New Britain herald., 1925-04-29
ATTACK ON zONING
 FEATURES HEARING
Filth and Sixth Ward Residents
 Express Dissatisfaction

Honlng was SubJccted to the mos severe attack yet directed agains it at the closing hearing last nigh when residents of the fifth and sixth wards criticized the restrictions and one another in vigorous speeches,
 Councilman David L. Nair pre- sided at the meeting and Chairman Thomas Linder of the zoning com mission explained the proposed re- strictions.
 About 25 in Attendance
 At the opening of the meeting, Martin Kelly of 25 Gilbert street in- qured of Chairman Nair whether he felt the gathering of 25 persons was representative of the fifth and sixth wards.
 Councilman Nair replied that 1t was not his province to decide that question, since the purpose of the hearing was to give those interested an opportunity to express their sat- isfaction or dissatisfaction, and rec ommend changes if they saw tit The councilman reminded Mr. Kelly that the dates and time of hearing were advertised and 1t was brought 10 the attention of the voters in a particularly striking manner through the editorials in the New Britain Herald.
 Charles S. Andrews of 1857 Stan ley street asked whose "brain-child" zoning is He expressed his feeling in emphatic terms, declaring zoning to be "emphatically unfair" "un- American" and while he was not certain he felt the ordinance would he found to be unconstitutional. Mir. Andrews wanted all four cor ners on street intersections given over 10 business If one corner was to be so zoped.
 J. B. Comstock of 1884 Stanley street said he purchased the corner lot opposite Andrews store 10 pre- vent just such a condition as An drews sought to bring about, and he wanted the business zone ended where it now stands.
 Nathan Berson wanted no stores between Euclid avenue and Lake Boulevard.
 Dr. II. R. Lasch was opposed to two tenement houses and stores in 7 Belvidere.
 c. E. Davenport inquired as 10 l nance and Chairman Nair explained 1 the procedure in making change.
 Calls Is Class Legislation
 Answering the statements of Mir. Comstock. Mir. Andrews said he had shack used as store before Com stock and the other present residents i of Belvidere purchased their lots and he fails to see where it stunted ] the growth of that district or de- terlorated the value of property. MT. Andrews said the zoning re- ! strictions were "class legislation" and against the Sherman antitrust law as restraining trade. He de- clared that 20 per cent of the peo- pie Of New Britain cannot afford 10 live in a one family house.
 Chairman Hinder informed the gathering only per cent of the cttys area is set out for one family houses and F per cent for business and industry, allowing the remainder 1 of the city 10 be used for multiple 1 family houses.
 Martin Kelly favored putting the fate of zoning lip to the electors allowing them 10 vote on whether or not 1t will become effective. He felt there was too much personal interest and not enough city interest in the remarks made before the meeting, He feared that adoption of zoning would be followed by an "open season" for changes. such ss he declared now exists with common council ordinances.
 MT Hinder comes from West Hartford where people are wealthy and he has West Hartford and not New Britain in his mind when he recommends this zoning map" Miss Gladys Andrews, a realtor declared. She favored multiple houses
 James McAleer. who purchased lots in Belvidere 10 build q two family house, opposed a restriction that would prevent carrying out his plan.
 Michael D. Murphy of S5S Wash ington street, objected 10 zonng on Lake Boulevard. He purchased 8 lot on that street with the intention of building a one family house. Since that time several two family houses have either been built or put in progress Of construction, yet Mir. Murphy now finds he cannot enjoy the same privilege.
 Against Entire Coming Plan Attorney George Le Witt sent a broadside against the general propo- sition of zoning when he opened his remarks by saving:
 "1 am against the entire zoning plan in the entire city, the way you planned 1t and the way you went about it. If I didn't express my opinion in thIs way I believe I would