USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1887 > Part 18
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Yours truly, FRANK P. GOULDING, City Solicitor.
The COMMISSION perceive no necessity for any large expendi- . ture to reclaim that parcel of land. Something must depend upon the character of the soil ; but when it has been brought to a
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texture that will bear people without yielding to their weight, it will then be fit for use. Filling and elevating to a fanciful grade would be alike costly and absurd. Upon no account should a sum for its improvement be estimated in the sum of a permanent Park Loan. The cost of reclamation will be as legitimate a charge upon current expenses as that for the care of the Common or Elm Park; and therefore becomes a proper object for the pet policy of pay as you go! The grubbing of tussocks and burn- ing them, with subsequent ditching and draining are not such killing affairs as to require the issue of Fifty-Year Bonds. What will be indispensable, however, according to the opinion of the City Solicitor, is a moderate appropriation, to declare the pur- pose of the city to avail itself of the permission granted by the General Court, thus, as it were, binding the bargain.
There appears to be some misapprehension of the position taken by this COMMISSION in the matter of University Park. The enlargement of the tract already owned by the city, as asked by the Petition of J. H. Walker and others, did not per se, secure approval. What Worcester already owns was purchased after tedious negotiation, in acknowledgment of the munificence of Mr. Jonas G. Clark. But when the possibility of the Julia Fay Institute was further suggested, heartily commended by Rev. Ed- ward E. Hale in letters to his classmate, the Chairman of this COMMISSION, it was resolved to place the proposed addition upon the same footing with the other parcels or tracts of land hereto- fore advised or preferred. The COMMISSION, as will be seen, were guarded in their language :
30: December, A. D., 1887.
TO THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL :
A Petition from J. H. Walker, and a large number of other citizens equally representative of the wealth and enterprise of Worcester, asking the " Board of Park Commissioners to take the necessary steps to locate and lay out, as a Public Park, that tract of land which is bounded by Main, Gates, and Crystal Streets, on three sides and on the other side by the proposed street called Addison Street, or by Crystal Park;" representing that "in their opinion, the interests of Worcester would be much subserved thereby;" was handed to the Chairman of the Park-Commissioners in mid-summer and thereafter laid before the full board. This Commission saw no necessity that required a precipitate decision on their part; nor did the Petitioners allege that there
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was any especial emergency. A formal view of the land was taken, however; and it has been reviewed frequently since, and has been made the theme of occasional conference as the Commissioners chanced to meet.
The Commission have no wish to conceal that they might have preferred to await the prior action of the Honorable City Council upon the recommenda- tions already submitted by them, whereby a system of Parks was proposed that would comprehend the immediate and prospective wants of the whole people. Abating and waiving none of their declared preferences, but stead- fastly re-affirming them; they are frank to admit that facts have been pre- sented, quite recently, and considerations urged in the same connection of such an importance and nature, that it has seemed to become their imperative duty to decide at once in the premises. Accordingly, at a meeting of the Commission duly convened and holden, on the 19th inst., and thereafter by adjournment on the 26th inst., it was determined to grant the prayer of the petitioners and to invite the co-operation and final sanction of the City Council.
In furtherance thereof the subjoined vote adopted at said meeting, is respectfully submitted, for and in behalf of the Commission
(by) EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, Chairman.
The precaution of the COMMISSION should be noted, since there seems to have been a precipitate, if not concerted, jump at a forced conclusion. "The COMMISSION might have preferred to await," &c. "Abating and waiving none of their declared prefer- ences," &c., &c. What then did they do and how far did they carry their conclusions ? What more than to adopt a vote whereby they condemned the land coveted by the Petitioners ; thereby placing it in the same category and subjecting it to a similar incumbrance to that imposed upon the Crompton lot, the tract by Adams Square, and Newton Hill. Land belonging to the Commonwealth was without their reach ; that could only be the object of Petition. No one of those tracts is preferred officially, except so far as priority of selection may be taken into the account which cannot but have due weight with the reflecting. The COMMISSION thought that so much might be yielded by them to the plausible likelihood of securing the Julia Fay Institute. Beyond that measured concession to the general welfare, they were not disposed to boom sectional real estate nor to gamble in landed futures. The sum of their appraisal is none other than the valuation by three discreet and fair men sworn to do their duty
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as prescribed by law. There was never good reason to assume that such duty has not been discharged with scrupulous fidelity. They are but knaves or purblind who could even suspect that the PARKS-COMMISSION would lend themselves to schemes of extortion based upon an actual or fancied municipal necessity. An induce. ment to their action, and concurrent therewith, was an assurance from competent authority that the issue of an adequate Park Loan would be cordially advocated. That assurance has been amply redeemed and the confidence of the COMMISSION justified.
26th December, A. D., 1887.
Voted,-that, in the judgment of this Commission, it is for the interest of the City of Worcester to take, for the purposes of a Public Park, the tract and parcels of land situate and lying between Crystal, Main and Gates Streets, and a tract of land heretofore purchased by the City, for the same purposes :
The said tract and parcels belonging to Alonzo Whitcomb, Edwin and Lucius E. Eldred, Eliza W. Whipple, Albert M. Knights, Hattie E. Nichols, Emma J. Lawrence, Matthias B. Atwood, Daniel W. Roberts, Leonard L. Pol- lard, Florence J. Allen, John H. Pickford, and Duncan Murray.
In all, comprising three hundred and nine thousand two hundred and thirty- two (309,232) square feet; as will more clearly appear upon the plan append- ed hereto and made a part of this Report and Vote; at an estimated cost, including buildings, of thirty-four thousand one hundred dollars ($34,100).
And this Commission hereby request the Honorable City Council to appro- priate the said sum for the above specified purposes.
In the interest of the Municipal welfare, so largely dependent upon that active and thronging population of Ward Five (5), as well as in behalf of a wise and healthful development of the young men and maidens, increased and multiplied in that section of Worcester, as in none other, the PARKS-COMMISSION formally condemned, in the alternative, two several tracts of land at esti- mated valuations of $23,166 and $29,000. Neither selection exactly suited the COMMISSION, or satisfied the people most nearly concerned. The dispensations of Providence, in the lapse of time, have so enured to the achievement of a persistent purpose, that the COMMISSION were lately enabled to ask the co-operation of the City Council in the only step essential to give complete effect to a proposition which fully meets the exigency. The gen -. erous offer by the heirs of George Crompton, furnishes the
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opportunity, sought for long years by this COMMISSION, to supply the most thickly settled part of the City with a convenient and eligible tract of land for a Play-Ground and place of common resort. Play-Ground carries with it its own meaning ; and by common resort, is intended a space for open-air concourse and enjoyment, into which the irruption of rudeness or violence shall not be suffered, and wherefrom, if they chance to invade, they shall be summarily cast out.
The terms upon which that tract of land can be secured to the City, by mutual amicable arrangement, are succinctly stated in the subjoined correspondence :-
4th April, A. D., 1887.
MRS. GEORGE CROMPTON, My Dear Madam :
I have mailed to your address a copy of the Annual Report of this Com- mission, wherein the matter of a Public Ground in Ward Five (5) is consid- ered at some length. In its proper disposition, your own interests and those of your children, will be measurably involved. Permit me to express the hope that its ultimate settlement, requiring, perhaps, somewhat of concession or even sacrifice, may result in the establishment of
CROMPTON PARK,
a most suitable and enduring Memorial to one whose genius and energy were such marked features of our business life, and such fertile sources of our civic prosperity.
I have had some slight intercourse with Hon. W. W. Rice, in the matter, and intrude upon you now, merely to attract your attention to the subject so that you may be the better prepared for decision when required.
Believe me, my dear Madam, Most respectfully, EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, Chairman.
June 10, A. D., 1887.
MRS. GEORGE CROMPTON, Mariemonte.
My Dear Madam :
This Commission would not appear importunate, but nevertheless cannot refrain from asking if you have come to any conclusion as to the price that you would be willing to accept for the tract of land between Endicott Street extended westerly; Quinsigamond Avenue on the west; and land of John S. Ballard on the south and east; the whole comprising an area somewhat in excess of eleven (11) acres.
It may, or may not be an object with you, as Administratrix, to dispose of the tract as a whole without tedious negotiation of parcels; to dispose of it to the City for the purposes of a Park and Play-Ground; and to find your
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compensation for a concession of price in an escape from the necessity for the construction of streets, with their inevitable exaction of land to be sur- rendered, to be followed by the cost of building them.
The Commission have had this matter referred to them by the Honorable City Council, for now almost six (6) months ; and would be gratified, if con- sistent with your pleasure and interest, to be enabled to submit a report upon the subject-matter as soon as possible.
Very respectfully, EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, Chairman.
CROMPTON LOOM WORKS, Worcester, Mass., U. S. A., June 14th, 1887.
HON. EDWARD W. LINCOLN,
Worcester.
Dear Sir :- Yours of the 10th came duly to hand, and will say that Mrs. Crompton will send you her price for the land mentioned, during the present week.
Yours truly,
WORCESTER, MASS., June 15th, A. D., 1887.
HON. EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman Parks-Commission, Worcester, Mass.
Dear Sir :- Answering your request of the 10th inst., will say that the heirs of the late George Crompton will sell to the City of Worcester, for the pur- poses of a Park and Play-Ground, at 12} cents per square foot, that portion of the estate shown as per plan herewith. The tract of land is bounded as follows : On the north by a street to be extended as hereinafter mentioned, on the east and south by land of John S. Ballard, and on the west by Quin- sigamond Avenue. Said tract has not been surveyed accurately, but contains 500,000 square feet, more or less. This sale to be made under the following conditions :
1st. That the lane or court next south of Sigel Street, leading off the west side of Millbury Street and opposite Endicott Street, shall be extended to Quinsigamond Avenue, at a width not less than that of Sigel Street.
2nd. That the city shall tax no assessments or betterments of whatever name or nature on any of the remaining land belonging to the heirs of George Crompton, anywhere in the vicinity of said proposed Park in consequence of its establishment.
3d. That the heirs of George Crompton shall be relieved from the payment of taxes for the year 1887, on the land now offered to be sold for Park pur- poses.
In behalf of heirs of George Crompton (by) MARY C. CROMPTON, Administratrix.
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June 28th, A. D., 1887.
MRS. GEORGE CROMPTON,
Administratrix.
My Dear Madam :- Mr. William O'Connell, of the Common Council, has conveyed to me the substance of an interview that he had held with you; and therefore, and more especially because of the tenor of your note as Admin- istratrix in reply to mine of interrogation, I ask a few more moments of attentive consideration from yourself, and those with whom you may elect to advise.
The power " to take land " deemed suitable for Parks, etc., has been con- ferred upon the Parks-Commission of Worcester, in its very creation. That power, so far as it legally affects the estate of George Crompton, deceased, has been exercised, and by its virtue a tract of land lying south of the Gas Works, east of the Providence & Worcester Railroad location, and between Cambridge Street and Quinsigamond Avenue, is now the subject of eminent domain, the City Council approving and appropriating therefor. But, as heretofore stated to you, the City Council have referred to this Commission to consider and report whether, all things considered, the tract of land lying below Endicott Street may not offer a more eligible location ?
The burden of my inquiries for this Commission was in so much suggestive. Would the estate of George Crompton wish to be freed from the grasp of the law, that the action of this Commission had already attached to it? Would the estate elect to retain that tract, substituting another apparently more at- tractive to the City Council, if of less intrinsic value ?
I am free to confess, my dear Madam, that your reply, when at last obtained, was a disappointment. The assumed area of the lot heretofore con- demned, and now awaiting final action by the City Council, is given by the Assessors at about sixteen (16) acres, and has been valued by them, for pur- poses of taxation, at $25,166. There is no record of complaint that the val- uation is excessive, and the Assessors state that there has been no applica- tion from its owners for its increase because of under-valuation.
Your note of the 15th inst., asks twelve and one-half (122) cents per foot, upon the assumed area of 500,000 feet; insists upon the extension of Endicott Street, by and at the cost of the City, and exacts exemption from taxes for A. D., 1887, as well as release from liability to " betterments" because and in consequence of the selection of the land for a Park and Play-Ground. Think for a moment. 500,000 feet at 123 cents, $62,500; taxation by the esti- mate of the Assessors at 64 cents per foot, and "betterments," what they might chance to be.
On the other hand, the present condemnation by the Parks-Commission remaining valid, the tract between Quinsigamond Avenue and the Providence & Worcester Railroad passes from the estate at its assessed value, and any- thing more that could be got upon appeal, less costs.
From that must be deducted the sum of betterments upon all the land of the Crompton estate abutting upon Quinsigamond Avenue, the one hundred thousand (100,000) feet, less or more, that will be required to allow for streets within the over-valued territory, to say nothing of the taxes which,
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even upon a valuation half of that assumed by Mrs. Crompton's advisers, may well count for a sum worth saving.
And although the argument would be applicable to the selection of either tract, is not the prospect of a sale-en bloc-as they say in France, worthy of serious consideration? Assuming the transfer of title and possession in due form, all trouble to the Crompton estate is summarily terminated. There is no building of streets with their concession of land, no construction of sewers and side-walks, no bother about water or light, nor, and it may well be taken into the account, any loss from non-payment of interest, purchase money, or possible ultimate depreciation.
Of course I cannot predict what may be the final conclusion of this Com- mission. My present object is to obtain what facts I may that will aid in forming opinion and bringing about a correct determination. Thereafter it will devolve upon this Commission, as a body, to report upon the question submitted to it by the Honorable City Council, many months since, and to which an answer has been unexpectedly delayed.
May I express the hope that further reflection will bring you to the convic- tion that the estate places too high a valuation upon the tract of land south of Endicott Street, when it is sought as a whole, for the purposes of a Park and Play-Ground?
With great respect, I have the honor to subscribe myself, EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, Chairman.
WORCESTER, MASS., U. S. A., Sept. 5, A. D., 1887. HON. EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman of Parks-Commission, Worcester, Mass.
Dear Sir :- Referring to our communication to you on June 15th, will say, that after full consideration of the subject, it has been decided to make a tender to the City of Worcester of the land referred to in said letter, at 8 cents per square foot, instead of 12} cents, as first quoted.
Though feeling confident that the price of 12} cents per foot represents only a fair value of the land; also being assured that this land, when properly placed in the market, would realize even a larger figure than that, still being desirous, in a measure, to meet the opinion of a large majority of the people living in this section of the city, that a Park and Play-Ground is a necessity, we have decided to offer this amended price of eight cents per foot, allowing the difference between the price now offered and that originally quoted to rep- resent the amount that the heirs of George Crompton would contribute toward the establishment of a Park and Play-Ground in that section of the city
The conditions mentioned in said letter of June 15th, to be maintained in every respect, excepting condition 3rd, which of course will be waived, pro- viding this offer is accepted by the City previous to April 1st, 1888; if delayed
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beyond that time we should wish to replace the 3rd condition, and have the heirs of George Crompton relieved from the taxes for the year 1888.
Yours truly,
MARY C. CROMPTON, In behalf of Heirs of George Crompton.
October 3d, A. D., 1887, all the members being present, the COMMISSION unanimously Voted :
" That in the judgment of this COMMISSION it is for the interest of the City of Worcester to take, for the purpose of a Public Park, all the tract or parcel of land bounded and described as follows, to wit: On the East and South by land of John S. Ballard; on the West, by Quinsigamond Avenue ; and on the North, by a street that will be virtually an extension of Endicott Street to Quinsigamond Avenue; the whole comprising, as near as may be, 554,382 square feet, at an estimated price of eight (8) cents per square foot, or, in the aggregate, a sum of $44,350.56."
" And this COMMISSION hereby request the Honorable CITY COUNCIL to appropriate the said specified sum for that purpose."
Concurrent action by the City Council, as solicited, is all that will be needed to consummate one of the most essential portions of the comprehensive plan of the COMMISSION.
And, to complete the series of steps in that march of progres- sion for which the people had petitioned and voted, for weary years ; and for whose more effectual accomplishment the COM- MISSION itself was substituted for one of inferior power; the fol- lowing vote was adopted :-
Voted :- That in the judgment of this COMMISSION, it is for the interest of the City of Worcester to take, for the purpose of a Public Park, the tract and parcels of land bounded by Lincoln, Melrose, and Burncoat Streets, com- prising seventeen and eight one-hundredths (17 18%) acres, at an estimated cost of $9,700. And this COMMISSION hereby request the Honorable City Council to make the above appropriation for the said purpose.
The tract of land covered by the above formal vote was regarded by the PARKS-COMMISSION as absolutely essential to the perfection of their plan. In many of its features it bears a marked resemblance to the Crompton lot in Ward Five; enjoy- ing a special advantage over that lot, however, in the natural facilities for constructing a clear pond of water. The COMMIS- SION do not think it necessary to repeat or enlarge upon their
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arguments in behalf of this selected Park, as there seems to be a general accord of opinion in its favor. How happily it is sit- nated will be apparent to the most careless wayfarer, when lunacy shall yield to common sense ; and the multitude, fortu- nate enough to retain reason, be suffered as well as those whose minds are a wreck, to participate in the restored use and enjoy- ment of Lake Quinsigamond, and to travel along its Northwest- ern shore over a common highway. No public improvement is more needed, at present, than that which shall provide greater facility of intercourse between the Eastern and Western sec- tions of Worcester, towards its Northern limit of settlement. Now,-a great gulf interposes to separate them. The proposed continuation of Lake Avenue, throughout the land of the Com- monwealth, and around by Lincoln Street to Barber's Crossing, precisely meets that exigency ; and thereafter the Park, by Mel- rose Street, becomes a gem in fittest setting.
In the judgment of the PARKS-COMMISSION, repeatedly declared, no system of Parks could be considered complete which did not include NEWTON HILL. It is situated at the geographical centre of the city. Flourishing settlements lie to the West and North of it and population is encompassing it rapidly on every side. The fortunate owners of large farms may taunt those who would fain see that hill in the ownership of the city, with the idle jest that it will keep ! And so it has kept; for long years ;- con- "stantly in the public view ; always an object of popular apprecia- tion ; and now as ever the burden of petitions for its acquirement unequalled for the character and wealth that the signatures represent. No man put his name to that paper who was not first cautioned to realize the full significance of his act. In this case, at least, the usual flippant sneer at petitions cannot apply. The signers-Stephen Salisbury, Samuel Winslow, Jonas G. Clark, Philip L. Moen, E. B. Stoddard, with countless others-asked the City Council to take and hold Newton Hill for the purposes of a Park and Reservoir ; and therein, now as then, they repre- sent the best popular wish and the highest public policy. That Petition was referred by the City Council to the PARKS-COMMIS- SION, whose formal vote condemning the Hill in legal manner
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and form has been reported back and now awaits the required appropriation to give it force and validity.
Throughout that whole broad valley to the west of Harvard, Chestnut, and Woodland Streets, there is and can be no other possible provision of Public Grounds than this,-so admirable in itself; so suitable as the complement of Elm Park. With the solitary exception of Institute Park, every plot or parcel of Park or Play-Ground, in actual or prospective attainment; and whether the fruit of civic acquirement or private munificence ; will be and remain situate upon the Easterly side of Main Street. The PARKS-COMMISSION favor the most ample provision for that crowded section of Worcester. They have always advocated parks where population is dense and rejoice as they behold the general acceptance of their gospel. Their scheme is catholic ; comprehending the whole city within its sufficient scope; pro- viding alike for the actual exigencies and prospective needs of Worcester, as it now is, or as it may be reasonably anticipated to become at the close of another generation.
When the writer was a lad, he could roam unchallenged, over all the land between Main Street and Newton Hill, comprising at least half of the broad acres from Highland to Pleasant Street. Now, he is confined within the limits of a single house- lot ! What multitudes have not even so much ? Within fourteen years the wide area beyond West Street, where from Highland Street southerly, towards and including the Jaques estate, build- ings were few and far between, has been so improved that there can scarcely be found a vacant lot. The existence of the large waste belonging to the Agricultural Society cannot be reckoned an exception, since that is suffered to lie a desert from choice for keeps !
It was for the landless and homeless that the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS of yore pleaded ; it is for the "cabined, cribbed, confined," that the PARKS-COMMISSION, under the manifest stress of a far greater necessity, will continue to plead unceasingly. And, as the want exists and will continually grow more exacting, so can there be no valid excuse for the reluctance or failure to provide for its relief at the same time that other sections of the city are supplied.
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