City of Dover, Delaware - Special City Council Meeting

Special City Council Meeting

iCal

Feb 20, 1956 at 12:00 AM

SPECIAL MEETING

February 20, 1956

A special meeting of City Council was held Monday, February 20, 1956, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs. Biddle, Davis, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, Petty, Tischer and Zartman.

MINUTES

Minutes of the last regular meeting were accepted as read.

NEW STREET RIGHT OF WAY

Council discussed he right of way for New Street, and in particular that portion between Dover Street and Waples Avenue through lands of William Bush. Mr. Bush claims that the proposed right of way would reduce the value of his lots be limiting their depth to 100 feet. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council directed the City Manager and City Solicitor to proceed with the right of way as planned.

WATER STREET

Mr. Ward reported he had again discussed with Mr. Bradford the price of a piece of land approximately 8 feet by 213 feet east from State Street for the Water Street right of way. Mr. Bradford holds to his price of $7500 against Council’s offer of $750 to $1000. City Solicitor Hughes explained that condemnation proceedings could be instituted and court permission to proceed with work could be obtained with the lapse of only a few days of Council should require such action. The court would require Dover to post cash in the amount of their fair estimate of the value of the land to be acquired, to be later adjusted by a committee appointed for the purpose, by the court. Water Street improvement is part of a project of the Building and Grounds Commission to be carried out under the supervision of the State Highway Department with funds provided the Commission by the State Legislature. Dover does not know whether it will be reimbursed for all or part of the cost of the right of way. There is also difference of opinion on the location of the present Water Street right of way. Upon motion of Mr. Petty, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council tabled the matter and expressed its desire to obtain answers to the two points in question.

NOBLE WARREN LAND

Ernest Keith, attorney for Noble Warren, again corresponded with officials of Dover requesting payment to Mr. Warren of approximately $7500 which he claims is due his client from rents collected by Dover for housing units formerly located on lands of Mr. Warren. City Solicitor Hughes stated he had written Mr. Keith asking whether Mr. Keith had read the lease between Dover and Mr. Warren covering the land. Mr. Hughes believes the lease provides no basis for the claim presented.

CITIES SERVICE LOT

Mr. Ward reported on a conference with representatives of Cities Service Corporation with reference to the former Hotel Richardson site. Representatives of that company had suggested that the lot could be improved by the Parking Authority and used for off street parking. The Parking Authority has not yet considered the offer. Upon motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed that if the Parking Authority rejects the offer, Cities Service Corporation be ordered to immediately proceed with installation of curbs and sidewalk.

JESSE HARMON HOUSE

Mr. Ward discussed with Council the request of Jesse Harmon to move to a lot on Pine Street, the tenant house from the Ward farm which he proposes to convert for multiple family use. Mr. Harmon has provided to the City a performance bond covering the project. Council suggested that a time limit be included in any permit granted.