Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-29

East Capitol street, where a number
OF half-century old elrns have been
cut down, spelling the vista to the
Capitol is not scheduled for widening
at any time within the next several
years, according to a survey of the
street-widening program now in the
hands of the District government
The proposal to widen East Capitol
street came from the National Capital
Park and Planning Commission, which,
looking into the future sees that street
as an important artery, not only for
trafic, but for development eastward
of the city'S important Semi-public
building program.
Destruction of the elm trees by a
steam tunnel beneath the sidewalk on
East Capitol street has aroused public
opinion to considerable indignation.
Trees Held Dangerous.
The steam tunnel has been defended
by David Lynn, architect of the Capitol
who said that it was placed under the
sidewalk in line with the proposed
widening of East Capitol street. When
the tunnel was dug all the roots on
the south side of the trees bordering
the Library, of Congress grounds be-
tween First and Second streets were
cut of. District officials after exam
ination adjudged the trees not only
fatally injured, but dangerous to pass
erS by, and had them cut down.
Now it develops that the plan for
widening East Capitol street, although
officially presented by the National Cap
1tal Park and Planning Commission to
both the District Commissioners and to
the architect Of the Capitol. is SO far
distant in realization that it probably
mill In haFn %INn cfrn fe mid
ened and new vista reconstructed.
Further street widening in the down.
town area, and new steam tunnels
which are to cut extensively through
the Federal building section of the city,
will be pushed forward with a due con-
sideration to the value of trees, it was
learned last night.
Capt H. c. Whitehurst, chief engi-
neer of the District, for instance, in
explaining what the new street-widen-
ing programs for the future are, said
that conferences are held with Clifford
Lanham, superintendent of trees and
parking, before street. widening pro-
grams begin. In places of congested
traffic, Capt Whitehurst said it had
been found necessary to sacrifice some
trees but the street widening was being
done only where traffic necessitated it.
Two Reasons for Delay.
In proposing the eventual widening
of East Capitol street, Lieut.. Col. U. S.
Grant, Sd, executive officer of the Ma
tional Capital Park and Planning Com
mission, explained yesterday that he
understood this street was not on the
program for early widening for two
reasons. The first was that the traffic
demand was not sufficient to necessitate
widening Of the street. and the second
that the District governments alloca-
tons of appropriations had not yet
reached this project.
Eventually East Capitol street should
be developed to help balance the Fed
eral city, Col Grant explained.
The Park and Planning Commission
does not intend to recommend to Con-
eress the widening of East Capitol
street any time soon, Col. Grant eX-
planned.
Trees in the parks will be protected
when steam tunnels for the new Fed
eral heating plant are cut, Col Grant
said. This new plant is to be erected
in the Southwest section between c and
D, Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. Col.
Grant explained that, under co-opera-
tive arrangements with the Treasury
Department. the tunnel will be run
where possible to miss valuable trees,
but where it is necessary to go through
the site of a valuable tree, he explained
the tree will be moved and replanted
nearby.
Much tree replanting has been done
IN the Mall not far from the Depart
ment of Agriculture grounds, under Col
Grants direction, during reconstruction
OF the Mall tSE its authorized new
formal MAN