The Detroit times., 1909-01-14
60 MILES OF NEW
TRACK NEEDED FOR
VERNON PLAN
Continued from Page one0

nosition here The d. U. r.. he adj
mits. IS in a better position 10 make
an offer than a competing line would
he. owing TO it's already having It's
tracks down IN the streets.
The Vernon plan provides for a new
rorth and south crosstown line In the
west end along Junction and Scotch
ayes. and also for an east-end norm
and south loop line. taking In Van
Dyke and one other avenue TO be de-
cided upon. There would be a new
north-end crosstown line parallel 10
the boulevard and connecting the Mil
waukee Junction factory district with
the west side OF the city direct. The
sherman line and the portions or the
Fourteenth line running on Henry and
Bagg-sts. would be pieced together TO
form another crosstown line which
would be extended so as 10 pass both
the eastern and western markets.
Would Abandon Some Lines.
The lower end OF the Sherman line
would be done away with
and one OF the lines north or anu
parallel to Jefferson-ave. would also
go. The western end OF the Sherman
line would be brought across the CEN
ter OF the city on EliZabeth-st. and
Adams ave to connect with some other
line. The lower portion OF the Brush
ct. line would also go. The map shows
rearrangement OF the present lines
that would make them more direct
and piece the ends together very dill
ferently. while a number OF extensions
and new loops would serve portions OF
the city which have inadequate service
now and some streets which now have
car lines would be returned TO ordinary
traffic.
The Third line would be extended TO
the city limits as loop on Hamilton
boul. and Third-ave.. while new loop
Is provided for on Roosevelt-ave. and
Tillman or Twenty-third-sts.
All through the plan allows for
single track rather than double track
lines. Cars would cross Woodward
ave. In only one direction at Congress,
Fort. Monroe and State-sts.
One important feature OF the ordin-
ance. which would be likely TO meet
with strong opposition on the part OF
the traction company, Is that which
provides that all earnings over Z per
cent and all betterments constructed
out OF the profits OF the lines should
revert TO the city This would give the
city an increasing interest In the lines
and a fund piling up at interest TO
assist In the purchase OF the line at
the expiration OF the franchise. The
company would pay taxes only on Its
own share 10 the investment. the bet.
terments created out of earnings being
exempt from taxation.
Vernon has not acted without con-
ferring with the ID. L. r. officials.
although he has never had any under.
standing with them that such a fran
chise would be acceptable or would be
practical as a paying proposition.
One modification that has been
already suggested in the Vernon ordin.
ance is that OF charging an additional
cent for transfers on three-cent tickets,
as was done in Cleveland.
How Aldermen View Ordinance.
There IS considerable difference OF
opinion among the aldermen over the
ordinance. President link Is disposed
10 think IL a good thing. although he
has not studied all the provisions Aid
Owen was inclined to favor II also.
II am entirely opposed TO 30.year
franchises" declared Aid Gutman
positively. II think that is too long
A 15-year franchise would be long
enough"
Aid Theisen had not finished read
ing the franchise and Is non-commit
tai. Aid Heineman Is also studying
the franchise and will not commit him.
self until he has reached definite con
clusion. Aid. HARPER. the new head
of the franchise committee. is disposed
70 think that the franchise may be
useful as means toward a settle
ment