Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 February 1915 — Trade-Barring Restrictions Hamper New York [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Trade-Barring Restrictions Hamper New York

NEW YORK.—Manhattan is a much-restricted island and demon trade is barred in many spots. That is why many of the old mansions in the downtown section are in such a dilapidated condition and no effort is made to

Improve them. The restriction was put on the buildings many years ago to protect its neighborhood and at the time no fault could be found against the purpose of the covenant. But time has changed conditions and today this protective measure is a detriment. Yet it is a hard matter to have it removed, as the oourts rarely set aside such agreements. Restriction is a subject which is now receiving much attention from real estate men. The ad-

visory committee of real estate interests has selected a committee to do something to relieve real estate of the many thorns to be found through the lower sections of the city. Restrictions which have long outlived their gurposes are in operation. In business sections crowded with factories, lofty buildings and bumming machinery will be found properties conserved for dwelling purposes only. Sometimes one or two houses in a block are restricted, while at other places whole blocks are so affected. Through inherited obstinacy or that which comes with age covenants are held operative. The dwellings have passed from one stage to another until they are now beiiig used as furnished-room houses or shabby dwelling places. They cannot be used otherwise with the air full of business, trucks driving through the streets and the sun hid from view by a solid ring of tall factories. The Murray Hill restriction is one of the few which have withstood time and temptations bf money. No price, it seems, can get house owners to sell their property for trade. It matters not, anyway, for the restriction made in February, 1847, is strong and binding. It prohibits the use of property roughly between Madison avenue and Lexington avenue. Thirtyfourth and Thirty-eighth streets for business purposes. The defense of Murray hill has cost millions. I_—.