Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-15
DISSENSION THREATENING
VIRGINIA HIGHWAY PLANS
Conflict Over Three Projects Under Dis
cussion May Result in Retarding of
Arlington and Fairfax Growth.

! towns, representing high-speed.
| through-traffic lane.
The engineers recognize that each
of these projects has particular
merits of it's own. The justice OF the
| demand of the people of Clarendon
and Ballston for a substantial boule-
ward giving them immediate access to
the Memorial Bridge is recognized by
all persons who have studied the stu
alton. And they also realize that
completion of the 200-foot-wide Lee
Boulevard will really do much to
hasten the development Of Arlington
and Fairfax Counties.
1t is further realized that some
consideration must be given to the
existing Lee Highway, along which
thriving business communities have
grown up. Any effort to construct new
highways which would make the pres
ent Lee Highway little more than a
country road and which does not pro-
vide some method of taking care of
the communities will meet with
strong opposition. In fact. this OPP
position is already crystaliZing
along the Lee Highway this side of
Falls Church.
In such a situation the city plan
ners see a vicious cycle" in which
the people of both Arlington and
Fairfax Counties will soon be OPP
posing each other every time sug-
Sestton for a new boulevard is pre-
scented. They can see in a contnu-
ance of the situation nothing but de-
feat for every road project that is
brought forward. The only thing
that can save the situation. they feel,
would be a combination of all forces
FOR the adoption Of a general road
program for both Arlington and Fair.
fax Counties.
Byrd Boulevard Fought.
Just as strong opposition sprung
up against the SO-Called "SOutherlV
route" for the proposed Lee Boulevard
so strong opposition is now being
organized against the Richard Byrd
project. The residents along the old
Lee Highway claim that they have
been given no consideration what.
ever, that the suggested route for the
Richard Byrd Boulevard will ruin
them if 1t is definitely designated, and
they are preparing to launch a bitter
fight
This feeling even manifested itself
on the tour of inspection made by
MAJ. Carey Fl. Brown, chief engineer
of the National Capital Park and
Planning Commission, and members
Gov. Byrd to work with this commits
sion for the development of northern
Virginia, several days ago. In the
group that accompanied the inspectors
were several who openly voiced their
Feelings against the route on this
basis.
Those who understand the develop
ment that Is planned for Arlington
and Fairfax Counties under the pro
gram for the Identification of all
areas around Washington realize that
eventually there will be a need for
all three of these boulevards, and
many more. But they know. too. that
II sectional antagonism is permitted
TO go further it may put materialiZa.
ton of the Identification of these
counties DC years behind their right
full time. if not destroy the plans
altogether. This danger, it is held.
Is not ina sinary, but a most men.
acing one.
Such calamity can be averted,
however, 1t is declared. If the civic
leaders of Arlington and Fairfax
Counties will pool their interests.
agree on a general boulevard pro.
gram for all of Arlington and Fairfax
Counties which will give every com
munity the consideration it needs and
still fit into the broader DEVELOPMENT
program that is in the course of con-
struction.
1t is almost certain that if such
a rapprochement can be attained and
a bi-County commission formed il will
receive the hearty support of Gov |
Byrd's regional planning commission |
and the National Capital Park and |
Planning Commission. With these |
three organizations working together |
Arlington and Fairfax Counties might |
easily become the finest suburban dis |
tricts of Washington.
But if the existing policy of each !
community setting out to attain its
individual needs. without regard to |
the needs of its neighbors is con-
tinued, those who have watched the |
situation with unbiased interest de- |
clare they can see nothing but civic !
chaos and complete defeat of the |
very things these communities are i
striving to achieve. Realization of !
the dreams of all will come in due |!
time. it is held. if harmonious action /
can he attained