Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 June 1919 — QUESTION: WHO OWNS STREET [ARTICLE]

QUESTION: WHO OWNS STREET

Unfortunate Controversy Results in Arrest of E. J. Duvall. A little unfortunate trouble waa had on the peaceful thoroughfare of Park avenue Thursday. Ben Smith was putting in a driveway for Dr. Catt, from the street to the latter’s driveway, and In making the approach from the street on the north side, next to a vacant lot owned by E. J. Duvall, the curve was turned north from the line between the lots of Catt and Duvall, at the curb, some inches to the north, making the driveway proper from near the curb on a line with the property lines, on orders from the mayor. - After the forms had been set and) the concrete poured, Mr. Duvall kicked the same out and tore out the forms. The mayor and members of the street committee were called to the scene and warm words were exchanged, Mr. Duvall declaring that he would tear out the form If It was put back, and on advice of the, mayor, it is said,. Smith filed an affidavit against Duvall, charging malicious trespass, and he was arraigned before the mayor with his attorney, A. Halleck, when the case was continued until July 3. On instructions from the mayor and street committee the curve' was rebuilt on the same lines as before, and was still standing yesterday noon. The contention of Mr. Duvall Is, as The Democrat understands, that he owns or controls In front of his , lot to the roadway proper, while that of the city Is that he has nothing to do with ground at the curb and was a trespasser on property of the city In tearing out the concrete form.