The independent. [volume] (Elizabeth City, N.C.) 1908-1936, 1925-01-09
.ALDERMEN'S HANDS FULL
OF PROBLEMS TO SETTLE
City Council Swamped With Accumulation OF
Work and Unsettled Problems, While
Citizens Grow Restless in Anticipation

Faced with the problems of
getting the utilities of Eliz-
abcth City going, the paving
and extension of streets, the
zoning of the city to restrict
undesirable buildings, the
amendment Of various local
ordinances and the relief of the
parking situation, the Board
Of Aldermen is going to have
work TO do for several months
to come. and the citizens are
expressing much interest i'll
whatawill be done.
The utilities systems Of Elizabeth
City, which are TO be taken over OH
February I. at Il cost Of $4,000 to
the taxpayers, constitutes the big
gcst problem. ~ is true commits
sion his been appointed TO handle
this business, but the commission
has only certain powers delegated
10 it and will have to get much Of
its authority from the Al'ermen.
The personnel Of the force that will
handle the utilities is giving some
concern; The present staff want to
retain their positions. while many
of the relatives and friends Of the
Aldermen are expecting jobs with
the city. The utilities commission,
consisting of DR. \. l.. Pendelton,
=. II. johnson and VI. =. GallOp. is
alton. but The commission. which
will have supervision of the balance
of SS0O.0O0 that Is 10 be spent for
improvements and extensions, will
have to gel meeting Of the Alder.
men. before any expenditures in
excess of $500 can he passed ON.
IN the meantime, there is some
questions as to whether IL Is DIR.
\. J.. pendCltOn or &. W. Stevens
who holds Il place on the utility
commits ion. II will he recalled
that Mr.. Stevens was appointed at
late hour by the. outgoing hoard
Of Aldermen. Tie incoming board
refused 10 recognize Mr.. Stevens
and appointed Dr. Pcndelt0n. Mr.
Stevens isn't expecting TO be Gust
cd from what he is sure he ought
10 have. DR.. Pendelton doesn't
seem 10 bc anxious for the place,
the relations between himself and
Mr.. Stevens are friendly, and he
Suggests another Commissioner ms
Il compromise. -...
The solution Of the parking pro-
blcm Gems to he no nearer than a
year ago. Automobiles multiply
like Ellis Parker Buffers pigs"
and the local police pay little at-
tcniion to enforcing the parking
regulations in the downtown resi-
dental section. where cars parked
in every direction hinder traffic and
menace life. Suggestions thut a
beat bc patrOlled now and then, are
in order.
The people are clamoring for
sidewalk and extensions of street
paving. Amsng the several projects
authorized sometime ago, was 600
feet Oh Riverside Avenue, extend
ing 10 The Hospital which has not
yet been improved, for the comfort
of the sick. More attention has
been paid to improving the Gene.
terry. The widening of Lawrence
Street j. being delayed because
various property owners are object.
ing 10 the work Of the jury of con.
drmnHiion. .Iurics have been Hp.
pointed with II view to extending
other streets. and to filling the
canal and building street back
Of the high school. There is much
sentiment in favor Of extending
b0lir ends Of McMorrine Street, to
hrIp the traffic problem. but adja-
cent property owner voice strenuous
objections.
May Buy Gas.
Sentiment is split on the question
of buying tn" local gas plant, sug-
gcsiion made by Alderman Ander-
son. who is now on a committee
with Aldermen Foreman and Il. J..
tOhoom to look into the advLsability.
of ownership of this utility. Several
of the Aldermen say the city now
continued on page three)