New-York tribune., 1902-03-05
ASKS GROUT FOR BOND ISSUE
PARK COMMISSIONER YOUNG FAvoRs
IMPROVEMENT OF CONCOURSE
LANDS

An impetus 10 the movement for the beautih-
cation Of the Brooklyn Ocean Parkway has
been given by Park Commissioner Young of
Brooklyn. who has expressed himself as heartily
in favor Of making considerab bic expenditure
on the Concourse lands for the purpose of con-
verting them into creditabe park. The Park
Commissioner has made application to the Con-
troer for issue of bonds. and a hearing on
the subject will be given Friday. The Park
way runs from Prospect Park South to Coney
Island. and az its terminus between Brighton
and Manhattan Beach about ffty-seven
acres, known as the Concourse Lands. which
have been a wilderness since they came into
the possession Of the city about quarter Of a
century ago,
Calvin Tomkns chairman Of the COMMITTEES
Of the Municipal Art Society. Of New York
which last year took up the consideration Of the
Improvement of these grounds told a Tribune
reporter Yesterday that Park Commissioner
Young had shown great interest in the project
and that the Municipal Art Society would do
everything it could to second his efforts The
Park Department had clearly recognized the
Importance OF starting the project early, in
order to he able to complete the underta king
within the next two years
Mr.. Tomkins said that plans were being pre-
pared by the Park Department officials and
would soon be ready for examination In his
judgment. there was no Improvement which
would reflect greater credit on the Park Denart-
ment. as il affected the pleasure of the poorer
people OF the city to a greater extent than al
most any other Improvement that could he uu-
dertaken al this time
The members Of the committee Of the NuniCi-
pal Art Society We're highly gratihed by the
interest ParN~C Commissioner Young had shown
In the proposed Identification OF the Brooklyn
ocean Parkway, and they were hopeful that
the Board Of Estimate would make an appro-
priation az once \ large appropriation would
not be necessary.
The present plan for improving the COncourse
Lands relates 10 laying out the grounds prop
erly under the direction Of competent landscape
architects, and the planting of trees shrubs
and flowers, arranged in connection with the
treatment of the ground itself. II has been
urged that the effect of such Improvement
on Conev Island would be most desira Bile. as
the place now is dirty and run down, and the
structures there are mostly of the flmsiest
character. The principal reason why the city
has not improved these lands is SAID to have
been due to the opposition Of the owners Of
adjacent properties held by private persons.
who are desirous Of avoiding the competition
which would be excited between themselves and
a properly conducted public institution
The Brooklyn Park Board has had the i'm
prCvement Of the ConoourSs Lands under con-
sderation for years but has taken action.
the rea son, as maintained by the friends of the
present movement beiny the selfish opposition
Of the private landowners and the conCes
sonaireS II is true, there is a small shelter
there, entirely inadequate. however, but re
garding the protection Of the beach and the
Identification of the lands back of the beach
nothing has been done.