 10 whether this improv emcnt was a nee.
essary and useful Que to Tho city, which would be
compelled 10 pay one-haii OF the expense. He could