New-York tribune., 1899-05-28
CONEY'S REGENERATION.
TT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED IF CON-
TRoLLER COLER HAS HIS WAY.
THE FIRE GIVES THE CITY CHANCE TO MAKE
A PARK OF WHAT Is NOW A NUISANCE
IMPROVEMENTS IN BUILDINGS
TO BE MADE.

IMPROVEMENTS IN BUILDINGS
TO BE MADE.
Building Commissioner John Gullfoye says that
the fire at Coney Island will result In the consruc
ton of up-to-date buildings in place OF the unsan-
tary shanties which were burned. In speaking Of
the course which he intends to pursue he said:
"Jn the first place solid brick foundations will be
insisted upon and the frames Of the houses will
have to be brick filled. Ceilings must be OF lath
and plaster plaster boards. Solid foundations
I regard as prime necessity, under the old con-
dtions at the Island the lack OF substantial ounda-
tons meant that when fire broke out, as recently.
an underdraft would be created. Yellow pine re-
gard as a good foundation when laid with brick on
top.
TT is reasonable to hope that when new buildings
are put up they will be uniform in construction,
much more substantial than before and semi-f1re-
proof at least"
Mr. Walton, Deputy Commissioner OF Buildings,
Lighting and Supplies has completed an investiga-
ton for the purpose OF seeing IL the fire on Friday
could have been caused by defective electric wiring.
No evidence was discovered to show that the fire
was caused In that way. Mr.. Walton says that
before the season opened he found much electrical
construction that was unsafe, but he compelled the
owners to improve It before they were permitted
TO turn on their lights and since that time his in
spectors have kept a rigid watch OF all the ap-
paratus and wiring. There are number OF Isolated
plants which have been regarded as dangerous and
Mr. Walton has instructed their owners to put them
in condition at once. He has issued an order com
peliing the Brooklyn Heights Railroad Company to
remove the wiring which has furnished the lights
In their terminal at Coney Island 1t was found
that the company using 5O-volt trolley cur
rent in the building In violation OF one OF the most
stringent rules OF the Department
Controller Coler has advanced plan for wiping
out the Coney Island OF to-day and the past by
condemning all the property from the Concourse
which is now owned by the city, TO the charitable
institutions over toward Sea Gate. He would then
improve the property and make a large seashore
park.
"Coney Island" said Mr. Coler yesterday has
been a constant menace and disgrace to the city
for tho last twenty-five years. II IL the seat OF
vice and crime. which never be cleansed until
the city condemns the whole stretch and turns II
into a public park. II is Idle 10 talk or improv,
ing II under existing conditions. Lawlessness Will
continue as long as the present ownership con
tnues.
II see no difficulty In the matter OF expense which
cannot be overcome. Almost the entire cost OF the
Improvement would arise from the purchase OF
land. The buildings along the Bowery are OF the
fiimsest character. They are useless for anything
except the buslness which is at present conducted
in them. ] think that the city will be In posi-
tion after July to raise the money required II
the public demands the improvement"