New-York tribune., 1909-12-16
a QUESTION FOR MIR. METZ.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: AS a matter of well known public
interest l desire to state that the property
owners representing "A majority of the
assessed valuations on Sixth and Seventh
avenues and the old Ninth Ward petit
toned the Board OF Estimate and Appor-
tionment two years ago for the extension
of these avenues TO Varick street and the
widening OF that street to Franklin and
West Broadway.
The movement was indorsed by the
Merchants Association, the Merchants
and Manufacturers Board of Trade, the
Automobile Company of America and the
Team Owners Association, said to number
upward of 5000: also by thirty-two of
the leading real estate brokers and deal
ers, all taxpayers and selected for their
special knowledge of the conditions In
addition to this there were a number of
personal letters written to the Mayor by
citizens distinguished i'm the affairs of
the city. whose recommendations alone
warranted the improvements
The Mayor handed the matter over to
Mr.. Nelson p. Lewis. chief engineer of
the board. and on his report it was re-
ferred TO a committee of the board com
posed of the Controller. Borough President
".
This committee promised like committee
/. representing upward of a hundred million
dollars of Manhattan realty that il would
do all that ii could TO pass these extern
sions and improvements as soon as the
Controller knew where the city stood
financially. Both the Controller and the
Borough President made strong speeches
in favor of the movement. Moreover the
Controller wrote on April IL. 1903:
l have no hesitancy in saying that
next TO transportation the extension and
widening OF Seventh avenue and it's con-
Meeting links are OF the most vital i'm
pOrtance to the business interests OF Man
haitian. and / certainly will do all / can
10 further that Improvement as soon as
We know just where We stand financially
This was to be determined by the deci-
sion of the Court Of Appeals on General
Tracy's report. a previous paragraph in
the letter so stating.
This decision was rendered six weeks
ago and has given the city ample money TO
carry out the improvement. Moreover. the
qualification OF transportation made by the
Controller has since been provided for by
the constitutional amendment placing
subway bonds outside OF the debt limit
Besides. there is plenty of private capital
ready TO build all the subways needed
Therefore. the transportation question be-
ing provided for, there Is no longer a valid
excuse for the Controller not keeping his
promise and agreement.
These extensions are not only a matter
OF vital Importance to the business inter-
ests." as the Controller says. but an act OF
simple justice to the property owners who
have been paying taxes year after year
on increased valuations to benefit other
localities without receiving a quid pro quo.
But the time has arrived when assess
ments Will have to be reduced from 30
per cent TO 40 per cent. or owners given
chance 10 reorganize their holdings
through these extensions and obtain more
rentals.
The matter, l am told. Is In the hands
OF the Controller, who can pass the I'M
provements or defeat them. and the ques-
tion is, Wil he keep his promise TO tn.
committee of property owners?
Personally. 1 believe that he will. MIR
Metz is a business man. and citizens OF
that class are always careful about keep
Ing their obligations. c. c. HICKOK.
New York, Dee s. 1909