Evening star., 1943-05-22
Planners Stress
Ufi|itarian
Projects
Postwar Development
Mapped for Service
As Well as Beauty
By NELSON M. SHEPARD


on projects of a strictly utilitarian
nature in forwarding any general
program of postwar development in
washington involving the use of
public funds.
They practically showed out of the
picture the type of project usually
associated in the public mind with
plans for the "beautihcation" of the
J National Capital, term they now
seek to avoid in connection with
postwar development.
Guided by this principle, the Ma
tional Capital Park and Planning
and Fine Arts Commissions reviewed
plans at joint session yesterday
afternoon for a continuous study of
public work to be undertaken after
the war. Two main phases are in
volved.
First, the commissions will en-
deavor to coordinate the public
works programs of the Federal and
District Governments in harmony
with the general plan for the orderly
development of Washington and its
environs. Secondly, they will begin
drafting proposed legislation setting
up local authority for the redevelop-
ment of so-called blighted or trou-
bic urban areas. A national bill OF
this character has been introduced
by Senator Thomas of Utah, provid-
ing for Federal grants of aid to the
States.
Bridge an Example.
BY "utilitarian" projects, plan
ming officials said they meant, for
example such as the proposed South
Capitol Street Bridge, the Fort Drive
which has provided a cross-town
route for motorists, general recrea-
ton eSeas and the like. Projects OF
this kind would afford not only en-
ployment and distinct services Tor
the public but would als~ enhance
the general appearance of the city.
The adoption of such a policy in
connection with postwar develop
ment was not construed as meaning
that these guardians of city plan
ming have discarded their traditional
role of keeping wary outlook for
anything that would serve to dis
rupt the orderly growth of the Capt.
tai City. This was in sharp evidence
yesterday when they protested |
against indiscriminate proposals for
the erection of any number of war
memorials in Washington. Most of
these plans, it was said, are emanat-
Ing in Congress. Little regard is |
being given to the type of memorial
or to the location. Plans involve |
statues to today's heroes, fountains |
and tie remaining of streets and |
avenues.
Both commissions felt strongly |
that the erection of World War II |
memorials should be postponed |
until the.cnd of hostilities, one Off
cial making the suggestion that to
days hero might not be tomorrow !
hero" 1t was recommended that |
a general plan of war memorials
should be studied carefully in ad-
vance. with specific types and loca-
tions in mind.
"Unless something like this is |
done, Washington may be cluttered |
with memorials of every conceivable |
type" another official said.
Consider Building Height.
The two commissions also consid-
cred proposed changes in zoning
regulations governing the heights of
buildings. While there is a general
limit of ITO feet, setbacks and other
variations make it possible to build
to heights of 100 and 160 feet.
The Fine Arts Commission thought
o. definite limit should be fixed and
will so recommend to District au-
thorities. 1t was felt that the gen.
eral cessation of private building
operations in Washington as re-
suit of the war offers a good time to
give this matter official attention.
Three additional building projects
were approved at the joint session.
They included:
An administration building for
the Navy's WAVES in East Potomac
Park. Planned by the Public Build
ing Administration, work can start
on this project at once 1t would be
located on the south side Of Inde-
pendence avenue along the edge of
the Government dormitories. The
two-story building would be IL"
shaped, with dimensions of 100 by
80 feet.
Consider GAO Wing.
A new wing to the General Ac-
counting Office Building in the vi
cinity of Mclean Gardens at New
ark and Thirty ninth streets NV.
A fire station for protection of
temporary Government dormitories
at the Arlington Farms project.
Meeting with the two commissions
yesterday were representatives of
nine national professional groups,
who were given general orientation
course on the methods employed in
planning for Washington. Officials
reviewed II years of accomplish
ments for their benefit.
Changes in preWar plans brought
about by the emergency were two
fold. officials reviewed what was
done to facilitate the provision of
Office space for new Federal en-
ployes and. also stressed various
studies undertaken in cooperation
with housing agencies to assist in
the economical location of housing
projects, both public and private, in
the Washington area.
The Park and Planning Commits
sion will end its monthly meeting
this afternoon. Matters involving
the transportation problems of Gov
ernment employees in such areas as
Mclean Gardens and Suitland, Md,
were under consideration, as well
SIS studies of population trends.