The Newtown bee., 1904-04-01
The NeWtOWn Bee.
1850
New Milford,

New Milford, TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS VOTED
 FOR AN IRON BRIDGE.
 The Town hall was we'll filled at the special town meeting, Saturday after. noon, there being about 400 voters present. It was currently rumored on the street before the meeting that the farmers and others outside the village were coming in in large numbers and vote the iron bridge project down, but no opposition to an iron bridge was shown, and the vote presented by Hon Nicholas Staub went through without a dissenting vote. First Se- lectman Andrew G. Barnes called the meeting to order at 1.2O D. m., and Town Clerk Noble read the warning. B. O.. Marsh presented resolution, which was later withdrawn. Hon Nicho- las Staub thenlhanded up resolution to the chair, which was finally adopted, after some amendments. The resolu- ton was read by Clerk Noble, but it was evident that not many had been able to hear. David Soule then took the floor and said he wished the resolu- tion might be read again as he thought that not One-Quarter of the voters had been able to hear it.
 Former Judge McMahon wanted to know what kind of piers they proposed to build for the proposed bridge, and if the S2O, 900 covered this expense.
 Francis Baldwin of Worthwhile seconded the amendment MT Staub offered to the resolution of MT Marsh.
 MT Staub then said: For the informa- tion of the voters l will say MT Nor ton, the engineer, is here and l sug- gest he be called on to give an idea of the cost of the proposed bridge.
 Attorney McMahon said: New Mil ford people all know the character of the ground at both ends of the bridge. It doesn't look wise to come here with limitation. It would not be econ omy to put up steel bridge on poor piers. MT Norton is undoubtedly good engineer, but there are others. l say get your piers in there to stay.
 c. M. Beach said he believed all were anxious to hear from MT Norton and he moved that he take the floor.
 Engineer Norton said he had made surveys and soundingS and found the distance between the present abut- ments 2O5 feet. He said he would re- commend bridge 245 feet between piers. It would be necessary to drive piles, then lay concrete, with granite piers on top of that. He said that the present abutmentS were in such shape that they would have to be rebuilt, even if wooden bridge was put on. The estimated cost of a single span bridge with two piers he placed at $2O,OOO.
 Former Selectman SOule wanted to known how many piles would be re- quired for each pier. Engineer Nor ton replied that 80 piles would be nec- eSSary for each pier, upon which con- crete would be laid and the granite walls on. top of this. The wing walls were 30 feet long. He favored raising the bridge F inches. The total cost might te cheapened, but it would not be economy.
 In reply toa question from Chaun- cey Marsh as to the soundings where the piers would be built, MT Norton said tbe soil was of a gravelly nature. It would be unwise to leave out the piles, as the safety of the pieTs would not be assured. If you build a wooden bridge it would be necessary to put down a central pier. MT Norton said he had no doubt but that it was the bridge which held up the old abut- ments. This last statement created a general laugh.
 Andrew Clarke wanted to know if he had an interest in any bridge com pany. MT Norton replied that he did not, that he was here at the invitation of the selectmen in the capacity of a consulting engineer.
 Hon Nicholas Staub thought that if the right kind of stone was found con- venient to the bridge it would cost the town $500 to $2OO0 less than if Mine Hill stone was imported. He stated that A. G. Barnes kindly gave the stone for the abutments at Boardman bridge, and no better stone for the purpose could be desired. MT Stauh stated that he knew MT Norton, had met him in Hartford and had good impression of him. MT Norton was engineer for the cities of Worcester, Springfield and the Pittsfield street railway company. MT Staub othen spoke of the inconvenience to MT Fer of the bridge. In my judgement a mistake was made in putting this meeting off too long. It ought to have been called in five days instead of five weeks after the bridge went off. MT Norton presents good plan. A thirc more space will be provided for the flow of the water. These plans were drawn simply to eXpediate matters. would rather pay $500 than not have temporary bridge there this summer The Catholic people are greatly incon venienced. They have to go to the Boardman or the Falls bridge wher they want to bury their dead. The old Town bridge has done good service but it has cost the town of New Mil ford more in the last 10years to repair it than it will to build new bridge. Charles Homer Osborne raised his gentle voice to enquire if some more land would not have to be acquired or the west end if the bridge is set back MT Norton thought not.
 In response to question by W. G Barton. MT Norton thought tempor ary bridge could be erected in 10 day. or six days after the lumber was on th ground.
 J. Butler Merwin wanted to knOv if the $2O,O0O included the propose' cost of grading. MT Norton said i did.
 D. E. Soule said if the commit tee found the bridge could not b built for 10000 the question cam back to the people again. Some on asked about the west abutment. Whic1
 brought out quick retOrt from M Staub: "I known where that wes
 abutment is. l was over there tn
 other day, quite a while" This litt1
 sally brought down the house. Tn
 following votes were passed by tn
 meeting:
 Voted. That a S,1m nOt exceedin