Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-07
HOUSE COMMITTEE
O. KS SUBSTITUTE
ON PAVING LEVTES

70
Continued From First Page)
proval of the principle of assessing
abuttipg property owners, but with
recoMme ndationS for remedial iegisla-
ton to make the law more equitable. If
assessments are to be continued.
Clayton'S suggestion that Congress
let the law die natural death from
the court decisions that have been
rendered against it, drew q reply from
Commissioner Reichelderfer, who de-
clared Congress should either repeal
the law or enact the modifying bill,
which would set up a formula for
regulating the amount OF assessment
according to the area and shape OF the
property. The Commissioner commended
that TO let the situation stand as 70 is
would be unfair, because despite the
court decisions the law has not been
set aside in its entirety, and there would
still be some property owners against
whom the municipality would have to
levy assessments.
Little Left AssessabIe. -,
At the outset of the hearing Assistant
Corporation Counsel Vernon E. West,
answering a question by Chairman
Capper, said that in view Of the latest
court decision there is very little prop
erty in the District that would be as
sessable as the law now stands.
Commissioner Reicheiderfer testified
the Commissioners favored the princi-
pie Of assessment for local BENEFITS,
understanding that this principle IS in
effect in other places, but wanted this
legislation to remove inequalities. He
said the Districts budget requirements
are such that If the city lost the $780,
600 or 100000 received from this
source 1t would have to be met In some
other way. cue
Mr.. West. Capt. II. c. whitehurst.
highway engineer, and Corporation
Counsel Bride explained how the pend-
ing bill would regulate assessments &C
cording to the nature of the property.
Among the citizens who Joined in
protesting against the Barlond law were
Ernest H. Pullman of the Manor Park
association; George E. Sullivan, Of the
and William, r. Sheehan of the North
Capitol Citizens Association. The
Trinidad association was represented at
the nearing by Bruce L. Casteel.
Disapproves Of Principle.
Mr.. Clayton told the committee that
If the Federal Government still con-.
tributed to the District on the $3.50 or
60-40 basis he would hesitate to recom-
mend that the Borland law be permit
ted to pass out Of existence But with
the Federal contribution limited to a
lump sum and the District paying the
remainder, he said the people of the
city should be permitted to say whether
they want to continue this method OF
assessment. -
Mr.. Tucker testified the. assessing of
AUDITING property owners for q street
improvement does not look like proper
principle to adhere to in these days
when automobiles from all over the
United States are using the streets Of
the National Capital. He said he was
not recommending an increase in the
gasoline tax, but that If 100000 would
be needed to replace the Borland law
he thought a slight increase In the gas
tax would be fairer.
Mr.. Pullman and. Mr.. Tucker both
urged Congress to consider some legis-
lation that would grant retroactive res
lief to the property owners who have
paid assessments in recent years, while
other assessments have been contested
in the courts.
1900 Claims on File.
Discussing this phase of the matter;
Corporation Counsel Bride said there
are about $500 claims on file at the
District Building growing out of con-
tested Borland assessments. He stated
that as soon as it is definitely known
what Congress is disposed to do regard
ing the future of the Borland law all
of these cases will be taken up for adj
justment. Without predicting on what
basis these claims will be settled, Mr..
Bride said he felt sure the Commits
sioners would adjust them fairly
Senator Capper said that while no one
could say what Congress will do, it was
his opinion that there is no probability
it will repeal the law He asked various
witnesses to indicate their views on the
modifying bill, in the event Congress
viii not repeal 1t entirely. Several
speakers agreed the pending bill would
be less Objectionable than the original
law, but opposed the principle Of direct
for streets.
Mr.. Sullivan suggested that the OBJ
jectionS the courts have expressed to
the present law could be raised against
the pending bill if enacted.
The Federation Of Citizens Associa-
tons urged that if the bill is to be J
enacted, it be amended to have a group
view to hear disputed assessments in
stead Of the Commissioners. -
Settled Later In Week.
The action to be taken by the Dis
Lrict Commissioners as result Of yes
terday's decision will be settled at
board meeting later In the week, prob-
ably Friday. Commissioners Herbert B,
Crosby said today. The Commissioners
will consult with Corporation Counsel
Bride, their legal adviser, on what
course 20 follow.
Mr.. Bride, questioned today, said z
that there would be no immediate re-
suits except chat those with property
situated similarly to the property IN
The Dodge case, decided yesterday.
could obtain cancellation Of their as
He will wait until cal1ed on
9y the Commissioners for advice be-
ore making any further statements.