Evening star., 1952-01-27
Truman Cites Dispersal Need
In Talk With Planning Group
Commission Pledges Aid to Project;
President Praises Area Improvements

members got the impression that
the commission would have a hand
lin the planning should the pro-
gram be sanctioned by Congress. :"
The President was told the
Planning Commission had gone
along with the plan when the
question of scattering some 40,-
900 Government employees and of
fees to nearby Maryland and
Virginia was being considered last
year. The commission has vol-
luminous data bearing on the
Washington regional area and
had made studies of suitable Gov
eminent sites and highway pos
|sihilities.
To date. however, the Planning
Commission has received no re-
quest for assistance from the ad-
[ministration's top security plan
ming board.
The commission also acquainted
the President with progress on its
own reorganization bill now be-
fore the Bureau of the Budget,
matters concerning the Robinson
District reorganization plan and
other projects in an overall re-
port. I'VE told the President we
thought the Robinson plan for
reorganizing the District Govern
|ment very worth while, but
thought there were a few things
in 1t that ought to be Strengthened
out"
Refers to Land Purchases.
Mr.. Remon had reference to
land purchasing clauses in the
Robinson plan which the COM
mission feels usurps it's authority.
An attempt to reach an agreement
with District officials will be made
this week and Mr.. Remon said
yesterday the outlook appeared
hopeful.
Progress on the Southeast Re-
development program was re-
ported at the conference. Mr..
Truman was told that Harland
Bartholomew. st. Louis planning
authority with whom he is ac-
quainted. had been engaged to
expedite the redevelopment by
the District Redevelopment Land
Agency and that work could be
expected to go ahead steadily to a
point when a plan would be ready
for official submission soon.
The commission took with them
to the White House number of
drawings for a proposed national
memorial prepared by Andrew H.
Hepburn, Boston architecht. Mr..
Truman is personally interested
in a pending House bill creating
a commission to make recon-
mendations for such use of the
26 acres of the Neyius tract. The
idea the Planning Commission is
exploring is a monument to the
bill of Rights" as representing
IA democratic ideal. with view
to making the site available for
community uses.
Commands City View.
Furthermore, it was pointed out
lat Fridays monthly planning ses-
sion, the site is on a direct line
with the axis of the Mall and
commands a sweeping view Of the
whole city.
The Fort Drive project, in which
Mr.. Truman has evidenced par
ticular interest, is nearing plan
ming completion. he was told. Mr.
Remon informed him 80 per cent
of the land had been acquired.
The drive would serve as an alter
nate traffic route relieving the
downtown congested area.
The present 100000 budget for
the Commission is too small, the
President was told. and $3.50 900
was suggested as necessary toi
meet all requirements.
Mr. Remon was accompanied toI
the White House by two Of the
Presidential members Of the COM
Frederick Bigger of Pitts
burgh. Pa. and Hilyard r. Robin /
son of Washington: Engineer
Commissioner Bernard L. Robin
son. an ex-officio member: and
two staff members, John Nolen.
jr., director Of planning and Blair /
Lee III. assistant to the director. !