BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSIONERS. 17 



borhood, and that the further benefits to accrue from a sale 

 and the improvement of it shall commence to operate in favor 

 of the city's interest. Such a sale, not involving absolute 

 sacrifice of the property, and its transfer to private owners, 

 even at moderate prices, would result in benefits from several 

 sources which are not now possible to be availed of. The 

 amount to be derived from their sale and, subsequently, from 

 taxes, upon an increased valuation and improvement, would 

 quickly add a considerable revenue to the city, while the 

 influence to be exerted by the development of the area, gener- 

 ally, upon other sections of the neighborhood, would represent 

 a considerable money value and prove a creditable auxiliary to 

 the available resources so desirable at this time, with which 

 to meet the general financial engagements of the city. 



SMALL PARKS. 



No special features of work upon the small parks of the 

 city call for particular mention at this time. They have been 

 maintained in as good condition as was possible under the cir- 

 cumstances, and have been largely used as neighborood resorts ; 

 their increased use would justify a more liberal expenditure, 

 especially in the case of Fort Greene. The large structure of 

 wood on the higher portion of this park, used as a shelter and 

 resting place, is very much out of repair and should be replaced 

 by a more substantial one. It is proposed, however, to make 

 it temporarily servicable by necessary repairs during the com- 

 ing season. 



Tennis playing at Fort Greene and Tompkins Park was per- 

 mitted throughout the season to the fullest extent afforded by 

 the turfed spaces available. An additional police service upon 

 these parks, which is contemplated for next year, will add to 

 the further security of the public. 



During the year a portion of the flagstone forming the plaza 

 in front of the City Hall was removed. The underlying 

 material was replaced with soil and covered with turf. This 

 effected a desirable change in the character of the area 



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