Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-26
CEMENT SIDE W ALKS
SUBJECT DISCUSSED BEFORE
TAKoMA TOWN COUNCIL.
Taxpayers Heard Upon the Proposition
Other Business Considered
Permits Granted.

special meeting of the town council
of Takoma Park. Md. held last night
at o'clock, in the chapel of the Takoma
Presbyterian Church. to give hearing to
the property owners affected by the recent
ordinance authorizing the construction Of
cement sidewalks throughout the town.
The meeting was largely attended by the
property owners and taxpayers, nearly
half Of the delegation being composed of
the fair sex
The meeting was called to order by Mayor
]. B. Kinnear, with the following council
men present: ]. B. Derrick, Isle Morrison,
c. w. Schudder, E. NJ. Douglas, E. e. Blod-
gett, Cassel Severance and Town Clerk Ben
G. Davis. Councilman-elect Van Houten
was also in attendance. The object of the
meeting explained by Mayor kinnear
who stated that in the judgment of the
authorities Of the town the public safety
and comfort required the improvement
ferred to- He said the law provided that
in the case where corner lots extended over
100 feet that the town would pay for 100
feet of the sidewalk and all over that length
would be assessed against the property
owner effected by the improvement. The
payment of the assessment could be made
at any time within five years from the time
of completion of the walks, or in five in
stallments, payable annually at the option
of the owner. He explained further that
whatever would not be assessed and no
walks laid. This was necessary because
the funds of the town are limited. Referring
to changes of grades and the filling In OF
certain streets, Mayor Kinnear said the
matter would be arranged when the engin-
GERS went over the ground. preparatory to
commencing the work. The assessments
recently announced in the advertising col
umns Of The Star. he stated, were purely
and simply estimates Of what the cost for
the improvements to the property owners
would be, and not actual figures Tor the
work.
He said in due time proposals will be ad-
yertsed for and bids received for con-
structing the walks, and that the work
would be finished within about three
months from the time of starting. AS soon
as completed the actual cost of the i'm
provements will be assessed against the
property owners, and one-fifth paid at that
time and the balance within four years.
Provisions Explained.
The first citizen to address the council
was Mr. W. W. Cruit Of Poplar avenue. He
did not approve OF that section in the law
which exempted one hundred feet from the
corner lots. Mayor Kinnear explained the
reason for this construction OF the law.
and Mr.. Cruit accepted the explanation.
Mr. Harrison, representing the Laurel
Building Association, said he was heartily
in favor of the proposed Improvements, but
did not approve of assessing all of the
cost against property owners. In his opin-
ion II was not fair proposition. When
it was shown to him that the property at
fected by the improvement would be great
ly increased in value and that the law pro-
vided that the improvements would only be
made where property would be benefited.
and not against property owners where
there were no improvements, he withdrew
his objections
Mr.. w. g. Plat followed Mr.. Harrison.
and said that he had suggested the idea Of
assessing the entire cost of the improve
ment against the property benefited by the
improvement. and explained the benefits to
be derived therefrom. The town has been
fortunate in the past, he said, that no ac-
cidents had resulted from the dangerous
condition Of the board walks. These walks
constantly need repairs. he added. and the
proposed plan he regarded as wise one
which should be supported by every resi-
dent Of the park.
The constitutionality Of the law was
questioned by Mr.. Myers. who was in favor
of the sidewalks. but did not approve of
the whole cost being charged against the
owner. In reply to his question regarding
the law, Mayor Kinnear informed him that
the law which was passed by the general
assembly was prepared by able lawyers of
Washington and Rockville, all of whom
were thoroughly conversant with the stat
utes of the state OF Maryland, and that he
did not feel doubtful on this score
Mrs. Jennie L. Monroe. who styled her
self single taxer," being the owner of
considerable property In Takoma. and a
nonresident thought that lot Z, in block
70. was assessed rather high, In view of
the fact that the property was assessed by
the appraisers at $125. and the assessment
for the sidewalks 1921. She did not object
tic the Improvement of her property with
sidewalks, but was on the contrary heart
lily in favor of the movement She asked
that a correction be made in the assessed
value of this lot.
The subject was further discussed
by Mr.. C.. L. Shears Of Elm ave-
nue.. Mr.. J. w. Wildman. Mr.. B. c. Hall,
Mr.. Platt and Mr. E. v. Crittenden. The
discussion was closed by Mr.. L. M Mooers.
who offered a vote of thanks to the mayor
and council for their untirlng interest In
the matter and expressing the confidence
of the people. Mayor Kinnear stated that
best In completing the much needed i'm
prOvement.
Regular Business Considered.
The council proceeded to the regular or
der of business and resolution was adopt
ed providing for the Issuance OF certificates
of indebtedness in the sum of $4,000 for
the laying of cement sidewalks and the ex-
tension of sewer and water mains In the
town OF Takoma Park. Md. under author
ity vested In the mayor and council by
the general assembly, to be Issued In five
SERIES with interest at the rate of 81 per
cent.
The mayor was authorized to enter into
negotiations for the sale of the certificates
OF Indebtedness at not less than the par
value.
Seventh Day Adventists to tap the water
main near the pumping station for the pur-
pose OF supplying water to the buildings
which will shortly be constructed on the
property located on this Sligo. The usual
water rates viii BE- charged, - viii also