Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-15
ROCK CREEK PARK LANDS.
Mr.. Goldsborough Enlightens the Commits
sion the Subject of Subdivisions.

! Mr.. Goldsborough Enlishtens the Commits
sion on the Subject of Subdivisions.
/ Before the Rock Creek Park Appraisins Com
mission yesterday afternoon Mr. r. II. Colds
borough continued his testimony.
| Cir Goldsborough was proceeding to answer
! by explaining the course heretofore taken in
making subdivisions under the rules and resu-
la.ious adopted by the commissioners.
| Objections we're made that the answer was
entirely speculative
| Witness WAS allowed TO answer.
he said that if he were proceeding to subdi-
| vide the property be would first as to pro-
tracing the streets. The cost of grading, &C.,
would cost more than the land was worth except
/ ing to the plateau the eastern portion, where
the grading would be the minimum. Then
! these streets would have to conform to the
streets on the adjoining tracts on the south.
Protracting 18th and 18th streets would cost
but little. This would lead to the donation Of
| large quantity of land aud the principal diff
Guilty would be the taxation by the foot instead
OF by the acre.
The motion was overruled and an exception
was noted.
Mr.. Goldsborough said that it would DO i'm
aciicable to subdivide this trac. to conform
! Oh nearly conform to the city streets 1t could
not be put in condition for villa sites for less
and one would have to sell the lots (of five
acres at $4,000 each.
In regard to Mrs Truesdelrs property. tract
No ~, MIR. Godsboroush said it would be more
expensive to subdivide. Tract 62. 3lcheovn,
ZePp and other tracts were situated the same.
Dir. ShOCmakers large tract, 63, possessed
some advantages over the others and he con-
Eitered its availability of subdivision, for it was
worth but little as agricultural lands The
Dos PassOs lands were better sit uated for sub
division than the Shoemaker lands. In giving
| the values, while he considered the subdivision
feature, he was aware that the time had not
come to subdivide.
On recross-examination by Mr.. Wilson Mr..
Go!dsborOugh said that the value oil the prop
erty had been deprecated by the regulations
Is to subdivisions in certain cases. While the
measure was wise one for the community
certain property had been injured. The effect
OF the legislation has rendered it iInpracticabie
to subdlyide the property. and lift was LII the
| market it would be injured. The Thomp-
| son tract can be subdivided to conform to the
city streets. but at great expense. No plat had
been yet made. 1t had not been done be-
cause they did not believe the time had come to
take 1t out of the category of agricultural
lands.
Judge Wilson asked what effect the extension
| OF 18th street would have on the property, and
Mr.. Perry Directing, a long argument fol-
lowed.
The court overruled the objection ard di-
rected that the question be answered.
Mr.. GoldsborouSh explained by the map
where the streets would strike the Shoemaker
tract and the grades, showing how on a portion
OF the tract some forty-hVe acres, rectangular
lots, could be laid ont.
How SUBDIVISIONS MIGHT BE MADE.
Mr.. Gollsborough resumed the stand after
recess. and with the aid of the typographical
map testified to how the streets might be
extended to the Shoemaker tract and explained
the difficulties IN the way on some portions of
| the tract.
Judge Wilson-we would overcome that by q
neat little rustic bridge.
Mr.. Goldsborough explained from the map
how he would subdivide the property. The
creek, he said, could be bridged at the streets
and the timber cleared, but it would cost
great deal of money. 1t could be developed at
no greater expense than the extension of Con-
| necticut avenue. Its development is both posi-
BILE and practicable. The purpose of the owners
of the Thompson tract, he said, is to hold it for
subdivision and some attempt had been made
toward improving it. They had erected
bridge costing S12.0 900, which is too low, and a
higher one is needed. The streets are to be
rectangular and in some places elevations of
l20 feet to the mile will have to be overcome.
If the property is to be used city property
the policy would be to grade off the hill tops
and iii the valleys, but if for park property the
hills would remain, for the idea with parks is
| TO keep the land il its natural condition.
In regard to villa sites and building in the
suburbs Mr.. Goldsborough said there is a very
general prejudice against building fine resi-
dences on running water. but he did not share
ii himself. In making subdivisions, after paw
ing expenses, &C., IT is difficult to find pur-
chasers at paying prices. Woodley, he said, is
one of the finest Of the properties for subdi-
visions and yet there are no purchasers. The
| prices at which Mr.. Waggaman holds Woodley
equals sc, 000 to $40 cooper acre. and he under
stood that 1t had been practically withdrawn
and about $500, coo will be expended upon it.
he had known of eight or nine tracts within
the park offered for sale in the past three years.
By Mr. Colemau-Witness was never on Mrs
Truesdou 5 property till recently.
By Mr.. Perry-As matter of fact 10th
| street has not been extended to the Shoemaker
property. The Blasden aud Mt. Pleasant prop
critics interviewed between that street and Shoe
makers tract.
Ar. Perry asked if man gave every passer-
| by a s5 gold piece if it would improve the
property.
MIR. Goldsborough-Thst is very doubtful
it,
Mr.. Goldsborough-In a way. Yes. sir.
| Mr.. Co!eman-Suppose Mr.. Perry should
| take up his residence there?
Mr.. WiisoE-Or if Philadelphia bricks filled
| with diamonds were found there?
| Mr.. Goldsborough took no notice of these
| questions, As Mr. Perry said he had asked them
to show how untenable was the position of those
| on the other side.
| Mr.. Lambert-And We to show the same as to
NJ. Perry's position.
MR.. PAUL ON THE STAND.
| Mr. Joseph Paul was sworn and testified that
he had been in the real estate business since
1879; was interested in Bloominsdale, Columbia
Heights, Petworth and the Marshal Brown
| properties, and. at the suggestion OF MIR.
Glover. had called on Mr.. Perry and assisted
| HIM in giving the names OF witnesses &c
After describing his visits to the park lands he
| was asked as to Rosemont
Mr.. Lambert objected that witness had not
shown himself competent.
| Pending argument the commission adjourned
until today.
| The Daughters of the American Revolution.
| Mrs Presiden: Harrison. i'll conjunction wi III
other prominent officers Of the Society of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, is do
Ingher utmost TO remove the internal difficulties
which have done so much to hinder tine growth