The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1907-10-10

sewer district is worth such improve
ments. Mr.. Terrell declared that
there are 200 acres of land on the
north side with a natural drainage,
used for farm land, and that 1t is not
worth half the proposed Improvement
He predicted that If the city invaded
this part of the city, the city would
have to pay the entire cost. He stated
that sewer taxation should be made in
proportion to the value of the prop
erty.
Mr.. L. NJ. Rieke spoke in favor of
sewerage when needed" but not
when property IS not worth it, He
stated that some land in the extreme
west end is worthless for city pur-
poses.
Mr.. w. A. Gardner stated that his
sentiments Were fully expressed by
Mr. Terrell. lie suggested a personal
inspection of property, and offered to
furnish vehicles to members for such
an expedition. He thought that the
sewer should not be extended farther
than Flournoy street.
Mr.. Albert Dumaine, who owns
land on the north side, stated prac-
tically the same
Attorney ]. S. Ross, representing
II. w. Rottgering, an extensive prop
erty owner in district No. 3, spoke
briefly, dwelling on the worthlessness
Of many acres Of his clients land for
city purposes. He stated that the
city had a right to build sewers
through its streets, and that Mr.. Rott-
gering's property is not plated, has
no streets, and is his own property,
and not legally subject 10 sewerage
taxation. He declared that the city
has no right to construct sewers ex-
cept on its streets.
b. w. Whittemore who owns 80
acres OF land within the proposed dis
trict. stated he is in favor of sewers
where practical but that sewers in
certain portions of proposed district,
No. 3. would be valueless. He esti-
mated the per cent of taxation at 300
per cent, and suggested a personal
inspection of the district before act
ing finally.
Mr.. George Bernhard said: 81 have
got a hollow down on Eighth street:
| paid $3.50 for, and If the sewer goes
through it why. I'll just give it to the
city"
Mr.. Charles Rieke stated he would
like to see sewers where needed. but
that in crtain localities it would mean
n confiscation of property improved.
He thought Alderman Palmer's sug-
gestion a good one; also Mr.. Terrell's
suggestion Of a comparative taxation,
slump in Value.
Councilman Lindsey expressed sur
prise that the property took a wonder
full slump in value when sewers were
talked Of lie stated that in all i'm
provements some are benefited while
il may work a hardship on others. He
said he asked for a price on a 10
acre tract in low lands in district No.
3, and found it worth $500 per acre.
He stated that some property owners
would not sell or build on certain
property in the district. He declared
that adjacent to Mr.. Rottgering's prop
erty one cannot buy a building lot
for $500 per acre. He cited the de-
crease in Paducah's mortality rate
since sewers were installed, and de-
clared heartily in favor of sewerage
He desired the hardships to rest on
the fewest, and suggested to "get to-
gether" and come TO some equitable
agreement.
Alderman Palmer stated: eve were
placed here TO run the city, and are
expected to do so. We are going to
build sewers, and are not to let hills
and hollows stop us.
He said some property owners are
holding to property for its value ten
years from now.
Alderman Chamblin stated that
Engineer Alvord looked into the far
future when he made plans for dis
trict No. 8. He said that it is not
the intention of the engineer or leg
islative department to sewer the en-
tire district at once, especially If it
works hardship on any one. Alder
man Chamblin suggested to refer to
a committee for an investigation into
the costs.
Councilman Williamson was in fav-
or of taxing all the entire city for
district No. 3.
Councilman Foreman stated that