The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-10-17
THE PLAN FOR THE CITY.
Seattle Oct. Il 1906

Seattle. Oct. II, 1885.
To the Editor: It. Is with pleasure that
I have read the letters In your paper ad-
vocating that the city authorities should
without delay devise a plan indicating
definitely the best possible location for a
boulevard leading out of the city in the
north and another at the south, uniting
their extreme ends by still another which
is TO follow the shores of Lake Washing
ton--which combination, as I understand,
is to form a continuous belt line.
Both of these arms issuing out Of the
city should provide a traffic road to ac-
commodate the farmers and gardeners,
as, IL I am not mistaken. there can be
only one or two such outlets located on
each entreme end of the city without en-
counter!ng too steep grades. Hence. the
best driveway site would also be that
for other ways. such as the traffic road,
cycle way, walks. etc. to accommodate
all these lines. The width must be made
upon modern methods. only by ample
park spaces between them, and thus Sc
cure a desirable separation from rapid
motion, noise and dust.
The great merit OF Mr.. Schwagerl's
plan is the fact it Involves no outlay of
money either to property owners or to
the city. Indeed, IL does not even con-
template mourning any ndehtedness,
while on the other hand it will allow prop
erty owners to plat their lands in accord
dnC6
way TO the business center, which fact
will of itself enhance the value of the
bordering and adjoining lands.
Now IS. indeed. the time when men
have time and disposition TO study out
such a scheme to make a comprehensive
plan of the city to guide Il in its future
right growth and development. 10 say
nothing Of furnishing the city with large
villa sites, of which there are none at
present
AS far as have been able TO learn no
city in the East has any such practical
and grand scheme laid before IT, but in
stead. they have had to condemn and
buy their way through, after much that
was beautiful on the line of improvement
had been DESTROYED
The point wish to emphasize is that
the present IS the best time 70 devise a
plan for the city. II should have been
done before there were so many proper
ties plated. without any regard TO their
relation 10 the city thoroughfares. and
we may expect. even vet, more DELAYS.
hlndrances and difficulties. realizing the
fun benefit of such timely plan; but as
time passes, the difficulties will only in
crease and become more and more i'm
possible.
know something OF the cost and Diff
culties other cities have had. They had
to resort 10 immense debts and process
Of law and fight their way through in or
der TO benefit the properties through
which such improvements were designed.
Now. this plan does away with all that
and gives property holders a chance. a.
well as secures 70 the city one OF the most
important boons within its reach.
There Is not a question that Seattle,
with all It's beauties Of lakes and sound
and their many perfect landscapes, will
not attract the men Of wealth 70 make
this city their home. so long as there are
no frst-clsss drivewavs. 20 say nothing
Of the revenue this city Is capable OF de-
irving from the many tourists.
This plan Of the city should be made
without delay. 70 go hand in hand with
the impress Seattle IS making upon the
world by It's many grand and advanced
undertakings.
7 have lately talked with many OF our
citizens and I have only in rough and
general way voiced their views with re-
gard 20 this timely scheme BY all means
let this movement result in a carefully.
well-advised plan OF the city and let II
be done now. DANIEL JONES.