COMFORT STATION
AT THE JUNCTION.
CITY TO SPEND FIFTEEN THOU-
SAND DOLLARS THERE.
Opposition of Property Owners With-
drawn and Long Needed Neces-
sity Will Be Established.
Architects to Compete.
Fifteen thousand dollars will be spent by the city for a comfort station at the Junction. An ordinance authorizing the apportionment of the money will be introduced in the council Monday night. The work of the construction will be under the supervision of the board of public works.
J. M. Townley, A. P. Nichols and S. M. Williams of the civic improvement committee of the Manufacturers and Merchants' Association and J. A. Runyan, secretary, presented the matter to the board yesterday. The committee was supported in its recommendations by Mayor Thomas T. Crittenden, Jr. City Comptroller Gus Pearson said the funds could be provided.
Plans for the station were prepared during the Beardsley administration, but further progress was delayed on account of opposition from adjoining property owners. It is said this opposition has been withdrawn. The drawings that have been prepared were submitted to the board yesterday with the understanding that they will not have to be followed.
R. L. Gregory, chairman of the board, felt that on account of the importance of the utility, there should be some scope permitted for competition among architects in preparation of plans, and he favored the offering of a purse of $100 for the best design. The main adjuncts to the utility will be underground, and it is proposed to make the surface appearance as attractive as possible. The plans already in hand call for a tower of bronze fifteen feet high, to be illuminated at night by an immense gas burning torch located on the crown. There is a probability of this tower being made taller.
Just as soon as the council appropriates the money, the board will advertise for competitive bids for plans and construction. It is thought that by energetic action work on the station can be commenced in thirty days, and finished within sixty days.
