The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-03-06
Tho Conditions Changed.

Tho bill introduced into the Legislature
by Senator PLUNKITT for tho opening OF
streets in the neighborhood Of Morningsidc
Park Is measure which formerly might
have been justified in all its particulars.
Now. so far as It provides for the opening
OF Ono Hundred and Nineteenth street
through the land of the Bloomingdale
Asylum. IT. is distinctly opposed to the true
interests Of that region.
Probably IL was framed before the transfer
OF the asylum property to Columbia College
was considered and became likely. and then
the provision for the opening of that street
between tho Amsterdam avenue and the
boulevard represented the desires and inter-
ests OF tho residents and property owners
of tho ncighborhood. Tho occupation
Of so large an urea by an insane asylum
has been serious obstacle to the develop
mcnt of the region. Accordingly and very
reasonably the neighborhood has been anx-
ious To break up this enclosure by running
streets through 1t which would drive the
institution to another situation.
The conditions. however, will be changed
totally il Columbia College buys tho por-
ton of the asylum property upon which it
has obtained an option. and the remainder
is opened up to tho speedy improvement
which will result from its proximity to
that institution. 1t is true that this pur-
chase has not yet been completed. 1t has
not been decided upon by the college. but is
only held under consideration. and Senator
PLUNKITT and all those who are concerned
as to the prosperous development of the
neighborhood may say with reason that
they cannot assume that project merely
contemplated will be carried out I'm fact.
Inasmuch. however. rs their object is the
public benefit. they will doubtless encour-
age and assist Columbia College in tho ex-
ecution OF it's scheme by withdrawing the
provision for the opening of the street
through the property it proposes to ac-
qulre. provided that the college decides to
purchase and improve the land. Columbia
College would be welcomed to the neigh
bOrhoOd rs heartily rs the removal of tho
insane asylum Is desired. The street
through tho property would be of tritiing
advantage for that short distance, while
the coming of the college would give dis,
tinction to the region and assist powerfully
in its development. The grounds which
now constitute tho enclosure of an insane
asylum would become an open park.
enhancing tho beauty OF those heights
and attracting thither a settlement which
would greatly increase the taxable value of
the property. Undoubtedly. too. the trus-
tees Of the college would consider the pleas
ure and convenience OF the public by so
laying out the grounds that tho absence OF
a public thoroushfare for IL distance SO
short would be compensated for amply.
If Columbia College declares its intention
of purchasing the portion Of tho Blooming
dale Asylum property upon which it has an
option. that ought to settle tho question.
The argument for opening Il street through
the land will have no further force. Such.
will be the feeling OF saga
cious and public-spirited man like Senator
PLUNKITT, and it will be shared by all tho
officers of the city and by the Legislature.