New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-14
SHEA FAVORS MORE LOOPS.
HE SEES A BIG OBSTACLE IN THE WAL
OF THE TROLLEY COMPANIES.
HOWEVER,

OWNERS OF A HIGH BUILDING NEAR THE NORTH
ROADWAY OF THE BRIDGE WILL SUFFER If
THERE is AN INCREASE OF WIDTH.
Bridge Commissioner John L. Shea returned
Yesterday from a brief stay with his family In
the country, whittier he had gone to recover
from slight indispostion. He at once ex-
pressed himself as in thorough accord with the
desire Of the trolley companies to enlarge their
loading facilities at the Manhattan end or the
Bridge. but disclosed what he believed to be
an insurmountabe obstacle in the way OF the
fulhlment Of the plan. This difficulty Is the fact
that before the trolley companies can enlarge
the roadway they will have to get permission
from the owners of a fourteen-story building
the two lower stories Of which would be dar-
kened by the Bridge widening.
PERSONALLY" said Mr.. Shea. II am In favor
of giving the trolley companies more loops, I'M
der proper conditions. but fear the companies
are going to have difficult time securing the
rights that they will need from the owners or
a fourteen story building which would be DAM
aged by the widening of the roadway on the
north side Of the Manhattan terminal OF the
Bridge. The expense Of acquiring rights anu
,r,aaring both roadways one hundred feet fur
ther I'D than they are now widened VIII, OF
course devolve on the trolley companies Inc
extension on the north side Will cut on the lght
from two stories Of this building that I speak
of. and fear it will cost great deal OF money
to secure the needed rights"
How much would you say?" asked re-
porter for Ths Tribune.
1T may cost in the neighborhood or hail a
million dollars 1 hope that arrangements may
be made as additional loops would be OF great
benefit to the public. I can see great adVah-
@aees that would arise to the people who travel
between Manhattan and Brooklyn in the build
ing of additional loops. They would permit the
railroads to load and unload with greater ra-
pidity and more frequently. For that reason
] think well of granting the privilege asked 1or'
II it can be called a privilege. 1 look at 1t
rather as a public necessity especially since
the cars have already been allowed the privilege
NJ crossing the Bridge. / think it the duty OF
the Commissioner of Bridges to afford the com
panies every facility to pass safely and rapidly
over the Bridge" !
During your absence It has been suggested
that three or four additional loops "9olo DC
needed instead Of two. How many DO you
favor?" -,
1.-TWO loops were considered. l suppose they
will be placed some further distance apart
than are the present loops and they will be
perhaps one hundred feet further up the Brloee,
The more loops there are the more the peopie
VIII be divided IN DOarOlnS lHe carr anu III.
less will be the rush and crush and danger.
larger number of loops should have been built
in the first place. l regret greatly that II was
not done. hat the trolley compa'es were In
such great haste to get to running that there
was insufficient time
What do you think Of President Rosslter's
plan for loop extending for several blocks
Into the Borough OF Manhattan
There is nothing in it. He proposes. for In
stance to turn from Chambers-st into Broad
way. 1t is dangerous now to cross the street
at that point. great is the congestion. AS
far as / am concerned l wish 1t were feasible
TO remove the City Hall further up town and
make q terminal OF the City Hall site This
would go a great way toward solving the prob
lem Of handling so many thousands Of people"
The Commissioners face bore a pleasant smile
as he said this, a smile that dii not betray
whether ne was joking speaking seriously