The Washington times., 1912-08-29
FISH WHARF CALLED
GRAVE MENACE TO
HEALTH OF CAPITAL
Board Of Condemnation
Recommends That 1t
Be Abolished.

Characterizlng the ish wharf at Tenth
and Water streets southeast as a dis
grace and a menace to the health of the
city, the board for the condemnation of
insanitary buildings. IN its annual re-
port to the Commissioners, made public
lie today, recommends that the build
ings be demolished ana that a modern
market for the sale OF flsh, oysters, and
other sea food be erected.
The. board consists or Major K. M.
Markham. assistant Engineer Commits
sioner: DR.. W. c. Woodward, Health
0nicer, and Morris Hacker. Inspector of
Buildings The fish wharf has long been
source OF contention between the Dis
lessee
Reports, made by the Health Depart
ment and the wharf committee, con-
sisting Of Daniel e. Garges, T. C. J..
Bailey and Russell Dean, declare ii to
oe IN an fnsanltary condition by reason
OF the absence Of sewer and water IA
cilities.
Lessee Gets Injunction.
The space was leased by the District
March Is. 1903, for a period of five
years to w. w. Riley, who was entitled
to an additional period of five years
provided the terms of the lease were
computed with: Riley, according to the
er repairs, and the Commissioners. on
the expiration of the first five years
march ID, 1908, notified the lessee to
,Vacate. He refused to do SO, and OBJ
tanned an injunction against the Com
missioners. The case was argued by
an assistant corporation counsel a year
ago last spring, but the court has not
yet rendered a decision. In the mean
wharf, Notwithstanding statements of
the wharf committee and the Health
department that conditions are any
th1ng but clean and wholesome
Riley, by the terms of the lease, will
In the meantime, it is probable no fur
ther action will be taken by the Com
mIssioners to gain possession.
IN compiling their next estimates. con-
sideration will be given by the Commits
Siohers to the Recommendation of the
Board for the Condemnation of Insani-
tary Buildings that an appropriation of
5000 be obtained for the preparation
or plans for model fish market
Conversion Of the alleys and courts in
thickiy populated sections into minor
street and interior Fairgrounds again
ls recommended, by the board. In the
elimination of the slum districts be-
ginning was made in the condemnation
of Willow Tree alley. Similar action is
recommended in the case of Goat alley.
between Sixth and Seventh. l. and M
largely Inhabited alleys in the city, con-
taining forty-two brick and frame struc-
lures. providing living quarters for 2a
Inhabitants.
Recommends eNw Street
The board recommends also that NAVY
place southeast. between Sixth and
Seventh. and l and G streets, be con-
verted into a minor street.
The number of buildings demolished
by. order of the board, during the. year
ended June 80. was 31S, III in streets and
forty-seven in alleys. The number re-
paired was las. 107 in streets and thirty
eight In alleys.
By the removal of buildings, 795 ten
ants were affected many of whom have
gone to the suburbs of the District and
into Maryland and Virginia. and are
purchasing or renting cheap homes.
Credit is given owners and real estate
agents for prompt compliance with the
orders of the board. In many cases. the
report states. owners and agents have
taken the initiative and made repairs,
which otherwise would have necessita-
ted service of notice on the part Of the
board.