Evening star., 1941-12-14
D. {. Reported Sure
To Get Priorities for
Huge Housing Plan
Rumors Of Threats
To Sl00, 900 900 Defense
Project DispeIled
Nv THOMAS c. HARDMAN.

Federal spokesmen indicated yes
terday that priority ratings would
be forthcoming on materials needed
in the Districts new s100 900 600 de-
fense housing program. thereby dis
pelling rumors in building circles
here that the program was threat
ened by pending Government
freezing" order.
A number of Washington real es-
tate men, who will share heavily in
the city's defense housing program
announced Friday, reported they
had been told" a drastic order
freezing" all construction materials
would be issued within 10 days or
two weeks.
Defense officials denied knowledge
of any such plans and stated fatty
that the Governments policy toward
building still is embodied in state
ment issued by the Supply Priori-
ties and ALLEGATIONS Board Octo-
Der 8.
Nelson's Announcement
At that time Donald M. Nelson,
executive director of S. P. A. B., an
nounced his agency was curbing all
building activity except that which
clearly is in the interest of national
defense and the health and safety
of the people. Defense Housing Co.
ordinator Charles F. Palmer said
later the Districts contemplated
housing program would fall well
within the scope of S. P. A. BIS pol
icy. The nature of this program
was well defined in Fridays an
nouncemnet.
Defense officials pointed out yes
terday no one cay say what steps
may be necessary to cope with fu-
ture problems in the building in
dustry, but that at present no
further restrictions are under con-
sideration.
The new program for the Wash
ington area calls for erection of
$4,000 homes and apartments and
l 500 dormitory units by next July l.
and represents the most gigantic
undertaking in the history of Dis
trict building.
Private industry will be respon-
sible for erection of 10000 homes
for workers earning generally above
$4,000 annually, at shelter rent.
ranging from $35 to $50. In addi-
ton, if private builders demonstrate
their ability to complete this share
Of the program they will be per-
mitted to undertake the construc-
ton of part Of the $500 apartments
allotted to Defense Homes Corp
under the program.
About 4,500 low-cost units also
are included in the program fol-
families in the 5000 to $4,000 annua
income bracket, at shelter rents be.
low $35. These are proposed to be
erected with funds appropriated un-
der the Lanham Act now pendins
in Congress.
The dormitory units will be de.
signed for single persons earnin,
from $1,000 to $1,000 annually.
Program Based on Survey.
The program is based on q de-
fense housing survey which antici
pates the arrival in Washington b.
next July 1 of 10000 families ant
$500 individuals, or nearly 100,
900 persons, as a result of the wal
program
Off1cials pointed out the new pro-
gram is geared to cope with housin,
needs only through July /. indi
eating defense housing authorize
anticipate the necessity of mush
rooming the program later.
Decision to make permanent tn
structures to be erected under tn
program apparently was based ol
the assumption that the over-a
population of the District area Wi
remain stable after the emergency
Oficials pointed out that although
Government employment droppet
sharply Immediately following tn
| World War, a general population
upswing offset the decline almos
simultaneously.