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the City such portions of this bank as are not required by its relocation plans; or, if not, some agreement should be reached whereby this wooded bank will be saved from unnecessary defacement.

In conclusion, it should be noted that Plan A, although it shows some new buildings on private land, would be reasonably satisfactory without them. It is a plan which does not change the present design and one which can be carried out without the cooperation of private landowners in the development of adjacent properties. Plan B on the other hand involves a radical change in the park design, and furthermore it absolutely requires the cooperation of Mr. Frick in the development of his property between Forbes Street and Fifth Avenue, or the acquirement of that property by the City.

Although it is not ordinarily a good public policy to make radical changes in a park design already established, the improvements thereby obtained are sometimes so positive and important that the procedure is fully justified. It is believed that the radical changes proposed in Plan B are fully justified by the value of the improvement attained.

Grant Boulevard

This street -- a boulevard by courtesy -- has undoubtedly more than justified the large cost of its construction by supplying a much-needed route for automobiles and other fast-moving travel -- largely passenger vehicles -- between the East End and the down town district. But it is to be regretted that a little more foresight was not evidenced in planning this work; that a better appreciation was not shown of the splendid opportunities offered and of incidental purposes to be served. Located as it is at a commanding height on a steep hillside with an impressive outlook over the Allegheny Valley and the hills beyond, and with little chance to develop a commercial frontage, this street seems peculiarly fitted to be a real pleasure way in fact as well as in name. But instead it has been built without even room for shade trees; it is a mere street, in all appearances like any other traffic way of the city, and no more generous in its width than Fifth Avenue or Smithfield Street; and the unkempt sordid appearance of the slumping hillsides above is an everpresent eyesore.

In view of these facts it is urged that the following

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Last modified on 22-Dec 1999
Design format: copyright 1997-1999 Bruce S. Cridlebaugh
Original document: Frederick Law Olmsted, 1910