Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1922-03-08
HEARING BEFORE
UTILITY BOARD
Witnesses Heard This Morn
ing in Newark by Commits
sioner Bacharach
WILL FILE BRIEFS
Dry Docks Need Four Tracks
to Meet Competition,
Runyon Says

NEWARK, March S.-The appli-
Company for permission to lay four
tracks across Washington street,
Perth Amboy, connecting lands OF
the Perth Amboy Dry Docks Com
pany, was heard by Public Utility
Commissioner Bacharach here this
morning. After all of the testimony
had been heard, counsel for both
sides was instructed to file briefs in
the case.
The railroad called two witnesses
in favor of the application while
four witnesses were called by City
Attorney Leo Goldberger represent
ng the city's opposition.
E. II. Bowles represented the Le-
high Valley as it's counsel and call
eh upon w. Parker Runyon, presi-
dent of the dry docks company as
the first witness. Mr.. Runyon told
why the company needed four
tracks, he emphasizing that they are
necessary if his company is to en-
ter successfully into competition
with other ship yards. He explained
that the companys properties occu-
py both sid IS of Washington street
street and that the tracks are need
ed to make 1T possible to carry heavy
material from side of the street to
the other. One track, Mr.. Runyon
said would be practically useless as
he material of such weight that 1T
could not be tranferred.
The witness also said That the
public should be in favor of the
tracks being laid in that it will
mean a bigger business and the en-
ploying of more men. OF the lao
employees now working at the plant,
Mr.. Runyon said, practically all are
Perth Amboy residents.
One Track Not Enough
City Attorney Goldberger in cross
examining the witness contended
that one track would be sufficient.
Mr.. Runyon reiterated that one track
would not remedy matters. ME-
Goldberger then brought up the
question of a ferry line being es-
tablished with slip at Washington
street. The witness said fran
chise had been granted seven years
ago for a ferry at this point, but as
no action was taken Wlthin SIN
months after it had been granted
it was his opinion that the fran
chise is null and void. He also point
ed out that a large sewer has lts
outlet at the foot of Washington
street and this would make II lhl-
possible for ferry to land there. ;,
II am a public spirited CITIZEN
Mr.. Runyon said, land II anyone
wants to have the ferry l am WILING
to help it along. | Will not put any
thing in it's way
Wheeler A. Abbott, supt intendent
of the Perth Amboy division of the
Iehigh Valley Railroad. was the next
witness called. He told of the pro
posed manner in which the foui
tracks would be laid. There is q
grade on the street but three OF the
tracks would be laid on a slant, the
lower rails being about three ana one
half inches lower than the others
thus doing away with any bumps
The road bed on both sides OF the
four tracks. he said. could be levei-
cd so that it also could be easily
gone over.
Calvin is Witness
Alderman Large Richard j
Calvin was the first witness called
for the city. He suggested com
nrornise of some sort between the
citv and ,he railroad and dry dock
company so that all would be satls-
fied "For Gods sake" Mr.. CALVIN
said 'give us a chance to max
something more in ratables from the
end of Washington street. we haVe
few enough streets connecting wltn
the river" ~
Alderman Albert c. Waters con-
tendea that the ordinance as drawn
up, granting permission to lay lne
racks does not contain any restric.
ticns for the safety of the puph,
A. protection of the city. Il wan,
n see the dry docks company ge'
what it wants" the alderman salu
but they ought to think of others,
Alderman John J. Clark MAINTAIN
I'd that there should be some recon-
nense made for possible damage te
other properties situated in that SCI
ZION. John f. Stack, properly own
er in that section, took a sinilia'
stand f hott
sides had been heard. briefs were o.
dered submitted in order that w
puhlic Utility Commission mlgn
further study the matter before rem
dering a decision.