| Although the BPC had suspended new construction, it was obliged to maintain the property it had acquired and continue work in progress. Most of the work undertaken in 1918 involved basic maintenance that consisted of planting, cutting weeds, and trimming and spraying trees. BPC forces also continued grading the roadbed and improving the river channel. Proceeding with the scheduled planting program was crucial as 75,000 trees, vines, and shrubs were ready in the nursery. If nothing was done, the nursery stock would go to waste. Planting could be done at practically no cost, which was an important consideration during the war. Workers planted in areas that had already been graded and topsoiled, such as the area between Bronx Park and Gun Hill Road, where planting was almost completed by 1918. At Tuckahoe, workers lined the Bronx River banks with boulders to prevent erosion that threatened trees. This work was both a practical measure and a means of contributing to the parkway’s pleasing landscape effect. Similar work was done to protect hemlocks along the river in Garth Woods. The Fox Meadow bridges were almost completed at the end of the year. This allowed a "splendid stretch" of parkway drive to be graded and ready for surfacing between Crane Road and White Plains.(190) Work resumed on the Broad Street Viaduct, which was 75 percent completed by May 31. The contractor refused to continue work at this point, alleging that the BPC had failed to make the required payments. Downer explained that the contractor had not complied with the contract terms for some time, which was why he had not been paid. Downer notified him that he was in default and ordered him to resume work within three days. The contractor and BPC were at an impasse, with the BPC hoping that work would resume on the viaduct in 1919.(191) Recreational activities continued despite the war. The BPC also allowed citizens to plant victory gardens in the parkway. The commission continued its administrative activities, including condemnation proceedings and planning grade separations. Since many of these structures would be built by the communities they serviced on either side of the parkway, the BPC held public meetings to discuss appropriate designs. BPC meetings in 1918 addressed the proposed Woodland Place Viaduct as well as proposed viaducts at East 238th Street and 241st Street. Although New York City authorities requested that the BPC suspend condemnation proceedings in light of the city’s financial straits, the commission explained that the proceedings were already in progress and that it was unlikely that the courts would stop the action. The BPC also argued that delaying the proceedings would not conserve resources, but rather increase costs, as the BPC was obligated to continue paying interest (at 6 percent) and expenses in these matters.(192) |
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| (190)Bronx
Parkway Commission, Report, 1918, 20-24; 31; Bronx Parkway Commission,
Minutes, April 9, 1918, 44-46. |
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