New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-14
FIGHT OVER THE JAMAICA PLANK ROAD.
EFFORTS TO ENFORCE 4 DECENT CAR SERVICE WITH
OUT running 4 FAMOUS THOROUGHFARE.

cars were put OH. and the -sn more frequently
Then came the loop ~ East New-Tori-"f2ossi-
ter's Folly, Il was called u was a boon Tor
Jamaica. The trolley cars instead OF running all
The way ~ Williamsburg, made loop AZ Man
haitian Crossing. and transfers we're given 20 the
elevated II FIVE years the population OF the Fourth
Ward Was increased by from six thousand TO eight
thousand. Bat the loop did not suit the East New
Workers. and after q long wrsngle. appeals TO the
State Railroad Commission and threats Of action
IN the legislature. the railroad company agreed 20
abolish the loop. Stl transfers we're given 10 tho
elevated. and. while the service was not so good.
the Jamaica people said not word.
Then tie railroad company conceived the idea OK
establishing 2 through service TO jamaica an
incline was built al cypress Hills and May
80 1906 trains Of three elevated cars ran down
70 the surface and proceeded Jamsiosward.
such noise and clatte- they made had never
before been heard there. The first train going by
startled every The hanges OF the wheels
ground down the brick pavement. and shook houses
for blocks away. The extraordinary spectacle OF
~ three great cars on Jannaica-ave.the only
through road between the old village and Brook
lyn. the highway % the Long Island farmers going
% and from m1rkct-SEcckcd almost every
T. the first three months forty-thres accidents
Cured In which personal injury was sustained. For
the first three weeks 81 would have been
difficult matter TO I'D a single individual in favor
of tire trains. Then the Travellers gradually got
used 10 them. they found them moro comfortable
than the trolley cars. and they abolished the neces
sity ~ climbing stairs. Bat the worst part OF all
was taat the trains -an 10 Broadway Ferry, while
= 0er cent OF the travel to the Brooklyn
EriSrc making necessary change OF cars and
consequent loss " time. At the Jamaica end Of
the Line the railroad had facilities for switch
ing. and the main street.-The only business street
% the Village was DISTRACTED by a solid line OF
cars three Or four blocks long
The property owners. the residents and merchants
along the avenue were up in arms and the Jamaica
Avenue Association was formed The officers Of
the railroad company visited. II the
nuisance could rot bo abated. The delegation got
answer that the railroad company owned the fee OF
the street. had the right run many trains
and as many cars 81 pleased. and. II it de-
sired. could tence either side OF Il. TIE
delegation-composed Of responsible business
along the length Of the avenue headed by John
Adikes and Dr. Woods. OF Jamaica-were dunn
founded They knew nothing OF the contract which
had been signed by their elected officials. Their
reception. they claim. such TO make them
resolve 70 fight the aggressions OF the railroad
company.
a suit was begun in court against the road. and
the case was heard by Justice Smith at Patchogue
An opinion was also requested from the Corpora
tion Counsel as % whethe- the Board OF Aldermen
of the greater CITY could regulate traffic on the
avenue. Al affirmative answer given. and at
the request OF tie Jamaica Avenue Association
resolution was passed by the board. declaring the
trains nuisance and ordering their removal The
resolution vas opposed only by the railroad COM
panv and President Winter significantly stated that
the company had the right 20 charge fare oS %
cents On December s. OF last year. Mayor Low
signed tho resolution. which carried . ine OF $50
Tor each train operated after cf that day, and
/ tie motor trains were removed.
Then began what is beloved by many 20 be an