New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-18
TO SAVE THE PALISADES.
COMMISSIONS REPORT URGES THE
NEED OF HASTE.
PARK SUGGESTED THAT MIGHT BE MADE
sELF-sUPPORTING - SECURING
RIPARIAN RIGHTS

The combined report OF the New-York and New
Jersey Commissions for the Preservation of the
Palisades submitted to Governor Roosevelt
yesterday. The NewYork Commission was named
by the Society for Preservation of Scenic and His
torical Objects of which Andrew H Green is presl-
dent. In June last Governor Roosevelt suggested
In a letter sent to MI. Green the appointment of
such committee TO cooperate with the New-Jer-
sey one and the Governors suggestion was
adopted
The members of the New-York Commission are
Frederick w. Boyce. Andrew H. Green Frederick
s. Lamb. George f. Kunz. Edward Payson Cone
and Colonel A. Hills, and the New-Jersey Com
mission consists of Franklin Hopkins, Elizabeth B.
Vermilye, Mrs. John Holland, S. Woods McCave
and w. A. Linn.
The combined report is divided into two sections.
One treats OF THE Means and Extent of Detach-
ment of Palisades" and the other THE Means by
Which Further Destruction and Detachment May
Be Prevented"
In referring to the destruction Of the Palisades
the report says that the general adoption of
asphalt paving in New-York and the great extern
sion Of steel buildings requiring concrete founda-
lions and the general Improvement Of country roads
by macadamizng have caused an increasing de-
mand for crushed rock which is largely supplied by
the quarres of the Palisades. The stone is easily
quarried that the operation of getting it out is ex
tremely profitable and the quarrymen making
strenuous efforts to buy the holdings of persons
along the entire length. They have great gangs
working day and night. and the Commission fears
that the section above Fort Lee will become as
badly mutated the section near Bulls Ferry,
which has already been despoiled.
DAMAGE TO THE SCENERY.
The report further says that still greater damage
is done the scenery ''by filling in land under
and the erection of piers and factories" The
western shore of the Hudson by reason OF the
shallow water lends itself to this project and fac
tories, warehouses and piers for commerce are
rapidly being erected This has naturally confined
itself nearest the city, but Fort Lee ferry landing,
opposite one-hundred and-twenty -ffth-st., is al
ready given over almost entirely to such occupa-
ton.
The Commission says it is as important to pre-
vent the upbuildng of the west shore in such
way as to prevent the destruction of the Palisades
proper, since it will be incompatible with the pro-
posed park to have 1t partially occupied by fac
tories warehouses, homes of operatives, etc. 1t Is
also the opinion that the industries which have
already secured foothold along the Palisades sec
ton of the Hudson River are certainly destined IL
unchecked to a great extension and development
in the near future and that such extension and de-
velopment certain TO destroy the scenic beauty
Of the western shore OF the Hudson.
RECOMMEND ATOMS MADE.
The recommendations OF the Commission are as
follows:
The condemnation of the tract proposed for
park and the turning of it into a State park
The prompt passing of an act forplodlhs the
further granting of riparian rights IN the hnllS
of the proposed park, and providing TOT the dc-
ouisition by the State Of the land between the
edoA of the cliffs and low mark in the
river or so much thereof may. be necessary
to prevent the further destruction or the Fasaoes
and DETACHMENT of scenic effects, Tor use as d
public park -, , o., DOT
considerable latitude of Judgment to what lanos
should be taken within prescribed limits. AZ
In regard to the lands under consideration, me me
Commission says it is Of the opinion tnat ai me
renort is limited to the tract of land extenolTg
rom Fort Lee on the south, Permont. on the
north the Hudson on the east and such west