Evening star., 1940-02-03
Looking Ahead

Sixteen years ago, before there was
a Memorial Bridge, a Mount Vernon
boulevard, great Government Tri-
angle" along the Mall or National
Capital Park and Planning Commits
sion, the Committee of One Hundred
on the Federal City made "prelim-
mary" recommendations "for the
intelligent development" of the Ma
tion's Capital. The committee at
that time emphasized two basic con-
siderations: First, just as the foun-
ders looked forward one hundred
years in their planning, so we must
look forward. Correcting past errors
is expensive. Intelligent planning for
the future is economy Some ma
chinery adequate for such planning
should be set up. Second, this Fed
eral City was set amidst hills and
valleys that were notable for their
trees and shrubbery of remarkable
variety. If that condition is to con-
tinue in the future, ample reserva-
tions for forests and parks should
be made"
The committee, at a dinner this
week in honor Of the National Cap
ital Park and Planning Commission,
reviewed with iustifiable pride and
satisfaction the intelligent develop
ment" of Washington that has taken
place since issuance of the first
report of the organization in 1924.
Necessary "machinery adequate for
such planning" has been set up
in the Park and Planning Commis-
sion. Purchase of large areas of nat
ural scenery has been made possible
through the Ball-Gibson and Capper-
Cramton Acts. Architectural har-
mony has been encouraged through
the Shipstead Act of 1880, which pro-
vides for Fine Arts Commission ap-
proval of structures facing public
buildings and parks. There have been
great parkway projects in and ad-
joining Washington, new highways
and bridges, waterfront improve
ments, coordination of planning
among District and suburban agen-
cles-countless other accomplish
mentS.
Now the committee has prepared
a new program for the future de-
velopment of the Federal City-a
program as ambitious as the prelim-
mary one adopted in 1924, but one
that is just as meritorious and just
as possible of fulfillment. In brief,
the committee urges even stricter
regulation of architecture, especially
along Pennsylvania avenue, lone OF
the most distinguished streets in the
world; further development OF
Washington's parks and recreation
areas, improvement of school build
ings and Fairgrounds, better housing
for residents, strengthening of zon-
ing regulations, an expanded high
way program, including extension
of the Mall from the Capitol to the
Anacostia River to provide monu-
mental eastern approach to the Cap
itol; comprehensive studies OF the
water front, drastic control OF sign
boards and comprehensive parkway
work in nearby Maryland and
Virginia.
The Committee of One Hundred
on the Federal City makes no claim
that it, by itself, achieved what prog
ress has been made toward its pre-
liminary objectives of 1924 or that it,
alone, can bring about realization OF
it's dreams for Washington's future.
It has been instrumental, however,
in formulating and focusing public
attention on sound program and in
co-ordinating public support for it.
It has helped to promote co-opera-
tive undertaking of incalculable
value to Washington and to the
Nation. Legislative and executive
branches of the Government have
Joined Fundamentally in the move
ment and undoubtedly will continue
to cooperate. The Star agrees with
Vice Chairman Charles F. Consaul
of the committee that "if Washing
ton undergoes renovations and i'm
provements between now and 1856
equal to those achieved between 1924
and 1910, we shall have overtaken
many of the acute problems still
existing in the Federal City"