Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-12-17
Planners Fear
Uncontrolled
Developments
To Consider Problem.
In Prince Georges at
Meeting Today

Problems involved in "uncon.
trolled suburban Developments II
neighboring Prince Georges County
Maryland. were due for delibera.
ton today by the National CAPITA,
Park and Planning Commission a,
its monthly meeting.
Large areas are being developed
without any apparent public con-
troll in planning and members OF
the commission claim the situation
in Prince Georges County warrants
the taking of remedial measures
One menace to the Greater Wash.
ington area and to the Capital city
itself from this situation, It was
claimed, is an increase noted in
stream pollution.
Seeking to initiate steps to bring
about a larger measure of orderly
development during the period of
wartime expansion, the Federal
planners are expected to suggest an
extension of the territorial author
ity of the Maryland Park and Plan
ming Commission. There is no
thought of creating additional pow
ers over this planning body, it was
claimed, the idea being merely to
extend its jurisdiction to bring
many Of the newly populated areas
under its authority.
Fear for Results.
Unless planning Is able to keep
pace with development in the sub
urban areas of Prince Georges
County, it was feared the situation
would get entirely out of control.
The Federal Planning Commits
sion has a number of other prob
lens on its agenda and 1t was ex-
pected the meeting would not ad-
journ until late tomorrow. Wash
ipgton's housing projects for war
workers will occupy a considerable
part of the commission time.
John Ihlder of the Alley Dwelling
Authority is coming before the
group today to discuss matters in
volving protests made against the
use of sections of the Fort Drive
for temporary war housing. In CO.
operation with the National Hous-
ing Association and other agencies,
the Federal planners are making a
study of newly prepared maps to
serve as a guide in the selection of
future sites for new housing.
One map under study shows the
areas in which the Government will
permit erection of new housing by
granting priority on building mate
rails. Another indicates the site of
every war housing project approved
to date, while third base map
permits a study of war housing in
relation to employment centers. This
map, it was claimed. will be use
full guide in planning for the extern
sion of public utilities in areas slated
for development.
To Tour Project.
Tomorrow afternoon the commits
sion is planning to make tour of
housing projects in the city, includ-
ing those planned for the Fort Drive
and the one under construction at
Thirty-ffth street and Reservoir
road NV. and the Mclean Gardens
Secretary Thomas S. Settle will
review the two years legislative
record of Congress on matters in
which the commission had hand
Recommendations also will be made
for the incoming Congress.
Chairman Richard Murphy of the
new Motor Vehicle Parking Author
ity will meet with the group tomor.
row. Ideas will be exchanged on the
parking situation in the city.
The commission also will consider
some proposed changes in the zonins
regulations to take care. of prc0,>..l
in certain areas of Montgomery ane
Prince Georges Counties along tn,
District line A proposed new grade
crossing on Bladensburg road south
Of Hyattsville also will be considered