Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1890-02-07
The Clinton Street Question.

To the Editor Qrthe Johnstoton Democrat.
The question of widening Clinton street
is one of much Importance to the borough
of Johnstown, but the manner in which
the three councilmen of the Third ward,
are railroading the matter through
our legislature" it would seem
to indicate that the burdening of the
borough with debt of $25,000 or $780,
900 was an ordinary every day matter.
Before the councilmen of the seven
wards Of Johnstown borough should give
their consent to the passage of this ordi-
nance, it might be well for them to in
quire into the motives for the widening
of Clinton street, and the benefits derived
therefrom and then consider if the result
is such that the borough should tax the
citizens to pay for it
1t goes without saying that the direct
benefits derived, would be for Clinton
street alone. Our three energetic coun-
cilmen from that ward are all enterpris-
ing business men. They know that in
widening the street, the side on which
they live and do business will not be in
iured by the taking of eight feet
of the ground from their prem
ises. 1t will all come from the
opposite or Southern side, which will
make them gain just double. Notwith-
standing they say it is az much benefit for
the man living out in the 7th, 9th, or 9th
wards rs it is to Clinton street business
men, and therefore all seven wards should
be taxed to pay it. Again they say the
street at present is too narrow to allow
tne laying of two tracks for the Electric
Street Railway, and as a matter of ac-
commodation to the Street Railway
people they wish to widen the street eight
feet.
Ever since the food, the question of a
heavy municipal debt, being placed upon
the taxpayers of the borough has been
before the people, and in Council the mat
ter caused much discussion.
The bridges had to be built by the r, :.
lief Fund money, in order to save h,
taxpayer. The grading of the lower .od
of Main street has been Ibefore Cor rci
for four months, yet never settle( fo,
fear of saddling a small debt on u 10 bor
ough. The policemen were not pa II theil
just and earned dues, as a matter of econ
omy but the Clinton street ma ter INNS
not be delayed; our all Ozise an,
shrewd Councilman from Ge Th,rf
ward seeing the advantages to them il
their different business, eant Clinic,
street widened at once. Az one of fin,
parties to this SC memo remarked
" We do not want a sin r1a limo of tracl
on Olh'oh sIree'' rum ing one direction
nor 40 we want u' GIble track as th
street is at present. Either wav il will
drive people from or r trade With two
tracks on the street sat nresent a farmer,
wagon coulu not stand in front of my
business house' while the cars wer
passing ana he would be forced to driv
around 10 Mar J'street, and do his buyins
there. Oh, mn, we must widen Cliuto,
street at ono en
Now, the ,,,,,ootton 10 II the widenin,
Oh the rect is benft to the ClintoI
street m srchants, let them pay for 1t. If
rs tley sgy it will benefit the whole cit
as IN Jorporated, then wait and let th
WI 6ole city d" pay for it, and not burde
Lhe seven wards in Johnstown boroug
WI sh 5his unjust debt, Let the Council
N 4en of Johnstown borough consider this
CITIZEN.