Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-23
MANY PROTEST ON
] STREET CLOSING
Madison Residents Object at
Public Hearing on Rail-
road Changes.
gsueciaI to the Newark star.1


MADISON. Dec. 2s-The council
chambers were filed to their capacity
last night, when a public hearing was
gwen the proposed ordinance for the
elimination of grade crossings here.
NY. Heller, the first speaker. ap-
scared for the residents of the vicinity
81 Division avenue. He protested
asainst the closing of Division ave-
auc because of the great inconven-
s~nce to residents of that section. lie
eaegested opening q new street De-
tween the present Division and Union
avenues.
James F. Mckinney, a lawyer ana
snernber of the Board of Public I'M
nrovement, appeared in behalf OF the
williams estate comprising f1fty-nine
acres on Division avenue. He spoke OF
7he long detour necessary TO reach
slain street. Speaking for himself, he
brought out the point that the esti-
mated 81, 100000 to be spent by the
railroad was to q great extent Tor
their own benefit, 100000 being ex-
pended for real estate and the same
amount in Strengthening their tracks
1t will also result in decreased eA-
penditures, due to increased eflcleney
and the elimination of the large num-
Der of crossing wafcnmen necessary.
Expense Soon Returned
The expense, he said, will soon be
made up. remarklng that the fares
mad been raised recently for that pur-
nose. He asked the council to bear IN
mind the fact that the rallroao Is
commercial organization, ana II the
elevation scheme was not to lts al
vantage it would not be considered.
He expressed himself as strongly
against making the borough respon.
xib.e for any of the expenses, put IL
such an arrangement cannot De Sc
cured some limit should be set on the
amount to be expended.
E. P. Holden, as a trustee OF the
nuhl,c and of the Webb estate, filed
protests in behalf of both properties
AGAINST the closing of Ridgedale ave-
nue.. The present traffic on Ridgedale
sstvenue and the probable increase
were points brought out by a. L.
epage He said that If Ridgedale ave-
Sfue must be closed a new road should
) be opened.
J. r. Burnet, James Gardner ana
z Frederick Force, the former for MS
4own property and the latter for the
II II. Schmidt estate, also filed pro-
! tests against the closing of that ave-
: nue..
stark B. Ferris concurred In the
opinion of Mr.. Mckinney regarding
Z the setting OF limit on the possible
: expenses of the borough. He sug-
gested putting Ridgedale avenue I'M
: der the tracks.
Favorable Criticism
ga favorable criticism of the pro
: posed improvements was given by
: William o. Ludlow. but he expressed
: the hope that the new station is 10 De
= constr ucted of stone, rather than the
light colored brick, usually used.
Frederick Gardner asked that the
zaew ordinance cover the stopping OF
Efhe Buffalo express, which now stops
sat Morristown and not at Madison.
DR.. c. r. Sitterly. OF Drew Theo-
logical Seminary. stated that he was
shtrongly against the closing OF Ridge
dale avenue. and suggested opening q
new street at the crest of the hill,
which would do away with much or
the grade. He also spoke against
( putting a double span bridge, sup
ported by O pier in the middle OF the
road. across Madison avenue.
Mr. Ray. chief engineer OF the ID.
Il. & W., stated that a single span
bridge would be Impossible, as the
distance is 210 feet.
Objection was also made to having
Waverly place crossed by plain
L steel girder bridge, but 1t was learned
= that the railroad will cover the grid
s ers with concrete.
Siugle-Span Bridge Impossible,
Mr. Ray also stated that the rail-
: road would be willing to open new
!. street between Union and Division
4 avenues.
Communications from 3. f. Cole
man and B. Cammeyer, protesting
! against closing Ridgedale avenue
were read.
Some further discussion followed as
TO the advisability of passing the
ordinance before the close of the
year. Mr.. c. A. Rathbun. borough
attorney. recommended that more
. time be taken and an engineer en-
! sployed to advise the council.
1t was voted that the proposed ordi-
.nance be published and another hear
! ing given on Saturday night.