Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-18
R|VERDALE HEIGHTS
BILL TO Be FOUGHT
Delegation Opposing Incor-
poration Is Granted Hear
ing at Annapolis.
epecial Dispatch to The star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
RIVERDALE, Md, March l8.-As was
the case when a number of citizens OF
the College Park community sought tc
create municipality in that section
there will be opposition to the bill just
introduced in the lower house of the
General Assembly of Maryland by Dele
gate William F. Keys of Prince Georges
County, to establish governing body
in the East Riverdale Heights section,
under a mayor and town council. This
was made known yesterday when Dele
gate Keys announced that a delegation,
headed by Henry A. Friday of the East
Riverdale community had been granted
a hearing in Annapolis tomorrow night
in opposition to the measure.
About two years ago the East River
dale Citizens Civil League. now de-
funct, agitated Incorporating the COM
lnunity, but its efforts proved futile,
due, it is stated by those friendly to the
proposition, to outside political influ-
cnceS. At that time, it is stated. there
were about 60 citizens interested who
were not voters in Maryland. and the
politicians paid but little attention to
their request for incorporation. Now,
it is claimed, the situation has changed,
and these 60 citizens have attained the
right of suffrage, which may change the
attitude of the politicians in the
premises.
Move for Better Roads.
During the past Winter, according to
residents living within the boundaries
of the proposed municipality, the roads
in that section have been practically
impossible. and T. c. Gardner. a Gov
eminent clerk and the leader in the in
corporation proposition, waited upon
Lansoale G. Sasscer. Senator from
Prince Georges County, to seek his adj
vice upon lettering conditions. The
Senator told Mr. Gardner that he would
not favor establishing taxing districts
such as prevail in Montgomery County,
but suggested that bill be drawn in
cooperating the territory with limited
authority. The form of the same bill
that was prepared two years ago was
followed by Mr. Gardner in framing the
present measure, which is much simpler
than the first bill
Before taking the bill to Annapolis
Tuesday, Mr.. Gardner procured the sig
natures of about rs voters favoring the
measure. Senator SaSscer was detained
in Marlboro that day and Delegate
Keys assumed the responsibility for the
proposed legislation and introduced the
bill. Since the bill was introduced at
least 25 additional signatures have been
obtained in favor of its passage
The estimated asseSsable basis of the
new municipality will be in the neigh
borhood of 100000 and on this basis
the new town would receive approx
nateiy $500 from the road rebate fund.
the law providing that incorporated
towns shall be paid back three-quarters
OF the money paid into the county's
foT &c IH~iIo law
palities in Prince Georges County. While
this sum would not. of course, enable
the authorities to build concrete high
ways within the corporate limits, it
would mean, according to the propon-
erlts of incorporation, the keeping of
the roads in passable condition. In
addition to the road rebate money, the
bill provides for tax of 90 cents on
each 500 of the proposed towns as
sesSable basis, the revenue from this
tax to be used for roads, lights, etc.
Boundary Lines.
The western boundary line of the
proposed municipality would be the
southern boundary would be Jefferson
avenue or the Riverdale road. The
total area of the new town would be
approximately about one square mile.
The territory is within what is known
as the old Benjamin d. Stephen prop
efty, which was subdivided some years
ego. The late Mr. Stephen was at one
time clerk of the Circuit Court of
Prince Georges County.
Mr.. Gardner states that the bill does
not give the town authorities power
to provide for licensing of all kinds, but
they have authority to grant such
licenses as the laws Of Maryland now
permit
! Notice to the voters, who will adopt
or reject the charter should the law
pass the Legislature, will be given by
posters placed throughout the COM
Inunity at least 10 days before the
election.