Evening star., 1945-01-26
Dupont Circle
Transfer Points
Up for Restudy
Federal Planners
Say Underposs
Will Affect Plans

Will Affect Plans
Federal planners voted today to
restudy locations for transfer plat
forms in connection with the pro-
posed Connecticut avenue underpass
for streetcars at Dupont Circle.
Secretary Thomas S. Settle of the
National Capital Park and Plan
ming Commission estimated that
$4,000 passengers use Dupont Circle
as transfer point daily and con-
sequently the commission decided
to work out an adjustment of trans
fer points from streetcars and buses.
While streetcars would be routed
under the circle, vehicular traffic
on Connecticut avenue would go
around the circle as it does now.
The whole plan for the under
pass and location of transfer points
at Dupont Circle also is being stu
died in connection with proposals
for subway system, one end of
which would be on Connecticut ave-
nue. above the circle.
The commission also recommended
that the proposed municipal audi
torium be erected on the parking
lot at John Marshall place and Con-
stitution avenue NV. A bill previ-
ously had been introduced to this
effect and the commission now pro-
poses to substitute it for the Shep-
pard bill which creates a commits
sion to study sites for a memorial
auditorium.
Indorses Capper Bill.
Under the old bill the District
would provide the site and the Gov
ernment would onstruct, and
finance the operation of, the audi
torium.
The commission also indorsed the
Capper urban redevelopment bill,
which represents its views on post
war rehabilitation in the District.
Certain amendments to it are being
sent to the Budget Bureau.
Determined to preserve the scenic
values of the Potomac, the commits
sion voted yesterday to oppose the
latest plan of Army engineers to
build three power dams in the Great
Falls area.
Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant III, chair
man, will present the opposition
of the commission at forthcom-
ing public hearings before the
War Departments Rivers and Har-
bors Board and congressional COM
mittees, Opposition is extended to
the whole plan outlined in the Army
report for the development of flood
control and hydroelectric power in
the Potomac River basin.
The action of the commission was
not surprising. 1t first opposed a
similar plan in 1923 and for the
same reasons.
Explains Vote.
Explaining the vote, Secretary
Settle said the group felt there was
no juStilable return for destruction
of the unique natural park in the
Great Falls area Furthermore, he
said, the commission felt there was
no evidence that additional electric
power was needed for Washington.
The report of Army engineers
covers a comprehensive project for
the entire Potomac watershed that
would cost between $780, 0000, 900 and
$3.50, 900, 900, Mr.. Settle said. Except
for the location of IA proposed null
tiple reservoirs, details have not yet
been publicized
Since 1928, the Planning Commits
sion has developed areas along the
upper Potomac representing at least
$2,000,0O0 in value. Members claim
this investment would be ruined by
the development of three reservoirs
as proposed-at Cham Bridge, the
river bend and Bear Island.
Approves Project.
Revised plans for the private
development of the Temple Heights
tract at Florida and Connecticut
avenues NV. received the Commits
sion's approval. No objections were
offered as the plans meet all legal
and zoning requirements. The eight
buildings to provide apartments and
hotel-apartment suites will occupy
only 81 per cent of the 91a acre
tract. Since the plans involve cut
ting through new street the Dis
trict Commissioners have yet to pass
upon them.
The Districts recreational facili-
ties commanded much attention
yesterday afternoon at a joint ses-
sion with the Recreation Board and
Milo Christensen, superintendent of
recreation. Since 1880, it was report
ed, rs per cent of the playground
land-purchase program mapped out
in that year has been purchased.
The overall program involves 26
recreational centers and 1874 play
grounds. Forty-one of these play
grounds, large and small, have been
put into use. During the past two
years $740 900 in Lanham Act funds
has been used and a substantial in
crease in operating funds has been
obtained, it was reported.
Postwar Projects.
The Recreation Board discussed
postwar ideas for the development
of swimming pools, field houses and
other projects. Mr.. Christensen
pointed out that the Recreation
Department now works out plans in
connection with all new public
schools.
Before the commission ends its
monthly session tonight a report
will be made on the operations of
the National Housing Agency over
the past 10 years. The agency for
merly was known as the District
Alley Dwelling Authority.
The Planning Commission adopt
ed a resolution deploring the death
Of its trusted consultant, Alfred
Bettman of Cincinnati. Mr.. Bett-
man died last Sunday enroute from
New York to his home.
House Bill Would Aid