The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-11-09
PARKWAY DRAIN
STARTS CLASH IN
CITY COUNCIL
Mr.. Saxelby Talks About "Pre-
variCation" and Mr.. Pierson
Appears Startled.

The contemplated South Parkway
drain in East Orange, which residents
Of Hyde Park have been protesting
against for a long time, caused a verbal
clash at the City Council meeting last
night. Councilman Saxelby Offered a
motion that the ordinance for the drain
be rescinded, and Councilman Grover
seconded it. But the motion got no
further, and Mr.. Grover withdrew his
support.
A few minutes before the motion was
introduced the Council had decided to
hold a conference next Wednesday
night and go over the assessments for
the drain. but Chairman Pierson
thought it would be unfair to take any
action before thai time.
This is an unwise procedure said
Mr.. Pierson, and it would not be Civ
ing the councilmen a square deal to
compel hem to AXE a vote on it to-
night, under the circumstances But I
do not want the Hyde Park residents to
go home feeling there is any trickery on
our part, or any hood-winking.'
Il think 1t is unfair for the chairman
to remark that his colleagues ard doing
nothing unfair declared Mr.. Saxelby.
Il think there has been prevarication
here. This Council has stated publicly
it will vote against the drain If the as
sessments are over $1,000. and every
member knows they are.
Mr.. Pierson was plainly taken back.
He told Mr.. saxelby he accepted his re-
marks and the incident closed.
There were several complaints made
against the assessments levied 70. lay
ing a concrete walk in Main street, and
one owner asserted that flags had been
carried away for which no money had
been received. Mr.. Pierson ordered the
charge investigated, and Councilman
Lee promised to have the flags re-
turned, If the money had not been paid,
or the ash handed over.
Herbert A.. Atha also made strong
protest. and said If "the commission
had pursued ordinary business methods
he would not nave been out $50" Coun-
Gilman Merrill toe ur the cudgels for
Mr.. Atha, and believed property
owners interests would be better on
served in the future il a letter, instead
of a postal card was sent them when
improvements are about to be made.
Mr., Lee claimed the project to lay new
walks had been known for two years.
Councilman Burr announced that the
park andeparkways committee had de-
cided to seek bids for the Improvement
of Elmwood Park, and plans will be
submitted. The Shade Tree Commits
sion ent a letter stating it was up to
the Council to do the constructive work,
according to the commissions attorney.
and it had no plans for the park. Mr..
Merrill said, however, that Martin Con-
boy, of the Municipal Art League, said
he had een the plans Of the commits
sion.
Mayor Cardwell vetoed the resolution
employing Conant & Co. to make the
annual audit. because nc price for the
work was set. He was sustained, and
it was decided not to pay more than
$500. Duane e. Minard complained be-
cause a section of North Twenty-second
street for about $50 feet had no side
walk and people were firing Of walking
in the mud. Mr.. Grover announced he
| would try to get a new name for n Of
the two Park streets.