REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 215 



ment. Rear yards should be required wherever buildings come 

 back to back. 



" 4. A building is usually appropriately located when it is sur- 

 rounded by buildings of similar type and use. Order in building 

 development is essential to the health, safety and comfort of the 

 public, and far from depressing values or working hardship to 

 property owners generally, will actually conserve and enhance values. 



" 5. The residence sections should be protected against un- 

 necessary invasion by commercial and industrial uses. 



" 6. The present congested condition in lower Manhattan con- 

 stitutes a serious danger to life and property. Street congestion may 

 interfere seriously with the movement of' fire apparatus. The occu- 

 pants of high office and loft buildings may be endangered by fire 

 and panic. 



" These and other considerations advanced in the Commission's 

 report prove the urgent need for the adoption of a districting plan. 

 The official duties of the members of this subcommittee bring to their 

 notice the irreparable injury that, almost daily, is being brought about 

 by the erection of inappropriate buildings or the establishment of 

 business uses in residence sections. The remedy proposed is timely 

 and appears to have been most carefully worked out." 



The Districting Commission is composed of men eminently qualified for 

 the important problem given them to solve. They have brought to the 

 accomplishment of their task experience, expert knowledge and a willing- 

 ness to give of their time and energy to a degree seldom equaled in an 

 unpaid commission of this kind. The Commission's membership includes 

 the very highest expert knowledge in real estate matters and building con- 

 struction as well as in general civic interests, including public sanitation and 

 safety. The plan that the Commission has presented is comprehensive and 

 thorough-going, while at the same time it is moderate and practical. The 

 Commission has adhered strictly to the only purposes for which the police 

 power may be properly exercised, i. e., the public health, safety, convenience, 

 comfort and general welfare. 



On June 19th, 21st, 27th and 29th the Board held hearings on the 

 final report and plans of the Commission. At these hearings everyone 

 who appeared and desired to be heard was heard. The hearing was con- 

 tinued until July 25th, so that at that time an opportunity might be given 

 to any one objecting to any changes in the final report of the Commission 

 which might be recommended in the report of this Committee. 



Your Committee has carefully considered the final report of the Com- 

 mission and every protest and criticism in regard thereto which has been 

 presented to the Board. The moderation exercised by the Commission in 

 its plans is evidenced by the fact that a large proportion of the criticisms 

 made by property owners directly interested were that more restrictive 

 regulations should be applied than those proposed. A list of the more im- 

 portant changes in district boundaries approved by your Committee is 

 attached to this report (see Exhibit I). New maps showing the districts 

 approved by your Committee have been prepared and have been opened to 

 public inspection in the office of the Committee on the City Plan. 



The Districting Resolution submitted with the final report of the Com- 

 mission has also been carefully considered. Here there were numerous 

 criticisms of details particularly with reference to its relation to the pro- 

 visions of the Tenement House Law. Your Committee submits a Dis- 



