Evening star., 1953-01-02
Next Step May Be Harder

The first step in the proposed Southwest
slum-clearance and redevelopment program has
been taken with relative ease. It was not hard
for the District Commissioners to make up their
minds on the initial phase of the overall plan,
for Project B, as the planners call it, was not a
subject of much controversy. The principal op-
position came from business interests. one of
whom has challenged the constitutionality of
the redevelopment law. District approval had
been taken for granted, after the near-unani-
nous Endorsement voiced by public and private
groups and individuals at the Commissioners
hearing The steps that are to follow are apt
to prove much more difficult for all concerned.
Project is of such restricted scope and in
such location as to permit of independent
treatment and execution. 1t can go forward
without regard to the ultimate decision on the
type of redevelopment to be carried out in the
remainder of the blighted Southwest area, ex-
tending clear to the Potomac River. It's lettering
is appropriate. for this is secondary undertak-
ing far less important to the city as whole
than the vital decision on the primary problem
Of rebuilding the 4OO-odd acres lying roughly
between the Mall and Fort McNair along the
water front.
However, Project B is not unimportant by
any means. It will remove from the landscape
near the Capitol a housing eyesore that has been
a favorite object lesson in the perennial efforts
to induce Congress to do something about Wash
ington'S alley dwellings. This dSgraceful Sec
ton lies between the railroad tracks and street
and between South Capitol and Fourth streets
Southwest. Within these borders are some of the
Capitals worst slums, often pictured by photog-
rapherS against a skyline dominated by the
Capitol dome. Publication of these pictures from
time to time has given Washington bad reputa-
ton among rehousing advocates throughout the
country.
Fortunately the Redevelopment Land Agency
and the National Capital Planning Commission
used sensible educational approach in winning
support for Project B. more abrupt approach
contributed to the storm of opposition which
defeated the first redevelopment plan, at Mar
shall Heights. When occupants of the houses
in the area were assured that adequate hous-
ing for them would be provided elsewhere, much
of the resistance that seemed to be building up
at the outset collapsed. Numerous public meet
ings were held to inform the residents of all
details of the plan and to answer their questions
There never had been any serious question as to
the type of redevelopment for Project B.
There is, however, a very serious question as
to what kind of construction should replace the
homes and stores and other structures in the
large area extending beyond Project B to the
wharves The proposals range from low-cost or
moderately priced rehousing designed to fit the
incomes of present residents to what has been
described as bold" ce-lifting operation that
would attract large investors and new residents
of higher incomes than those now prevailing in
the Southwest The "bold" plan, as advocated
in the Justement-Smith report has gained con-
siderable public support. The National Capital
Planning Commission has proposed tentative
"upgrading" plan that does not go so far as the
Justement-Smith plan.
Unless the courts should invadate the
whole program, the final decision on the extent
of upgrading will be of tremendous significance,
for it will determine the future of Southwest
Washington and will, in turn, affect the future
development of the city as whole. That deci-
sion therefore should be made only after the
most earnest and careful study by all agencies
concerned with long-range improvement of the
Nations Capital.