14 REPORT OF THE 



M \\<>i;'s Office, City Hall, [ 



Brooklyn, November 21, 1881. j 



To the Honorable the Common Council: 



Gentlemen : 



The accompanying communication was received this morning 

 from the Brooklyn Park Commissioners. The matter I deem 

 of great importance as affecting the value of the lots hereafter 

 to be sold. The irregular surfaces of certain parts of the prop- 

 erty render it advisable that the work of digging down some 

 lots and tilling in others should be undertaken forthwith, in 

 order that the present value of these irregular surface lots and 

 those adjacent thereto may derive an enhanced value from such 

 improvements. It has been found that all the depressed sur- 

 face lots are undervalued. It is estimated that the expense of 

 improvements will be more than covered by the increase of 

 value of the property from such improvements. 



I am informed that it is proposed to enter upon the work 

 immediately, and that it will give employment to a large num- 

 ber of workmen during the coming winter months. 



I submit the communication for the consideration of your 

 honorable body, and present also a resolution covering the 

 matter, which I heartily commend, with the request that it may 

 have the immediate action of your Board. 



Respectfully yours, 



JAMES HOWELL, 



Mayor. 

 Hon. James Howell, Mayor: 



You have already been made familiar with the general details 

 of the recent sale of a portion of the east side lands. Three 

 hundred lots were disposed of, for which an aggregate sum of 

 about $600,000 will be received by the city. 



This result, viewed in connection with the cautious progress 

 of all enterprises following upon the recent general business 

 depression, and the consequent widespread inaction in real 

 estate operations in this city and elsewhere, may be regarded as 

 highly satisfactory. 



