Evening star., 1944-03-18
!4,8OO Acres Idle Land
Available for HOUSING
In D. C.,P Planners Told

Washington has 1900 acres of
vacant privately owned land in resi-
DENTAL areas capable of being de-
veloped to house from 10000 to
350,00o persons, depending on the
character Of dwelling units, Federal
planners were told yesterday.
BY converting this idle land to
residential purposes, Max Wehrly
civic planner, estimated that Wash
ington could reasonably support"
a population ranging between 1,000.-
900 and l,2oo,o 900 without overcrowd-
ing It's present population is esti-
mated at $4,000.
The study OF future population
capacity was presented at the clos
Ing monthly session Of the National
Park and Planning Commission in
connection with its own program
Of postwar planning The bulk Of
this idle land, Mr.. Wehrly said, lies
in Anacostia, the northeast section
and west Of Rock Greek Park.
5000 Acres in District.
The District comprises $1,000
acres, of which $4,000 acres in resi-
dental areas are privately owned,
the study showed. Within the Is, 1000
acres, it is estimated that 100000
persons reside in about $4,000
dwelling units.
Mr.. Wehrly estimated there are
more than 22,00o, 900 dwelling units
housing about $1,000 persons in the
non-residential areas. These areas
comprise second commercial, in
dustrial and the central business
district as well as institutional
property.
The 4,800 acres of vacant land,
the study indicated, could be util-
lied for all kinds of residential
building and offers potential ca
pacity for future population in
crease. A study Of these areas is
being made. Some are better suited
for single-family dwellings, others
for row houses, uble-family dwell
ings and apartments.
Railroad Plans Sought.
In connection with its postwar
planning, the commission author
lied Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Sd,
chairman, to inquire into the post
war plans of the railroads in view.
OF future expansion. Onicials said
the question is wide open," for
the end of the war might bring
about either a reduction Of railroad
facilities in the Washington area
or a need for further expansion.
Information about these plans, If
there is any, will be obtained from
the railroads and once Of Defense
Transportation.
The Commission yesterday began
working on the formulation of 4
definite policy to govern use of park
roads for automobile parking. A.
9. Demaray, associate director Of
the National Park Service, asked
for such a study.
The Washington Regional Trans
portstion Committee, however, in
terceded for autoists who belong
to cff1cially authorized car pools. |
Members of these car pools are
now permitted to park all day in
selected areas. In the interests Of
the car-pooling campaign, it was
contended that this practice should
be allowed to continue for the du-
ration.
To Close 48th Street Area.
After An inspection trip, the COM
miseion voted to close Forty-ninth
street south OF East Capitol street
In the vicinity Of Central avenue
and South Ayres place. This is an
undeveloped area and the streets
exist only on the city map. The
area was taken of the highway
plan to enable private builders to
erect 176 housing units for colored
families.
Protests against plans Of Army
engineers to construct several dams
In the Potomac below and above
Great Falls for hydroelectric DOW