New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-03-08
PLANS PLENTY; NO CASH
Mitchell and MCAneny Schemes
Upset by Prendergast.
At CITY CLUBS DINNER
Recent Differences Over Sub
way Contracts Not Touched
on by Agreement.

What the Board OF Estimate and APP
noriionment is planning TO DO in the way
n civic improvements and the financial
difficulties in carrying through these
schemes were discussed at length by CITY
oncials last night in the CITY Club. John
purrov Mitchell, president OF the Board
Of Aldermen. and George McAneny.
President OF the Borough of Manhattan.
nreserted the plans for civic betterment.
after which Controller William \. Prem
dersast informed the planners OF the i'm
possibility Of such improvements under
the existing scheme Of the city's finances
ANY comment on differences OF opinion
Of the three officials In the recent sub
way contracts controversy. although
practically a part Of the discussion, was
omitted by mutual agreement.
Some Of the work which the city's board
has been doing 10 make II a greater
municipality was outlined by Mr. Nc
Aneny. who reviewed the labors of the
hoard in working for improved trans
nortation facilities, in widening the city's
streets. clearing away encroachments.
opening streets and otherwise correcting
existing structural evils.
Then he outlined two new schemes un-
der consideration The first was the
creation Of an advisory committee on city
manning under the direction Of the board
This committee shall have as its duties
the study and preparation OF plans for i'm
movements, a matter which should. the
sneaker said. be considered in detail and
scientifically.
Following this came an outline OF the
proposed civic or municipal centre in the
reighborhood OF City Hall Square and IN
Guiding the new municipal building.
county courthouse, a federal building and
perhaps state building A system of
connecting boulevards. with the Brooklyn
and Manhattan bridges as the terminals,
was also under consideration. he said.
While these plans would be expensive in
the carrying out, Mr. McAneny believed
them essential
Additional expensive improvements were
discussed by Mr. Mitchell These includ-
cd the appropriation this year of Soop,-
90 or 100000 for schools, several mill
ions additional for constructing rail-
road along the west side OF Brooklyn and
removing the New York Central tracks
from the west side OF Manhattan, and still
more money for the building OF one or
more long piers in the North River.
These schemes according 10 Mr.. Mitch
o. we're essential 10 the development OF
the city.
But rhetoric will not construct pun
lie buildings" was the retort OF CON
troller Prendergast. 1t is not IN the
possibilities that we can take care OF
these and other essential things this
year. one thing only is sure. and that is
that the burden Of the taxpayer is never
growing less"
Controller Prendergast then itemlzed
these and other improvements contem-
plated by the board, with the sums re-
quired for the work.
we have come 10 the time, he de-
clared. when we have got to decide 10
what extent we are going 10 further bur-
den the city with debt. To-day our deot
service is the largest individual item out
of the tax budget. II is 100000 out OF
So. 10000.
This is the real problem that fronts
the citizens of New York to-day. We Will
have 10 stop borrowing money on ffty-
year bonds with their constantly raising
rates OF interest. On February y last
there was owing on land liabilities $1,000
90 Of which % per cent, or Ao'o'Vp' rep
resents interest charges which have &C
crued on these awards"
The Controller offered no definite soiu-
ton 10 the existing condition, but sus-
gested for tentative consideration a plan
for payment on Improvement as the work
Is done. instead OF on long term loans.
Upon this and similar matters ne asked
the City Club and other bodies 10 CONSIDER
and frame suggestions for presentation TO
The olfr officials.