Evening star., 1949-03-02
Roadsiidezoniinq
Changes Sought
ToA|Iow Signs
Proposal Among Eight
Offered by Delegate
From Prince Georges
py J. o. ZOtWQU
Stor Stoff Correspondent

ANNAPOLIS. Mar. 2.-Erectior
of restaurants and billboards, un-
der certain conditions. would be
permitted along highways under
proposed amendments to the con-
troversial roadside zoning bill by
Delegate William H. McGrath
Democrat, of Prince Georges
County.
They were among eight recon-
mendationS submitted by Mr.. Nc
Grath today to subcommittee OF
the House Judiciary Committee.
The committee last week voted
unfavorably on the measure but
decided to hold up its report pend
ing efforts by opposing sides tc
reach an agreement.
In its present form, the bill
would give the State Roads Com
mission zoning authority to a
depth of 200 feet on each side OF
roads having a traffic count OF
at least 1000 vehicles a day.
LdDu SClZuIC TCdICus
At a hearing two weeks ago
opponents. most of whom were
from rural areas. claimed the bill
would enable the commission tC
take their land without COM
penSation.
Committee Chairman Melnicove
said yesterday the subcommittee
would meet with Robert Clapp
special assistant attorney general
for roads, to work out a COM
promise.
According to Mr.. McGrath's
proposals. restaurants would have
to be attractive just like those
along the Pennsylvania turnpike,
while billboards would be re-
stricted as to their number, height
and the distance between them.
Makes Other Proposals..
The Prince Georges delegate
also recommended:
l. A study by the State Plan
ming Commission of each major
road in the State to determine il
coming control is justified.
2. A detailed plan by the Plan
ming Commission of the types oi
restrictions proposed along the
various roads.
3. A map of each road affected.
4. Off-road stopping and park
ing space at access roads.
S. Establishment of specific
commercial zones along roads.
6. Extension of setback lines fol
commercial structures at curve!
and hills to assure traffic safety.
Mr.. Melnicove said the subcom'
mittee also will consider the pos
sibility of limiting the State Road!
Commission zoning authority tt
O 1O0-foot strip along each side
of major highways and requiring
affected highways to have traf-
f1c count of 1.500 or 1000 vehicles
daily. instead of 1000.
Race Track Bill Offered.
The Prince Georges County
delegation yesterday introduced
bill permitting the issuance o1
special beer, wine and liquor
licenses at county race tracks al
q fee of SIS per day.
Another bill, sponsored by Mrs
Mary L. Mock. Democrat. of Wi
comico County would exempt from
the sales tax food served by
churches and religious organiza'
tions, when the proceeds of such
sales are used for church and re-
ligious purposes.
Delegate John F. McNulty
Democrat, of Anne Arunde
County, submitted bill to set ur
a three-member harness racing
commission and to increase tht
maximum number of racing day
for any one harness race tract
from 20 to 80 annually.
In the Senate, approval was
given a favorable report by the
Elections Committee on a bill te
repeal the Declarations of Inten-
tions Act.
Sothoron Opposes Bill.
Senator L. Harold Sothoron
Democrat, of Prince Georges
County, who opposed the measure
claimed the law prevents float
ers" from voting in the State.
This was denied by Senator
Louis L. Goldstein, Democrat, o1
Calvert County. who contendeo
the act. in effect. prevents new
residents of Maryland from vot-
ing.
The law requires new resident
to file notice of intention to vote
at least one year before he be-
comes eligible to register and cast
his ballot.
Earlier, the Senate Elections
Committee reported favorably q
bill to require all counties to use
voting machines.
Nine counties were exempted
from the Observation-Disclosures
Charles, st. Marys, Allegany. Gar
rett, Wicomico, Calvert, Dor.
chester and Queen Annes. Ir
these counties the county com.
missioners could decide whether
to purchase the machines.
Used in Several Counties.
The machines already are il
use in Montgomery, Howard, Annt
Arundel and Baltimore Counties.
Both the Senate and House be-
came embroiled in lengthy de-
bates at yesterdays session.
The Delegates argued an houl
before they killed a bill to require
railroads and manufacturers tt
issue paychecks weekly.
Delegates also promptly adopted
a public health and welfare re-
port which would give optometrist'
nrofessiona1 standing allow