Commissioner Asks Legal Opinion on Plot Restrictions

Commissioner Asks Legal Opinion on Plot Restrictions Plan Filed in 1921 Says Only Private Dwellings Can Be Erected CITY DECLARED LOSER In an effort to see if something may not be done for industrial, commercial and residential development of real estate on each side of Admiral Wilson boulevard from Baird boulevard to the Pennsauken township line, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday contacted City Solicitor E. C. G. Bleakly. An odd restriction in the Forest Hill Gardens plan is believed to have deprived the city of Camden of considerable business, Commissioner Hartmann said. The restriction, incorporated in a plan by Walter MacNamara, filed in October, 1921, provides that "No improvements other than private dwellings costing not less than $2500 with privileges of private garages shall be erected on any lots shown on said plan . . ." The plan covers the area from Baird boulevard to the city line and from Cooper river to Marlton pike. Lots fronting on Baird boulevard, and lots 1 to 58 fronting on Marlton pike are excepted. As a result, Commissioner Hartmann said, many factories, gas stations and other business have sprung up in Pennsauken that might otherwise have been opened in Camden. Threatens Action Unless the restrictions are removed, the Commissioner warned, he will insist that valuation of the property on the bridge boulevard east of Baird boulevard should be so increased as to force owners to build to increase city revenue and justify the value of the land. "Either there will be worthwhile buildings or higher assessments comparing with upper Admiral Wilson boulevard property," the commissioner said. Properties on the south side of Admiral Wilson boulevard, their frontage and valuation are: (east from Baird boulevard) Camden Safe Deposit and Trust company, 766.72 feet, $8650 valuation for ground; Hatch Land Improvement company, 145 feet, $3425 for land and $7825 for improvements; Forest Hill Boat club, 60 feet, $350 valuation for ground; and Camden Safe Deposit and Trust company, $25,550 for ground as far as the city line. Properties Listed On the opposite side of the bridge boulevard are the following properties: Baird to Somerset street; First Camden National Bank and Trust, 103 feet, $2125 valuation for ground; Henry B. Coles, Jr., 56 feet, $2125 for ground; Combex corporation, 40 feet, $1925; Blanch I. Smith, 40 feet, $1925; Combex corporation, lots of 60, 40 and 90 feet, assessed at $2875, $1925 and $4325. Somerset street to Thorndyke street; Camden Safe Deposit and Trust, 400 feet, $19,200 for ground. Thorndyke street to city line: Camden Safe Deposit and Trust, 380 feet, $18,250 for ground; Raflin Realty company, Inc., 3 lots of 60, 60, and 65 feet, assessed at $2875, $2875 and $3125.