Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-02-24
PUBLIC ASKED
TO GIVE BOARD
PARTY OPINIONS
Bookwalter Says Selfish
Interests Block Mu-
nicipal Needs.

A plea that citizens be more prolific in
their expressions of approval or disap-
proval of park and playground acquis1-
ton and building projects proposed by
the board Of park commissioners, was
made at the weekly meeting yesterday
afternoon by Charles A. Bookwalter,
president.
Pointing out certain selfish influences
always are at work to block worthy park
enterprises. he begged for the cultiva-
tion Of broad vision Of the city's park
needs, such as would waive petty ques-
lions for the sake of future good.
Many of the things planned during the
Bookwalter administration more than
dozen years ago have come to pass, ne
pointed out Some acquisitions which
the Bookwalter regime was prevented
from carrying through, later were maze
at much higher cost, he asserted.
Mr. Bookwalter dwelt at considerable
length upon the attempt to purchase the
present site of st. Vincents Hospital. He
said the park board had an option on
the land for $4,000, figuring it would be
an ideal spot for a playground or small
park. II. H Tall, assistant superintend-
emit of parks, said the site would be pc
culiarlv valuable for this purpose today
Mr.. BookwaIter said the Indianapolis
News prevented the purchase and the
sisters bought it for the same price the
city could have had it. Later the city,
in constructing Fall Creek boulevard had
to nav the sisters $50, 900 for about one
eighth Of the whole property which 1t
originally could have had for $4,000, the
president stated.
Citing another instance where certain
persons boosted the price of land the
mark commissioners wished to buy for
boulevard purposes, Mr. Bookwalter said ::
DECLARES CITY
HAS BEEN IHELD UP"
Eve had to pay some Of these public
spirited citizens-who belong to commit
tees of 100 and such-S650 for thirty
foot lots. This sort of thing has cost
the people of indianapolis about 100000
up to this time"
The board adopted declaratory reso-
luton for the acquisition Of approx
mately forty acres in Golden HILL be-
tween Northwestern avenue and the canal,
north Of Thirty Fourth street, for park
purposes. Mr. Bookwalter said he desires
particularly there should be expressions
from citizens on this project, before the
board takes final action Appraisers Will
fix the price to be paid by the city. The
board has received several letters for and
against the project.
shower baths be installed in the Disette
mansion for the benefit of golfers on
the new nine-hole course on the recently
purchased Disette property was turned
down. SIN opposed to making a crazy
quilt out of that fine house." said Mr..
BookwaIter. The board already has de-
cided to buy a quantity Of porch fur
niture, to fit up part of the house.
81 play golf, but 1 have to take my
bath at home" commented Mr.. Book.
walter
Deciding residence properties would be
damaged, the board refused to approve
building permit for the erection of a
factory building on the rear of a lot of
271O North Capitol avenue. This came
within the boards jurisdiction because
the site is within 500 feet of FAN Greek
boulevard. "Our first duty is to pro
tect citizens in their homes" said the
president.
The board took under consideration
request of Mrs. Henrietta Ellinwood,
president of the Mothers Aid Society.
the organization be permitted to use the
Christamore Settlement house as a base
for its work among negro mothers in the
Douglass Park neighborhood.