Milford chronicle., 1934-08-03

lings to determine if local regula-
tiOns are sufficient to force the va
eating and demolition of houses
deemed to be insanitary, health, fire
or safety risks. These powers should
be used to the utmost to do away
with the menace of the many dwell
ings now occupied, but fit only for
condemnation and demolition.
The extension of the sewage sys-
tenn and the abolition of the outside
toilets is earnestly recommended. A
program for this work should be
pushed as rapidly as the finances of
the community will permit.
The State Board of Housing will
continue its studies in Milford and
will offer further recommendations
from time to time.
Despite public opinion to the con-
trary. the urban slum exists in Do
yer to a serious extent, the commits
sion points out.
West of Governors avenue and
adjacent to the Kent county Jail is
a large tract. formerly the city
dump. where has been built up a
shack colony that would be a dis
grace to many a less progressive
community than Dover" the report
continues.
These shacks have been thrown
together from second hand material
of all kinds. forming an eye sore.
as we'll as a breeding place for all
manner of disease and illness. Sani-
tary facilities are of the most pTim-
tive nature and living conditions
are among the worst to be found in
the State"
The report contains a series of
Dover. The two-story frame build
ings lean backwards. Some itst
only on one end
The Housing Commission descTib-
es mud holes and cat-tail swamps
gathering the drainage from decrep-
It outdoor toilets. Leaky roofs drive
the inhabitants of Dover's shanty
town from one cabin to another.
Bus bodies are utilized as dwellings,
after having worn their usefulness
on the road. Roads are mere wagon
tracks.
Conditions which exist here
should not be tolerated in any COM
munity." the Housing Commission
insists. much less the capitol of
the State"
The Housing Commission recon-
mends a definite program be formu-
lated to wipe out and rebuild that
area. The full powers of the Board
of Health. police and fire depart
ment are urged to be invoked to 90
away with this menace to the
health and safet yof the citizens of
Dover"
For an expenditure which would
prove small in comparison to the
benefits to be derived. these shacks
could be eliminated and the area
built up with small sanitary health
full homes in which the community
could take real pride" the commits
sion suggests.
Another unsightly area in Dover.
according to the report. is south of
the Legislative building where dill
apitated buildings are found adiOin-
ing a new attractive residential de-
It is urged that steps
should be taken to remove these
frame novels.
The report by use of comparative
maps. shows that disease and bad
housing are concentrated in the
same area in Dover, and the Hous-
ing Commission has no doubt but |
that the latter breeds disease.
Newark Situation
Newark was found by the COM
mission to be free from any large |
slum section. While |
in the western section of the COM
nunity there is a group of houses ,
which should be replaced by mod
ern homes. the commission points
Iut that the Stub problem in Della
wares university town is not SER
Gus now, but. nevertheless. it
should not be forgotten. the COM
mission adds. that what poor houses
here are are incipient prospects for
'ium conditions If repairs are not
Undertaken.
The comparatively low number
" insanitary and unfit houses in
the report states. 'is re-
lected in the low number of tuber-
ulosis cases and deaths. Bad hOus-
ng and disease are found to be boon
in every community.
of course. is the sole cause
# the other. yet, they always go
and in hand"
The commission recommends for
Iewark. that present building regu-
atoms should be devised and
trengthened together with health
ules and fire rules to prevent the
of unhealthy houses and ,
D bring about the demolition of un-
afe buildings.
georgetown
Thirty-five homes in Georgetown
-ere found by the commission to
e in very poor condition. Most of
lem had deprecated to the point
lat they should be demolished I
nd replaced with new low-cost !
Most of these rundown
roperties are in the first and sec q
nd wards of the city and demoli- S
on. the commission states. could I
, brought about through a strict Q
Dplication of the municipal, fire. Z
ealth and safety laws.
Recommendations for GEORGETOWN u