The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-12-24

he did not see why the city paid a Build
ing Inspector Sl,50o a year when so few
buildings were in the course of erection.
Architect Stell remarked that the city
should, instead of putting fees upon build
ers Of houses, throw them aside and en-
courage the builders. Mr.. Stell objected
to the section which grants a clerk to the.
inspector. He claims that the office is
unnecessary He also spoke of the thick
ness Of walls, which, he thought, should
be limited at 5 inches instead of Il. He
thought eight inches for a party wall
plenty thick enough, especially ina two
story building.
He remarked that the ordinance per-
tanning to the thickness of walls was
copied from the on in vogue in Hobo
ken.
Architect yan ARK thought an S-inch
wall plenty thick enough, and that the
section Of this ordinance should be so
changed as to read 5 inches instead of II.
Section IS. requiring all builders to com
meet the cellars of houses in course of
erection to be connected with The sewer,
before the walls of the building are car
ried above the foundation, caused Mr..
Ellington to offer a suggestion. He
thought that the connection should be
made before the foundation was COM
pleted. Mr.. Ellington also suggested that
all buildings in course OF erection should
be lined with fire proof material, especial
ly in cellars where furnaces are. TO be
placed. Less fires would occur, he said.
The speaker said that the 81 charged for
improvements would make the office of
the Building Inspector self-supporting.
Architect Roberts remarked that he
thought the Building Inspector should
have a clerk as he could not be about his
office and buildings in course of construc-
ton at the same time. 1 hin two
clerks would not be too many, he said.
Building Inspector Kelly, at this juno
ture, again wanted to know what powers
he had. He said that Mr.. Cleary owned
houses on Morgan street which were La
BILE to fall at any time. The walls are
propped up, making it extremely dan
gerous for tenants. l have requested that
gentleman time and time again to fix The
walls, but he has persistently refused.
Il think if Mr.. Kelly would mind his
own business he would have enough to
do" interrupted Mr.. Cleary. Continuing,
he said that Mr.. Kelly had tried to drive
his tenants out by telling them that the
building was unsafe and would soon be
condemned.
Mr.. Kelly tried to interrupt Mr.. c1eary,s
remarks, but Chairman Muller told him
he was out of order. Mr.. Kelly persisted
in talking, and the chairman ordered him
to sit down. He was highly excited.
Contractor Fiskes suggested that all
dumb walters, air and light shafts be
built of corrugated iron in order to make
them fireproof.
Architect Van ARK thought that a fire.
proof lining would be sufficient.
Contractor Ellington suggested fire.
proof bricks.
Architect Roberts suggested that in cell
lars of all tenements and flats be built en-
tirely of fire proof material. He also said
that he was in favor of first class build
ings for Jersey City and was opposed to
frame structures in the business section
Of the city He concluded by saying he
hoped the Aldermen would not grant any
permits for frame buildings.
Architect Van ARK did not think the
Board of Aldermen should have the
power to permit the erection OF frame
buildings.
Mr.. Cleary concluded the hearing by
saying he hoped the suggestions offered
would be looked into for the benfit of the
city.
President Muller guaranteed that the
suggestions would be taken into consider
alton and adjourned the hearing.