Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-03
FILES ITS PROTEST
CITIZENS ASSOCIATION OPPOSES
WATER METERS IN LAWNS.

The placing of water meters upon the
lawns in many parts of Columbia Heights
by the employees of the water department
of the District during the past few weeks
and thereby. 1t is stated. despoling much
of the beauty of the yards, was discussed
at the monthly meeting of the Columbia
Heights Citizens Association held last
evening and vigorous objections were en-
tered. Mr.. S. C. Rogers brought the matter
to the attention of the association and
stated that the lawn in front OF his resi-
dence at 18th and Kenyon streets was de-
spoiled and a meter put in place, despite
the protests of members of his family. He
declared that he thought the action of the
water department invading private prop
erty and despoiling the lawns which the
residents had worked so hard to improve
was outrageous.
AS he resumed his seat various other
members of the association took the floor
in turn and declared that protest should
be made to the Commissioners against the
wholesale tearing up of the lawns by the
water department employees i, being sus-
gestei that the meters be placed between
the pavement and The curb. The reason
FOR the department. action was stated to
be that the water for whole square would
have to DE cut off while the meter was
being Installed near the curb, while If the
meter were placed upon the lawn the other
residents of the block would not be incon-
venienced by the water supply Icing cut of
for Il time.
The discussion waXed warm and resulted
in tn. introducing of resolutions reciting
that the association enters it's vigorous
protest against the treSp ;Ssil g upon the
private parking of the residents of Column
bia Heights for the purpose of installing
water meters, and it is the consensus of
opinion that the District authorities should
t1nr m toy hnr., n
fore installed upon private parking where
the same is requested
1t was pointed out that meters had been
Installed upon Irving street and that stakes
had been driven upon the lawns on Har-
ward street between 18th and 18th streets
1t was declared that the meters are I'M
slightly The resolution, proposed, was
adopted. and Judge Charles s. Bundy, the
president of the association. was authorized
to present 1t TO the Commissioners.
Later DR.. Charles Willis and number
of the residents of Harvard street talked
of the matter of placing the meters upon
the lawns in front of their residences, and
1t is probable they may protest individually
TO the Commissioners. 1t was suggested
that the matter be brought to the attention
of the District authorities at once so as to
prevent further DETACHMENT of the lawns
Site for University.
Secretary Todd reported that at a called
meeting of the association held March 8
resolutions had been adopted asking the
George Washington University authorities
to consider the Sherman tract of land at
18th street and Florida avenue when choos-
ing site for the university. The resolu
tons, it was stated, were later presented
to DIR. Charles W. Needham, president of
the university.
Mr.. George Simmons, chairman of the
committee on streets and sidewalks asked
that the attention of the Commissioners be
called to the poor condition of the pave
ments on 18th street between Columbia
road and Euclid street, and asking that
measures be taken to insure early repairs
Secretary Todd reported that the post office
officials had stated that the mail service to
persons south of Irving street in Columbia
Heights would have to be continued from
the central Office instead of from the Mount
Pleasant station.
Judge Bundy called attention to the de-
fective cement work in the private paving
in some parts of Columbia Heights and
asked that the membership do all in Its
power to see that good work was always
done where they had anything to do with
the construction.