Source:Narrow-thoroughfare/content
When the street repaving schedule of the appropriation ordinance was before common council last Monday Councilman Stengel said it had not been given out for publication for a purpose. Mr. Stengel did not explain, but since the public has had an opportunity to examine the list of streets and alleys which will be repaved at public expense this year, the little schemes are becoming apparent. The appropriation of $500 for the repaving of Sturgeon alley is cited. A well-known citizen, in speaking about the alley, said:
"I doubt very much if any person excepting those doing business along its line know where Sturgeon alley is situated. It extends from Fifth avenue to Diamond street, and it is certain that it is not generally known as a public thoroughfare. It is about 100 feet west of Wood street and from Fifth avenue southwardly about 100 feet its width is only five feet. From that point to Diamond street it is 10 feet wide. A well-known saloonkeeper will open an establishment in that locality and the proposed improvement at the expense of the city will be a great advantage to him."
Supt. Paisley, of the bureau of highways and sewers, said to-day that the item was placed in the street repaving schedule at his request. Sturgeon alley, like Book alley and a number of other narrow stretches which are not generally supposed to be under the care of the city, are open for the public use. While not generally recognized as public thoroughfares, the city is responsible for their care and must keep them clean, otherwise filth woud [sic] accumulate. Supt. Paisley said that Sturgeon alley is used by the merchants occupying the business houses in that square which front on Wood street. He said that considerable merchandise is received at and shipped from the rear of these business houses. If the alley was in better condition he believed there would be still less merchandise received at the Wood street entrances.
