Evening journal., 1913-11-06
AGAIN TALK
APPROACH TO
new BRIDGE
South Side Residents Want
Question Settled as Soon
as Possible
DISCUSS SUBJECT
AGAIN NEXT WEEK


whole, in the Council Chamber. last
evening, and advanced arguments,
showing why the plan of the Levy
Court, to place the north approach TO
the new Third street bridge, across
the present site of Christiana Park
should not meet with the opposition
OF the park and other city depart
ments.
No definite conclusion was reached
by the discussion nor was any solu-
ton of the difficulty decided upon,
but IL was decided, however, that they
meet again next Wednesday even
ing. at which time the Street and
Sewer Department and Board of
Park Commissioners will be invited
to be present and present their side
OF the case.
The purpose of the meeting was for
the committee of the whole to con-
slider a resolution that was presented
by Councilman Cook, last week, to the
effect that City Solicitor Hastings be
instructed to withdraw the legal pro-
ceedings the city has instituted
against the obstruction Of the park.
All the big interests of South Will
mington, those using the Christiana
river, and those located in immediate
vicinity of the park in question, were
represented by one or more officials.
Those who spoke were NJ. +. Cannon,
Joseph Wilson, County Engineer VIII
son, Mr.. Stradley, o. c. Phrdy, Mr.
WolIaston, Mr.. Pusey, Mr.. Phillips
Mr.. Wilson. of the Malleable Iron
Company, Mr.. Bush, Mr.. Snyder. Mr.
Baynard, of the park board, who
stated that. departments stand in the
matter, and several of the Council
men.
Judging from the statements made by
the South Wilmington delegation, there
is in existence a grave misunderstanding
relative te the oitys objections to the
destruction OF the park land and it was
intimated that it was a personal matter
with Council and the other depart
ments in opposing the Levy Court in its
plans because of the action taken by the
Levy Court in pursuit OF the means to
their end. Council made it clear, however,
that they take the stand they do sim
ply because they want replaced in just
as convenient q location q site for a
public playground as that which will be
destroyed by the approach to the bridge
being built on Christians Park. They
ad il is only a question of money with
hem. that if Cnristiana Park is de-
;troved. they will be besieged for an
,ther site lust a. good and they feel that
.hev should provide one, and il they are
assured another location viii be pro-
rided then all opposition TO the Levy
Courts present plans will be withdrawn
tilt between Mr.. Iurdy and Coun-
Gilman Kane which enliN ened the meet
ing, when, during tie course OF his re-
marks Mr.. Purdy referred to the boys
who play baseball on Christiana PARK
as ahoodhlms." Councilman Kane, of the
Fourth ward, in which the park is 10.
Gated, objected to this term, and asked
Mr. Purdy why he characterized his con.
stituents as "hoodlums,' stating that he
did not think it the proper word to use
in this connection. In reply MIR. Purdy
said he would consider himself hood
mm" if he got out to play baseball.
The members of the delegation
pleaded for better facilities for the
business interests of the South Side
for the people who have to use the
Third street bridge and for the ever
increasing traffic to that portion OF
the city. It was claimed this route
is the only feasible one to the river
front. The difference between mar
row Third street as an outlet
and the wider Fourth street was
pointed out and it was asserted thai
even with the approach there the
park would be more beautiful thar
it is now and there would be sufi.
rient ground for the accommodation
of the women and children of thai
section who are now prevented from
using the present park because it Il
Used as a baseball diamond.
Mr.. Cannon said that it would no
cost much to change the presen
plans, and remarked that the taxpay
ers would have to pay the bills il
the end. He told of the defects o
The present bridge and gave his opin
ion that It would be unwise to builG
wide bridge opening into such
narrow street as Third street. II,
declared that the only way in whicl
the new plans would destroy the parl
would be only as a baseball field. HI
believed the affair should be settle,
as soon as possible.
James Wilson, county engineer, ex
planned the Levy Courts stand in tn
matter, and he declared that Thir,
street had never been seriously con
sidered as an approach to the new
bridge, as the street was too narroy
for wide bridge. He explained sew
eral other Objectionable features
The city's stand in the matter was ex
planned by Councilman Slower, VIII
declared there is a crying demand 70
Fairgrounds all over the city, and sal
II one is destroyed another woul
have to be provided. He declare
Council had no desire to block an
public improvement or to handica
the Levy Court but said that in hi
district there is c bridge which coul
be opened and thereby improve a bi
section of the city, but the Levy Cour
pays no attention to this project.
Messrs. Stradley. Purdy. WollastoI
Snyder, Pusey and Phillips eac
spoke upon the subject, urging tn
approach to the bridge to be laid ou
across the Christiana Park, and MI
Phillips offered a drawing shown
how the street car tracks could b
laid down Fourth street to Churc
and then across the park to the ne,
bridge to save the time of goin
around Third street.
Councilman Kane pointed out ho'
Third street could be used by wider
ing it, and declared the Fourth stree
argument of little value.
Samuel H. Baynard explained tn
attitude of that department I'm th
matter, declaring that he believe
the people OF that section of III
city we're entitled to as much col
a