Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-14
PROTESTS BY OWNERS
OF FLOODED PROPERTY
Diversion of Surface Drainage
Discussed by Takoma Park
Town Council, i.

Objections were raised last night at a
meeting of the town council by residents
of Takoma Park. Md, to the diversion of
surface drainage from the District side of
the town into the streets and over private
property on the Maryland side. due in a
great measure to the construction of the
fifty thousand-dollar subway at the Cedar
street crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad.
The attention of the mayor and council
was called to the matter by DR.. E. c.
Shade. a resident of Eastern avenue, on
the Maryland side. DIR. Shade declared
that his property was receiving the sur
face drainage from at least ten blocks.
He said that If no other remedy could be
construct q cement wall to force the
water in another direction.
8. w. Williams. member of the coun-
Gil, and mayor-elect, also complained of
the excessive water which passes over his
property. although about square beyond
where DIR. Shade resides.
Mavor w. G. Platt said that it is only a
question of time when the town culvert
on Tulip avenue would suffer as a result
of the vast amount of water forced into
it. He suggested that the matter be
taken up at once with the District Com
missioners.
Protests as to New Assessments.
The town council sat as board OF
review prior to the regular council meet
ing to listen to complaints in connection
with the annual real estate assessments
in the town, which were submitted last
week Charles Selden, jr., representing
the owners of the Holt tract, which was
purchased a year ago, objected to the in
creased assessment from $1,000 to $24,Ooo
within that period. He said that when
the property was in the shape of large
tract il was assessed at the former figure
and Immediately after 1t was subdivided
into building lots and put on a plat the
assessment was raised four times the
original figure 1.-THE increased assess
ment practically confiscates the property.
II by merely drawing lines on paper II
should be increased In one year from S6,OOO
to $4,000 I would prefer restoring 1t to
not as yet accepted the streets which the
owners have donated" he continued.
Councilman Grabill thought the lots
were equitably assessed in comparison
with lots of similar size In the PARK:
The matter was taken under advisement
by the board, which will render its de-
cision at a meeting next Monday evening
in the Takoma Presbyterian Church,
when further appeals will be noted.
Joseph T. Cherry objected to the as
sessment on his property and the board
decided to reduce the assessment from
$500 to 800. In the protest of William l..
Beaman, a resident of Hancock avenue.
similar action was taken. the assessment
being reduced from $500 to $4OO
The report Of Town Treasurer Ben g.
Davis for April was approved. 1t showed
receipts amounting to $548.51. which with
the balance on hand Of $6,523.6S made
total of $7,O62.14. The disbursements
amounted to 81. 591.52 leaving net bal
ance of $4.47O62.
Complaint was made Of the destruction
Of several of the town lamps by soldiers,
it was said. from the Walter Reed Army
Hospital The commanding officer at the
hospital will be requested to cooperate
with the town authorities to prevent
similar occurrence.
Mayor Plat, who retires from the coun-
ell after serving the town six years as
mayor, expressed his thanks for the earn
est support support which he has received
during his term in office.
The council adopted a resolution ex-
pressing the loyalty and affection Of the
members Of the council to Mayor Platt.