The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1895-12-27

steps are DtlflS takeH lOOkitiS 10 dCtlNe
operations in the Improvement of Rock
Greek. according to general plan long
since outlined. The matter will probably
be brought before the present Congress III
the shape of measures granting permission
to open tunnel and to cross certain streets
in Georgetown. The work, if done at all,
viii be done by private enterprise. aud the
old plans will be modified very materially.
The original proposal was for the con-
struction of an arched cover to the creek
from Massachusetts avenue extended to the
mouth. This would convert the creek into
big sewer OF great value In draining its
valley and carrying off sewage.
This proposal was good deal discussed
when Capt William T. Rossell was Com
missioner of the District, and he prepared
careful and complete plans aud estimates
for the work. But Congress has refused to
undertake the project. mainly, it is UNI
derstood, because the land along Rock
Creek is owned to the middle of the stream
from both sides.
Legislators cannot be induced to UNDER
take SO extensive an improvement of pri
vate property. The result would be to
bring into market several h undred thousand
square feet OF residence property in one
of the most desirable sections OF the city.
1t would also add heavil to In xable values.
THE NEW PLANS.
The modified plans were outlined in the
most general features yesterday by Il gem
tleman who is a member Of the West End
League, in a conversation with one of the
most accomplished civil engineers in the
city. and it was agreed that the engineer
should take Capt Rosselrs estimates, so
far as they are accessible and applicable.
and prepare full details and estimates OF
f..ry MI
bring the project TO the attention OF Con
gress. for the purposes above stated.
The proposal is ia build tunnel from the
northern crossing of Twenty fifth street
and the creek near its intersection with K.
on line directly south to where Twenty
fifth street again crosses the creek. This
tunnel would have its north end near Lyons
ml.-Scat, about a quarter of a mile west of
Sheridan circle on Massachusetts avenue ex.
tended. and would run nearly parallel with
Lyons Mill road.
Its south end would be near the riding
academy and not fur rom the site approved
for the Smith garbage crematoEy. II would
Gu; off an elbow of the creek, which iBcloses
about three squares OF low ground not now
ihmbPred in the city plats This would
be filled aud brought To the street grade.
With proper ca re the lots thus formed would
be as safe building sites as any. From the
suuth eud o Z the tun rel the creek bed would
be covered with auarch ofmasoury, and the
wfolc would be filled up so as to reclaim
the ground on ca oh side as well as a bove the
creek for use as residence or business prop
erty This arch over the creek would con-
tinuc To L or K street. as might be found
desira BILE.
Ii is supposed the increased value OF the
land would much more han repay the out
lay. As the Metropolitan Railway runs
through the heart OF the proposed improve
meut, the building up of business and OF
homes IN that section would add greatly t.
lis traffic. Hence il has been suggested
that the company could afford To take a
large share in any Company that might be
formed for the work proposed.
PICTURESQUE SPOT
The ne " plan leaves the creek open from
Massachusetts avenue south to Lyons mill
seat, in one of the most picturesque spots
in the city. This locality is Just east of the
cemetery. and contains within its bounds
the Rock Greek shaft of the Lydeckcr tun-
mel. 1t is an integral part of Rock Creek
Park. according to Maj. Powell's plans.
forming the extreme southern end. Under
Capt Rossells plans. this part of the
creek would also be covered and used for
buildings.
AT the mouth of the creek the variation
from the old proposals would leave an open
waterway for commerce at least from h
street bridge.
These plans, II is believed. would receive
the approval of the Commissioners and re-
ceive their support in Congress. They have
already been mentioned in d. general way to
one or two of them
The United States Electric Lighting Com
pany has been ordered to remove It's poles
from Florida avenue, between Sixth and
Seventh streets northwest.