Evening star., 1942-05-16
Plans Revealed
For Reservoir
Al Fort Reno
Underground Project
Would Have Capacity
Of 100000 900 GoIIons

reservoir on the Fort Reno reServA-
ton in the Northwest. exactly double
the proposed capacity of the one
recently authorized at Fort Totten
to serve the north central section,
were divulged late yesterday by the
National Capital Park and Planning
Commission.
This proposed addition to the
overtaxed water system Of the war
swelling Capital City will be sub
stituted for the existing Fort Reno
reservoir, which has a capacity of
only 100000 gallons. So pressing
is the need to increase the local
water supply to take care of next
years population total that the
commission approved the plans re-
gardless of the sacrifice of a large
portion Of the recreational facilities
within the area.
The reservoir is to be located, &C.
cording to plans submitted from the
United States Engineers once,
Immediately south of Fessenden
street at Thirty-ninth street. Since
the plans call for an underground
reservoir, some tennis courts and
other play facilities can be provided
for eventually on its covered sur
face.
Approve Report on Subways.
The commission disposed of q
number of other important improve
ment plans and reports before
bringing its May session to q close.
The following actions were reported:
Approved subway report drawn
up by John Nolen, jr., director of
planning, for submission to the Dis
trict Commissioners next week, pre-
senting views and recommendation
Of the Federal planning group on
proposed rapid transit and vehicular
subways
Approved a report recommending
greater use of the recreational facil-
tiles afforded by the parks, looking
to the day when automobile driv-
ing will be pleasure in which few
can indulge. Hiking trails, espe-
cially, were suggested as a remedy,
besides additional picnic grounds.
The Glover -Archbold parkway, Rock
Creek Park and Fort Dupont Park
were suggested by the National
Parks once as typically suitable
areas for additional recreational
uses.
Subway Plans Withheld.
The commission did not divulge
Mr.. Nolen's report on the subway
plans for the reason, it was ex-
planned, there appears to be a good
deal of confusion on all sides as TO-
the kind of subways desired. His
plan was termed "a very good one"
and it was approved with the addi-
ton of several suggestions. The
time limit of 120 days given the
District Commissioners to survey
and report back to Congress on sub
way proposals, was said to expire
on July 7.
The Planning Commission Is act
ing solely in an advisory capacity
in the matter, having rendered for
the benefit OF the District Govern
ment its available data accumu-
lated over previous subway studies.
The commission expressed its.
opinion that the existing acute
traffic conditions in Washington
do not afford proper criterion to
determine the immediate need for
a rapid transit subway system. 1t
would not elaborate on this state
ment.
Without having any other choice
in the matter, approval was given
to the new railroad bridge which
Army engineers are now erecting
across the Potomac from Shep-
herds Landing on the District side
to connect with the Potomac freight
yards near Alexandria, Va. This
is to be a one-track wooden struc-
ture. planned primarily for use in
the event the railroad bridge at
Washington is damaged.
To Support Ferry Service.
The City Council Of Alexandria
approved the plan Thursday. From
Shepherds Landing there is a one
track line running into Washington
dIlu OWIlCQ Uy lllC q olAAO
Railroad The new bridge will sup
plant ferry service to Alexandria.
Enlargement of the Boundary
Channel and improvement of the
immediate area to make a present.
able front yard" for the new War
Department Building in Arlington,
Va, is to be undertaken by the Ma
tional Capital Parks Ofilce. The
channel will be widened and the:
present area nearly doubled in size.: !:
Associate Director A. E. Demaray=
of the National Park Service report
ed that the widening and extension
of independence avenue will neces-=
state demolition of some of thes
park shops back of the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing. Those re-
manning are to be renovated. There
is no plan to relocate the shops
and they will remain where they are.
for the duration of the war. The
Parks ONCE will have to get along