Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-12-08

be said he was in favor OF the project
because it will enhance the value of
property all along the coast.
Mayor Stevens, of Cape May, being
asked for an expression of opinion, said
he would first like to hear from other
places.
Chairman Rutherford, after saying
that it was the opinion of the board of
freeholders that this matter should be
presented to the governing bodies Of
the cities of the county, asked Freehol-
der Gus Hilton why the City Commits
sioners of Wildwood were not at the
meeting.
Freebooter Saul, also of Wild wood,
in answer said that he had spoken to
Commissioner Ryan, who told him
that the city had already protested to
the fr~eeholders.
Mr.. Rutherford stated that they had
not received any communication from
the City Commissioners of Wildwood
so far al he knew.
Luther e. Ogden, of Cape May, asked
if it were not true that Wildwood had
protested a year ago.
Freebooter Saul asked if there was
not a petition against the boulevard at
that time, saying this was probably
what was referred to by Commissioners
Ryan.
Chairman Rutherford said he had
forgotten this, but he had a talk with
Ryan six months ago and Ryan had
changed his views. OF course, the
phase brought out now is later.
Freebooter Hilton stated that the
feeling of the Wildwood commissioners
is that, should the work on the boule-
ward be started on the upper end, work
also should be commenced at Cape May
at the same time. However, the COM
missioners oppose the project as a
whole.
Mayor Stevens said that he had talk
ed that day with the Wildwood COM
m%issioners. Their attitude has changed
somewhat. Commissioner Ryan told
him that the scheme ia beautiful, but
too gigantic at this time because of
finances. Bonds Of long enough term
cannot be issued at this time. Nj.
Ryan said he saw its feasibility IL the
county can stand it. Mr.. Baker, Of
Wildwood, told Mayor Stevens that if
the county is going to build the boule-
ward the board would show good faith
by beginning at both ends. If COM
PEELED to stop the work both ends of
the county would then have some ben
eft. MI. Baker further said, the speak
er stated, that they would favor it pro-
viding there is nc sectionalism. If tits
to be of benefit to the whole county
they would favor it.
Continuing, Mayor Stevens said that
the Cape May commissioners have ia
ken no action because they have no
data as to the probable cost The bust
ness of the county is to have an influx
of visitors. Any benefit to the county
is good, but if it is a large project it
should be done gusrdedly and not In
crease the ratables. The speaker said
they would favor any development OF
the county hat will show a profit, even
if it might prove a hardship for awhile.
If he figures 1t out right, he said, there
is no section along the coast so wonder
full in its capabilities as this. After re-
ferring to the government work of i'm
ppovement at Cold Spring, Mayor
Stevens said that the best thing to do
today is to ascertain the cost of the
boulevard so far as possible aud the
term of years the county will be per-
mitted to bear the burden.
Chairman Rutherford stated that
some of the members of the board have
been considering the matter of having
a survey made, but the board does not
wish to do this until the members find
out whether the people want the boule-
ward. The board wants to be backed
up by the united support of the bor-
oughs, cities and resorts of the county.
said he did not think any member
of the board would agree to bond the
county at once. Work is now being
done on the boulevard in Upper Town
ship. He said he thought work could
be started at the lower end without
great cost.
The Rev. James E. Lake asked how
much does the State pay.
MI. Rutherford answered that the
State now pays 40 per cent. on the road
work provided the State highway COM
missioners agrees to the work. The
said he does not know of on
ditions since the recent approval of
the Eyan Road Bill. The State pays
20 per cent. of the cost of the bridges.
Mayor Smith, of Wildwood, said
that an to the nrasent he has been on