OCR Text |
Show n variety of durable sidewalk pavements, pave-ments, Iind give the property owner some chance to choose his own material and to' employ his own contractor? The city ordinance providing for the laying of sidewalks, is said to be framed in accord with a legislative act. It was passed in 1888. We understand that it is construed by the present city council that tho council must describe or determine de-termine tho material, and that u uniform uni-form material must bo used throughout a district, but that different materials cau be used iu different districts. dis-tricts. The Times nevertheless is of the opinion that the city council can "describe" different materials for use in sidewalk pavements. For instanco, if the council describes a certain kind of natural stone, artificial stone or cement, ce-ment, or asphalt, to be used iu a district, dis-trict, the property owner to make his choice so that it comes within tho specifications, spec-ifications, we believe that this will lie legal. 1 Even if tho properly owner cannot, under the ordinance.employ his own contractor, the choice of material will bo appreciated, and it certainly ought to be given. We hope the council, coun-cil, before proceeding further, will carefully investigate this question, and if possible, adopt tho suggestions of THE Timbs, which is speaking in behalf of a larire number of properly owners. ti The Times' position on the sidewalk r question is generally approved by the j ; property owners, who think they ought ' to be permitted to choose theirown mail ma-il terial and contractor. Suppose u mau i.;: wants to lay an ornamental walk say i of diagonal blocks of black iind white natural or artilicial stone in front of his !.' place or residence. Under the present : method of procedure he cannot do it, i but must take just what the cily coun-i.'. coun-i.'. cil prescribes, and the work must be r, done by the city contractor. Before any K, contracts, are awarded, would it I not be well for the cily council to i revise its way of doing this business? i Why not have spccilicalions covering ' - - ' |