Evening star., 1943-09-16
Planners Meet
Today 10 Study
1945 Budget
Postwar Projects
Will Be Considered
In Crowded Docket
By NELSON nj. SHEPARD.

In Crowded Docket
| BY NELSON M. SHEPARD.
The National Capital Park and
Planning Commission looked ahead
today to postwar needs in meeting
to consider its 1945 budget and such
future projects involving replace
ment of the Highway Bridge across
the Potomac and development in
the Eastern section.
With the opening of its Septem-
Der meeting, its first gathering in
two months, the commission faced
a crowded two-day docket, includ-
ing a joint session tomorrow morn
ing with the Fne Arts Commission.
AS basis for recomme nding new
land acquisition appropriations for
the 1945 fiscal year, the Planning
Commission was prepared to con-
slider the locations and needs of
four Fairgrounds in the midcity
section. These studies have been
worked out in cooperation with the
District Recreation Board and deal
with the remaining portion of the
| midcity section not now adequately
served by recreational facilities.
Would Advance Program.
BY obtaining funds in the 1945
budget for land acquisition pur-
poses, the commission said it would
be possible to advance the local pro-
gram at least six months. 1t usual
ly takes year to negotiate the pur-
chase of improved city areas. With
the land acquired in advance of the
actual need, members of the COM
mission said the planning of the
playground would take little time.
In the midcity section it was es-
timated that the average cost of
| land needed for Fairgrounds would
be about $150,000 per acre. That
is not an inordinately high price ;cr
Washington real estate, it was said,
and compares favorably with play
ground costs in cities of similar
size.
Also to be recommended are six
new school sites. Congress already
has appropriated approximately
$500,000 for the sites. Sertain other
matters involving recommended
changes in the official activities of
the District Recreation Board also
will be considered.
To Sift Highway Plans.
This afternoon the War Depart
ment's plans for construction of a
military highway from Boiling Field
to the new Camp Springs Air Base
in nearby Maryland will come up
for action. The highway-strictly
for military use-will follow in gen.
eral the route of the proposed Suit
land, Nd, Parkway. The commits
sion's work in connection with this
Parkway will enable the Army to
start construction of the Camp
Springs highway six months ahead
OF time. Grading of the military
road will start soon.
Reports on war housing, both
public and private, will be con-
sidered during the afternoon. In
cluded are plans drawn up for
about 5000 homes for colored fami-
lies. About one-third of these are
to be In the nature OF public hous-
ing.
Studies for the redevelopment of
blighted areas east of the Ana
costa River, called an ideal area
for public housing" will be pre-
sented to the Commission in COL
liberation with the National Hous-
ing Authority.
Tomorrow morning the Commits
sion will hear two proposals from
Secretary Thomas S. Settle for East
Capitol street projects. These would
require legislation. Plans also will
be studied for the replacement of
the narrow Klingle Road Bridge in
Rock Creek Park, to make 1t more
adequate for bus travel.
Joint Session.
At the joint session with the Fine
Arts Commission, alternate studies
for the location Of the proposed new
Highway Bridge will be considered.
The District Highway Department
has funds advanced from the Public
Roads Administration to draw up
working plans.
Capt. H. C. Whitehurst, District
highway director, will meet with
the two groups, along with Federal
representatives. The new High
| way Bridge cannot be built until
after the war.
The Fine Arts Commission, al
ways an adviser in such matters,
Is interested also in plans for de-
veloping the East Capitol street
area.
Tomorrow afternoon will be de-
voted to routine matters connected
with the George Washington Me-
mortal Parkway and a number OF
new highway changes and street
closings. The latter are necessary
because Of the war housing pro-
gram underway east of the Ana
costa. Additional street closings
also will be required in connection
with the military highway to the
new Army air base.
There will also be an initial re-
port made on staff review Of the
postwar improvement program. This
includes proposals of the National
Capital Parks Office and the Dis
trict Recreation Board for six new
swimming pools and other matters
involved In the proposed $l5,OOO,-
600 recreational program.
World Cooperation Urged