Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-09-13
SIX PARK
AND HIGHWAY BILLS
Grant Makes Tentative
Drafts of important Meas
ureS for D. C. Program.

Tentative drafts of six important
measures affecting the parks, play
grounds and highway programs for
the National Capital. designed to ex-
pedite and to further enhance the de-
velopment of comprehensive systems,
have been prepared for the National
Capital Park and Planning Commits
sion by it's executive director, Lieut..
Col. 4. $. GIANT. Sd. it was learned
today.
The pro.1os g, some OF which are
similar TO bilIs discussed during the
past year, now are being studied with
a view to formulating final recon-
mendations to he presented during
the coming session of Congress. While
the proposed measures as yet are in
but n tentative form, Col. Grant said,
members of the park and planning
commission will meet with represent
atives of several local civic groups
for a general discussion of the whole
matter Friday evening.
The members of the commission, 1t
was said, are seeking the advice of
committees Of the trade bodies. citl-
Zens' federation and professional or
CARNATIONS which have made study
of these development programs. Cop
les Of the proposed bills have been
sent to the committees Of the Board
of Trade, Washington Chamber of
Commerce, the Operative Builders
Association, the local chapter OF the
American Institute of Architects. and
to James G.. Yaden. president OF the
Federation of Citizens Association
and the Citizens Advisory Council.
Seeks $40 1000, 600 Fund.
Outstanding among the proposed
measure now under consideration,
il is learned, would he a bill pro-
viding for the advancement of Slo,-
0OO, 900 from the United states Treas =
ury for the purchase of park lands
before such sites are enhanced in
value. This advanced sum would be
paid back into the Federal treasury.
with moderate interest, at the rate
of $56O,000 per year.
Another proposed measure of I'M
usual Importance would place addi-
tional restrictions upon the height
and character of the exterior of both
public and private buildings erected
on sites within 200 feet of pubic
buildings and parks. The measure
would require the approval OF the
Fine Arts Commission of projected
could be issued. This Is designed
to protect the environment OF mon
umental public buildings and the
beauty Of parks. A similar bill, which
included provision for the protection
of Lafayette Square, was introduced
at the last session Of Congress out
failed of enactment.
Other measures would authorlZe the
Park and Planning Commission 10
dispose Of isolated or fractional par
cells of land which are deemed not es-
sential to the general park plan, 'he
proceeds reverting to the Federal
Treasury; would permit the commis.
sion to acquire future estates ana
rights in land and would permit the
leasing for limited periods of land and
buildings on land acquired for Gov
eminent development purposes.
Another measure under considera-
ton would authorize the director OF
public buildings and public parks 10
construct bathing pools or beaches,
not to exceed II in number, as APP
propriated for, and provide Tor the
transfer of them to the District gov
eminent jurisdiction.
The District Commissioners, in an
other measure under consideration,
would be authorized to close certain
streets, roads and highways which
have been rendered useless by changes
In the general highway plan, title re-
verting 10 the abutting property own
ers, providing all owners consent.
Condemnation System Considered.
A sixth bill, providing for expedi-
tious condemnation of land for pubhc
uses, is being studied in two forms.
One provides for jury of three, two
Of whom would be non-resldents OF
the District, who would appralse the
value of land condemned. The other
form would provide for a single judge
of the District Supreme Court to de-
eide condemnat ton cases.
The parks, Fairgrounds, highways
and bridges committee of the Chamber
of Commerce is meeting this afternoon
to. consider the tentative drafts OF
these measures and the parks and
reservations committee Of the BOARD
of Trade is to meet Thursday evening
to study the bills.
Representatives Of the various trade
bodies and other groups to whom
copies OF the proposed measures have
been submitted have been invited to
meet with members of the National
Capital Park and Planning Commits
sion at it's session Friday evening,
which probably will be held at the
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