1871-04-24_comCoolidgeAve3_2021_019_001

in grade was made in front of Mr Coolidge's Estate.
He claims that a bank wall is necessary in front
of his land and that access to his premises has been
rendered more difficiult.

Both parties base their claim against this Cor-
poration upon the allegation, that the City of Cam-
bridge in making the changes of grade acted as the
licensee or agent of the Corporation as owner of the fee.

If this were the fact the Committee are not prepared
to admit that any claim for damages could be main-
tained. The repairs upon the avenue have improved its
condition for travel, and have so far been advantageous
to the abuttors. They must sooner or later have been
made. But the Committee are clearly of opinion that
this Corporation did not make the City of Cambridge
its agent and is not responsible for its acts. The vote
was simply an agreement to contribute to the expense
in case the work was done satisfactorily, to its Committee.

Before the work was completed, complaints were made
by Mr Coolidge and it appears from the correspondence
on file that the Mayor of Cambridge was distinctly
informed by Mr Norcross that the Corporation would
not undertake to arrange with Mr Coolidge, would do