The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1905-05-23

OF the Erle Company were lnteresfeu
listeners.
There was a misunderstanding on the
part of seme as 10 whether or not the
entire matter was TO be debated pro and
con. While opportunity was given those
who favored granting the railroad com
pany's application and those who made
verbal objections we're asked By Presi
dent Heintze 10 submit their arguments
in writing before next Monday. The
whole matter is to be sifted BY Commit
tee Of the Whole
Counsellor Josneh NJ. Noonan declared
that the Tenth Ward Improvement AS
sociation was not inspired by antipathy
10 the railroad company and its propos-
ed improvements. The members had
rights ana interests and they relied upon
the cfty's officers for protection. They
opposed the vacation of the streets de-
sired by the railroad company unless
the company gave the city just and rea-
sonahle concessions Mr. Noonan de-
clared that the railroad company did not
keep its part of the contract with the
city with reference to privileges granted
in connection with the proposed cut
when plans were filed some years ago.
He said the interested property owners
demanded that those plans should be
carried out He knew, he said. that the
present Board was not responsible for
the failure of the railroad company TO
carry out its contract with the city, still
he thought 1t was time to cali a halt
What was the nse, he asked. Of making
contracts with the railroad company If
the company isn't forced to carry out its
contract? We want he said suitable
substantial iron fences. reasonably deco
rative. along the edges of the proposed
cut and the upper portions, at least, Of
Of the sides covered with grass. He said
he had been assured that the company
and the city could agree upon terms,
but wanted substitutions specified.
Trees, he said. should be planted to help
abate the smoke nuisance. The upper
sides Of the PENNSYLVANIA cut he de-
neunced as hideous.
Counsel or William Fl. Corbin SAID
there had been no default on the part
Of the company in the original contract.
Neither the railroad company nor The
city was bound. The plan of laying
tbree tracks was not earned out It
was now proposed to lay four tracks
and make the cut deeper, and the rail-
road company now comes before the city
with a different proposition.
Mr.. Noonan got a copy Of the contract
and read a portion of ii and still insist
ed that the company had failed to carry
out It's contract, whereas the city carried
ont its agreement.
Real Estate Dealer and Agent Percy
Gaddis and Former Alderman Richard
Lahey differed widely in opinions as to
whether or not the proposed improve
ments wonld benefit property in that
section Mr. Gaddis Thought property
would be greatly benefited Mr.. Lalley
who said he owned FIVE houses in Hop
kins avenue. pointed to lots adjacent 70
the Pennsylvania Railroad cut. which he
said would not bring 500 each, while
lots few blocks away bring $1,000
to $1,000 each. He also declared
that the proposed Improvement would
take property ont Of the list Of ratables
and make the tax rate higher Mr.
Lahey admitted that if the black smoke
and empty lots nrisances could be got
rid Of the proposed Improvement would
not be 50 bad.
While Mr.. Gaddis was favoring the
proposed Improvements, Mr. Connolly
raised a point Of order that he UNDER
stood that the meeting was for tlae pur-
pose Of listening to objections. He said
he noticed that the railroad company
was represented by men who could throw
enough hot air to suit their purpose.
E. J. Barry said the railroad com
pany's intention in deepening the cut
was to get grade crossings at other
points. He said tunnel could be inn
proved, but it was not 50 easy to i'm
prove a cut.
Arthur Van Winkie said the railroad
company should reward every property
owner whose property is taken. that they
should bridge all streets crossing The cut
and arrange for sewers.
Mrs Amy Dradt. Of washburn street.
f. Everett Phillips and others objected
on the ground Of smoke nuisance.
Nr. Connolly's principal objection Was
1 that the company had originally propos-