Evening star., 1936-11-24
ZONE Law CHANGE
URGED TO CONTROL
OFFENSIVE PLANTS
Alteration of Regulations
Is Explained Before
Commission.
ACTION IS NOT TAKEN
ON TIGHTENING" LAW
Some Witnesses Protest Amend
ments Went Too Far and
Were Confusing.

Changes in regulations to bring the
construction of abattoirs and % other
"noxious or offensive" industries under
the control of the District Zoning
Commission, that body was told to-
day at a public hearing, we're designed
to bring obsolete local regulations in
conformity with restrictions in other
cities.
The Zoning Commission took no i'm
mediate action on the suggested
changes, recommended for tighten
ing" the existing law in view of the
controversy over the application OF
Adolf Gobel, Inc, to re-establish
slaughter house and meat rendering
business at the Benning viaduct. They
were proposed by committee OF Dis
trict officials. appointed to investigate
the abattoir matter. which is now
pending in the United States District
Court.
While the Washington Board of
Trade generally supported the sugges-
tions for more rigid control over nuis-
ance industries. objections were made
by several individual witnesses that
the changes went too far and were
confusing. Appeals were made for
further consideration on these grounds
Law Drawn I6 Years Ago.
John Nolen, jr.. director of planning
for the National Capital Park and
Planning Commission, which is
oh Irrdnr 1orx vic
in coming matters, explained the regu-
lations as necessary in view of the fact
that the District coming law was drawn
up 16 years ago. He cited regulations
against "noXious industries" in Balti-
more. Louisville, Chicago, Alexandria,
Va, and Montgomery County, Md, and
said there were many more cities"
that imposed the same restrictions
sought here.
Washington is rather more fortunate
than other cities requiring changes by
town ordinances, Nolen pointed out as
manufacturers could arrange meetings
of the zoning Commission at short
notice.
I The Washington regulations" he
said, were drawn up to represent the
application of experiences In these
other cities"
Nolen suggested, furthermore, that
the procedure set up in Washington,
was far simpler than in most cities.
At the outset of the hearing, David
Babp appeared on behalf of the Fed
GRAFTON of Citizens Associations. He
said the question of the abattoir came
up 80 quickly the federation has not
had chance to act on it and there
fore asked to have it's rights reserved.
Committee Concurs in Changes.
The zoning Committee of the
Washington Board of Trade CON
CURED with the proposed changes"
letter read at the hearing stated. "and
does so in the confidence that the
Zoning Commission will appreciate
the problems which arise therein, in
Q spirit of equity and justice"
The Board of Trade will continue
its efforts to assist in the development
of Washington as beautiful capital,
1t pointed out, as well as support the
promotion of every progressive move
ment along these lines.
THE Zoning Committee, however"
the letter continued, desires to call
attention to the fact that the progress
and development must not be built on
injustice to property holders or man
datory action - the unfairness of
which would be unusually emphasized
when dealing with citizens Of the
community from whom even the Or
dinary rights of citizenship. both local
and national, have been excluded.
Certainly we do not approve of lit
igation which might result in defeat
ing the proper and laudable purposes
of the Zoning Commission, and we
hope that citizens, as a whole, can
work hand in hand with the authori-
ties toward the establishment of
beautiful city not only from an es-
thetic standpoint, but in the ability to
provide for the citizens therein, the
services and accommodations which
are necessary to a great metropolis"
James E. Schwab, Bates Warren, a
representative of Barber & Ross, and
David B. PEBBLES, chemist, suggested
clarifying of the "outlawed" indus
tries. so as to permit property owners
to know where they stand in view of
the restrictions. Several uses hereto
fore permitted in a second CONNER
ciar' zone are specifically banned in
the proposed changes, they contended.
There is confusion also, they pointed
out, In the restriction of uses similar
to those uses enumerated" in the Sec
ton affecting second commercial
zones.
The Washington Real Estate
Board, which made no other objec-
tions to Tightening up the regula-
tions, urged that clause be added
with reference to similar uses" per-
Knitting the establishment of such In.