Evening star., 1947-06-11
Alexandra Council
Rescinds lis Order
To Raze Old Market
-AP Wirephoto
By Moy Lou Werner

A volley Of protests against raz-
ing Alexandria's historic market
place last night prompted the City
Council to reverse Its action of last
week, ordering the market place
demolished. At the same time the
Council appropriated $3.50 for re-
pairs on the existing market shed.
The $3.50 appropriation was ap-
proved on first reading three weeks
ago. The Council last week, how
ever, voted against the appropria-
ton when it came up for final
reading and instead of demolition
of the ancient market place.
Gardner L. Boothe, attorney,
handed the councilmen a petition
signed by nearly 600 person, plead
ing for retention of the market.
More than 400 of these signatures,
he explained, were obtained last
Saturday, when Alexandria resi-
dents, as usual, patronized the mar
ket, where farmers from surround
ing areas come weekly to sell their
products.
Farmers Patronize Stores.
Mr.. Boothe pointed out that most
of the farmers had been coming to
Alexandria and selling produce for
many years, and he emphasized that
much of their profits are spent in
Alexandria stores.
The market Is behind the City
Hall. AS far back as 200 years ago
the market place was the scene of
political and other assemblages in
the City Of Alexandria. Records
show that George Washington
drilled his Virginia Rangers in the
market space when he maintained
headquarters at Gadsby's Tavern.
At the same time, it was unani-
nNusly voted to raise the daily fee
charged by the city for rental of
stalls in the market from rs to so
cents.
Water Report Investigated.
City Manager Carl Budwesky was
instructed to investigate a report
that the privately-owned Alexandria
Water Co. has gone to the State
Corporation Commission in Rich
mond for approval OF a contract
to furnish water to Fairfax County
development. City Council approval
of the water request had been with
held pending study of the proposed
contract with the Fairfax County
developer.
1t was brought out last week that
any attempt of the Alexandria
Water Co. to furnish water to sur
rounding areas may land to acquisi-
tion of the water company by the
city. This would be done to protect
Alexandria from a possible water
shortage because of growing de-
mands from outlying areas, city off,
cials explained. Mr.. Budwesky is
to report back to council on what
action the water company has taken
at next Tuesdays recessed council
session.
School Sites Approved.
The City Council last night ap-
proved acquisition of three sites for
schools. Parent-teacher and civic
groups have been pressing for action
on school sites which they claimed
had long ago been selected by the
School Board.
Complaints of damage by flooded
streams and sewers after last Satur-
days storm prompted the Council to
ask for survey of the cost of i'm
proving drainage in the Mason ave-
nue. area.
On motion of Councilman John
Ewald, the public hearing on pro-
posed rezoning to commercial all
properties in the 100 and 200 blocks
of North and South Washington
street was postponed from the first
July meeting until the first meeting
in September.
The Council reaffirmed its original
stand in the dispute with the Alex
andria Hospital over INDECENT care
rates after a report of the Councils
Hospital Committee informed it
that all efforts to compromise with
the hospital had failed. The report
of the Hospital Committee reiterat.
ing its offer of 81 a day was unani-
mously adopted. The hospital has
demanded a payment of 1881 per
day plus a $4,000 grant from the
city by July l. At that time the
hospital has stated its intention o1
closing It's doors to Alexandrias S In
digent patients.