Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-30
C|Ty'S WATER FRONT
Plans Suggested for Beauty
and for Use.
MUCH BETTER FACILITIES
More Slightly Wharves Proposed for
the Washington Channel.
A PIER IN POTOMAC PARK
Provision fer a Driveway in the
Future From Giesboro Point
to Massachusetts, Avenue.

What has been done along the river
front in what is now known as Potomac
Park is a revelation of the possibilities in
localities that appear hopelessly ahan-
doned. The commission that has
recently reported to the Commission
ers of the District has made a study OF
the situation in the Washington channel
and the water front south of the Eastern
branch extending north and south from
Giesboro Point.
The Importance of the reclamation OF
the Eastern branch flats was not over
looked The commission also called at
tention to the desirability of the District
securing control of the entire water 'front.'
age Of Georgetown or that portion of the
river from Easpy's Point to and above
the Aqueduct bridge.
The scope OF the report also included
the Virginia side of the river opposite
the city, and also Analostan Island as de-
sirable to come within public control in
order that the entire river frontage
might be improved with modern and
slightly docks, and also where it seems
feasible such sections may be so planned
as to be available for the use and the
enjoyment of the public.
For the Use of the People.
Along the latter line was the sugges-
ton of a recreation pier on the river In
Potomac Park. The recommendation was
made for the purchase of strip Of land
along the river front from Shepherds
Landing to Massachusetts avenue. not
only for the purpose of keeping for the
public the control of the water 'front.' but
SO as to have some time in the future, II
it should be desired, some provision for
a driveway along that portion of the
ri there :
Georgetown to south of the railway
bridge
Of course in such a comprehensive view
of the present and future of this gen.
eral locality it was not overlooked by the
commission that an essential feature. and
one, too. that should be attended TO at
the present time. Is the building OF uni
form piers along the Washington channel
or that portion of the river front from the
site OF the old Long bridge to the WASH
ingtcn barracks.
More Slightly Wharf Front.
1t did not need a report of comm.s-
sion. however able it might be. to in
form the public that the present wharves
were not handsome. and that the view OF
the river from the Washington channel
was not one to impress a visitor with
either the Importance or the beauty OF
the city.
While the scope of the report Of the
commission is wide yet it is not a bit
too comprehensive TO do justice to the
subject and to call attention TO the needs
and the possibilities both for the present
and the coming years. From what has
already been accomplished in the vicin-
ity of the river about the Monument II
Is quite apparent that for sections or
the city however neglected and run down
at the heel they may be. yet that there
is hope of better things.
A Future of the River
II is not the purpose OF these and other
plans for changes in existing conditions
to interfere in any way or TO discourage
the growth of the river trade OF the
city. 1t is likely the latter VIII assume
larger consequence IN the years to come
than it has at present. sharing in this
respect in the general revival in the use
of waterways which appear To have start
ed in this country.
AT the present time the river is used
largely for bringing TO this city food
supplies both from the north and from
the vicinity of Norfolk. II is now recog-
nized that the freight business of tire
can be done with more eXp2di-
ton and with greater If canals
and rivers are used as auxiliary means
of transportation. There IS no reason
why the Potomac should not come again
into more general use for such pur-
pose Practical men who put out their
money with the view of getting a reason
a BILE return for its share in this
view of the future Of the river
The idea of such men and OF the menu
bers of the commission Is to make the
river more useful and at the same time
have the surroundings more attractive.