Evening star., 1946-01-19
Letters to The Star
Mr.. Stull Explains His Views on
East Capitol Street Plan

4Ai. okuii LAPloLlS Ills VIEWS Ou
East Capitol Street Plan
To the Editor Of The Star:
May have the privilege of comment
ing on your editorial in The Star Of
January IA with regard to the East
Capitol street development, particularly
as my name was mentioned therein?
Since the mass meeting referred to
was held there can be no further
doubt as to the attitude of persons
mostly concerned about this proposal.
The fact that the proposition in one
form or another has been talked of for
many years is no aid in the present
situation. 1t was first suggested that
there be Mall in the eastern section
to balance the Mall in the west. The
next idea suggested was one involving
the erection of State buildings along
East Capitol street. This latter idea
apparently has been abandoned. The
latest suggestion apparently is one,
not of identification, but of necessity
because of the shortage of space to
house certain Government agencies.
1t should be made plain that these
protestants are opposed to The plan as
it was clearly outlined at the meeting
referred to by the public building ad-
ministrator, who called attention to the
fact that present plans of the National
Capital Park and Planning Commits
sion, which selects these sites, con-
template the ultimate utilization of this
entire tract lover 80 city blocks for
public use. 1t further was explained
that when the authorization was Sc
cured they would proceed to purchase
such items of property as were i'm
mediately procurable, leaving to the
indefinite future and the needs of the
Government the acquisition of the re-
naming property.
Churches and Homes Involved.
1t will be seen that such an indefinite
plan would be Objectionable to the resi-
dence owners in the area, as well as to
the business establishments and the
congregations Of IS churches involved,
which, according to the plans now on
exhibition, would be eliminated in fur
therance of the plan at some indefinite
time in the future. 1t needs no argu-
ment to show that the present Is no
time to destroy housing facilities in the
District of Columbia, either singly or
in wholesale lots, as contemplated by
the prof. osed plan.
1t is well known to these protesting
citizens that the Government is in need
of new buildings to house its activities,
but from the hearings before the Com
mittee on Public Buildings of the House
Of Representatives. it is not clear
whether the plan is one for beautifica-
ton of the Nations Capital, or one
which proposes to utilize the area for
essential new buildings. One example
will suffice to show the doubt which
arises: On the plans exhibited, the
square bounded by Second, Third, East
Capitol and A streets NE. is to be the
site of the Holmes memorial, even
though the square is completely oc-
cupied by residences and the newly
erected Church Of the Reformation. We
are unable to see how the needs Of such
a memorial can outweigh the immediate
needs of hundreds Of persons and a
large church organization.
Since the mass meeting referred to,
the writer has been deluged with calls
offering assistance in the effort to oppose
this plan at the present time, and 1t
is worthy of mention that such con-
facts as we have been able to make in
dicate growing opposition to the plan.
Quotes Editorial With Approval.
In the past there have been numerous
slum-cleara1ce projects carried out in
the District Of Columbia, but in each
instance it has been the policy to find
accommodations for the displaced per-
sons. We believe that our people are
entitled to as much consideration as
those unfortunates. You properly have
summed up the situation In the editorial
with these words: ANY large-scale evic-
ton Of home owners in Washington un-
der present conditions is unthinkable
The Government cannot hope to start
any extensive building program of its
own which would make more acute the
already pressing need for home build
ing"
So far as identification of the city
is concerned, may we not hope that
those who speak for esthetic values in
the Nations Capital will give serious
thought to the welfare of those persons
who are so seriously menaced by this
proposal? The original L'Enfant plan
for the eastern section (entirely ig-
nored for these many years. surely can
not now be brought forward as an argu-
ment, in this period Of critical housing
shortages, for the displacement Of thou
sands of tax-paying citizens who find 1t
impossible to secure comparable living
quarters in the District of Columbia.
HARRY N STULL.
The Case of Themistocles X.
To the Editor Of The Star:
If Steve Vasilikos were living, this let
ter would not be necessary. Steve
would hear the case, leave his popcorn