Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-07-01
AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE LOST

Perth Amboy cannot own too much of her
water front. The great source Of revenue that
the water front of New York is to that city
ought to be convincing in this regard. Other
cities that have neglected to get possession of
their water front, as Jersey City for instance,
now realize their mistake. They are now trying
to make good the short-sighted policy of former
city officials, but it is being done only at tre-
mendous expense and even at that 1t is no long,
er possible to buy riparian rights unless they
are already in private hands. The state will no
longer part with a foot of riparian lands that 1t
now owns.
Time was, a few years ago, when Perth Am
boy could have bought the riparian rights at the
foot of every street leading to the water for $40
per foot. The EVENING NEWS strongly urged
that the purchase be made. City officials felt,
however, that the state ought to give the ripa-
rian lands at the foot of each street to the mu-
nicipality; the price was held to be excessive
Ind by neglecting that opportunity to secure this
valuable asset the city lost forever the chance
to own the riparian rights at the foot of its
streets because the state will not sell now at
any price. The best that can be done is to Sc
cure long leases.
1t is because OF the growth Of this port and
the increase in the value of water front proper
ty that adds Importance to the matter now being
considered by the Board of Aldermen regarding
the purchase of the Meredith property at the
foot of Market street. While this tract may be
desired at the present. time for park purposes
so as to enlarge Bayview park which is already
one of the most attractive spots in the city, the
location is also suitable for shipping and termi-
nal purposes. The pierhead line is at a consid-
cradle distance from shore at this point and
docks might be bulls to large YES
sells for freight purposes, while the top of the
pier might be used for recreation.
Besides, II ever there is a bridge built across
the sound from this city to Staten Island the
! logical site for the span would be at the foot OF
Market street on. account of the elevation that
uld be obtained there. Under such circum-
3nnces it would be extremely desirable for the
the pto own the property in that locality.
a .nstiiionA 1tlYdermsn now have before them the mat
ter. OF the purchase Of the Meredith property.
There is no question but that a city plan when
would fix a civic standard for us to live up to,
would include the ownership by the city OF this
important tract. For the sake of the genera
tons vet to come the aldermen today ought TO
secure this property while it is available. But II
will not be necessary to wait Tor future genera
lions to make use of the tract. 1t can be devel-
cped now SO as to be made q great asset to the
city.
The point that must not be overlooked In
considering this transaction is that riparian
rights are said to go along with the purchase
AS we have already pointed out, riparian rights
are something that cannot be secured any more
unless they are purchased from those VINO
bought them before the state adopted Its pres
emit policy. If Perth Amboy, therefore. can Sc
cure title to valuable riparian rights along her
water front she cannot afford to letNthe oppor-
tunity pass.
Every argument is in favor of the city reach
ing some kind of an agreement with the present
owners of the Meredith land SO that Its ttie
may pass to the city Of Perth Amboy to be Tor
ever devoted to the use of the people. In one
rorr or another. AS has often been said before,