The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-06-07
THE GREATER NORFOLK
The Basis Suggested by the Berk-
ley Annexation Committee.
1t Embraces Free Bridge at Ends of
Berkeley. The Issuing of Bonds
Within the Legal Limit for
Internal improvements.

INTERNAL improvements
The Berkeley annexation committee
have drafted q paper which embraces
what they consider the views of tho
citizeus and taxpayers of Berkeley,
rs to the subject OF annexation with
Norfolk, the committee express the
opinion that the citizens and taxpayers
Of the town OF Berkeley. believe that in
the betterment of tho town govern
ment OF Berkeley, nothing could be
more to the interest of her people than
annexation with the city of Norfolk
under certain conditions, and suggest
aud submit the following as the main
features or term OF such union. upon
which they believe the quick and
steady prosperity of the community
depends aud better government he
thereby assured, and practical move
towards Greater Norfolk be accom-
plished:
First. That Norfolk guarantee free
bridge from Main street, Norfolk, TO
Maiu street, Berkeley; that said bridge
be of iron or wood, as may best suit
the convenience or desires of Norfolk,
and we recommend that the sub com
mittee appointed by the citizens aud
Council Committee OF Berkeley, con
suit with and urge upon the Norfolk
Council Committee on Greater Norfolk
the necessity of having conferred upon
said committee authority to secure from
the United States Government It's con.
sent for the use Of the Eastern Branch
of the Elizabeth river at the point
named for the bridge aforesaid, and to
ascertain such other facts as to the cost
of an iron or wooden bridge as may be
necessary, SO That said Norfolk Council
may be in position to treat with the
town of Berkeley definitely on the sub
lect Of annexation, with free bridge
at the points named.
Second. That in the construction of
the said fres bridge. including right Of
way, the said Berkeley Ward, from the
proceeds OF said bonds to be issued lie
10 pay her equitable proportion there
for, and that such equitable expenses
to be borne by the town of Berkeley
shall be based on the relative values OF
the assessable property in the city OF
Norfolk and in the said Berkeley Ward.
and to pay for said bridge i'll said pro
portionate manner. Should the city of
Norfolk deem such an estimate or ex-
pense for said bridge MS unequitnbe,
then the Council of Norfolk to select
one arbitrator, the Council of Berkeley
another arbitrator, aud these two Sc
Iect q third arbitrator, whose award rs
to what proportion Norfolk aud Berk.
ley Ward shall each pay for said bridge
shall be final and conclusive and not
subject to appeal or reversal.
Third. That Norfolk city guarantee
the issuing and floating OF bonds from
time to time as may be recommended
by majority of the Councilmen from
Berkeley, until the legal limit of 20 per
cent. on the taxable values of the
property in Berkeley ns may be shown
by tue assessors books for the year
1880, 10 reached, or an amount equiva
lent Mt time OF annexation with the
bonded debt of Norfolk compared with
her taxable values.
That the proceeds from the sale OF
said bonds ns may from time to time
be required for internal improvements
IN the town of Berkeley, aud recon-
mended "a aforesaid for internal i'm
provemente. viz, sewerage. streets.
electric lights. schools. and proper
tionate part payment of same bridge
and other improvements, shall be voted
and used solely for the benefit and use
OF snid town of Berkeley.
Fourth. That the town of Berkley
be annexed to the city of Norfolk Ms
one of the old wards of Norfolk, under
tae hsuc Vi DeTkley OF OeSentl Ward,
and with oil and singular the powers,
rights. liberties and privileges rs one
OF said wards and subject to all and
singular the obligations OF the same.
Fifth. That the said City of Norfolk
shall assume all liabilities now incurred
by said town OF Berkeley, and shall have
the use and benefit OF all unpaid and
delinquent taxes and the right TO sue
aud dlstrain therefore. AS we'll the use.
benefit and title to all property now be
longing to the town of Berkeley.
Sixth. Tint upon the ratification of
these articles by the city of Norfolk,
She same to be submitted to the mass
meeting OF the citizens of Berkley. and
upon their adoption, Councilman to
represent snid Berkeley Ward in the
Norfolk Council shall be selected by
said mass meeting, and the CITY OF
Norfolk and the town OF Berkeley Shall
each select one person learned in the
law. who shall prepare an act of AS.
sembly embracing the foregoing terms
and agreements. and present same to
the General Assembly of Virginia for
adoption.
Read This ;,nd Reflect.