Evening star., 1948-10-12
Mount Pleasant Group
Studies Newell Plan 10
Screen Home BUYERS

The Newell Plan to replace re-
strictive real estate covenants today
is under study by the Mount Pleas
ant Citizens Association, after un-
expected opposition encountered by
its proponent at q meeting last
night.
The plan has been advocated by
Clifford H. Newell, former president
of the Federation of Citizens Asso-
Citations, since shortly after the
Supreme Court decision declaring
restrictive covenants unenforceable
last May.
1t would, in effect. provide screen
ing of all prospective property pur-
chasers in a neighborhood by a
single property-owner, appointed by
and under supervision of the area
citizens association. For enforce
ment, it would rely on the ordinary
law of contracts.
Various Objections.
Mr.. Newell last night met criticism
from dozen Of the more than 200
hearers who crowded a meeting room
in the Mount Pleasant Public
Library. Objections ranged from
doubts as to the plans work.
ability to protests against what was
termed "curtailment of constitu-
tional rights"
A housewife accused Mr.. Newell
OF proposing dictatorship"
I'm a little frightened by this
option business" she declared, re-
ferring to the Newell plan to give
the neighborhood agent an auto
matte 30-day option on all property
put up for sale. The agent would
drop the option only after approx
ing the prospective purchaser.
About undesirables-I have six
children. When they grow up and
go to buy. will they be subject to
six little dictators?"
Mr.. Newell explained that every
one would be subject to the screen
ing, but assured her there are lots
of fine. respectable people in your
community"
afraid of Dictatorships."
'I've got grand neighbors," re-
piled the resident, but none of
them is going to dictate to my chill
dren about that. I am afraid of
dictatorship under any form, and I
think that's it."
Another woman association mem
ber, Mrs. Marcus Mensh, 2022
Klingle road NV, caused q mo-
mentary uproar by asking:
How can We, as q citizens associ-
alton, advocate any measure that in
spirit or act curtails the Constitu-
tional rights of other American
citizens?"
Mr.. Newell earlier had assured
his hearers that the optionee is not
challenging the civil rights Of any
one. He is protecting the civil rights
of everybody"
Several critics expressed concern
about the standards" to be followed
in approving property sales, after
Mr.. Newell's explanation that any
'undesirables including ex-convicts," )"
would be subject to exclusion.
Want Voice in Standards.
What makes a person undesirable
in the community? What are the
standards?" M. A. McKavitt, 1928
Monroe street NV, asked. Are
members going to have a voice in
deciding what are the standards, or
will it Just be few men? There
will be occasions when a man won't
be able to sell to somebody he wants
to-"
1T would be left to the advice
Of the citizens associations execu-
live board" Mr.. Newell said.
Eugene F. Baldi,l 1734 Kenyon
street NV, questioned whether all
:esidents could be persuaded to sign
up, and Mr.. Newell admitted the
1lan depended on 100 per cent CO.
Y. D. Mathes, 2044 Pierce Mill
-oad NV, wanted to know whether
mortgage bankers and real estate
brokers would abide by neighbor-
hood option agreements. Mr.. Newell
said he had assurances" they would,
and added. on the basis Of legal ad-
vice. he was confident the plan
would prove enforceable in court.