Evening journal., 1912-02-29
COUNCIL
MAY HALT The
BRIDGE WORK
icontInued from Flrst PACE

NlldllOh vi lit HiSl Ten years. Uul do
ded that at the end of the first ten
years the Pennsylvania Railroad Com
pany could take the land so that in
reality the city could figure on only
seven more years use of the ground
He added that only portion OF the
park land would be required for the
approach to the bridge. Mr.. Garrett
further called attention to the remark
often made that the city pays seventy
five per cent of the county taxes ana
the county gets seventy-ive per cent.
of the benefits. This he said was not
true and pointed out that Just now
the Levy Court wanted to build new
bridge for the city and only asked
in return a playground. I'VE simply
want you to cooperate with us" SAID
Mr.. Garrett, "and not place any OBJ
stacles in our way. If you can suggest
any feasible route where the bridge
could be placed we would be glad to
near from you"
Bilderback After Fair Return.
Councilman Bilderback, Of the
Ninth ward said that it was not so
much a question of a place for the
bridge as it was a proper compensa-
ton for what the city will lose.
Colonel Stover wanted to know how
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
could sell something il has leased for
a certain number of years, and he
expressed the opinion that there
might be a doubt IS to the legality
of the condsm tion proceedings. He
reminded the me.nbers of the Levy
c urt that If the park in question
was destroyed the people in that
section of the city could rightfully
demand another recreation place and
that the present site could not be du-
plicated for less than 100000.
Mr.. Perkins wanted to know if the
park was of more Importance to the
city than the proposed new bridge,
which would open up the South Side
and afford greater opportunities for
growth and development.
Colonel Stover said he did not
think Mr.. Perkins argument good
and he asked that if the people came
forward and demanded a new park,
would the Levy Court cooperate with
the city to provide il?
Certainly not" he said.
Replying to a remark made by Mr.
Perkins that there would still be a
breathing spot left after the ground
necessary for the bridge approach
was taken, Colonel Stover said: yes,
for that matter the people can get
breathing spot on top Of their
homes"
Hint at Trouble.
Mr.. Garrett informed the Council
that the Levy Court intended to build
the bridge and would proceed with
their plans until stopped by injunc-
ton proceedings He added; "You
may not know it. but the City Hall
and other city buildings may be
taxed for county purposes and if they
are. the taxes will be collected"
Col. Stoyer said the Council was
not obiecting to the erection OF the
bridge but reiterated the declaration
that the city was not receiving sufii-
cient financial return for the loss OF
the park. in 81 200. IF the city is
considered in the $4,000 awarded &c
the Pennsylvania Railroad, for the
seven years it still has a lease on the
grounds. the city may consider the
subject" he said
Park Commissioner Samuel II
Baynard who was present expressed
the opinion that the city was the only
party entitled to any damages al
all
Levy Courtman Dennison thought
the Council should consider the op-
portunities the new bridge would Of
fer He urged them to rescind their
action Of last Thursday night in re-
fusing to accept the award of $1,000
stating that the Levy Court had given
the bridge subject much thought and
il was now ready to go ahead with the
work. but at this late day Council
steps in and halts the proposition.
Councilman Haney, of the Tenth
ward, favored the location of the
bridge on the site of the present
structure.
Mr.. Perkins then made some re-
marks about printed statements con
cerning the Levy Courts action IL
the bridge matter. one Of which in
timated that the Levy Court wat
spending easy money He said
many persons had told him the Levy
Court was doing the proper thing il
making straight road to the Della
ware river front.
Councilman White thought the
city should share in the S20,O0I
awarded the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company for the twenty years i
could have leased the grounds
Mr.. Garrett finally said it was no
ND to the Levy Court to furnish ap
proaches for the bridge that beini
the duty Of the Street and Sewer De
partment, but Col. Slower reminded
him that a bridge without approache
was of no value and the Levy Cour
would hardly dare to erect a bridg
before it had approaches.
There was much more discussion
and argument but the members oi
Council would not retract from tn
original stand it had taken and tn
conference ended abruptly leavini
the impression that the Council vii
bring injunction proceedings shoul
the Levy Court start work on the pro
posed new bridge.
The subject may be brought up a
the regular meeting of Council to
night
Mr. Tomkins will arrive in Will
mington at o'clock Friday evenins
and will be met by a committee o
the Board. He will remain in thu
city over night and on Saturday vii
be shown places Of interest abou
the city.