Evening star., 1938-06-24
TAXES STRESSED
IN D. c. PROJECTS
Board Of Trade Program for
Year Seeks Balance of
Cost and Benefits.

Washington taxes are so heavy that
further increases would jeopardize the
continuance Of many businesses, the
onicials, directors and committee chair
men Of the Washington Board Of
Trade were told last night at their
annual meeting to discuss work for
the coming year. The session, pre-
sided over by President Francis G.
Addison, jr.. was held at the Con-
gressional Club.
Those attending we're presented with
. proposed program for 1938-l939
which stated that since taxation is 30
heavy, 1T Is necessary to consider any
proposed expenditures for new projects
in the light Of their effect on the COM
munity as q whole" Before listing 124
projects which the boards 80 COM
mittees might undertake during the
coming IL months, the outline of the
program stated in connection with the
tax problem:
1T is not suggested that commit
tees refrain from recommending de-
sirable civic Improvements but that
they cooperate with the board in an
effort to maintain complete picture
Of the projects the board is advocat-
ing so that it will not be put in the
position Of fighting for tax reductions
before one committee Of Congress and
advocating increased municipal expen-
ditures before others
Fiscal Equity a ajor Item.
Chief among the projects which will
occupy the various committees are:
1. Special emphasis on proper and
adequate payment by the Federal Gov
eminent of its fair share Of Districts
expenses.
2. Endeavor to secure adoption of
the plan to develop the foot of East
Capitol street as soon as practicable.
3. Erection of an auditorium.
4. Outline and endeavor to secure a
five-year development program for
Libraries in the District.
5. Deepening the Anacosita. George
town and Washington Channels.
8. Re-establishment of q night
court
Z. The general promotion Of Wash
ington as an educational center.
8. Creation Of q Gravelly Point air
port.
The part the committees play in
the program, of course, consists in
gathering information which will lead
the proper agencies to foster the
projects. The program, which was
submitted by Robert ]. Cottrell, exec
utive secretary Of the board, suggests
also that the Aviation Committee con-
tinue its efforts for the improvement
Of existing airport facilities pending
development of the Gravely Point site
and work for the reduction Of airmail
rates.
Armory Being Considered.
The Bridge Committee would con-
tinue its investigation Of the proposal
for a new bridge and tunnel across
and under the Potomac. The Military
and Naval Affairs Committee has be-
fore it the question of proper head
quarters for the Sixth Regiment Ma
rine Corps and suitable armory for
the District National Guard. The
Municipal Art Committee is asked to
cooperate with the movement to Sc
cure nag for the District.
The 1o-point program of the Pub
lie and Private Buildings Committee
stresses, besides the need for an audi
torium, continued efforts in regard to
. Municipal Center, cooperation on
new public school buildings and other
District buildings, an armory and .
stadium. improvement Of the appear
ance Of commercial parking places,
the question Of construction Of under
ground parking facilities, the removal
Of dangerous and unsafe buildings and
condemnation Of insanitary buildings,
. study Of low-cost housing programs
and alley clearance.
vocational Education Plan.
The Public School Committee Is
asked to consider whether the Balti-
more plan Of vocational education
would be suitable for the District
This plan provides that any child un-
able to 60 through the seventh grade
Is certified As being ineligible for
higher education and must, therefore,
take vocational training courses.
For the Trafic Committee, the pro-
gram assigns the Job Of working for
an analysis and publication Of the
number Of tramc tickets issued and
cancelled and the reasons for the
eancellattonA