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First Annual Message of Archibald Johnston, 1918 [continued]
has been concerned in getting human habitations up as quickly as possible in order that a return on the money invested should be as quick. The result has been, as always, that not only sanitary precautions and facilities, but even common decency, have been lost sight of in the scramble.
"Fortunately, in South Bethlehem, the local Board of Health, working in conjunction with our Department, has already taken a great step for the better. Between us, we have been able to work out and have adopted a housing ordinance which gives the local authorities control over the erection and maintenance of human habitations. This ordinance was approved December 19, 1916.
"You have in this ordinance the germ of a means for controlling the whole housing situation. If it is enforced by a capable Health Officer, you will be able to bring about a betterment of conditions as to housing."
Parks. Plans should be laid with a view of setting aside a tract or tracts of land for a comprehensive scheme of public parks; a gymnasium and natatorium for winter and summer use might be maintained and supported and used by all the people without distinction as to class or residence; where athletic exhibitions could, be given, prizes awarded, mutual respect, understanding and the spirit of emulation fostered in all healthful athletic sports; leading up to which parkways might subsequently be built, and to which adequate street car facilities would be extended.
Parkways can with advantage be installed on several of our wider streets, without in the least interfering with traffic requirements. This will not only tend to beautify the city, but will probably result in considerable saving by the installation of considerably less paving and materially reduce the maintenance cost.
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