Evening star., 1941-03-15
u. ). Planning
8 Buildings in
Prince Georges
First Unit for Navy
Department Due to Be
Ready About AUG. 81

The first of eight Office buildings
planned for a 430-acre tract being
acquired by the Federal Government
in Prince Georges County, Md, is
expected to be ready for occupancy
by the Navy Department about the
end of August, it was announced
today.
1t is estimated that between 1000
and 4,500 employees will work at the
first unit and the total contemplated
project of eight units would con-
tain between $4,000 and $4,000 en-
ployes.
T. Howard Duckett, member of
the Maryland National Capital Park
and Planning Commission, said to-
day he has negotiated with Federal
officials and the Washington Sub
urban Sanitary Commission to as
sure adequate public services at the
project
Large Part Already Acquired.
At the Public Buildings Admins
tration, Federal Works Agency, 1t
was announced that large part of
the tract has already been acquired
and that options have been obtained
for a total tract of between 400 and
500 acres.
Representative Sasscer, Democrat,
of Maryland said that since a So
100000 appropriation was made
available for Government expansion
last fall. he has been negotiating
with Federal officials urging use OF
Prince Georges County lands.
II am greatly pleased with the
latest developments" Mr.. SaSscer
declared. The buildings will be
little more than a 5-minute ride
from the Capitol and I have tried
to convince Federal officials the
property is available, desirable and
suitable for expansion of Govern
ment departments.
The tract on which the buildings
are to be built is situated between
Suitland and Silver Hill roads and
viii rival in size that of the Federal
triangle.
After President Roosevelt eX-
pressed concern over congestion of
Federal Office space in 1889, Com
missioner E. w. Reynolds of the
Public Buildings Administration be-
gan a survey of nearby Maryland
and Virginia sites for possible re-
lief.
When Congress approved the So
100000 program, half Of this sum
was used to construct a general Of
flee building at Arlington Ridge
road and Columbia pike in Airing
ton County. Va, Donald S. Cam
eron. public relations official at the
Public Buildings Administration,
said.
The Arlington County building is
now under construction and has
been assigned to the Navy Depart
ment for use.
Mr. Cameron said it was decided
to spend the other half of the
appropriation in Prince Georges
County and plans for the first unit,
containing about 100000 square feet
of Office space, are now being pre-
pared.
1T should be ready for occupancy
about the last Of August or the
first part of September" Mr..
Cameron said.
The structure to be built in Prince
Georges will resemble the one being
built in Arlington. he said.
The funds made available for
expansion in Maryland are to be
used for constructing the first unit
and also for obtaining the additional
land for future needs, he said
Mr.. Duckett said a bill is pending
before the Maryland General As
sembly designed to regulate zoning
and Subdividing in the area of the
Government project. The measure,
introduced by the Prince Georges
County delegation. has been strongly
urged for passage by the Federal
Government, he declared.
The proposed Maryland legislation
would authorize the Maryland Ma
tional Capital Park and Planning
Commission to regulate and estab-
lish zoning, so as to prohibit the
establishment of hot dog stands"
and haphazard development in the
area. Mr.. Duckett said.