The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-12-21
CRANE VALVE co. OPPOSES PROPOSED
 PARK EXTENSION
OBJECTS TO WHAT IT DEEMS UNNECESSARY EXPENSE IN VIEW OF HEAVY OUTLAWS.

Attorney A. M. Marsh, represent ing the Crane Valve Co. at a public hearing before the Common Council last night vigorously opposed the peti- ton of the board of Park Commis- sioners for permission to acquire a tract of about 14 acres of land west of Barnum's dyke, so called, at the western extremity of Seaside park. The Park Commission wishes this land for use in connection with the recent Fayerweather Island pur- chase Attorney w. B. Boardman ap- peared for Horace Smith, who has a part interest in the estate of Horace Smith. his deceased father, in which the property Is included. He too was opposed.
 Attorney Marsh said his client op- posed the purchase because it would entail what was considered unneces- sary expense on the city. Although President Eames of the Park Board lcontended that the price would be very low. Attorney Marsh believed at this time the expenditure would be more than the city shbuld be called upon to bear.
 Attorney Boardman's objection was that 2,000 feet of the land was along Cedar Creek, where there exists a nine foot channel The city had nev- CT taken harbor front property, he argued, for park purposes There is such a scarcity of suitable dock prop erty. he argued that it would be un-
 
 Trade which seeks to interest new concerns in Bridgeport's natural ad- vantages, to appropriate such land for park purposes. Attorney Board man for the N. Y-, N. H. & H. R. R. Co. appeared at several hearings in favor of giving up 12 acres of the local harbor to the railroad.
 Mir. Flames pointed out in support of the project that the park commfs- sion has secured all except two par cells of land west of the Barnum dyke. So far the cost had been only S1, 300. Money had been appropriat- City Auditor to pay any who m eht claim part ownership and could prove such a claim
 Attorney c. s. Garfield. one of the Park Commission. called attention to the saving that would result to the Park department if it had suitable dockage for handling trap rock. He argued that the city should seize up- on the opportunity of getting the land now before it has been built up- on- He said some of the members of the board hoped there might be con- structed a trolley track from Park avenue through to the bath houses. by way of South avenue. He pointed out that the city would not become liable for the proposition until it had accepted report of the board of ap- praisal intimating if the price was deemed prohibitive it would be un- necessary to go ahead
 On the ground that the expenses of the city would be high on account of such problems as garbage disposal, were construction, firemen's pay, and payment of state tax. Attorney Marsh again argued against the scheme. In answer to a question from Alderman O'Neil he said his client had not pur- chased land in the vicinity for six months. He said he could not tell just how his clients land is situated because the boundaries in that local ity are vague
 Attorney Boardman declared it would oe unfair for the city to take over the property for park purposes after the government had dredged out the channel of Cedar Creek He added that there was no doubt as to his clients title in the property for he had a certificate of title given by Judge Kelsey several years ago. AL ierman Jackson thereupon inquired what the property was taxed for. but no one knew. Alderman Wilder then advocated that it be placed on the tax list forthwith.