Evening star., 1928-06-10
New York's Big Problem.

Greater New York has come 10 a
realization of the disadvantages of hav-
ing had a Topsy-lile growth. 1t has
reached the conclusion that something
must be done to correct the deficien-
cies OF the spread over q great area
without coordination and the conaes-
ton within a relatively small space of
a working population of several mil
lions. Nearly two years ago, shortly
after Mayor Walker took office. he
named a committee on plan and sur
vey." 1t has just made its report, after
an intensive inquiry participated in by
nearly five hundred citizens. II its
recommendations are adopted and put
into effect New York will be the scene
OF revolutionary changes for a number
OF years. the net outcome of which
VIII be OF decided benefit to the in
nabitaiits OF the future metropolis.
First of ALL the survey recommends
the creation Of a permanent official
planning commission to work out a
comprehensive plan for the future
growth OF the city Next. It urges a
special committee to investigate the
necessity for a complete reorganization
OF the municipal government. II ad-
vises the provision OF new sources Of
city revenue, including gasoline tax.
70 meet the cost OF new subways and
other public improvements. These are
the general propositions. The specifl-
cations follow.
The spread Of industries throughout
the city to induce more even distrt-
button Of the population and TO relieve
the overcrowded tenement districts Is
proposed The elimination OF the sl,iras
and the provision Of improved housing
conditions, with extension OF the zon-
ing regulations to provide more liaht
and air for dwellings, are recommended.
More parks are suggested In the out
lying sections and more Fairgrounds
In the congested districts.
Traffic constitutes one Of New Yorkg
chief problems. The survey recon.
mends as a measure Of relief the cut
ting Of new streets through midtown
Manhattan and the establishing Of ex-
press highways and great loop high
way around all centers of congestion,
Better control OF pedestrian trafic Is
urged. with more night deliveries and
closer regulation OF interurban b,isses
and trucks
A significant feature Of the program
is the establishment of a complete sys-
TEN Of airports in different parts Of
the city--not one great port. but many
Of taem. 10 serve future needs when
aviation becomes an assured means of
transportation for people and goods.
Additional tunnels and bridges are
needed The more efficient use of the
water front space. especially by indus
tries needing both rail- and water IA
cilities. ID stressed.
Finally comes q recommendation that
pertains TO the decencies OF iife-~the
establishment OF garbage incinerators
In different parts Of the city TO obviate
the dumping OF refuse at sea and the
litterine OF the beaches.
This h an ambitious program. To
carry II into effect win call for N,
immense expenditure. a heavy increase
Of taxation and the letting OF valuable
contracts. The work Ia needed. Unless
something Of this sort Ia done soon
New York viii be reduced 10 a dis
tressing state Of congestion, even worse
than at present. with relief through
future operations OF q corrective char
acter even more expensive than those
proposed by the survey. The pity Is
that this reformation was not under
taken many years ago. But, then, few
cities grow systematically and with re-
gard for the future. The neglect Of
the fundamental rules In the earlier
stages must always be paid for at a
heavy price later.
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