The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-11
PROPERTY OWNERS ASSURED.
Mayor Meldrim Says COIIinsviI1e
Streets VIII BE Opened.

The city forces are progressing with the
opening of streets in Collinsville, with the
probability of all being opened and COM
pleted in a short time. This Will remove
the objections the people of that section
have offered against the return of their
property for municipal taxation
The apprehension that the city might
neglect TO live up TO Its agreement TO open
and grade certain streets. provided for in
the amendment 10 the original tax bill
not passed by the legislature, has about
been removed. and those liable for taxes
have come to the conclusion il win be per-
fectly safe to make their returns and rely
upon the city to fulfn its promises. This
confidence comes from the fact the city
is actively at work on the streets, and VIII
nave them opened and graded within the
next two weeks, at most
Mayor Meldrim was seen yesterday in
regard to the matter. He stated that it
was the city's intention not to take the
force from Collinsville antl the streets
are put in the condition the city promised
At the conference the City Council had
with the property owners" said Mayor
Meldrlm, at was understood certain
streets should be opened and graded be
fore the property in that section should
become subject to municipal taxation. This
Is exactly what we propose TO do and We
are not concerning ourselves whether the
amendment was passed by the legislature
or not. Being interested in the progress
OF the work, I am giving il my personal
attention, and in company with Alderman
Davis, have driven over the streets on
which the force is now working. l was
grauhed at the progress being made, and
IQIlV EXPECT that section n no
soon, in accordance with the city's agree
ment There is no reason for not doing it.
The city has endeavored to live uD to its
promises during the past two years, and
there is no inclination now to depart from
that principle"
Alderman Davis, chairman of the COM
mttee on streets and lanes, stated posi-
lively that the streets viii be promptly
opened He said the force was put to work
in Collinsville as soon after the confer
ence as practicable, and that it would be
Kept there, regardless of what became of
the amendment sent TO Atlanta. 1t is his
desire to see the Improvement progress,
and with this end in view, he visits Col
linsVille as often as convenient to see how
things are moving along
While the tax assessors and receivers
are getting a few returns from property
owners there, the majority are not at
tending to the matter. There seems to be
some misunderstanding about the time
for returning property. The tax assessors
claim il is the time TO return now, but a
majority of the property owners seem to
take different view of 1t.
This is not the time to make returns"
said Mr. J. S. Collins. "The act subject
ing that section to taxation specifically pro
vids that it shall not be liable until
the streets named are opened and graded.
hon, /, se IL
be proper for the Mayor TO make it known
to the residents there and then call upon
them to make their returns This seems
not only to be the regular course to pur-
sue. but one which will satisfy every
body"