New-York tribune., 1901-12-23
BLACKWELL'S FOR A PARK.
PREsIDENT-ELECT CANTOR TO TAKE
STEPS TO CARRY OUT THE FED
ERAL GOVERNMENT PLAN.

Borough President-elect Cantor announced
Yesterday that he was in favor Of Transforming
BlackxeIIs Island into park, IN harmony
with the plan tentatively suggested by the red
eral Government. which would use 1t as a orlli-
ing and residence station for the use or the
navy Early in the new year, with the consent
and approval OF the Mayor, Mr.. Cantor VIII
have the necessary resolution introduced IN the
BOARD of Aldermen and will urge its speedy
massage in order that the legislature may act
before adjournment. Mr.. Cantor will take these
Initial Try steps because BlacEwelFs Island is
within his Jurisdiction President of Manhat-
tan The Federal Government promises. IL per-
mission is given il to the island, to do these
things without cost to the city:
Lay it out as a public park for the full and un-
restricted use Of the people at ali times and ac-
oerdng to Pans & aPpFoVsd & py 6er T9e Of buildings to
be erected select their location and their style
The NaTV Department will keep on each side
of the island war vessels free 10 visitors, and AT
least twice week during the summer 1t VIII give
free concerts.
The island was chosen by Rear Admiral Tay-
1or and Commander Cowles. who were appointed
a committee 10 select site for drill ground
for the men at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and
homes for the officers.
The suggestion has been approved by Con-
gress and full power is given to the Navy De-
partrnent TO enter into negotiations with the
city, that The dealings VIII De CoLiLlIou ~ @0
officials of the city and of the Navy Department
Mr. Cantor approves the plan for the reason
that il will turn over to the use of all the people
the most beautiful island in the waters sur
rounding Manhattan Island; that II will add
greatly TO the beauty of the city and to the
entertainment of its Inhabitants, and because
n Will serve as an added attraction to visitors
and SO increase the city's prosperity.
The island is about two miles long and apou1
three-eights Of mile wide. Upon II are ten
buildings that are from twenty to forty years
old used for the incarceration Of criminals ana
.he care of paupers. Ali of them are IN a PAD
sanitary condition When the bridge over the
river from East Sixty sixth-st is completed &C
cess 10 the island will be a simple matter.
II has been suggested that the state couiu
easily find another home for Its insane wal us
now on the island: that the city should nave
moor farm where its paupers could nno heatth-
9,,l ernplovuent and that the criminals could De
transferred 10 the State prisons or otheF peiidi
institutions CT the State where the majority Oh
them belong. So. - s.id
that the rroiect re had outlined would ooupt-
less reo11ire an enabling act from the leglsiat
rrhe isla nd had outved its usefulness as a place
of detention for criminals and paupers, ana Inat
as the State under Governor BACK Ilau ooi!
jen1ned the buildings because OF tnelr ulsdi!i
+orv condition ii would be feasible for the CITY
al this time TO make large plans FOR the Iutu[e
occ11pan ncv of the large tract OF land aktlidplS
for mark PURPOSES. He said that II the reoeldl
and ruunicipa! governments co-operaleo III tiie
matter the island could be made INTO one ~, %
the most beautiful and healthful resorts IN the
world and that 1t would be OF 1ncalculaple pen
set 70 t1e neopIe who would go there day by day
IN hot weather