Evening star., 1952-06-28
Survey Of D. {.
ToRevampRu|es
0nzoningUrged
Planners Suggest
City Heads Seek
$150,0O0 for Study

A survey covering most Of WASH
ington IS part of a new proposal
to revamp the city's zoning rules.
Zoning reform was urged on
the city yesterday by the National
Capital Park and Planning Com
mission. The study proposed by
the commission would cost be-
tween $150,000 and $175,000 and
take 18 months.
Whether the Commissioners, in
their capacity as Zoning Commits
sion members, will see At to seek
funds right away could not be
learned Immediately. This was
urged by the planners.
Brig. Gen. Bernard L. Robinson.
Engineer Commissioner, himself
urged zoning revamping in April,
however.
Scope Of Study.
A staff of 10. working under the
zoning and planning commissions,
would undertake the study. The
plan was proposed by Harland
Bartholomew and Associates, con-
sultant to the planners, and this
firm presumably would handle the
work.
Proposed are:
l. A land-use survey of most Of
the District, including preparation
of maps, statistics and estimates
of future needs.
2. A survey of population densi-
ty, or lot area per family. includ-
ing preparation of sectional or
neighborhood maps, and a special
study covering new residential
buildings constructed In the last
five to 10 years.
3. A survey of building heights
covering all buildings Of three or
more stories.
4. A study of building bulk, or
the total floor space in relation
to the lot area for elevator-type
buildings of five or more stories.
Would Explore Parking.
S. A survey Of off-Street park
ing. This would concern itself with
parking needs, particularly in. out
lying commercial areas, and the
effect On residential values in
adjacent of any present lack of
parking space. The amount and
adequacy of off-street parking
buildings constructed in the last
10 years also would be studied.
6. A study of existing zoning
on a section-by-section basis, in
Guiding that of vacant land. This
would show, for instance, how
much of an area zoned CONNER
cial actually is used for residences.
Z. A study of proposed zoning.
Mr.. Bartholomew told the PLAN
ners rezoning has become COM
mon in other cities and that
Washington is among those whose
ordinances are not closely enough
related to actual land use or de-
mandS.
In many cities, including the
District, unduly large areas have
been provided for business. in
dustry and multiple dwellings, he
said.
John Nolen. jr., planning direc-
tor of the park commission, told
reporters the Districts zoning
rules are "outmoded and difficult
to administer"
School Site Sale Opposed.
The planning commission yes
terday also:
Opposed sale of the site of the
old Jones School, now torn down.
at First and l. streets NV. point
ing out it is in the heart of the
Northwest area earmarked for
slum redevelopment. The COM
mission urged that the site be put
to income producing use.
Approved a land acquisition
budget for 1884 which includes
new items for the George Wash
ington Memorial parkway, in both
Maryland and Virginia, and for
roadway extensions in Maryland
stream valleys, including Rock
Greek, Sligo Greek and Northwest
Branch. Details were not released.
Sent a consultant's report on
Potomac bridge needs to the Dis
trict Building. The report will be
made public later by the Com
miSsioners.
No conclusive action was taken
on Southwest slum- clearing plans.
according to Blair Lee III, execu-
tive assistant to the commission.