Evening star., 1929-12-20
BUILDING CONTROL
IN DISTRICT URGED
Planning Commission Says
Government Development
Win Enhance Property Values

Construction of private structures to
harmonize with adjoining Government
developments was advocated by the
National Capital Park and Planning
Commission in it's annual report, made
public today, with strict enforcement
of the building height regulations urged
TO obviate the danger of the Capitol
being dwarfed by other structures. APP
propriate treatment of private build
1ngS on the north side of Pennsylvania
avenue to harmonic with the Govern
n1ent development in the triangle also
was urged.
while the time may come when
even here two-storied streets or sub
ways are required, it would be better
to defer as long as possible these
extremely expensive means of remedy
ing congestion problems which have
arisen elsewhere as a result of Short
sighted, too intensive crowding of the
land" the report insisted
Recalling that zoning in Washing
ton is almost 10 years old, the report
said that this would be an appropriate
time ito analyze the experience
gained, to discover weaknesses that
need reinforcement, and to take ad-
vantage of new methods or experience
IN other cities"
Tells of New Buildings.
A close relation between coming and
taxable values is indicated, the report
said, adding that limiting building
heights means that "the great disparity
between the high and low values would
be avoided, yet the general average
would be maintained"
Discussing the Federal building pro-
gram, the commission said: Govern
ment buildings to be built in the Mall
triangle south of Pennsylvania avenue
are to be 97.5 feet high, but with only
seven stories and, therefore, in floor
space equivalent to Office buildings only
30 feet high. Even these buildings are
two stories higher than most of the
Federal buildings heretofore built.
Erection Of these buildings will enhance
values on the north side of the Avenue
the report said, adding sit would ap-
pear that some control of the height
and design of buildings on the north
side of Pennsylvania avenue is not only
tustthable. but necessary. If the peo-
pie of Washington did not recognize
and appreciate the Self-restraint of the
Federal Government in the construction
Of its departmental buildings, 1t would
not be long before the Government
would argue that its self-denial was
not appreciated and that it was justi-
ned in making fully as intensive a use
and sometimes very Short-sighted, own
ers. Hence, it may be truly said that
It is the duty of all the Government
authorities concerned to protect the
city against the possible unwisdom of
its own residents. Property rights should
be safeguarded, but this does not mean
that one mans demands for conces-
sions and privileges shall be granted to
the injury either of neighbor rights or
the rights of citizens in general, and
even of future generations"
After outlining the setback require
ments here, the report declared that
'there are special reasons for buildings
Of moderate height in Washington
which do not apply in all cities because
they have already lost their opportunity.
It should not bc forgotten that Wash
ington is chiefly noted for its trees and
shaded streets. There can be no street
trees if the streets are mere canyons be-
tween high buildings"
Recommends Restriction.
The commission in its report recon-
mended that the Zoning Commission In
every practical way restrict the con-
struction of buildings higher than the
width of the street and that the Com
nissioners discourage applications for
the privilege to put towers, penthouses,
water tanks, etc., above the maximum
limits.
"Since the Zoning Commission must
necessarily act as disinterested guar
dams of the entire citiZenry, other
things being equal" the report conttn-
Ues, at cannot favor the few as against
the many, but should rather protect the
rights of the many at the risk of re-
straining some of the few. This prin-
ciple is applicable when the zoning
Commission is asked to add, by raising
the zoning limit Of one group of owners,
perhaps 20, or 80, or 40 per cent to the
value of the property of certain petit
TONERS, yet at the same time deferring
for many years the natural increment
Of much other property less favored.
although control over the appear
ance of buildings has not yet been ac-
cepted as a basis or function Of coming,
the need for some control, at least in
certain parts of Washington, must be
recognized. In several foreign capitals
and In some cities of this country q
check has already been placed on in
congruous private buildings in important
places.
"The large expenditures being made
by the Federal Government and the
Municipal Government for improve
ments, which must inevitably increase
the value of the property in their
vicinity, seem to call for the exercise
OF some control over private building
operations to prevent those so incon-
gruous as to detract from the public
Improvement or exploit 1t for the bene-
fit Of q few and to the detriment OF
the many. For instance, purchase Of