The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-01-31
PROGRESS IN MOST LINES.
Continued from first page.l

vance Barre granite in the markets
where they at the present time cannot
compete.
Am sorry to say at the present time
we have not the guarantee of the cree
ton of hotel for our city or the sol
fdiers monument as would have been eY-
pected, but still believe that both pro-
jects will and can be accomplished. so
much has been said in regard to the
need of the one and the advantage 1t
may bring to our business men, on the
other, apart from the fact that it is
the duty of every citizen to see that
it should be done, that we will forbear
from repeating same.
The idea of substituting the present
bridge on South Main street by bridge
built of Barre granite was suggested by
our local press, or suggestion was made
through that press. We believe it would
be good one but, of course, could new
er be taken in hand by your council,
but might be arranged whereby our city
council would allow a certain amount
for the erection of a bridge while it
might be possible for some of that grout
\
to be transported in this direction. The
manufacturers at this end might ar
range some means whereby that grout
might be put into shape for the city
to erect. OF course this is only an idea
but the city will have to put a new
bridge there at no far distant date and
may begin to calculate on same.
River Change.
/ The accomplishment of the changing
bed of Stevens branch has apparently
met with unanimous approval from all
parties. The total cost of work being
considerable under what had been esti-
mated for assessments, therefore the
AUDITORS will receive part of assessments
back The cost to the city will no doubt
be approved by the citizens in regard
TO improved conditions around the whole
section, also the improved grade and the
possibility of a sidewalk along that
street through the removal of the old
fire station building, which in itself
means considerable for the public, living
or having occasion to travel over that
part of street. 1t has always been inn
possible to make sidewalk in that direc-
ton.
The improvement at the back of the
blocks on Main street from Prospect
street are not only the means of CIV
ing our business men the opportunity
for better display Of their merchandise
but also the guarantee of less danger
from flooding and better fire and po-
lice protection as the fire and police
department can now work from both
Al hnf hn
equivalent of added fire department
equipment also better police protection.
The accommodation in regard to traffic
for the public taking considerable OF
same to the rear of the blocks will be
benefited. The alterations made at the
back Of the blocks will add more to
the grand list of our city and if every
thing is figured out it will be shown
that this is the best business venture
that the City OF Barre has adopted since
Incorporation.
Streets.
While our streets are not yet in the
condition that they should be for the
public good and convenience, they are
being put in better shape every year,
and at the present are in fairly good
condition for so small a community,
Considerable money had to be expended
on repairs OF streets, some of same at
the request of the residents in that To-
cality; more money was required to put
streets in shape by the washouts that
occurred this year. Such expense will
always be an uncertainty especially
where no permanent work has been
dcne Some permanent work was done
at upper Washington street. II ,S25 lineal
feet being macadamized, said being paid
partly by the city and partly by the
state money; 2,75S square yards of paw
ing block was laid on our Main street, |
also 1927 square yards OF paving laid |
at the intersection of Washington, Main |
aud Elm streets, besides considerable re-
laying OF old paving caused by the in |
stallation of the new drinking fountain |
The improvement at this point has been /
commented on favorably and is certainly |
a great improvement to that corner and |
will be the means of averting accidents /
which might have occurred by congestion
of traffic at that part.
More money has been spent on the |
streets this year than last; S7l49.4 more
on permanent streets considerable OF /
that, some il not all will be paid back
be AUDITORS share of assessment. ST. /
S5IlS more on streets OF which the most
was caused by washouts, which no council
o: street department have any control
over. S9S2.05 more has been paid on sew
ers but there has been laid | 1872 feet
more of sewers this year than last. |.
believe that this expanding Of money
is advisable on sewers as it not only
adds to the convenience of the parties
that may he connected, but to the well
fare OF the community. Less money I
has been expended on surface sewers
the fact that the work of the
new permanent street work had al
ready been connected with TO surface
sewers. The work done by the street
department for the amount of money
expended, we are sure must meet with
the approval of every one.
We believe that during 1912, consid-
cradle of the street appropriation should
be expended on sidewalks. Our streets
while not perfect can be kept in good
shape, by little overhauling and a
little more attention paid to the clean
ing of refuse from same until such time;
as we have better sidewalks. Take for
instance our main street, the sidewalks
are in very bad shape and should all
be renewed and proper level put to
same. In bad weather some places are
and foot travellers have to
20 on the street. There is nothing more
to residents of our city or
VI ifors tn same than tha comfort of