Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-08-11
TIE FIFE ORDINANCE.
It's Repeal or Modification Asked for
by Many Citizens.

There seems TO be some misapprehen-
sion in the minds of the people as TO what
is sought to be done with the fire ordi-
nance. While the petition asks for the
repeal of the present ordinance, and d.
reefs the attention of Council to the Rob
erts' ordinance as, in the opinion Of the
siguers, liberal and wise measure, it is
not their purpose to dictate to Council the
exact action that should be taken.
There can be no doubt but that a large
number Of citizens wish modification OF
the ordinance that they may be enabled TO
build themselves wooden houses In other
localities than now allowed. A Disregard
OF this desire will be damaging to Coun-
Gil. With a petition so generally signed
exclusive Of "the boys" as this has
been, no Alderman, certainly, will assume
TO know better than his constituents what
is tor their good.
AS one OF the signers Of the petition, l
take the liberty OF suggesting that 1t IS
not the object of the petition 10 so amend
the present ordinance as to permit the
building of wooden structures on Bay
street, or on any business street. or in the
older portions of the city. The situation
is briefly this: The territory in which
wooden houses can be built-south of the
tlrely built up. The vacant lots have
nearly all been bought up by persons who
will soon build upon them, Therefore the
unfOrtunates who have not bought lots
are shut out entirely, unless they buy and
build in the brick district They are not
allowed to 20 beyond Anderson street,
because the city will neither pay for the
streets as laid out by their ordinance or
permit persons to build upon the streets
tat al I'M
stances a respectable number Of respec-
table citizens, in a respectful Pc
tition, ask Council to modify the
fire ordinance. They say, sub
stantially, allow us to build wooden
houses upon the vacant lots, which cannot
now be sold because they are in the brick
district. Extend the territory IN which
we can build with wood TO the vacant
lots in that portion bounded north by
Castor, west 10y Lincoln and east by JEFF
feTson, and north Of Indian street. This
is a reasonable, and, as some Of US think,
o right request 1t will result in encour-
aging and assisting a large number Of
citizens to own their own homes. should
this be discouraged? 1t would give EN-
ployment to a large number of builders.
Is this desirable?
1t would enable owners of vacant lots
to sell, thus putting money in circulation.
Is JnlS Den6DClalE
1t would add largely to the taxable
property of the city. Is it not the DUTY Of
an Alderman to assist in this?
Allow me to ask: If these Aldermen
who own wooden houses in the brick dis
tricts would be able to build brick if the
| same rule had been applied to them that
| they seek now to enforce upon otherss
What public interest will be damaged
| by the modification OF this ordinance?
Is the Council prepared to occupy the
! position Of compelling men Cor boys
either to live in rented houses, or to build
! of brick?
Are the brickmakers and the landlords
| to be protected by Council?
The writer believes that the sober sec
ond thought of the gentlemen in Council
will lead to the conclusion that even ''tbe
| boys" if any there be on the petition. VINO
| desire to own homes should be encOur-
aged in their laudable efforts, and that no
/ legislation should be had that would lead
to even the suspicion that this is rich
mans city. K. E.