Evening star., 1939-02-07
Manor Park Citizens
Favor Higher Fares
In 7 Taxi Zones
Scent Increase for
First and Second
Is Supported

After nearing q plea py represent
tatives Of the Taxicab Independent
Rate and Zone Committee for in
creased zone rates, the Manor Park
Citizens Association last night voted
unanimously in favor Of an increase
of 5 cents each in the first and Sec
ond zones, while recommending that
the third and fourth zones remain at
their present rates.
F., A, Oehm offered the resolution
which proposed first and second zone
rates of 25 and IS cents respectively.
The motion also asked that the
Public Utilities Commission limit the
number of cabs 80 as to be con-
sistent with public needs and safety"
Pointing out that no provision had
been made by the commission for
an increase In taxiCab fares to COM
pensate for the compulsory inSur-
ance carried by the cab drivers, A. L..
Livsie and George Burrows, members
of the committee which they said
represents 1,468 taXicab operators
and drivers, complained that cost
of the insurance-$22 so month
was working too great hardship on
the drivers.
Suggests 10-Cent Increase.
II think rate increase of 10 cents
In the fare from the Manor Park
area to the downtown section, for
instance, would help overcome this
burden" Mr. Livsie declared. He
suggested taxi meters as a possible
solution of unequal rates in certain
trips.
An amendment to Mr.. Oehm's
motion, offered by w. H. Seaquist,
asking that the Public Utilities
Commission consider preparation of
legislation substituting the meter
system for the present zone system
was defeated by the association.
A resolution by j. T. Scott urging
the group to reaffirm its opposition
to any further installation of park
ing meters and the removal of
meters now in use precipitated a
heated discussion, and the proposal
was tabled for further study.
Mr.. Seaquist. .contended the meters
discriminate against the motorists
and would eventually spread to res
idential areas.
1t. John Scott of No. police pre-
cinct, who was present at the meet
Ing, said there were not enough
policemen to enforce the parking
regulations and that parking meters
were necessary as an aid to law en-
forcement. He added that no COM
plants against the meters had been
received at his precinct.
George A. Corbin, president, cited
pedestrian safety, convenience to
motorists and benefits to business
establishments as factors which he
'Said favored extension of the meters.
Rezoning Asked.
The rezoning from second COM
merclal to first commercial of prop
erty between Blair road and the
metropolitan branch of the Balti-
more & Ohio Railroad, bounded on
the north by Underwood street NV.
and on the south by Sligo Mill road,
was asked In resolution by T. w.
Buckley, treasurer. 1t was approved.
Mr.. Buckley pointed out that
property north of Oglethorpe street
NV. and west Of the Baltimore g.
Ohio Railroad tracks and through
out the Manor Park area is almost
all improved residential restricted
land and should be protected against
second commercial unimproved land
east of Blair road and north of
Oglethorpe street. If the latter
property were rezoned, the resolu-
tion cited, the Board of Zoning Ad-
justment could control the uses to
which such unimproved land could
be put in future through application
OF variances.
The association recommended an
appropriation for beginning of work
on the proposed new Wilson Teach
ers' College at Fourteenth and Up
shur streets NV.
The group acted favorably on a re-
quest by Mr.. Corbin for a congress
sional appropriation to provide an
additional so policemen. Mai.
Brown should be upheld in the ex-
cellent work he is trying to do in
the District" Mr.. Corbin said.
Opposition was expressed by mem
= bers of the association to the Ran
dolph bill, which proposes to trans
fer jurisdiction of District of Co.
lumbia credit unions from the Dis
trict Commissioners and the Con-
troller of the Currency to the Farm
Credit Administration. Mr.. Corbin
claimed the transfer would increase
the cost of administration.
Mr.. Buckley, George R. Kieferle,
G. S. Howard, Mr.. Seaquist and Mr..
Scott were appointed by Mr.. Corbin
to study the Griffenhagen report on
District government reorganization,