Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-03
RHODE ISLAND AVE.
EXTENSION PUSHED
Move Given Definite Impetus
at HyattsviIIe Meeting.
Bridge Also Is Favored.

SDcClal DiSpatcn 10 Inc star.
HiATTSVILLE, Nd, August g.
Extension of Rhode Island avenue
from the District line III Mount
Rainier along the west side OF the
electric railway tracks to connect
with the Westinghouse Baltimore boule-
ward at Hyattsville will be undertaken
soon, together with the building of a
bridge over the Baltimore and Ohio
tracks a short distance north of the
Hyattsville station, If a plan of the
State Roads Commission laid before
joint session of the mayor and coun-
Gil and executive committee of the
Chamber of Commerce here last night
is carried out. 1t was stated that II
the plan is adopted within not more
than 80 days the thoroughfare could
be built before the end of 1926. Doubt
was expressed that the bridge could
be completed by this time, however.
Completion of the bridge would mean
elimination of the railroad grade
crossing at Hyattsville.
While this crossing in recent years,
due to safety devices and constant
vigilance of watchmen and police, has
not taken a heavy toll of life. it is
highly Objectionable because of traffic
congestion. The bridge, according to
the plan. would begin. on the Wash
ingt0n- Baltimore boulevard between
Marion and Spencer streets, and de-
scribing a gradual turn enter the
Bowen lumber yard property on the
east side of the tracks and continue
to Wells avenue, where connection
again would be made with the Wash
ington- Baltimore boulevard.
4O.FOot Thoroughfare Sought.
Under the plan a 40-foot right OF
way would be provided for Rhode
Island avenue, the idea being to make
the road 90 feet wide, the remaining
space to go for sidewalks, shoulders
or other features that might be
deemed advisable. A grade crossing
would be provided at the end OF
Rhode Island avenue.
1t was explained by T. Howard
DuclIett, j. Enos Ray and Mayor
Irwin Owings of HyattsVille, who have
been in constant conference with the
State Roads Commission ana GOV.
Richie on the situation, that the
State did not have the money at pres
ent to extend Rhode Island avenue. at
an estimated cost of S125, 900, but that
il arrangements could be made by
citizens of Hyattsville. Brentwood.
North Brentwood and Mount Rainier
to advance this money to the State
it would go ahead with the construc-
ton of the thoroughfare and at the
same time with the building OF the
bridge, for the construction OF which
the State has sufficient funds. The
$125 900 would later be repaid the citi-
zens by the State, according to the
plan.
1t was also made clear that the
citizens of the communities would
have to acquire the necessary rights
of way.
Committees Are Named.
The proposition appeared to strike
a responsive chord and the upshot
was the appointment of two commit
tees by Mayor Owings and DIR. III. I.
Willis. president of the Chamber OF
Commerce, one to seek TO obtain
rights of way in Hyattsville and the
other to make arrangements for Dor
rowing the S125,000 and raising the
$500 needed to coyer the interest on
this amount, and any other money
that it may be found necessary to
raise. Waldo Burnside was made
chairman of the rights-of-way com
mittee, other members being Coun-
cilmen c.. D. Anderson, n. II. Spick-
nall and Charles H. Welsh and G..
Sherman James Councilman Lemuel
l.. Gray was named chairman of the
finance committee, with William H.
Anglin and George B. Furman the
other members.
Mayor Owings and DR.. Willis In adj
vising the committeeman today OF
their appointment urged them to push
their work with all speed.
Messrs. Ray, Duckett and Owings
will visit Mount Rainier tomorrow
night to lay the proposition before the
citizens there and Friday night will
present the plan to citizens of Brent
wood and North Brentwood.