Evening star., 1946-05-15
zoning Review
Plan Studied
byAIexandria
Ordinance Provides
For Advisory Group
On Historical Zone

A five-member board of architec.
tural review would be named to
pass on all new construction and
alterations within a projected "his-
torical zone" of Alexadria, by terms
OF new city ordinance which to-
day had reached its first stage of
passage by the City Council.
The approval of 100 residents was
recorded at last nights Council ses-
sion in the city hall when the So
called Charleston plan" came up
for action.
lhe ordinance, prepared by City
Attorney Joseph M. Pancoast, estab-
fishes the new classification in the
older and more historic section of
the city where construction and
alterations must conform to the
Colonial character of architecture.
The area initially embraces the
port section of the city, bounded
by Montgomery street, Hunting
Creek and from the Potomac River
to West street.
Would Require Approval.
A certificate of appropriateness as
to exterior architectural conform
lty would be required of the new
agency. Board members would be
appointed by the City Council and
1t would have the city building in
spector as its secretary. Included on
Its membership would be one mem
her OF the Alexandria Planning
Commission, a real estate broker, a
resident with a knowledge of archi-
lecture and certified architect,
Each would serve a three-year term.
No interior features of construction
would be passed upon by the body.
City Manager Carl Budwesky pro-
posed an amendment which is due
to be considered when the regula-
ton comes UP for final passage. His
plan would require permits by prop
erty owners within the historic zone
who desire to demolish existing
structures. The board would have
the authority to refuse such permits
II demolition is held to be against
the public interest.
Strong protests were voiced bv n
number of historic home owners
against a proposal made by CITY
councilman Everett A. Hellmuth to
allow professional Offices in C-1 row
house developments and CO apart
ment house developments without
the practitioner being required to
live on the premises as now pro-
vided.
Ihe Councils action in voting
down the motion was considered
tantamount to saving the La.
fayette House" at 301 South St
Asaph street, which several persons
said is being sought for conversion
to doctors Offices if action lower
Ing the present zoning classiflca.
ton could be obtained from the
Council.
Tribute to Logan.
The Council passed a resolution
OF sympathy to the family of the
late Councilman John A. Logan.
who died last week, and ordered
that the City Hall flags be flown
at half staff for a 30-day period
Of mourning.
In rezoning a large tract below
Parkfairfax, near the Washington
& Old Dominion Railway right of
way from A to CO residential, the
Council cleared the way for con-
struction of s1,200,OOO garden
type apartment project of 200 two
story -units, each costing $4,000.
James N. Colasanto, attorney for
the builders, said the Federal Hous-
ing Authority has approved the
project and building priorities have
already been obtained.
Cooperating with the Congrega-
ton Agudas Achim, which an
nounced plans to build a sl50.000
synagogue and children's school be-
tween Myrtle and Spring streets.
the Council placed on first reading
an appropriation of s55 900 to close
an open ditch on the property and
extend the Hoof1's Run storm
sewer.
The Council accepted with appre-
ciation the donation of a quarter
OF a block of land on South Lee
street, near the Southern Railway
line, from Mr.. and Mrs. Edward o.
Hulburt and DR.. and Mrs. Laurance
M. Thompson for use as a play
ground for Is wears.
The property has been made avail
able since 1912 for recreation pur-
poses. If the city discontinues it's
use as a playground, it will revert
to the grantors or their heirs. The
Council voted to return the amount
OF real estate taxes paid by the
donors on the land since 1912.
Approved on first reading was a
$3.50 appropriation for development
OF park and playground in the So
called Gravel Pit at Overlook drive
and Halcyon street.
Due to the length of the docket