Evening star., 1947-07-16
Council Offers
ToPay$20,000
For BridgeSite
Alexandra Authorizes
Condemnation Action
If Sum Is Rejected

First steps toward acquisition of
land in Alexandria for approaches
to the proposed bridge joining that
city with Shepherds Landing in
Washington were taken last night.
Alexandria City Manager Carl
Budwesky was authorized by a
unanimous vote of the Alexandria
City Council at a special session last
night to offer $40, 900 for purchase of
26 lots in the Westover area, needed
in part for the bridge approach. If
this offer is not accepted by Morris
Cafritz, owner of the property, the
Council authorized institution of
condemnation proceedings.
Nine of the 26 lots sought would
be used for playground purposes,
Mr.. Budwesky explained after the
meeting. The balance, he said, would
be needed as part Of the approach
to the proposed bridge estimated
originally to cost 100000. He
pointed out this was the first action
on the part of Alexandria to pur-
chase land needed in connection
with the bridge.
Offered for $23,400
Land on the other side of the
Potomac at Shepherds Landing al
readys has been purchased for ap-
proaches at that end of the bridge,
the city manager said. Financing of
the bridge is to be undertaken by
the Federal Government and the
District, because the District bound
ary extends to the high water mark
of the Potomac OH the Virginia side.
Mr. Budwesky pointed out.
The $4,000 offer was authorized
by the council after Mr.. Budwesky
explained that Mr.. Cafritz had re-
duced his original offer of $1,000 per
lot to $500 per lot. At this rate, the
area would cost the city $23, 400.
Three fold action against the Vir-
ginia Electric & Power Co. because
of heavy ashes expelled from the
smokestacks of its Alexandria plant
was suggested after MIR. Budwesky
said he had been told there was an
other delay in the receipt by the
company of machinery designed to
eliminate the ashes.
Injunction Proposed.
The already threatened criminal
action by the city against Vepco for
violation of the smoke ordinance
was reiterated by City Attorney
Joseph M. Pancoast. In addition,
1t was brought out residents near
the plant are considering filing in
dividual damage suits against the
company. A third course of action
suggested was to petition the Alex
andria Corporation Court to select
q special grand jury that could de-
clare the plant a public nuisance
and enjoin the company from its
present method of operation.
The company has informed the
city on a number of occasions that
mechanical precipitators needed to
halt the undesirable flow of heavy
ashes from the five boilers at its
waterfront plant are scheduled for
shipment. Latest word from the
plant is that the precipitators will
be ready for shipment to the COM
pany some time in August, Mr. Bud
wesky said.
Police Chief John S. Arnold was
granted an opportunity to explain
to the councilmen why he does not
customarily wear a uniform. The
council decreed last month that,
after September l, the police chief
and fire chief must wear uniforms
at least eight hours during the day.
The council granted an opportunity
for hearing to Chief Arnold, after
Councilman George K. Bender said
the police chief had asked him to
request time for a hearing.