Evening star., 1929-12-19

cooperation with the Federal Govern
ment through the National Capital
Park and Planning Commission, from
the Virginia viewpoint, and Zoning.
Senator Ball emphasized the desire of
Col. u. S. Grant and the Federal Gov
ernment to meet the wishes of local
bodies, whenever such local commissions
exist.
1t was estimated that the expenses of
the first years operation under such a
commission would be approximately
ner, two assistants, a stenographer and
the necessary surveys. This it is pro-
posed to finance by means of a levy
of a tax of 3 or 4 cents on the 500
valuation, to be borne by the separate
jurisdictions in proportion to the as
sessed valuations within the arear.
The three delegates-elect were in at
tendance and while non-committal in
pledging themselves to specific provis-
ions of the proposed measure, were
unanimous in support of the need for
uniform action by this section. Hugh
Reid of Arlington County, said in part:
Senator Balls ideas are thoroughly
sound; the necessity for general re-
gional planning is bigger than the
separate political jurisdictions involved.
Any plan which is adopted, however,
must have the united support of the
governing bodies and the public opinion
of the three jurisdictions; second, this
plan must preserve local autonomy.
Some planning will be done, either by
us or for Us. and for one, prefer that
it be done by Virginia rather than by
the Federal Government. am pre-
pared to back the bill. Even If it needs
amendment at a later date, I am will
ing to take half leaf at first, if neces-
sary, in order to get something better
than what we have now"
Fred Birrell, delegate-elect OF Alex
andria, advised caution as to a definite
stand at yesterdays meeting. as such
a measure would give wide powers to
the planning commission. He favored
the local commissions development,
however. rather than what he termed
the "paternaliStic" idea embodied in
the Cramton bill. He advocated the
careful study by the committee of the
wishes of all communities before the
final plan is drafted. L. L. Freeman,
delegate-elect from Fairfax County,
stated that he hesitated to make a
definite pledge until he knew the exact
provisions of the bill, but would heartily
support any measure for the betterment
of the three sections.
Mayor Smoot in Doubt.
Mayor Smoot of Alexandria stated
that while Alexandria wished to CO.
operate in any movement to beautify
Northern Virginia or bring about closer
harmony, he queried whether such a
measure would waive the fundamental
rights of the people, especially in re-
Spect to the coming provisions of the
bill. He expressed desire to study
the bill in detail before committing HIM
self to its support.
While the legislators and officials
were inclined to be wary as to COM
mitting themselves in advance, the cit
liens present were not so 10th to ex-
press themselves. The bill was char
acterized by w. K. Handy, in a motion
which was overwhelmingly supported, as
unusual and excellent, and one of the
most progressive bills ever proposed in
the Virginia Legislature"
Much of the afternoons discussion
dealt with suggested changes in the
bill as outlined by Senator Ball, rather
than with the discussion as to whether
or not such bill should be drafted, the
latter being conceded to be a necessary
measure.