Evening star., 1902-01-23
THE UNION DEPOT BILL
ITS FEATURES DISCUSSED nv COW
MITTEE OF CITIZENS.
Hearing Given by Commissfoner. to
Delegation of lexington Asxo-
citation Members


hearing to a number of lexington citi-
zens on those features of the new union
depot bill vitally affecting that section Of
the District. Among those who were pres
ent were Mr.. William G. Henderson pres
ident of the North Capitol and Eckingt On
Citizens Association; Mr.. A. r. Seryen
Mr.. L. B. Linton, -Ir. W. S. Chase, Mr. p
A Auer, Mr.. R. H. Strother and Mr. ]. F.
Bancroft. Mr.. NJ. /. Weller, who owns con-
siderable property in and beyond the SUBJ
urb, was an interested listener to all that
was said.
The principal objection Of the lexington
cltlzens to the new bill is the proposed
closing of Sd street northeast from street
TO New York avenue and the occupancy of
the square bounded by New York or Flor
IDA avenue on the south, Sd street on the
east, X street on the north and lexington
place on the west. 1t was asserted that if
the railroad company should occupy this
square by it's tracks sheds and other
structures and close Sd street south of r
street the people of lexington would be
practically bottled up and have only one
means of ingress or egress.
1t was stated that the property in Eek
ington will naturally suffer from the prox-
unity OF the railroad any way the matter
may be arranged. The citizens urge that
the granting of their request that Sd street
be kept open as far south as New York
avenue and that the square in question be
Kept clear of tracks would be but slight
consideration for their losses in other re-
spects. They say that to allow this square
to be occupied ands to close Sd street VsiH
mean irreparable loss. . -.
Entrance Street.
The present entrance to lexington is
through r street from the west and Eek
ington place (Which is but half opened
from the south. Third street is open now
nearly all the way from R street south to
Florida avenue. and is planned to be opened
all the way to the latter thoroughfare. pro-
v1ded the provision to close the thorough
fare is not retained in the union depot bill.
1t was pointed out today that many
thousands of dollars have been invested in
lexington in homes and that the growth
OF the suburb demanded the opening of
more streets as outlets, and inlets rather
than the closing OF any. 1t was stated
that Typographical difficulties would pre-
vent the opening of any more Of the streets
from the west for many years to come, r
street being the only through thorough
fare al present. Third street south to
Florida avenue was a much needed thor
oughfare, 1t was stated as providing an
outlet to the south lexington place, al
though widened and improved it was de-
ciared, would not answer the purpose, be-
cause of the fact that it was occupied by
street car tracks and there would be con-
gestion at the intersection of the place
with r street.
Result of Previous Effort.
MIR. William G. Henderson, president of
the lexington Citizens Association, detail
ed to the Commissioners the efforts made
by the association during the tendency of
the old Baltimore and Ohio bill to have the
provision for the closing Of Sd street south
of r street, stricken out He said those
efforts were successful. Congress had re-
fused to allow the street to be closed in
the last bill, and he declared there was no
reason why the national legislative body
should allow the closing at this time. The
square that the citizens interested in
keeping open is filled with magnificent ma
tive oaks. Mr.. Serven. in addressing the
Commissioners, declared that the railroad
company already owns portion of the
square.
He said, however, that the company's
holdings might easily be sold and would
bring much better price than the COM
pany would be required to pay for land
further out that would suit its purposes for
yard just as well. Mr.. Server stated that
he understood the company's purpose in oc-
cupying the square in question was to have
trackage facilities for storing passenger
cars and making up trains for the union
station. He said that property to the east
of the present right Of way of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company could be
easily and cheaply secured for that pur-
pose and be practically as convenient. He
also said that the tracks for freight yards
could easily be expanded south of New
York avenue. Mr.. Server said the Ecking-
ton people would like to see the railroad
tracks north of Florida avenue kept to the
east Of the east line of Sd street.
Not Obstructionists.
Mr.. Henderson said to the Commissioners
that they must not look upon the people of
lexington obstructiouists. He said they
were public-spirited citizens. I'VE are anx-
ious," he declared, ito see the grade cross
ings in the District abolished, and we are
very anxious that the railroad tracks shall
be removed from the mall so as not to in
terfere with the grand scheme of improve
ment that has been planned for that section
by the park commission. We realize that
force Of circumstances has made II seem
desirable that the railroad tracks shall be
near lexington.
I'VE are willing to make sacrifices for
the public improvements. Whatever dam
age results from the new arrangement of
the tracks will fall heaviest upon u.s. We
feel therefore that We ought to receive
some consideration. and SO we place these
matters before you in the hope that YOU
may be able to do something for u.s."
After Mr.. Linton had been heard the
hearing was adjourned, and Commissioner
Macfarland informed those present that
the Commissioners would give careful con-
sideration to all that had been said