Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-05-02
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IS PERTH AMBOY REALLY AWAKE?

pic tbinos - on eot for this vicinity in the near future. Port
development is only one Of them. But the extensiveness OF ms worA
alone was brought out yesterday at the Board of Trade Forum Inc
commission that is engaged in studying the port of New York IN It's
entirety, preparing recommendations for unifyng the whole hareor'
Is carrying on its work with great thOroughness and expects to be ahe
TO make a complete report by next January.
There is every reason why Perth Amboy should have a pig part
In this. But thus far this city has assumed a rather Indifferent ati-
fude, taking only a PARKWAY interest in the matter and treating 1T as
though it were something that concerns the municipalities bordering
only on the upper bay in New York harbor-those places IN te m-
mediate vicinity Of Manhattan.
But Perth Amboy Is vitality interested.
The further development and the very future prosperity OF the
city is involved in this great scheme for port development. The I'M
mensny of the scheme and the broad scope of the idea was clearly
brought out by Dewitt Van Buskirk, a member of the commission
having in hand the planning of this great work, in his impressive adj
dress yesterday. Perth Amboy must get busy; her interests IN In
development must be s~afeguarded. Now, while the plans are still be-
ing made is the time to assert ourselves, not for any selfish purposes,
but to see that the best interest of the city is served.
In the letter which Mr.. Van Buskrk read from the engineer in
charge of the work of the commission a hint was given of the proba-
blity Of a great terminal in this vicinity with the completion of the
New Jersey ship canal which is to enter Raitan bay at Morgan. 1t
would be difficult now to estimate the real value of such a terminal to
this city. Without a doubt it viii be one of the greatest terminals in
the world.
What is Perth Amboy to do in planning for it,
Where is it to be locatedY
1t is time now, while the canal and port development is taking
form, to plan our city for this great work.
This again opens the question of the development of the city's
property along the river front in the southern end of the city.
Shall it be made a park, or will the harbor development scheme that
is now being worked out in conjunction with the ship canal make this
roads meetf
But this is only one of the vital questions that arise in considering
the future of Perth Amboy. Who is tt answer them inteligently7
Perth Amboy is growing rapidly and will grow even more rapidly
In the future when these great schemes for development on a great
scale are worked out. If we are to be able to take our full part and
properly care for the city interests it is absolutely essential that we
have a city plan to work by.
1t is of the utmost Importance that experts be engaged without
delay to make an exhaustive study of the whole city, including all
sides of municipal life so that we will not be working in the dark when
great projects are pTsseeted to us; in order to avoid the mistakes of
lg a park where aster1nindf ought to be and in permitting indus
IS to destroy sites best suited for parks and residential sections.
@ If the city is to have a comprehensive plan ready in time to guide
a IN this port development scheme about which centers all other COM
erc1a DEVELOPMENT. IT cannot delaV in getting XDertc af uor kOiv.I
ing the city a plan to go by.
Then, when the port commission comes here with its belt line rail-
way and its ship canal terminal the city will be in a position to say,
here is the route for the railroad to follow and here is the logical place
for the terminal. Residential sections will be protected and Marks will
be laid out where they viii not have to be disturbed in order to give
the city the greatest advantage in her future growth.
By all means let us have a city plan. Let us open our eyes to the
great possibilities that are opening up for this immediate section.
While we let the weeks and months slip by the various commissions
and committees are busy. The work of the port development com.
mission we have just heard about 1t will have its report ready by
January. This is none too long a time for us to have our city plan
completed.
In accordance with a resolution passed by the last legislature. Gov.
Edge mas appointed a committee to go to Washington and ap-
pear before congress urging the ship canal across the state. This COM
mlttee is making extensive preparations for presenting the matter
ana there is every Indication that it will be favorably received. Be-
Q we know it the work of the ship canal will be under way.
terpriseY A~e :" 'S rea Gu
Truly, men, it is time to bestir ourselves. We must be !, . ms;
~ 70 lake u advantage OF the vast opportunity that is being laid
But in order to take full advantage and play DIR mar intoni |
gently we must have a plan to work by.
Let us begin right in this new era that is onen;no bofono
g Us De prepared to give Perth Amboy the benefit of every i'm.
proVement and new enterprise that comes along. We q do that
only Dy planning far into the future so that each step can he taken
WIZ a uennite OBJECT IN view in order that what is done TODAY will
OF nave to be torn down at great expense and replaced with
something else tomorrow. p"' WIN
F1rst-let us have a real city plan. |
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