The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-11
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Revival of the Old Rainier Street
DifHculfy.

Difhculfy.
The board of public works held its regu-
lar monthly meeting yesterday Commits
sioners Cochrane, Hebron and Rinehart
were present, and Street Commissioner
Alexander, City Engineer Gardner, Sewer
Superintendent Schmidt and Building
superintendent Compton were in attend
ance. When Mr.. f. Shepard walked in
ard took q seat il looked as if his appoint
ment as superintendent of water-works
had been determined upon, but the infer
ence was premature, and after speaking to
one of the commissioners he retired
Mr.. Frank A. Twichell, as a member of
the old council, appeared before the board
and related the history of the proceedings
which led TO the arrangement with J. s.
Taylor, as TO the removal of the mill and
the laying of a tramway. Mr.. Taylor had
been granted the right to lay a tramway
so as 10 allow him access to his mill, which
he had moved in order 10 meet the wishes
of the city authorities, the object being to
enable the city to acquire title to land
needed in extending Rainier street
Mr.. Heilbron said there was no doubt
that the tramway was very dangerous,
although the removal of the mill had been
Mr.. ]. S. Taylor explained how the ar
rangement was brought about. 1t had cost
him 81 900 or s. 5000 to keep his agreement
with the city, and he considered that if the
tramway was TO be put underground the
city ought to bear the expense. He
thought after the efforts he had made to
try and help get the street, and the money
he had expended, he should not be called
upon TO be dispossessed of his property as
he practically would be if the tramway
were stopped altogether. He had given
$50 feet frontage and had received sixty
In exchange.
Several questions were asked by the
commissioners with a view TO adopting
some new plan. Mr.. Taylor said he was
willing TO accept any suggestion; all he
had done was with a view TO improving
The neighborhood and benehting the
city.
An objection was raised that placing the
track below the surface would interfere
with the main water pipe.
Yes" said Mr.. Taylor. when the CITY
officials came TO me and asked as to LAYING
the pipe | told them 10 go ahead right
through my property wherever il was
most convenient. When they came 10 put
II through l shut down my works and
helped them. They cut through right
under my MILL
IL was taken under advisement, tempor-
srily permitting the tramway to run.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
For grading Rose Street-Street Commits
sioner Hebron said il should be the pol
hey Of the board just now TO recommend
improvements ON streets only where il
seemed 10 be absolutely necessary for pub
lie convenience, or where the petitioners
were almost unanimously in favor of it.
CstY engineer reported that the grade on
Seventh street was already established.
An application was received for plank
Ing OF alley between Front and Second,
Seneca and University. Major Rinehart
said the city should not pay for planking
private alleys The public Is supposed to
use the streets for traffic and alleys are for
private use. Ii was explained that the
city had been the cause of its being in had
condition. and Mr. Hebron moved that
the city council be advised TO have il nut
into order.
y communication was received from
she FIRE commissioners announcing that
they had accepted an offer Of 1000 feet OF
Eureka paragon hose. \ discussion took
place as 70 the power of the commissioners
ar OF the board 10 make such purchases
without an ordinance Of the council. The
matter was referred hack for information.
Inc ordinance defining the duties of the
hoard Of public was received.
\ letter WAS received from J. w An6er.
son announcing arrival OF two chemical
engines ana asking Tor committee 10 re-