Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1924-09-02
Our Disgraceful Wood
Blocks

OuCG5 pIODlCIn lIAdl Will Cliiy
become more acute if longer
neglected.
The wood-block paving on
the streets of Americas is dis
grace for town of the wealth
and intelligence of this city. For
several years, after each rain,
these blocks have bulged and
forced great ridges and holes
across each street on which they
are laid.
About three years ago the
City Council informally discuss
ed the possibility of covering
these blocks with a sheet of as
phalt. AS we now recall the in
stance, Sam Finley, of Atlanta,
a paving contractor, offered to
make an experiment, relaying
the wood blocks, then covering
them with a half-inch thick seal
coat of asphalt. Mr.. Finley be-
lieved the proposition a good
one for the city. The then City
Engineer, John Ansley, express
ed the belief that such a treat
ment would give the city good
paving for ten years or longer.
However, nothing was done,
and today the streets are in vast
ly worse shape than then. There
is grave doubt whether the
streets will hold up another win
ter, particularly if it be a wet
one.
Under the wood-block there
is a splendid, hrst-class four-inch
concrete foundation. This in
time, it is said, will be undermin-
ed and destroyed, unless some
thing is done toward preserving
the surface.
We understand that Newman,
Ca, was faced with the same
problem that now faces Ameri-
Gus. Newman had several streets
paved with wood blocks. These
were popping up, breaking and
being washed away. Newman,
our informant says, relayed these
old wood blocks, covered them
with half-inch thick seal coat
of asphalt and today has good
streets that probably will carry
her traffic for years.
One road engineer, when ask.
ed for an opinion, stated today
that if the work could be under
taken while the county is doing
its road work, that the city
might be able to make a deal
that would be well worthwhile,
since machinery and asphalt is
already on the ground.
He casually estimated that
to cover these blocks with a
half inch of asphalt would not
cost more than 90 cents a square
yard, it might be done for very
much less than that, he added.
However, this opinion was made
without going into the subject
in any but the most superficial
manner.
AT least this is true, THE
LONGER THE CITY DELAYS
THE WORK. THE GREATER
WILL BE THE ULTIMATE
COST-and the work must be
done some time. 1t can't be
delayed forever. So we might
as well face the problem now.
We know the financial con-
dition Of the city; we know the
city is in debt, and is making
heroic efforts to pull out. Ev-
cry one knows that and appre-
ciates the position Of the Mayor
and Council.
However, something must be
done with these streets - and
there always is a way out for
the fellow who wants to get out
badly enough. Which reminds
us of the old negros story who
said that a rabbit climbed a
tree. But, you know, Uncle.
rabbit cant climb a tree. "
Yes. sir, | knows" responded
the old negro. but you see dis
was a ceptional case. De
hounds were right on dat rab-
bit and dere was no where fur
him to go cept up dat tree
dat rabbit just climbed dat
tree.
And it looks like the Mayor
and Council have no other re-
course than to find money -
somewhere, somehow, to save
these streets.
1t would be a mistake. maybe,
to attempt to do this work out
of current revenue. Maybe a
small bond issue would be nee
essary. That part of it is up to
the Council They know best
. Eg4e rV liz -s
H-r F-s.NfrFE roA tlrErt