Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-02-13
FPHA Ruling
.AtAIexandria
City Found Unable,
Under Low, to Run
Veterans Project


Alexandria has hit snag in its
attempt to provide housing for vet
,rans, according to City Manager
Carl Budwesky. He reported to the
City Council last night that the Fed
sral Public Housing Authority will
release temporary housing units
only to a municipality and no vir-
yinia municipality has authority to
acquire and operate housing.
He reported that Oliver C. VIM
ston, FPHA field director, has in
formed him the demountable units
which the Government is making
available, cannot be released to pri-
vate individuals and groups and
must be requested by the city. He
said the city must agree to provide
sites and utilities and operate the
protect.
MIR. Budwesky pointed out, how
ever, that the city has no authority
under the law to operate a housing
project. Although private groups
have indicated their willingness to
take over such project, FPHA reg
ulations make it impossible.
Council Asks for Bill.
Mr.. Budwesky said he has re-
ouested the city's delegate in the
Legislature to introduce a bill max
ing 1t possible for the city to pro-
vide immediate housing facilities for
veterans. The Council last night
passed resolution asking the State
Legislature to pass such bill.
Sidney We'll, representing Legion
Post "A, told Council that, to his
knowledge, at least 100 veterans and
their families are now seeking hous-
ing IN the city, with no success.
The Council received report that
the Federal Works Agency had re-
Jected its offer of $500 for the pur-
chase OF the frame structure at Pen
dleton and Patrick streets, erected
for colored USO and temporarily
leased to the city. The building is
being operated by the recreation
department for colored residents.
Mr.. Budwesky noted the city had
originally donated the site, valued at
3,400, and recommended the Council
inform FWA that it's bid of $4,000
would not be increased. Mr.. Bud
wesky was instructed to notify FWA,
Shopping Center Cleared.
The way was cleared for construc-
ton of a new shopping center in
Guiding a medical building, a bowl
ing alley and several stores on five
lots east of Seminary road, back of
the Center Theater and shopping
center recently constructed on Semi
nary road opposite darlington and
Parhairfax. John Wright, owner of
the stores already built, who plans
to construct the new center, pointed
out there is approximately 81 500 900
income among residents of Park
fairfax and darlington and asked
that the lots be rezoned to d. COM
mercial to permit the new construc-
ton. The request was granted.
A communication from the Ma
tional Park Service asked the Council
to take steps to preserve the char
acter Of the Mount Vernon Memorial
Highway by limiting the type of
building permitted on Washington
street. The council directed the city
attorney to prepare an ordinance
similar to one in effect in Charles
ton, S. c., to restrict the type of
both residential and commercial
construction.
City Attorney Joseph M. Pancoast
also was instructed to prepare an
ordinance designating additional
areas In the downtown section for
parking meters. The sum of $1,000
was allocated from the depreciation
account for the purchase of two
service car for the traffic and meter
patrol division of the Police Depart
ment.
Gymnasium Plans Asked.
The Board Of Education was
authorized to contract with a pri-
waite architect for plans for a new
gymnasium for the George Wash
ington High School, Preference is
given to local architects. The &C
ton was made necessary by the re-
cent discontinuance of the archi-
tectural department of the State
Board of Education, which has for
meriy drawn plans. In addition.
$500 was appropriated on first
reading to pay the salary of a field
inspector to supervise construction
Of school buildings. An addition to
the high school is already under
construction.
The sum of $1,150 was appropri-
ated for decorating King street,
erecting reviewing stand and COM
pensating additional police from
other jurisdictions for the WASH
ington's birthday parade to be spon-
sored by the Veterans of Foreign
Wars.
Council approved the request of
the A. B. & w. Transit Co. to make
certain changes in the bus routes
in the city. Robert Mitchell, traffic
manager, explained the new routes
will make better service possible and
will eliminate congestion at the Pitt
and Cameron street terminal.
An ordinance was passed author
izing the Southern Railway to con-
struct and maintain a railroad spur
track on Union street between Duke
and Prince streets.