Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-03-26
STREET CLOSING
ST|RS MADISON
Defeat of Railroad Ordinance al
Special Election Is Free
ly Predicted.
Especial to the Evening star.I

MADISON, March 26.-Tn any place
where men gather in Madisan one will
hear the railroad situation discussed.
Every day brings warmer discussion
and generally more dissension to the
action of the common council. Resi-
dents and taxpayers are up in arms,
and indications point to the defeat of
the ordinance which will be submitted
to the people on April 4. This pro-
posed contract will be published on
Friday, public hearing held on next
Wednesday and the election on the
following Saturday.
There will be two elements object
ing to the ordinance as proposed by
the railroad company. One is the
small taxpayers and residents of the
streets. which will be affected by
the improvements, and another and
smaller factor, number of people
who are advocating depression instead
of elevation at this late stage of the
game.
1t is understood that clause pro-
viding for the closing of Ridgedale
avenue, in keeping with the decision
of the council at a recent executive
session, in contained in the new ordi-
nance. This IS being strenuously
fought by residents and property
owners on this highway as well as
all people who use the street. It is
said that residents of Florham Park,
are doing all in their power to have
Ridgedale avenue remain open. 1t
means that anyone to get from Park
avenue to Madison aVenue-or vice
versa-with any vehicle, will have to
go several blocks out of their way to
r. he wi
have a large effect on deliverymen.
Much objection Is also being made
to the company's idea of the proper
way to divide the assessment of dam
ages-siXty and forty per cent, with
the town bearing the small end. Peo-
pie wish to know why Chatham only
had to pay twenty per cent They
also think that the Lackawanna
ought to give a guarantee that the
towns share of the damages will not
be above a certain figure. According
to authorities on the law, the rail
road is required to pay all damages.
Borough Attorney Charles A. Rath-
bun advocated a Fabian policy for
the town. but the council has acted
entirely at variance with his advice.
He said that if Madison would only
have a little patience they would
IldfNb III UCIItE &OltIdCl llldIl II lHc9
went at the matter in such a hurry.
1t was his opinion that the railroad
would finally agree to MANY Of the
requests of the borough. IT had no
hand" he said. lin the making out
of this ordinance which is being sub
mitted to the people. And there are
a good MANY things which. in my
estimation. ought to be inserted with
out fail"
A borough official stated Yesterday
to a representative of the Star:
II fail to see where the council ex-
poets to gain anything in going at
matters in this way. One member
of the committee runs to New York
to see the railroad officials, many
Zines without the knowledge even of
the mayor. and then runs back with
the knowledge that this must be IN
serted and that must be cut out De.
cause the railway people say so
When the grade crossing eliminations
and improvements are installed here
they viii be a permanent fixture. and
the town ought we'll to consider its
end of the bargain before agreeing
to do anything"