The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1949-08-10
PLANNING COMMISSION
Continued from Page u

have been beds of dust during
dry weather and lob-lollies of
mud in early spring; Satisfac-
tory to no one and constant
expense to maintain
1t has been thought that
storm sewers must be installed
before curbing could be salts
factorily placed but the cost for
this construction was greater
than the city's income and bond
issues were not possible under
existing circumstances. Be-
cause these improvements were
not made citizens of Zion
have suffered for lack of good streets
and have paid a high tax to constant
ly maintain poor ones.
Several years ago an agreement was
made between the City Council and
property owners on Emmaus Avenue
between 9th and goth Streets to con-
duct an experiment to learn if an
economical way of improving the
streets would be satisfactory. The
basis of the plan was: that the street
was graded carefully to provide pro-
per gravity drain, curbing and set
to resist frost and the street was tar
red flush with the curbing on both
sides of the street, and then the street
was oiled and graveled
There was considerable speculation
as to whether the Improvement would
be worth it's cost since no storm sew
err was installed. The City did the
work and the cost was divided between
the property owners in the two blocks
where curbing was installed. After
nine years these two blocks are in the
best condition of any blocks in Zion
and the City has spent considerable
less time and money in maintaining
them.
On Emmaus Avenue between 9th
and goth Streets the curb is intact,
the parkway is contained, the street
is well drained and in good condition
There is an appearance of paved
street and the property owners and
the City have the benefit of a semi
permanent street that remains in good
condition after nine years.
The Zion Planning Commission has
recommended that the City Council
make it possible for the property own
er of any block in Zion to get the same
kind of curling and street improve
ment that has proven so satisfactory
on Emmaus Avenue.
The proposed plan is, that the pro-
perty owners of any block may petit
ton the City of Zion to properly grade
their block for drainage, install curb
70, oil 10 10
semi-permanent street. When such
minimum cost of installation is ten
dered the City must proceed at the
earliest possible date to make the
required improvements.
cit is the belief of the Zion Plan
ming Commission" says Fleming,
"that this is the quickest and most
practical way to solve our street prob
lens. 1t is also the most economical
way; if bonds were to be issued and
sold, there would be the expense of
election, legal fees, discounts and in
terest over a period of years amount
ing to a lot of money and each in
dividual property owner would pay
his share. Under this plan the prop
erty owner pays, but he will pay about
40 per cent less than he would pay
through bond ISSUE"
GAS cur streets are improved, more
homes are likely to be built. These adj
ditional homes will take part of the
tax burden, lowering each individuals
tax by spreading it over more payers,
and the City will spend less to main
tain these better streets. For cost
of approximately $4,000 for so foot
lot it seems" says Fleming, chat Zion
has an opportunity to get semi-perma-
nent streets, improve the value of real
estate, get out of the dust and mud,
and lower taxes at the same time