The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-09
S7,O86.O0
STREET PAVING.
An Argument in Favor of the Use of
Gravel and Wooden Blocks.

To the Editor Of the INDIANAPOLIS Journal.
/ was glad to see article in your pqror
this morning giving a statement somewhat
more satisfactory than usual in reference
to the Alabama street pavement. There are
two interests to serve in all our proposed
street improvements-the interest of the
property holder and the interest of the CITY
1t appears to me that, since the property
holder has put great toll or care and
sometimes the best of his life work, into
his home, perhaps depends upon the
profitable rent of his property for all his
living, his interest is the first to be con-
sidered. Ard yet his interest is rarely at
serious variance with the interest Of the
city, especially as the value of his prop
erty Is dependent, first, upon city values,
and, second, upon the relative value OF
property in different locations. When prop
erty holders taxed for improvements
beyond good gravel roads and brick side
walks without any benefit 10 themselves
present or future, the taxation would seem
a misuse of power and oppression to the
individual One reason our gravel streets
are oiten III made anu never properly
cared for. Mr.. Chislett, at Crown Hill.
has none of the difficulty with his gravel
roads which the city has, although his
roads are constantly used. Something less
than twenty years ago a part or Michigan
street was graveled with great care, and
city, although it received almost no at
tention from the street commissioner. 1t
ceived better attention from the plumber.
1t seemed to me quite proper to sign a
petition against the paving Of North Me-
ridian street with asphalt at an expense
several times that OF block, especially as
the property holders would also be taxed
heavily to keep an asphalt street swept
and constantly repaired for a great amount
of travel; and that with the certainty that
1t must always be dusty in spite OF the
sweeping, and always out of repair in spite
of the repairs, and always a mine Of hot
ness for our long summer days, and for
the leaves and roots OF our dear shade
trees. Judging the residents of North Me-
ridan street who have protested against
asphalt pavement by my knowledge Of
them and ourselves, l am sure we are all
willing to contribute largely to the beauty
OF indianapolis, and we consider ourselves
and our streets an integral part of the city
but we have for many years lived by a
block pavement which is not very dusty
in dry winter, which is easily kept clcan
damp ard cool during the long hot sum
mer. and which was allowed sufficient con-
nection between the air and the roots Of
our shade trees TO enable them to grow IA
mously. We are willing TO put down new
IL its foundations are laid deep and well,
and the street is then never disturbed TO
get at gas pipes and sewer connections, We
can count on long and even life for that
smooth asphalt, yet we do not consider
that II would impose very severe sort Of
exercise upon those who viii enjoy driving
on our cool and shady thoroughfare.
SARAH F. ATKINS.
indianapolis. March s.
Mr.. Ross Had Nothing to DO with IL.
To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal:
Permit me TO correct misstatements made
by Mr.. d. Hazard In your paper OF March
s. Speaking OF Walnut street, he says:
This street is but twenty-five feet wide.