Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-12-13
PLANNING WATERFRONT

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The address delivered by j.
spencer Smith before the American
Association of Port Authorities In
session at New Orleans, is largely a
repetition of what he told the dele
gation that inspected the waterfront
IF Perth Amboy a few weeks ago as
Mr.. Smiths guests on board the
state yacht, w. Parker Runyon. At
that time, however, there was no set
speech and the Evening News is
glad now of the opportunity to pub
fish Mr.. Smiths New Orleans ad-
dress in full in order that his ideas
may be set before the people of
Perth Amboy who are vitality inter-
ested.
Mr.. Smith shows that port plan
ming is something more than engi-
neering. There are many other
problems to be considered, and only
one who has made a specially in
waterfront development is capable
OF handling the problem properly.
ut is very plain" as Mr.. Smith says,
"that no n plan or no one design
would accommodate itself to differ
emit cities and various communities,
each port presents a problem of its
own"
The ~desirability of knowing exact
ly what one is doing before proceed
ing with any large expenditure is
emphasized by Mr.. Smith. UNLESS
one is thoroughly versed in all the
elements and factors that go to make
up a successful port" Mr.. Smith
points out, "he cannot properly lay
out or plan the development of a
port. This fact" Mr.. Smith goes on
to say, SHOULD be instilled in the
minds of public officials who are
temporarily in charge of our ports.
The carrying out of theoretical ideas
2 which some port official may happen
to develop while temporarily clothed
With power, usually results in in
creased taxes for the community to
bear and sometimes serves as a bar
rier to the growth of the community
because it prevents the construction
Of the real character and class of
facilities that are actually required"
This is sound common sense, and
Perth Amboy would do well to heed
what Mr.. Smith has to say. 1t is
gratifying to know that the alder
men are working along this line and
hat as soon as replies are received
from ~neighboring municipalities that
are directly concerned in the devel-
opment of this port there is every
reason to believe that the City Plan
Commission will be instructed to
secure the necessary expert advice
in the improvement of the city's
waterfront.
A point that was not brought out
on the inspection tour here a few
weeks ago, but which Mr.. Smith
mentioned at New Orleans, is the
recreational side OF waterfront de-
velopment. "There is probably
nothing" as Mr.. Smith says, that
furnishes a prettier setting for a
-. 49, . bnd,r of uatnr whetba OF
1t be a lake, river or ocean. In lay
ing out and planning a port develop
ment this fact must never be lost
sight of. At very little additional
cost and In conjunction with the
improvement of any waterfront. an
area can be set aside which will
provide enjoyment and health fol-
thousands"
"Consider II you will" Mr.. Smith
goes on to say, that the mass OF
people never know or realize the
value of a properly organized port
The benefits to them are so indirect
ana I6At1ptS that IL ian ~ NbA'N"
10 them. On the other hand, give
them a place where they can witness
what Is going on, can see the SHIPS
plying back and forth, and, If The
cleanliness of the water will permit
can revel in the delight of plunginl
into 1t on a hot day or take part II
aquatic sports, then a different pic.
ture is unfolded to them. Waterfront
development becomes TO them {
reality. a thing of life and being,
subject for discussion around TIL
supper table when the days labo
is over.
eve must not forget" Mr.. smitl
says in conclusion, "that our rive
and waterways belong to all. tina
they know no class distinction. Tha
they must be made, as I firmly be
Iieve they were intended to be, t
serve all classes and conditions 0
mankind. Happily they can. If tn
proper vision is employed. thes
pricelsss heritasss q ours can fur