The San Francisco call., 1910-08-20

limitations of value, particularly in a large area
with practically identical advantages, and when
unproductive the limit Of reasonable assessment
is soon reached.
PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
This method of construction would require that
the Twin peaks tunnel be exclusively railroad
right of way, under long term franchise.
The proposition was considered by several local
and eastern parties, who after careful inYestiga-
tion would not undertake the Investment of the
amount of money necessary TO construct the
tunnel with limited franchise allowed by our
The construction Of the Twin peaks tunnel
means not only the providing of rapid railroad
ton between practically the two halves of our
city. The construction of only railroad tunnel
by private enterprise would give a monopoly of
what Is TO be the main thoroughfare of our city.
through the ownership of private rights of way.
Such control of city's main outlet is not
favored by citizens because the Twin peaks
tunnel under proper municipal control will be a
source Of profit TO the city.
As the most important highway, which will be
constructed for the present and future city of
San Francisco. your committee believes that the
Twin peaks tunnel should be constructed owned
and controlled by the municipality.
The tunnel will benefit directly every citizen
of San Francisco in proportion to the amount Of
property he owns; the amount of business he
transacts and the amount of travelling he does
Therefore ii is right and proper that every citi-
should be interested in the construction and
control of an improvement of such broad public
character
TUNNEL WILL PAY FOR ITSELF
In view Of the great increase in taxable
values which will be secured TO the city in the
territory Immediately affected and the per
manency Of such values the amount required to
provide for the proposed improvement is such
any debt for the work. but would become a
guarantor TO collect sufficient additional taxes
Such values do not and can not exist and can
not be created without the Twin peaks tunnel.
A careful investigation of the assessment rolls
OF our city shows that the property directly af-
fected by the tunnel is at present assessed at
approximately $4,000, 900.
Results obtained. where similar improvements
in communication have been made by tunnels in
Los Angeles. subways in New York and new trans
portation lines in Oakland and other cities. show
that Improvements OF this magnitude and i'm,
portance have never failed 10 double the assessed
values within the districts improved thereby. and
10 substantially increase values of the surround
ing territory within broad
Allowing an Increase to double the present as
sessment of 500 000. COO the city VIII receive at
the present tax rate of $l.647 per 500. an
nual increase in its income of about $500 900 per
annum.
ESTIMATED COST OF TUNNEL
Your committee has consulted competent en-
gineers TO the cost of constructing tunnel
through Twin peaks. designed 10 accommodate
sfreetcar transportation general street traffic
condnits for water mains, gas mains, power and
light wires Estimates were for one tunnel large
enough to accommodate all kinds of traffic, and
transportation from general travel
Surveys completed show thst tunnel 200
feet long will be required and estimates for the
cost OF construction, quoting the lowest aud
highest received. area follows:
Lowest estimated cost for double tHnne-S2I4
per lineal foot: total cost, 81 .992, 500.
Highest estimate-S336 per lneal foot; total
cost. 81, 4l9.20O.
These estimates, made by competent contract
ing engineers. convince your committee that the
entire work be completed, including cost of
approaches and opening street connections at
either end of the tunnel, for about 81. SOC, 600.
Interest on bonds for the above amount at ~
per cent would amount to only S103, 800 per an
mum. while it has been conclusiyely shown that
the income TO be derived BY the. city from new
values created will be at least $500 600 per year.
MONEY EXPENDED REMAINS
In conclusion, your committee unanimously ap-
proves the plan for the construction of the Twin
Peaks tunnel by municipal bond issue. and
recommends immediate application or petition TO
the proper municipal authorities 10 take the pro-
ceedings necessary to the early completion
OF the proposed improvement.
Respectfully.
HARTLAND Law president
GUSTAV BREENER
D. o. CROWLEY
DAVID LIVINGSTON
LOUIS H PETERSON
PAUL T. CARROLL
E. I. VAN DER NAILLEN
7. E. TREACY
DEWEY COFFIN
3. BURNS
p D. Frederick