Evening star., 1894-12-15
Plan of the City Applied in the
Street Extension System.
GRASS PLOTS ALONG THE SIDEWALKS
Some Intricate Phases of the Stree,
Railroad Problems.
NEW UILDING PLAN S

port made by Frederick Law Olmstead on
the plan prepared by Commissioner Powell
for the extension of the city streets
through one section of the suburbs A
large number Of property-holders are per-
sor ally interested in the direction of the
lines of the proposed extension, while on
the other hand every citizen is concerned
in the adoption of a Judicious plan. 1t is
no doubt gratifying to every one who has
the welfare of the city at heart that the
city plan as laid out over hundred years
ago has been practically adopted for the
system of suburban streets. The wisdom
of making a generous provision for wide
streets and ample spaces Is now generally
recognized, and in a number Of the larger
cities the omission of these important de-
the earlier years is now being remedied at
a great expense.
Not only is it proposed to supply the
greater Washington with system OF
streets of the same width as those in the
city. but MIR. Olmstead goes still further
ard, foreseeing the future growth Of the
city beyond the present bounds, suggests
that provision be made for a larger num-
ber Of open spaces or reservations than
Is proposed in the plan which was sub
mitted for his inspection. These open
spaces scattered at intervals along the
crowded streets of a city not only add to
the appearance, but contribute to the
health and the pleasure Of the residents.
Whatever criticism may have been heard
in the earlier years of the city In regard
to the liberal provision made for parks
and open spaces In this day these are the
features Of the city which are most highly
commended. There is another part OF the
proposed extension plan which might have
been devised by L'Enfant, the author of
the plan of the city, and that Is the broad
boulevard which is designed to connect the
large parks outside of the city limits.
Street Improvement.
The Commissioners have lately adopted a
plan of laying sidewalks, which, with the
proper cooperation of the citizens, will add
very much to the beauty of the city. In
stead of extending the sidewalks all the
way out to the curb, a strip Of ground is
left along the outer edge Of the sidewalk,
which, IT is expected, will be cared for by
the citizens in the same way that the park
ing is in front of residences. This plan Will
provide a strip of lawn on each side of the
sidewalk along the streets of the city. In
addition to the Improvement In appearance,
this change. will benefit the trees as the
character of pavement which is now being
laid by the city government does not allow
the moisture to sink through, and If the
granolthic sidewalks were continued to the
curb and about the trees the area from
which the latter could draw moisture would
be very much reduced. Then again. as the
amount of sidewalk to be laid is less, the
cost will be corresondingly less, and the
city authorities can afford to lay a better
class of pavement for the same money. The
granolithic pavement is now being laid in
place of the old brick pavement, which was
a source of so much complaint as we'll as
expense to the District.
Street Railroad Problems.
If the various propositions which are
the Commissioners afford a just criterion,
1t is evident that the needs of the city in
the direction of street railroad facilities are
still not fully met. There are always
great many of these measures which come
up at each session of Congress and which
are never heard of after being introduced.
There are some, however, that represent
the real needs of the city, and such bills are
apt to receive proper attention. Just now,
attention is called to the situation at the
corner of 18th street and New York avenue
by the application on the part of the CO.
lumbia railroad for an extension Of their
road further west. The Washington and
Georgetown company also wants an ex-
tension, and the change in the motive
power of the Columbia road and the pro-
spective change on the Metropolitan line all
lend additional interest to the railroad situ-
alton in that locality, in which all three
roads are interested.
The question of affording the best facili-
Ties 10 tnS puDnC, Ol TeuuClnB 10 a Mini
mum the dangers Of traffic and at the
same time guarding the interests of the
various railroads presents some intricate
and difficult problems which the railroad
men and the members of the District Com
mittee are now trying to solve. There
seems to be a feeling of opposition to add
ing to the peril of street travel, and for this
reason more than usual care is being taken
in considering requests which will multi
ply the number of car tracks in any local
ity.
Increase of Lines.
1t Is evident that If there was no other
reason for a change the difficulty of MAIN
tanning horse cars in the streets of a city
in conjunction with more rapid system
would lead to the retirement of the faith
full and much-abused horse. This condition
is becoming more apparent every year as
the city extends beyond the old boundary
lines. New roads are built in order to
furnish street railroad facilities for those
living at some distance from the center of
the city, ana, of course, such residents
naturally desire to be brought directly to
the business center. Where city connec-
tions allowed the suburban roads
there must be either a duplication Of tracks
within the city or else one road must be
given authority to use the tracks of an
other. 1t is believed that 1t will be neces-
sary to adopt some permanent system so
that as the needs arise for new railroads
the necessary privileges can be granted
without upsetting existing conditions and
without detriment either TO the public in
terests or to those of the railroad compa-
MES.
Storage building Plans.
A good deal Of attention is evidently be-
ing paid to the storage facilities of the
city, for several schemes are being dis
cussed for the erection of such buildings.
AS has been stated in The Star one COM
pany has already been incorporated and
has secured a large building site on New
hampshire avenue, near NJ street. where it
Is the intention to begin at once the cree
ton Of large fire-proof building. A pro-
ject Is also under contemplation for the
erection of a large structure at the corner
of 11th and c streets northwest. 1t is said
that preliminary plans have been prepared
for the building and that the owner of the
property, who is a resident of New York,
and others are being interested in the
project. There is also some talk of re-
modelling the Panorama building. at the
corner of 18th street and Ohio avenue for
use as a storage building. There are, in
addition, some individuals who are talking
Of putting up buildings for this use, and
II all the plans discussed are carried out 1t
Is likely that the city will be well provided
with structures of this character.
building Record.