DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. 9 



This is the highest land in that locality, some of it being 

 forty-five feet above the surrounding property. 



At the suggestion of Mayor Boody and the Commissioner, 

 work was suspended by the Department of City Works in the 

 cutting and grading of Forty-third street, from Fifth to 

 Seventh avenues, iu order that the City might acquire the 

 adjoining blocks to Forty-fourth street, which portion contains 

 some natural features which, in connection with the present 

 Park, would make it very desirable. By the acquisition of 

 the two adjoining blocks, a roadway can be constructed in and 

 upon it ; and, by a short boulevard or by widening some of 

 the improved streets from Fort Hamilton avenue, a new feat- 

 ure could be given to the driving public, and every one enjoy 

 a view which surpasses all others of the harbor and bay. 



My successor, Mr. Squier, is in hearty sympathy with this 

 proposed improvement, and I believe he will do all in his 

 power to secure the necessary legislation to accomplish it 

 while the property cau be purchased at a reasonable price. 



The Twelfth Ward Park at present contains two blocks, 

 bounded by Dwight, Eichards, Verona and Tremont streets. 

 There are about six lots in the above described property that 

 could not be purchased. That portion is owned by one of the 

 Cuttings, who, with other members of the family, owns con- 

 siderable property adjoining. The City could not purchase 

 from them, as they claimed the price offered by the City was 

 inadequate, and that a better price could be obtained by con- 

 demnation. Proceedings to acquire the same are now 

 pending. 



The two blocks adjoining on the south, and for which pro- 

 vision was made to acquire the same by the Legislature, have 

 not been purchased by the City. These two blocks are not 

 intrinsically as valuable as the portion purchased. The 

 owners refused to sell at what was deemed to be a fair market 

 value, and hence proceedings are now pending to have the 

 same condemned. 



