Vitteriti, Joseph (1989). "The Tradition of Municipal Reform: Charter Revision in Historical Context". Proceedings of the Academy of Political Science. 37 (3): 16–30. doi:10.2307/1173748. JSTOR1173748.
Vitteriti, Joseph (1989). "The Tradition of Municipal Reform: Charter Revision in Historical Context". Proceedings of the Academy of Political Science. 37 (3): 16–30. doi:10.2307/1173748. JSTOR1173748.
Mayor Ambrose Kingsland's Message to the Common Council, reproduced from City of New York Department of Parks Annual Report, 1914 http://www.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4308annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1914_part1.pdfTo The Honorable The Common CouncilGentlemen: - The rapid augmentation of our population, and the great increase in the value of property in the lower part of the city, justify me in calling the attention of your honorable body to the necessity of making some suitable provision for the wants of our citizens, who are thronging in the upper wards which, but a few years since, were considered entirely out of the city. It seems obvious to me that the entire tongue of land south of the line drawn across the Park is destined to be devoted, entirely and solely, to commercial purposes; and the Park ad Battery, which were formerly favorite places of resort for pleasure and recreation for citizens whose residences were below that line, are now deserted. The tide of population is rapidly flowing to the northern section of the island, and it is here that provision should be made for the thousands whose dwellings will, here long, fill up the vacant streets and avenues north of Union Park.The public places of New York are not in keeping with the character of our city; nor do they in any wise subserve the purpose for which such places should be set apart. Each year will witness a certain increase in the value of real estate, out of the city proper, and I do not know that any period will be more suitable than the present one for the purchase and laying out of a park on a scale which will be worthy of the city.There are places on the island easily accessible, and possessing all the advantages of wood, lawn and water which might, at a comparatively small expense, be converted into a park which would be at once the pride and ornament of the city. Such a park, well laid out, would become the favorite resort of all classes. There are thousands who pass the day of rest among the idle and dis-solute, in porter houses or in places more objectionable, who would rejoice in being enabled to breathe the pure air in such a place, while the ride and drive through its avenues, free from the noise, dust, and confusion inseparable from all thoroughfares, would hold out strong inducements for the affluent to make it a place of resort.There is no park on the island deserving the name, and while I cannot believe that any one can be found to advance an objection against the expediency of having such a one in our midst, I think that the expenditure of a sum necessary to procure and lay out a park of sufficient magnitude to answer the purposes above mentioned would be well and wisely appropriated, and would be returned to us fourfold in the health happiness and comfort of those whose interests are especially entrusted to our keeping – the poorer classes.The establishment of such a park would prove a lasting monument to the wisdom, sagacity, and forethought of its founders, and would secure the gratitude of thousands yet unborn for the blessings of pure air, and the opportunity for innocent, healthful enjoyment.I commend this subject to your consideration, in the conviction that its importance will insure your careful attention and prompt action.A C Kingsland, Mayor.
