New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-21

and although incorrect bases of valua-
ton appear 10 have been adopted, the
commission is convinced from its in
curry that the mere purchase and sale
of real estate is not the correct theory
upon which additional opportunities
and exceptional expansion should be al
lowed.
Public Policy involved
"The problem TO be solved is broader
than that Of an exchange of real estate.
There is involved the public policy OF
the state, that the present and future
interests of the state and city, of the
general public and of shipping and
mercantile interests, shall be adequate
IN protected. The consideration OF the
value, character and extent OF the
rights TO be conferred upon the Cen
trail company and the presence or alb
sence of proper protective provisions
and restrictions is therefore declslvely
important"
The report refers 10 the present law.
Chapter III Of the Laws Of 1911. under
which the Board of Estimate was en-
powered to negotiate the matter with
the railroad, as fatally defective IN
that there is no element of compulsion
upon the company TO aid in terminal
ing the conditions which the public re-
card as intolerable, and yet which
allow the company fairly adequate
facilities TO continue its business The
report points out that the company is
left free to agree with the city or not
as it sees fit, and that as practical
matter it seems impossible to obtain an
agreement embodying necessary protec-
tion to the city and the public under
this law.
"The city, the company and the en-
tire territory served by the New YORK
Central need more adequate track and
ward facilities in New York City" the
report states. "The city is anxious TO
have warehouses and great industrial
buildings in operation. The city also
desires to protect and develop its park
and waterfront properties.
"Cnder these circumstances and IN
view of the fact that a special act IS
being invoked, the Legislature should
have the opportunity to determine
whether its intent in passing the spe-
cial act and in general laws is being
fulfilled by the proposed agreement
deed and plans.
New Law Suggested
Therefore, the commission makes
the following suggestion:
"Indt Onapter go OF inc IhNs ".
1911 should promptly be repealed end
a law enacted to take its place drawn
upon the following lines:
"First-Providing for changing the
grade of the New York Central Rail
road as at present established upon
streets and highways and abolishing
the use Of steam as a motive power.
"Second Requiring the company
within a specified time. at the COM
nanv's expense, 20 construct its road
( ~ conform to the newly established
Grade and 10 operate the same by
/ electricity.
"Tbird.A declaration that the pres
ont operation upon streets at grade
I with steam power constitutes pubic
nuisance. .,,,.
within a fixed period, 20 abate such
nuirance by removing It's tracks from
he grade Of streets and operating us
road by electricity.
"Fifth-Authorizing the CITY ana tne
oorananv. within certain time. short
-, han that above specified. TO agree
no, and carry out an alternative
Ian a. 10 the new grade and location
~ its tracks. upon terms and condi-
ions. including provision for nddI-