Delaware gazette and state journal., 1896-02-06
CITY STREETS and SEWERS
Tuesday Nights Meeting Of the
Board of Directors.
VARIOUS MATTERS CONSIDERED
Request for an Appropriation
for Public Work.

"A Communication From the Delaware
Construction Co. Respecting Road TO
the River - Boulevard improvements -
Spruce street to be Improved.
The Board Of Directors OF the Street
and Sewer Department are already
thinking of the work to be done by the
department in the coming year. At
the meeting Tuesday, communica-
tion was agreed upon addressed to the
Mayor and Council requesting that
they take the necessary steps under the
act authorizing the borrowing of money
for public improvements, and have
bonds issued in tho sum OF Sl25, 900,
and that the money SO borrowed be
turned over to the department to be
expended for the paving and improving
of streets, avenues and lanes. and for
the construction of sewers waterways,
&C., in the city as provided in the act.
The board holds IL to be highly i'm.
portant to the interest Of the city and
citizens that the money be made avail
able as soon as tho necessary legal re-
quirements have been complied with.
Secretary Wiley was also directed to
notify the sinking fund commissioners
OF the foregoing application.
Tho Delaware Construction Co. sent
a communication to the board of which
the following Is part:
about five years ago we purchased
61s acres Of ground at the junction of
the Christiana and Brandywine creeks
for $500 per acre, for the purpose of
improving and putting in a marine
railway. We were promised by the
Street and Sewer Department, through
the parties we purchased from mt the
time, good road to the property. In
addition to paying for the ground it's
full value at the time, we have con
tributed sl,460 toward building the
bridge (which is now owned by the
county, and in getting right of way
for a street. The ground for street
purposes, 10 feet wide, will now bo
decided free of cost, from the Marsh
Road or Seventh street, to the bridge,
except through the Cleland estate,
which is about 200 feet wide. 4 \
"Now we would ask your board to
have this piece condemned it being
the only piece of ground we understand
not already decided to the city or county
for street purposes clear to tho river.
IL you will do this and cover the road
with say ono foot of ashes. we will pay
the award of commission, and as soon
as spring opens, improve the property
at the mouth of tho Brandywine, as we
originally intended, TO tho extent OF
$4,000, in the way of buildings and
other permanent fixtures to be used in
connection with our business. :"
The communication was signed by
Alvin r. Morrison. The city solicitor
will be asked to define the city's rights
on Seventh street below the railroad,
which Is the portion referred to.
A communication from the Park
Commission in regard to improving
the boulevard and that vicinity was
received. The directors are willing 10
accept a strip of 40 feet wide and grade
and telford and properly drain it, pro
vided the Park Commission will set
the curb.
Engineer Hatton reported on Con-
tractor Jacoby's request for the return
of S270, which had been withheld by
the board as forfeit for work done after
the limit of time set by the contracts.
Mr.. Ilatton recommended that the Sl45
on the Orange street sewer be refunded.
Director Simmons thought the amount
of sS5 on the Clement Run sewer should
also be- refunded, as he was satisfied
that it was proper claim. The board
decided to do this, and Mr. Jacoby
will receive all the s2T0, excepting si5
withheld for delay on the Front street
sewer.
Architect Frank II. Carswel smoke
iu reference TO the cellar in the home
of the Sisters of ST. Francis, on Fifth
street, east of Pine. There seems to
he no convenient outlet for draining
the cellar, and Mr.. Carswell pointed
out that branch from the Pine street
sewer might afford reliet. But that
would be against grade. It was sug-
gested rather that cement floor be
laid. At some future time a sewer
may be laid on Fifth street.
The board received as the amount
necessary to put the streets to proper
grade the sum Of $500 from W. II.
Brinckle, in consideration of which
they accepted the deeds TO all the
streets on tho Highlands in which the
Brlnckle estate is interested The city
engineer will Immediately make profile,
and prepare to have grades of tho
streets established.
Street Commissioner Lewis reported
that complaint had been made of the
condition of Spruce street, where the
old street car tracks are. The Whining.
ton City Railway Co. will be directed
to improve the condition OF the street
within 30 days
About two months ago the secretary
was instructed to collect 81, 600 due
from the Wilmington City Railway Go.
for paving. He reported that he may
receive it this week.
Tho weekly payroll of S179. 81 was
allowed. Ths secretary reported col
lections Of 81, 100. So; the clerk of the
market had made collections of $32. II.
City Solicitor Hartman had made col
lections of 81, 069. 67. City Treasurer
Adams reported balance of $40, 937. 49,