New-York tribune., 1905-01-23
CITY IMPROVEMENTS

The most striking feature of New-Yorks mu-
nicipal life in recent years has probably been
the movement for what we may generically
term city Improvements. The term comprises
the useful and the beautiful the work of the
Rapid Transit Commission to give us better IA
clities for travel and the work Of the Munich
pal Art Commission TO give us tasteful buildings
and artistic decorations Great as IS the work
already done, however, a much greater work
remains to be done. There is need of replan-
ming and rebuilding the city to a considerable
extent. New or remodelled streets, new parks.
subways tunnels, bridges and what not must
come in time, and In a not long time. These
are matters in which all are interested and
which all can and will appreciate, at least when
the works are done. To what extent the gen
eral public can influence them may be prob
lematic, though in some notable cases it has
gone far. Certainly it is desirable for the pub
lie TO be informed as fully as possible concern
Ing plans which are in contemplation, and also
concerning mooted ways and means for their
fulfilment
In the remarkable symposium of opinions, sug-
gesttons and arguments which The Tribune pub
lshed Sunday, conspicuous attention was given
TO the somewhat novel proposition that the city
should enter into what would seem much like
real estate speculation. 1t is suggested that the
city should condemn for it's own uses lands far
in advance Of present needs with view to GER
tain or possible future needs; taking title to
them Immediately, at existing low prices, and
thus saving the greatly increased valuation
which might be put upon them when the growth
of the city or the evident direction of its acou-
sitions had raised the market price of property
in those quarters. If the city in future needed
the lands thus taken, 1t is argued it would
nave secured them at the minimum cost to itself
If it did not need them, or need them ALL IT
could sell the surplus at a handsome profit when
the progress Of municipal improvements had
enhanced the value of it. That profitable form
or speculation is common enough among in
dividuals and corporations. Churches, colleges
and other institutions have resorted to II with
success. The question now raised IS whether
it might properly be adopted by great munich
pality.
The arguments pro and contra which were
presented in columns were not made lightly
nor offered without authority. They are the
mature judgment of men of affairs who have
had experience in municipal matters and who
have given serious thought to this very sub
Ject. One reminds that the city of CIeve-
land, in many respects a most attractive COM
munity, has successfully practised this very
plan, acquiring land beyond its needs and re-
selling the surplus at profit and with benef-
cent restrictions. One points out how Under
such a system the city might without cost to it
self acquire the new avenues which if so much
needs. 1t is commonly recognized that the con-
struction OF new avenues between 9th and 9th
9th and 7th, and 9TH and Sth would give a
grateful relief to the congestion of traffic upon
existing highways; but the cost would be epor-
nous, II not prohibitive What interest then
attaches to scheme for doing it without cost
TO the CITY, and yet without injustice to prop
erty owners! There is much TO say, of course
upon the other side, and n fuII heoriro is gi,.o,
TO it. Whatever their view Of IT, our readers
will find the discussion singularly interesting
and suggestive; and they will all, we trust
agree with the declaration of Mayor Mcclellan
that upon some practical basis or other a def
mite and comprehensive plan of city improve
ments should be adopted and consistently pur
sued.