New Britain herald., 1925-09-15
ABOVE-BOARD METHODS
 AND ZONING

on lHe tNe ul lllc hlldl Hl9P'"i- ton of the zoning ordinance come some spirited criticisms of the methods used by the city and It's officials In bringing the subject to the point where action Is destined to take the place of years dis cussion. Criticisms in the proper spirit, with a view of being in the pubic interest usually have a clarifying result. They achieve worthy objects in two ways: If they are well-founded, they pre- pare the ground for Improvements; If they are ill-founded, public good is, served by bringing to light their lack of logic and thus prevent them from gaining general currency.
 In the communications to the Herald yesterday it was stated that no copies of the zoning ordinance had been provided for the public, The Herald lost no time In investi- gating this subject and learned that 1t has been the city's experience, notably in the publication of muni- cipal records, mayors messages and the like, that the public generally will not show sufficient interest to come to the town clerks office and obtain copies. The same has been true of copies of budgets and other civic matters to he adopted by the Common Council; they are always available but practically never call ed for by the public.
 In the case of the zoning ordi- nance no copies were made for general distribution. but more than month before the public hearing every member of the Council, the town clerk. the corporation coun- gel and the mayors office were furnished with copies. It is logical fo assume in the face of this dlstr1- button of the ordinance that it was possible for anyone interested to secure from any of five representa- lives in his ward copy for pc rusal. Failing in this, the interest ed citizen might have gone to the mayors office or 10 the office of any of the other officials mentioned, Some citizens, in fact did visit the council members and other officials and obtained all the information desired. AS a final shot, repre- sentative of the Technical Advisory Corporation was paid s1Oo for few hours of his time to sit in the Council chamber and explain in de- tail all points ahout the ordinance Although the fact of his presence the time and the place, were ad' yertised, he was scarcely asked question.
 Copies of the ordinance remair available to any citizens at the places mentioned, and are in the hands of The councilmanic repre- sentatives. It appears that any person desiring to study the ordi' nance can do so at his hearts con tent and at short notice.
 There Is but one copy of tho aon ing map, and because it h7s beer in the process Of being changed m tl the zones aro definitely hVcd, [ has been regarded as usrlcss 10 rrin others The map IS in New lor( because tho city can havo th" "ori done there a' fractional part of 'h' cost should the o>p"r's ho trough here. Ciu7cns rale had oppor'nnI tias fo dictate what changes were i' he maj, upon tao map and jh"e have bacn modc in New York where tuo map was taken for r'' sons or economy in making th changes
 Ii Was coJmr1 in iH" commun. cations n.t fine Eorrd of Alins' ment would hayr the ro"er .o pr vent any rnarec rom eotn through "n,n onc drmana'l h. the whole Common ruuo,l and al the property owners" This state ment apparently is mistake. Tn city ordinance provides for appeal 10 the City Court in cases where th action Of thc Board of Aduslmen or the Common Council are quos toned. The ordinance committee a the time was also informed tha even though this provision had nc been made in sO many "o"Is, q elpctor would not have been stoT ped for taking an appeal.
 The contention that 10 make 'h new ordinsncs ,alId a ruhHa heal hE must be held after due oppoI r