Morning journal and courier., 1888-01-27
THE DERBY ROAD.
The Street Closing Question-The
 Hearing Yesterday.

The Street Closing Question-The
 Hearing Yesterday.
 The railroad commissioners held another meeting in the alderren's chamber yesterday morning relative to the proposed closing up of Hill, Lafayette and Liberty streets at Sil- yer street so that the Derby road could have room enough for new depot, round house, freight house, etc. President Stevenson of the Derby with Attorney Simeon E. Bald- win of that road were present, also members of the board of aldermen. MT. Baldwin stated to the commissioners why the railroad company wanted those streets closed. He read letter which he had received from J. A. Bostwick. The latter stated that the company had bought large amount of property for enlarging the facilities of the road, the benefits of which would be very large to the city unless the company 'tare hampered and prevented by the action of the city from carrying out our purpose" He had seen it stated that the read does not need anything like the amount of property it has purchased. This is wrong statement, as the road needs all the property it can get. MT. Bostwick hoped the city would deal lib erally with the company and encourage the road. In conclusion MT. Bostwick wrote:
 "Our connection with the Housatonic and New England road will give direct outlet to the city of New Haven for west bound shipment, and also for east bound, as they never have had before. Besides this the contemplated connections farther to the northward, we believe, will bring New Ha- ven nearer to @ supply of Canadian lumber at lower cost in New Haven than any pros- pect of getting it in any other way"
 A map was then shown the commission ara 0f the r1ana If Ina road for fhia for,. minus. It includes all the land lying between the railroad track and Silver street included between Commerce and Cedar.
 The map shows the plan of improvements proposed by the company if Hill, Lafayette and Liberty streets are closed. The passen- ger depot will stand on Commerce street with the restaurant directly on the corner of Commerce and West Water streets. The waiting rooms will be directly in the center, with the express and baggage offices at the north end. ,The freight depot is to extend along Silver street for 1 1.000 feet. South of it will run the tracks. The tracks for the passenger trains will run down to the depot with platform on either side for the ac- commodation of both incoming and outgoing passengers. A railroad shop three stories high is, according to MT. Baldwin, to be erected west of the freight depot.
 Corporation Counsel Driscon for the city questioned the power of the railroad comr miasioners to close up city highways unless the city was willing. He asked for an ad- journment until the committee from the common council had made report The commissioners adjourned the meeting until February 15 at 10 o'clock.
 Messrs. Driscon and Baldwin, however, had little legal discussion. MT. Baldwin claimed in forcible speech that the comrnis- sioners had the authority to decide about whether the streets should be closed or not.
 MT. Driscoll replied in forcible argument that to the city alone belonged the right in question.
 Next Monday evening at o'clock the first public hearing will be held at the City Hall. Railroad representatives will be heard that evening and on following successive even ings citizens will be heard oh this question.