Source:Open-armory/content
An ordinance to open a new street, to be known as Armory street, through the Baird estate, adjacent to the armory of the One Hundred and Seventh Field Artillery, East End, was approved by Council yesterday after a hearing in committee session.
The ordinance was amended to make the width of the new street 80 feet, extending from Shady avenue to Emerson street. Estimates furnished by W. E. Gilson, assistant chief city engineer, placed the cost of a 60-foot street at $31,860, while it was said the approximate cost of the street 80 feet wide would be $42,080.
Apartments to Be Built.
In connection with these street changes, intended to make the armory visible from Shady avenue and easy of access, the proposition that the plot known as the Baird estate should be purchased by the city for park purposes was abandoned. J. C. Reed informed Council yesterday that a New York firm, which he represented, was prepared to erect four apartment houses on the Baird property after Armory street is opened or located by the city.
The Pittsburgh Board of Trade had asked that the property be taken over by the city, but some time ago Mayor William A. Magee suggested that the city take only a part.
It was also proposed yesterday that Emerson street should be widened 10 feet along its eastern side, from Alder street to Walnut street, the net property damage for this being estimated at $13,080, on a valuation of $1 50 to $2 a front foot.
Sewer System Petitioned.
Property owners were heard in committee yesterday, in support of an ordinance to provide a sewer system in Tesla, Loretta and McCaslin streets and Greenfield avenue. The estimated cost is $32,000, of which the city was asked to pay $8,000.
After another hearing, Council directed that the Department of Public Works proceed to lay sidewalks along property owned by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Forward avenue, Greenfield district.
Mrs. R. A. Haddock, representing the Twelfth Ward League of Women Voters, spoke in favor of purchase by the city of the Bryn Mawr Auditorium property, for playground purposes, at a cost of $70,000.
A committee of women, with Mrs. L. G. Maier as spokesman, urged Council to change the name of a part of Woods Run avenue, from Perrysville avenue to Oakdale avenue. The new name suggested is "Mairdale" street, in an ordinance which will be before Council next Monday.
The conference of Council with Mayor Magee, on the re-establishment of street grades in the vicinity of the southern approach to the Sixteenth Street Bridge was postponed until today.
Art Board Members Resign.
Mayor Magee yesterday received resignations of six members of the City Art Commission, John W. Beatty, president; C. D. Armstrong, vice president; Benno Janssen, secretary; W. L. Mellon, Harmon A. MacNeil and William Boyd. The resignations were transmitted to the Mayor by George M. P. Baird, executive secretary of the commission. John T. Comes, a member of the commission, has not resigned and is reported seriously ill.
The resignations were tendered as a matter of form, Edward N. Jones, secretary to the Mayor, said. The commission is composed of seven members, who serve without pay. Appointees will be named by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council.
