New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-07
BROOKLYN DRITESAND PARKS.
THE BAY RIDGE PARKWAY NO LONGER
A MATTER OF DOUBT.
FINAL ACTION TAKEN BY THE OFFICIALS WHOSE
APPROVAL WAS NECESSARY-TIIr NEW PARKS
-OTHER IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED

FINAL ACTION TAKEN BY THE OFFICIALS WHOSE
APPROVAL WAS NECEssARY-TIIE NEW PARKS
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED.
The people OF Brooklyn in general do not
10 be aware that all the preliminary steps in con-
nection with the construction Of the Ray Ridge
Parkway have been taken and that the work OF
curing the necessary lands is already in progress.
such is the fact. however At the public hearing
held four weeks ago there was practically only one
Voice-the voice of the people who favor the project
and want to see it carried into effect early
possible. So unanimous the expression of public
sentiment this side tina, II became necessary to
interrupt the speakers and say that the public
officials concerned wanted u know in particular
whether there were any objections to the proposed
parkway. The opposition feeble that 1t may
be said to have no existence.
The officials referred to are the Mayor. Controller
City Auditor. Park Commissioner Supervisor-at-
Large and County Treasurer. When they met two
days later to consider the question there com
plete agreement to the desirabty of the work.
and it at decided to proceed with the ac
quirement OF lands and 10 issue the bonds as soon
needed in payment therefor.
In estimating the value OF the property be taken
for the driveway. Park Commissioner Squier Is -
have the assistance Of three experts in real estate.
and the work is to be proceeded with promptly as
possible SO that II may be finished or nearly fin
shed. before the end OF the present year. This is
important. nasmuch the bonds - bc issued are
county bonds. ana II is necessary TO make the bond
issue prior TO the complete union city with the
county. which will take place, unless postponed by
the present Legislature, at the beginning OF next
year
In order however to make good any failure in
that respect bill has been sent t. Albany pro-
vidng that the Park Commissioner. when the work
IS well in hand. may estimate the amount remain
ing 10 be expended ana make II possible 10 issue
the bonds in time TO come within the limit hxcl 10y
tho. abs Of he ne
No opposition TO this bill is expected. AMI 1t Will
doubtless be passed.
Il IS apparent already that the Park Commissioner
IS be subjected 10 severe criticism for his action
in acquiring certain property needed for park pur-
poses Such criticism arises. OF course, from persons
who think their land should be taken In prefer
ence that Of anybody else but as they are gov
erned by interested motives their cutlery VIII be re-
garded as Of little importance. 1t is known that
Commissioner Squer Will take every prcc iuton To
guard the interests OF the city. and that he viii
avoid II possible anything looking in the direction
Of a real estate speculation. When piece Of land -
wanted by the city It is the general rule that itS
owners at add 10 per cent. or therelbous. TO
It's estimated value. People with so grasp!ng us
position will get aid or comfort from MI Squer.
Reference Is now made to the securing OF add
,ional lands for public parks which are to be paid
for from the proceeds OF the sale OF county bonds.
az in the OF the property required TOT the
Bay Ridge Parkway As the Commissioner has
full power in the matter. II IS not unlikely mat
dispose OF their land ana the PARK on "hl'h un,,y
are counting may be PLACED somG"h.Ee e!sr IN t ,
prospective sellers to make sure that their land
is wanted before they cmbarrass its sale BY put
ting on "A prohibitory price.
As the law now stands ther" is no limit to the
amount of county bonds that may be issued In Sc
curing park sites but there IS no provision for I'M
proving the property so acquired ana makihG ~ ~
for PnD Ga Snsc arh IS ky 10 H
the neghborhood. and t. have thr CONTRARY ,lr
effect from that intended on the surrounding prop
ertV To prevent this a bill lS now b"ioIc INC
Legislature providing for IN" expenditure OF 900
FOR Improving IN" park lands that ar" to De a.,
quircd. II has already passed one mousse me bi!I
is eininently reasonable one 91'a oxo, ,., WIN
As soon as the parks are hnaly I'M my WI
hay. an Immediate effect In Increasing the value
OF all the property In the vicinity 81 them. from
which the city Will reap the b"neht IN lncrcasc1
tayation This effect will be all the greater II I'M
mediate steps are taken TO improve the park lands
and make them ATTRACTIVE As the $-51"D Is to De
Included in the county bond issue the scheme viii
Fnrther Improvements under the direction Of the
other bill. which provides for the proper care ot
Ocean-ave. and Fort Hamilton-aye. In me case OF
sides with Vltrincd brick. 10 provide driveway
FOR heavy wagons and trucks. while the middle part
ton-ave VIII II possible. be macadamized through
out its entire length which VIII be an improvement
Another desirable improvement would b. the ma
cadafniz,ng 0f Twenty -sccOnd-aYe. al the way
through This work has been done IN part al each
end hut in the mlddi" ~, Il gap, d"pH' = n' IoilS
which is now merely badly KEEP: country road.
With the nlling up Of this gap tine drive all me
way 10 Bensonhurst would be, prQFldeI. am
roach and Fort Hamilton would then be within
easy reach. and Il pleasant circuit could DC made
through Fort Hamilton-avc. when IN" work pro-
yose1 on il is completed. Cropsey- ave, In Benson
hurst is already macadamized, but a connection
Island so as to enable another circuit 70 be made
IN that direction. the return route TO the city be-
ing of course, by the ocean PARKWAY