Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1337

Carbon of a letter to Richard S. Childs, Corporation Office, Past President National Municipal League, 432 Fourth Avenue, New York City

January 24, 1941

 

 

 

 

Dear Mr. Childs:

 

     A number of persons have suggested to the writer that owing to your well-known interest in the administration of municipal affairs, you would be interested in some of the research he has been doing in connection with the institution of property in land and with the special reference to its possible bearing upon public and municipal administration.

 

     Accordingly, I take the liberty of enclosing, herewith, an interpretation of the above-named institution which has been made, I think, for the first time from the functional or administrative point of view. The result of this analysis and interpretation has suggested practical measures lying within the power of the organized real estate interests of almost any community for the rehabilitation of their properties and values through giving constructive attention to and protection of the business and economic interests of those who occupy or may be attracted to occupy their communities and properties. The practical business aspect of this matter is being brought to the attention of real estate interests with a view of their giving constructive business services to their communities and, thus, restoring their now precarious incomes and declining values.

 

     Of the enclosed two pamphlets entitled, “Real Estate, How to Raise and Restore Its Income and Value,” with the sub-titles, respectively, of “Questions for the Consideration of Land Owners” and “The Administration of Property as Community Services,” the first of these is, in a brief interrogative form, an epitome of what is set out at greater length in the second.

 

     Believing that you will find these matters approached from an unusual and possibly very beneficial direction, and desiring to have the benefit of your comments and criticism, I take the liberty of asking you for an appointment either during the lunch hour or at some other convenient time for the purpose of making your acquaintance, and having such encouragement from you (or the reverse) as you consider the subject may deserve.

 

     I expect to be in New York a number of days beginning this January 20^th. I would appreciate having a message from you, either at the Woodstock Hotel, 127 West 43^rd Street, or at the Town Hall Club.

 

     Please let me assure you that my interest in all of the above is wholly aesthetic and intellectual, and that I do not seek or contemplate obtaining from any source any material aid or personal prestige.

 

                        Yours very sincerely,

 

 

                            Spencer Heath

 

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