New-York tribune., 1905-01-10
TIE BRONX PARK PROPOSAL.


The opposition to the Bronx Park feature of
the rapid transit plans which found expression
in our news columns on Monday is eminently re-
spectacle in character and purpose. 1t will be
zealously represented at the important hearing
on Thursday and have no doubt that the
commission viii give ii respectful consideration.
1t is evident, also, that the other side of the
question viii be stOuuy urged. and it may ap-
pear that the attitude and calculations of Mr..
Parsons have been somewhat misunderstood.
In his report to the commission he said:
1t is possible to extend the present elevated
structure the Boston Road TO Bronx Park,
and then TO take advantage OF the topography
Of the ground TO grade the surface Of Bronx
Park at its southerly end, as to avoid any
elevated structure in Bronx Park. and by build
ing the railway on a descending gradient TO
pass beneath the roadway leading from the
present entrance on the Boston Road and thence
beneath the surface Of the park TO its northerly
limits at the Bronx River.
The words $50 as to avoid any elevated struct-
ure in Bronx Park seem 10 show that his plan
does not contemplate so extensive an invasion
as its opponents suppose, and yet we do not see
how they can be taken literally. If the river is
10 be spanned by a bridge the railroad which is
10 that bridge cannot be wholly under
ground. 1t must emerge at some distance
both sides, and, whether it ran through cut or
on an embankment, it would inevitably be
detriment to the park. Nor would the bridge
itself, however ornamental" enhance its at
fractions. Mr.. Parsons is probably aware of
these objections TO his plan, but he may hold
that il is the duty of the commission rather than
OF its engineer 10 determine whether or not they
are Of sufficient Importance to require, in the
general interest of the community, the substi-
tuition of a plan which he would consider in
trinsically inferior. However that may be- it is
not quite fair TO speak of Mr.. Parsonss report
as II 1t had been already adopted by the COM
mission or were known to have the commissions
approval The public may ascertain at or after
Thursdays meeting that the commission fully
appreciates the force Of the objections
In commenting on the engineers plan for ex-
tensions Of the rapid transit system when ii first
appeared, We expressed grave doubts of the ad-
visibility Of permitting any new elevated rail
roads 10 be built To such an occupation Of
public park the objections are especially strong
1t is necessary TO consider not merely present
circumstances, but the fUture-and a future
which Is not remote. Ii any one should now
propose 10 let an elevated railroad encroach in
even the slightest degree on Central Park ha
would be regarded as little better than lunatic
\ few years hence the need Of protecting Bronx
Fark with equally Jealous care will probably be
as clearly recognized, and we cannot afford Ia
incur the blame for taking a short view. The
desire OF citizens who feel that they are re-
mote from the centre Of the CITY and who ,vouId
/ for personal reasons welcome the extension Of
1 transportation facilities TO their immediate
neighborhood, is ineligible, bur it is far from
peinS conclusive. The authorities are bound to
decide The question on broad grounds. according
10 their best Judgment of what the permanent
welfare of the whole city requires. It would be
monstrous blunder TO take nothing beyond ex-
listing conditions into account, and we shall be
surprised If valid argument is produced at
thursdays meeting in support of the proposition
10 admit an elevated railroad into Bronx Park.