Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-08-14
Act 10 Preserve
Old Alexandria
Attacked
Businessmen Seeks
Test of Ordinance
Banning Destruction


andria today appeared headed for a
test in the courts.
The ordinance, which has been
under discussion for the past three
months, was passed by 4-to-3 vote
by the City Council last night.
Known as the Charleston Ordi-
nance" it sets up zone in which
property owners must obtain per-
mission from a seven-man archi-
tectural board of review to alter, re-
store, construct or demolish build
ings.
During the hearing Maurice D.
Rosenberg, former Alexandria dele
gate in the General Assembly, con-
tended the ordinance is unconstitu-
tional. Recent purchaser of the his
toric Mcguire House. at POI South
Washington street. he has brought
court action after failing to get per-
mission to tear it down and con-
struct a modern Office building on
the site.
Suit Now Pending.
His suit, in Alexandria Circuit
Court asking for an injunction
restraining the city from restricting
use of his property, is pending.
His house, cited as one of the
finest examples in the country of
Greek revival architecture, is over
100 years old and would be covered
by the new historical coming ordi-
nance.
IF we are successful in our suit"
Mr.. Rosenberg declared today, Il
believe it is safe to say that the
ordinance will at least be revised.
Although our suit seeks rezoning,
I belieev that this new ordinance
was aimed for the most part at my
house"
During last nights Commute pub
lie hearing before an audience that
overfowed into the corridors, old
residents of the port area and new
corners who have invested funds in
restoring and maintaining historic
homes favored the measure while
the Chamber of Commerce and bust
ness Interests opposed it.
Amendment Passed.
An amendment suggested by City
Councilman Paul L. Delaney was
passed providing that an owner of
building less than 100 years old
does not have to obtain permission
Of the architectural board of re-
view to tear it down.
The ordinance, designed after a
law in Charleston, S. c., affects an
area from Montgomery street to
Hunting Creek and from the Po-
tomac River to Alfred street
United States Commissioner King,
representing the Alexandria Cham
Der of Commerce, read joint reso-
luton passed by the Chamber, the
Alexandria Real Estate Board and
the Alexandria Retail Merchants As
ISOLATION. recommending that only
buildings over 100 years be subject
to action of the board OF review.
David c. Book, business manager
OF the Chamber, predicted that
nothing further would be done to
restore old buildings in the area I'M
less an active historical s. ciety is
organized to raise funds or the CITY
finds resources to maintain old
buildings.
John Barton Phillips. attorney
who represents Mr. Rosenberg in his
suit against the city, said that an
inevitable march of progress will
remove many old Alexandria build
ings.
Speaking for the historical zone
ordinance, j. tombstone Muir, 2O9
Prince street. who said he had been
a resident for only year, declared
that persons who invest $4,000 in
restoring a home. as he has done.
should have the protection of know
ing that no building out of harmony
with the Colonial theme can be built
next door.
Others speaking for the ordinance
included Mrs. Charles Beatty Moore.
owner OF the George William Fair
lax town house; Miss Mary Lindsey,
VINO has written a history of Alex
andrla's outstanding homes, and
Mrs. John Howard Jaynt, COL Duke
street.
Councllmen Thomas A. Hulfsh.
Edward w. DoWney, Everett A. He'll
muth and Delaney voted for the
measure and Mayor William T. VIII
kins. Vice Mayor George K. Bender
and Council John J. EWald against il
A recessed meeting of the council
will be held at 7:30 o'clock tonight
to complete the docket