Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-27
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD
Baldwin Street People Before
 ihe Board Last Night.

tue bOar0 LaSt NI0ut.
 The board of public works met last night, Mayor Thoms presiding and all the commissioners being present.
 One of the principal matters / brought forward was the proposed change of grade and relocation of the lines of Baldwin street between Scovill's bridge and Stone street. A hearing was held on the section be- tween Pleasant and Stone streets some time ago, and last night the airing was confined to property ! owners from Pleasant street to the bridge. Some of them didn't like the plan, others thought well of 1t provided the expense to them should not be too large; few wanted noth- ing done, adding that the street is all right in its present condition. This matter was taken up four or five years ago when the engineer was instructed to cross sec ion Bald win street between the points al- ready mentioned with view to eliminating the unsatisfactory grade, but it was not got into shape ; for presentation to the people until this season A few expressions of opinion slv- en last night will show how the peo- pie regard it:
 Former Alderman Daniel F. Fo- i ley: T understand no change is contemplated in front of my place. didn't suppose there would because things are all right at that point. The general feeling so far as I can learn regarding this whole project is rather unfavorable Every5ody admits that parts of the street are in bad shape and need immediate attention, but even so any change which contemplates the cutting off ends of the buildings will be bitter ly opposed because nobody thinks the situation demands it. Why not take up the street within its pres ent lines and make such improve ments as are necessary. I believe this should be attended to and paid for by the public. The abutting property owners are not responsible for the grade of the street. We had very handsome street up there until the trolley company got hold | of it. Who's to blame if they ere ated a condition that renders the street unsafe? I'm not in favor of making the street any wider than it is, but I do hope that something will be done to improve it within it's present lines"
 William Bowe::' "I'm glad to see that we have public officials who have sufficient interest in that part of the town to pay some attention to Baldwin street. I'm in favor of anything that is a public benefit and would cheerfully pay something to help 1t along, but I'm not prepar- ed to say that what you have planned is what We want. The street is crooked enough now. Why make it more so. Why not start in at Union square, take off that sharp angle at the property of Daniel Shanahan and then continue south in straight line, taking what you want to widen Baldwin street from the west side instead of the east? Something should be done there, but bend In the street SO that one would think he was playing loop the loop getting around 1t don't think any body will care for it.
 Eugene Sullivan: :"The propos- ed relocation brings the street close to my block. I think this Is all right if it doesn't cost too much"
 Michael Donnelly: "I think the street needs. some attention. but this thing cuts into me at both sides of the street and in case 1t goes through of course shall look for damages. I shouldn't consider it any particular benefit to me. be- cause the grade is not bad at that point. The plan is all right, but how about the cost? If you can do it without inficting a hardship upon anybody it may he all right"
 Daniel Sullivan: Gentlemen want to be let alone. If you should decide to move back my building there is not. room enough in the rear and you know what this means. I'm growing larger every day and want to save room to turn around in the back yard"
 , Mrs James Longworth: "I under stand We are not affected by the proposed changes. They left us too low when Scovili's bridge was built I believe the streets ought to be fixed, but I shouldn't be willing to pay an assessment for that pur- pose. Y
 John Maher: "The street is all right in front of my place. got along there all my life time and it is good enough for me now. know it needs attention from Pleasant street all the way up."'
 John McEvoy hadn't anything par ticular to say.
 Francis Donnelly was opposed to the whole scheme and left the im- pression upon the board that the street shouldn't have been surface hardanad ht,f If oan't ha nnsefhla