Evening star., 1930-12-14
DROPS
NEW MARKET PLAN
Citizens Body Against Ex-
tending Life of Center
Building as Well.

The Federation Of Citizens ASaocia-
tions last night withdrew its support
to the movement for extension of the
life of the old Center Market. and went
on record as opposing at this time the
use OF public funds to establish q new
central retail market.
Action was based on the recommenda-
tions Of a special committee, headed by
Edwin s. Hege, appointed to investi-
gate the advisability Of establishing q
new market to replace Center Market
when 1t is demolished to make way for
the Federal Governments building pro-
gram in the Pennsylvania avenue Mall
triangle
Hege reported thSA after an ex-
hauStive investigation, the committee
learned that there are 244 vacant stalls
in f1ve other retail markets in scattered
sections Of Washington, which will ac-
commodate the ITO tenants now in
Center Market. These ITO tenants, he
said will be inconvenienced by the
closing Of the market. but 1t Is "a happy
circumstance" that Washington has an
assortment OF other markets where they
can relocate.
Report States Views
The special report, which the fedora
ton adopted after but little debate,
recommended that:
The federation refrain from seeking
a second poStponement Of the closing
OF Center Market, lest desire to re-
lieve temporarily ITO stall holders from
the inconvenience Of moving lead to
delaying projects that are calculated
to give work to hundreds or perhaps
thousands Of persons in need thereof
The federation withhold support at
this time from any legislation to pro-
vide out OF public funds q central re-
tail market for the following reasons:
Il. The need appears to be well met
by existing public and private markets.
q. Three years would probably elapse
before replacement project for Center
Market could be acquired and opened
for business.
"3. To interrupt for three years, or
even one-half that time, the service now
being rendered at Center Market would
probably jeopardize the replacement Of
the market.
Might Add Tax Burden.
-. The budget estimates for the 1882
fiscal year indicate that the surplus in
the Treasury to the credit of the Dis
trict OF Columbia will likely be reduced
to point where a new center market,
owned by the people, would have to be
financed by an increase in the tax rate.
AS 5 cents increase produces about
5000, 900, and as three or four times that
sum would be required for a new CEN
ter market, the size of such q burden to
the taxpayers is large"
The bill recently sent to Congress by
the District Commissioners sbolishing
the ONCE OF the director Of trafic and
giving them broad grant of authority
in the regulation of traffic was indorSed
A committee consisting Of Mr.. Hege and
Thomas Gammen was appointed to
represent the federation at the congress
sional hearings on the measure.
The federation approved q series Of
chairman of its Public Utilities Commit
tee, and acting on q resolution which
originated in the Brightwood Citizens
Association, reaf1rmed It's stand in favor
OF half Saturday holiday for District
government employees. The resolution
calls upon the Commissioners to ask
the corporation counsel for q ruling as
TO whether the. Saturday half holiday
law Is being violated and whether theY
are violating their oaths of once by
not enforcing it.
Takes Up Street Cars.
AS result of the approval of the
Of the Public Utilities
Committee, the federation will call TO
the attention of the Public Utilities
Commission the lack of ventilation
and uncleanly condition of certain
street cars and BUSES" and also ask
the commission for information show
ing the rate Of return of the Chesa-
4y al
The years 1925 to 1880, inclusive. The
federation also approved the bill pro-
Viding half fare for school children,
and authorized its utilities committee
to make application to the commission
for the sale Of two street car tokens
for is cents. Four tokens costing 30
cents is the minimum number now sold
on the car lines.
After considerable discussion, the
federation voted to notify Richmond 3.
Keech, peoples counsel, Of all actions
taken with respect to public utilities
matters. 1t also voted to request him
TO attend the federation meetings.
In adopting reports of the committee
on highways, parks and waterways, the
federation went on record as opposing
the removal of trees from the center
OF New York avenue between Ninth and
Thirteenth streets, and favoring the de-
Velopment OF center parking on Blad- |
ensburg road from L street to the pro-
1ected line Of New York avenue and |
the paving Of the center portion Of the |
road from that point to the District |
line.
Action on Schools.
Increased school facilities for the
Conduit road section was indorsed on |
recommendation of the committee on
education. The federation also author |
lied this committee to make q survey Of !
school and playground needs.
DR.. George C. Havenner appointed
special committee to investigate the
functions, activity and necessity" Of the |
Citizens Advisory Council in accord |
ance with a resolution from the Con-
gresS Heights Citizens' Association.
The committee Is composed of Mr..
Hege, B. A. Bowles, James G. Yaden,
Fred A. Emery and Mr.. Clayton.
ROBINSON VOICES |