Evening star., 1953-06-19
ParkIand Funds
He|dUpbyRoad
Plan, NyeSays
Tells Planners of
McKoy's Opposition
To Park Expresswuy

Federal funds for parkland ac-
QUESTION here are being with
held, pending action on whether
a leg of new Route 24O will be
extended into sections of Rock
Creek Park, according to former
Senator Gerald P. Nye.
The assertion came from the
former legislator yesterday, as he
led a group of Chevy Chase (Md. }
residents fight against the pro-
posed extension of the southeast
leg Of the new highway through
the area.
The ex-senator also disclosed
letter from Interior Secretary
Mckay, asserting his depart
ment will vigorously oppose any
use OF the Rock Greek Valley for
arterial highway purposes"
Seen as Great Asset.
Secretary Mckay, IN his letter
termed Rock Greek Park one of
the greatest assets of the Ma
tional Capital.
ANY adverse use of the park
property which would be de-
structive of its natural beauty
would be nothing less than
tragic" he added.
Mr.. Nye said he interpreted
the letter to mean that the
Eisenhower administration is
opposed to the expressway. He
added Congress also looked with
disfavor on the plan.
Pleads for 80 Minutes.
Mr.. Nye, in a Commute plea.
urged the Maryland National
Capital Park and Planning Com
mission to preserve Rock Creek
Valley for park, parkway and
recreation purposes.
Senate-HouSe conferees on
the Independent Offices Appro-
priation bill, he said, have not
reported out funds under the
Capper-Cramton Act because
they are waiting to see what the
planning commissions do with
parklands already acquired with
Federal funds.
Although he asserted no pres
SureS have been exerted on Con-
gress. Mr.. Nye warmed: II should
go out of my way to see that
no other funds are appropri-
ated" If the expressway is al
lowed to go through the park.
Roads Body Request.
The Maryland State Roads
Commission last week asked the
Maryland planners to grant it
permission to extend the route
through the park.
The Southeast leg would ex-
tend from Wisconsin avenue
through the wealthy Chevy Chase
area to East-West highway at
Beach drive.
Mr.. Nye reiterated his former
charge that the purpose of the
extension was to force open to
an expressway the entire Rock
Greek park in the District.
Group Has Taken No Stand.
Robert M. Watkins, chairman
Of the commission, assured some
rs persons at the hearing the
commission has taken no stand
on the question. He added none
would be taken until after con-
ferences next Thursday with the
National Capital Planning Com
mission.
THE roads commission" Mr..
Nye said. lis forcing you to be
leverage in the District to
further destroy Rock Creek
Park"
In his dealing with the roads
officials. Mr.. Nye said, he had
never seen an agency caught
in so many falsehoods."
Frederick Stohlman, attorney
for the Chevy Chase Land Co.,
scored the commission as an
arrogant, irresponsible group
that comedies to no one"
Authority Challenged.
Mr.. Nye and Attorneys Edward
S. Northrop and Mrs. Kathryn
j. Lawlor also challenged the
planners legal authority to
grant the roads commission re-
quest.
THE legal situation arises"
Mr.. Northrop said, wherein
lands acquired under the Accent
park acquisition tax can be
turned over to the roads COM
mission without specific author
ity to do So" He added the
Maryland planners cannot act
without first getting permission
from the National Capital group.
Mr.. Nye said the Capper-
Cramton Act supporters in the
early 1930s did not envisage the
purchase at low prices of park
land eventually to be used for
high-speed highways.