Town Hall Land Annex

New York, 1895

The Commissioners Taking Testimony as to Property Values.

Edward E. Sprague, James Otis and Joseph D. Armstrong, commissioners appointed by Judge Bartlett to appraise property to be taken for Town Hall purposes in the village of Jamaica, owned by Victoria Denton, Ellen Everitt and Adolph Herzog, held their first meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Counselor Monfort appeared for Mrs. Denton, Adolph Herzog, George Durland, Mary Ann Durland, Thomas Foley, and others. Lewis L. Fosdick appeared for Stephen Hicks, the holder of a mortgage on some of the property. William J. Stanford appeared for Ellen Everitt. F. H. Van Vechten appeared for the town board.

The commissioners decided to take up each piece of property to be appraised separately, complete the testimony in each case, and as completed make the award.

Engineer Richard Evans testified that he was employed by the town board to make a map of the property to be taken. He made the map from actual surveys, and it was accurate.

William E. Everitt has occupied the stable on the Everitt property 9 years. The new part cost $4,000. He pays $600 a year rent. The town is taking all the stable property except the north piece.

David L. Hardenbrook said the Durland property on Flushing avenue had all the improvements. Access to the rear of the house was a right of way. Closing up this right of way to the Durland property would decrease its value $500. It would effect the Everitt property to the same extent.

George Durland testified that his mother and sister occupied the Durland property on Flushing avenue. He valued the property at $9,000; without the right of way, $8,500.

The commissioners adjourned to February 13.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 8, 1895, p. 12.