Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-10-02
STREET EXTENSION
SCHEME DROPPED
BeIIeviIIe Officials Abandon
Project After Hearing from
Taxpayers.

On the advice OF ToWn Attorney
John De Graw that because of the
fact. that more than two-thirds of the
taxpayers affected objected to the ex-
tension of Van Houten place, it would
be Illegal to proceed, the Belleville
Town Council last night decided to
abandon the project. Three lawyers,
representing property-owners along
the line of the proposed extension,
were on hand ready to protest if the
matter had been taken up.
Petitioned by taxpayers along the
line of the proposed extension to ex-
tend the street west to Union ave-
nue., the counsel referred the request
to the tax adjustment commissioners
for consideration.
A reply favorable to the project
having been received. the council set
aside last night as the date for the
hearing of objections regarding the
proposed extension of the street TO
New street A movement one year
ago to extend the same thoroughfare
met with failure on the part OF the
council, followed by demand from
residents that Academy street, IN
stead, be extended. Objections were
registered last night by most of the
taxpayers directly interested.
street widening Misunderstood.
Advising his colleagues that prop
erty-owners along Washington ave-
nue. had been unintentionally misied
regarding the widening of the street
five feet on either side. councilman
Frank j. Carragher said that, IN ms
opinion, the sentiment of the prop
70 M
project. He based his contention on
the fact that, while soliciting the
sentiment of the people in that sec
ton some time ago. the instructed ad-
vice was given then that, at cost TO
the taxpayer of approximately sixty
five cents per square foot, the pro-
posed widening could be accom-
plished. He said that majority of
those Directing at that time were
now favorable to the project, and he
requested another canvass, when the
true condition of affairs could be ex-
planned.
Referring to the fact that at a
meeting of the Board of Trade held
last Friday night Freeholder Sey-
mour p. Gilbert advised that 80 per
cent of the total cost would be borne
by the county and State; new trees,
where necessary, would be planted.
and old trees, where damaged, would
be replaced, he contended that this
was unknown to the people at large.
Seek Views of Freeholders.
Objection to the alleged statement
of the freeholder, however, was made
by Town Attorney John De Graw,
who said that in his opinion the in
depreciation of the law was exagger-
ated. The expense. he said, would be
borne by those directly benefited. This
view was taken by Councilman Emil
C. Mertz, who cited the fact that at
that meeting the Board of Trade went
on record as opposed to the widening
of the avenue.
In an effort to determine the true
stand of the freeholders in this re-
spect Councilman Carragher moved
that Freebooter John II. Waters be
asked by the council to investigate.
This procedure was objected to by
the council, however, who thought
that letter direct to the freeholders
would be more in accordance with
Mr.. Waters's desire.
Accordingly Town Clerk Edward e.
Mathes was instructed to commune
cate with that body. Mr.. Carragher
in the meantime signified his inten-
ton of visiting the property owners
on Washington avenue.
A petition in behalf of the residents
of the Greylock section residing on
the eastern side of the Erie railroad
demanding immediate relief from con-
ditions prevailing there was made to
the council.
The petition stated that bounded
by the railroad and the improvements
being made on Main and Little
streets, it was impossible for horse
and wagon to get in or out. On this
account 1t was pointed out exorbitant
prices were demanded for small de-
liveries and in most cases I'M
necessary large orders demanded be-
fore delivery was made. The coun-
Gil was advised that relief from this
condition could be obtained by ex-
tending Greylock avenue across tho
Erie tracks.
The petitioners were advised that
consent of the Public Utilities Com
mission must first be obtained. II
this is done, it was said, the coun-
ell will act.
A request from P. J. Lee that
night schools be established in the
town was favorably received by the
council, and the clerk notified to in
struct the Board of Education of the
councils concurrence if the necessary
enrolment to be registered. On mo-
ton of Councilman Frank ]. Cadiz
the council decided to relieve Henry
FoXhall from his engagement as
dog warden.