Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-11-02
MUST PROTECT cITY's INTERESTS

That the civ officials are determined to guard we'll the
citv's interests in the elimination of the grade crossings Is
evident from the consideration being given the matter
plans as prepared by the railroad engineer for the depression
of the tracks through this city were shown TO the city S rep
resentatives Monday. Once these plans are filed with the
Public Utility Commission they will be available to the city
for more careful study. There is reason to believe that they
can he improved upon from the city's point of view.
1t is natural that in drawing these plans the railroad
engineers should look at the whole project from the rail-
roads standpoint. 1t is just as essential that the cltys SIDE
he presented. not with the idea of antagonizing the railroad
or putting any stumbling blocks in the way OF this much-
desired Improvement, but to see that the city gets a square
deal.
The main object of the railroad company is to make as
much speed as possible in operating trains between new
York and the coast resorts. With the reconstruction oil the
bridges over the Railway river and Woodbridge creek IL WIN
he possible to use heavier and more powerful locomotives
on this division thereby making better time In running ue
trains. The grade crossings in Perth Amboy, however, are
the one great hindrance. With this danger eliminated the
route would be practically unobstructed.
But Perth Amboy is not particularly interested IN see
ing how fast trains can be run between New York and the
coast resorts. This city is vitality interested, however, IN
the accommodations afforded local patrons of the road and
in the sightliness and general effect OF the proposed I'M
movement that is to eliminate the grade crossings.
The aldermen will do well not to be stampeded into
occenting anv plans that the railroad company may offer.
The project must be studied by the city just as carefully as
it has been studied by the railroad company here Is worn
for experts and specialists in the matter OF city Planning
especially as such a plan relates to railroad elevation or de-
preston.
The fact that representatives of the City Plan uom-
mission were present when the city officials looked over the
plans that the railroad engineers have drawn LOT track ue-
nression here would indicate that there is to be cooperation
between the aldermen and the city plan commissioners IN
looking after the city's interests. Alderman-at-Lar8e Wes-
nqRWho. as head of the governing body ofthe city, is giving
the matter the benefit of his experience as a building con-
tractor. has already been in touch with Adolph Greenbalm'
president of the City Plan Commission, and there is a possl-
bility that the City Plan Commission Will decide that no
better way could be found to spend the S2,ooo whlch was
..I Q IL ,oimi NJ fha hnOinnin0 If n II
year than to secure the services of a specialist in that par
t;cular branch of city planning that concerns the RAILROADS.
The fact that the railroad company is desirous of be-
ginning work on the elimination of the. grade crossings
next spring makes it imperative that whatever the city is
to do in looking after its own interests must be done at once.
AS capable as our local engineers are, and as conscientious
as the city officials may be in their efforts to safeguard the
citys interests, the experiences of those who have made a
specially in the development of a city with reference to It's
railroads would be invaluable.
1t must be borne in mind that whatever is done now in
the matter of eliminating the grade crossings in this city by
the depression of the railroad tracks is being done for future
generations as we'll as the present. The railroad plans, as
shown to the city officials, provide for a new station. Once
this station is built it will be twenty-five or thirty years be-
fore there will be a chance to get another one. Provision
must be made, therefore, for future growth OF the city In the
new structure now about to be built. The awful congestion
in the present station, every evening is only an indication OF
what conditions will be like once business picks up and
prosperity returns. Perth Amboy is no suburban community.
Something more than a pretty little structure such as we
see along the line of the railroad where commuters live is
needed here.
Perth Amboy is an industrial city. 1t is going to grow
tremendously with the proposed expenditure of a million
dollars in the development of the waterfront. There must be
a railroad station in keeping with the size and importance oil
the place. These are things that the representatives of the
city must look out for in their dealings with the railroad
companies in the present negotiations. 1t is because, of the
great possibilities and the necessity of looking into the flu
ture, as we'll as providing for present needs, that it is SO
desirable to have experts in city planning engaged by the
city to give advice and counsel. 1t is to be hoped that the
City Plan Commission, along with the Board of Aldermen,
will not lose this opportunity to serve Perth Amboy in a big
way in this most important development.
GOOD WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED
With a record of finding jobs for 105 men since being