Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-16
IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
Principal Subject of Discussion Was
 the Bank Street Bridge.

The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Brooklyn and Town Plot Im- provsment committee was held last evening, and although Hans Rasmus- sen was not present from the hill the rest of the members from that section were in their seats and once moro assured the other members of the committee that they were on 1t to stay.
 At last nights session the principal subject under discussion was the Bank street bridge, which seems to be worrying the committee now moro than ever, since they have seen the bridge workers near the structure and do not know but what work has already begun. which does not mean that the bridge will be raised.
 During the recent rain storm the catch basin in the hollow became clogged up and to pass under the bridge at the time was almost an inn possibility. Horses, according to one of the members, would almost get buried in the mud and water, and in cate of fire the firemen would have a difficult time arriving in Brooklyn. If the Brooklyn engine gave out the entire section would be at the mercy of the flames if the street was in such a condition as it was week ago Tuesday night, according to the opin- ion of Patrick McNamara.
 Other members of the committee agreed with MT McNamara and as- serted that although the hollow under the bridge is bad enough during fair weather, it is 100 per cent worse during storm.
 It was then voted that sub-com- mittee on railroads should appear be- fore the aldermen at the next meet ing to support any measure which 1t thinks will aid the work of raising the bridge.
 According to Peter Fitzhenry the railroad company has extended it's abutments on Washington avenue seven and one-half inches beyond the building line. He said that since the private property owner had no right to go beyond the building line he would like to know where the rail road company received permission to do so. At this point the question whether the company had right to close Simon street was also brought up.
 Robert Walker stated that he did not think the New York, New Haven and Hartford had any authority to close up Simon street. small street near Washington avenue on which the railroad purchased all the houses. had them removed and then plotted the street off the map, or, in other words, closed 1t up. He thought 1t would be good plan to receive the city attorneys opinion in this matter. so it was agreed to have Attorney James NJ. Lynch consult MT Kellogg to hear what the latter would say in regard to the company's going be- yond the building line on Washington avenue and also in closing simon street.
 During the evening Hans Rasmus- sens action in asking the other mem- bers of the Town Plot committee to resign came up for a discussion. and although one of the members moved that committee be appointed to in- vestigate the charges against the Town Plotter, 1t was finally agreed to have the committee wait on him to hear what he has to say on the mat ter.
 It is not thought that Mir Rasmus. sen will care to resign, as he has taken too deep an interest in the committee.
 Owing to the absence of John Hem derson. Robert Walker acted as chair- man of the meeting.