Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-20
FILES A RECOMMENDATION.
Commissioner Biddle Passes on Con-
troversy Over q Coal Yard.


troversy Over Coal Yard.
Commissioner Bddle today made a recon-
mendation in the matter OF the much-dis-
cussed coal yard OF r. E. L. Thompson, in
lexington. which. while practically meet
Ing the wishes of the Eckingtonites. also
leaves the board in full command of all de-
lenses against both parties to the dispute.
Commissioner Biddle's recommendation
In which he reviews the whole question and
finally disposes Of the points at issue. fol-
lows:
Respectfully forwarded to the board of
Commissioners. with the following recon-
mendations and remarks in the matter of
the establishment Of coal yard in Eek
ington by Mr.. r. E. L. Thompson. the pro-
posed amendment to the regulations as TO
the establishment OF coal yards and in
answer to the briefs of Mr. Darlington and
Messrs. Davis and Cox:
The questions % as to the authority of
the Commissioners to close the alley in
this square and % as to the site of the
coal yard being on public property need
not, / think, be discussed. for these points
have been decided by the proper authority
The alley Is OF no use except to the
manufacturing company occupying this site
and does not In any way affect the situa-
ton further than giving an already estab-
lished firm additional facilities without in
turing any one else.
Is. In the opinion Of the corporation counsel
private property. Such a street Is not
needed-being a short butt end-and 1t
would be disadvantage to the District to
own 1t.
This coal yard. as 1t has been conducted,
Is unobjectionable in itself to practically
all the property owners in the vicinity and
Is of convenience to most Of them. A coal
dump, which would mean the hauling of a
large amount Of coal through this residence
section, would be disadvantage. but, as
far as Is known. this is not intended.
IF authorizing the establishment of a
coal yard at this place were a mere matter
Of discretion there can be no doubt that 1t
would be Immediately authorized as the To-
cation Is eminently suited to this purpose.
and the adjoining property can be used
only for similar purposes.
1.-THE establishment of a coal yard is
matter. however. requiring. under the build
ing regulations, the consent Of the adjoining
owners. One owner refuses consent on ac-
count OF promises previously made with
purchasers of property-stating at the same
time that the locality is proper for the
place and offering no personal objection
1T Is requested by the railroad company
and certain individuals that the regulations
be modified SO as not to apply to sites along
the railroad. L am not prepared TO recon-
mend this. The establishment of coal yards
and other similar businesses Is a question
too closely affecting other private interests
to warrant giving general permission for
their location. On the other hand. 1t Is
manifestly poor policy not to allow a coal
yard at this particular locality.
II therefore recommend a temporary per-
NIT, revocable at the pleasure OF the Com
missioners. be given Mr.. r. E. L. Thompson
for a coal yard (but not coal Dump at this
location. This would; I think, serve the
purpose Of carrying on q coal yard business
and would meet the main objection Of the
professionals, who ask that while a pending
lawsuit is before the courts no change in
regulation or IN existing conditions be au-
thorfzed, and. further, will relieve the prop
erty owners of lexington OF their fear OF
the establishment of a coal dump.
II further move that persons represented
at the hearing given In this matter be in
formed Of the action of the Commissioners"