The times., 1897-08-25

j. Harrison Johnson, prominent citizen
OF South Washington, has submitted - the
Commissioners a number OF suggestions as
TO the improvement Of the section IN which
he resides.
In their reply TO his letter the Commits
sionels designate Mr.. Johnson suggestions
as very valuable, but state that they regret
tits impossible for them to carry them into
effect while the title to the Potomac flats
is in abeyance. When this question is set
TIED, how ever, they promise TO give them
thorough consideration Mr.. johnson sug-
gestS.
First. Fifteenth street TO Water street
should lie opened and graded. Water street
fIon Long Bridge To Fifteenth street,
treated mike manner. That Water street.
from its junction with Seventh street, be
made of uniform breadth of eighty-five
feet from curt TO curb. East to street
this portion of Water street has five
railroad tracks Oh it, and one of the rail.
road conn aEics has its trucks terminal
ing in front o1 what is known as the
street wharf. blockadng the entrance to
the wharf, thereby maintaining nuis-
ance which II dangerous To the passengers
going to ana fro from the steamer. and
is likewise injurious TO the business OF
the wharfinger. This street is used chief
ly by the steamboat transportation oont-
panies. This cal line should be extend
ed TO L street or its terminal removed from
in front 1f the wharf mentioned.
Second. Thatther should be established
and constructed a fish, produce and mar
kct wharf, which wharf should be a GOV.
cred one. Its floor should be concIeted,
| and all conveniences to keep ii in the
| best sanitary conditions should prevail.
| This wharf after construction would be
a good source of revenue, and a profit
would surely evolve largely over the cost
| of maintenance.
The water front, think, beyond doubt,
| on the south side of water street from
the Long Bridge TO the Arsenal, is the
| property OF the United States Govern
E.ent, although private parties and tie
| Jlty government have, i'll the past. made
Water street what it now is. As far back
as s65, II existed only on paper, and the
| Potomac River at that time washed the
banks and ravines where now exist the
southwest boundaryof the squares bounding;
Water street.
Third. The property on the south side
| OF Wafer street should bear its proper
| tionatc STARE of taxation. IN its pres
| ent condition the city has been unable TO
| levy tax on this property. II Is not per
| sOnal, but real, property, and is not
located or recorded. It's ownvi ship is
| not established There is no way TO levy
tax. ! would therefore suggest that all
| parties occupying any portion OF the
river front he required 10 pay annually
Tor the use Of such public space the sum
OF 81. so per front foot as a tax
Fourth. That all streets running south
and terminating at Water street, between
the Long Bridge and P street, be opened
To the rivers edge. That an open space at
the foot Of all streets 50 extended toe main
tdined in size about forty or fifty feet,
and the use Of the same be prohibited TO In
| dividuais for private use. This is very
necessary, owing to the danger of lire, a>
all buildings on the south side OF Water
street Uareconstructed OF wood and the spa ces
are filled with cord wood, lumber and othe T
inflammable material. This matter should
! think, receive prompt attention
The riveI front Or some portions of Ii
occupied by private parties has been for
years a standing nuisance and dist 5essful
one at that. Why such condition should
exist an unable 10 explain. The evidence
that it does exist is there in fun view, and
there can be no question ofthis fact.
There iS pioperty also located on the
Eastern Branch, on Rock Greek, from the
X street bridge running south, and In Ana
costa that is not of record and not in a
condition to lie reached for taxation pur.
poses.