Evening star., 1953-10-11
Federal Parks
May Take Tract
Al Jones Point
AIexundriu Wants
Potomac Area Also;
Duul Use Possible
BY George Beyeridqe

Federal park officials have a
strong interest in future use of
a 52-acre waterfront tract at
Jones Point, Alexandria, and
may intervene in its disposal as
surplus property. it was learned
last night.
The property, former site of
Signal Corps radio station, has
been declared by the Army as
excess to it's needs. Two days
ago the Army asked the House
and Senate Armed Services
Committees to concur in it's
transfer to the General Services
Administration for disposal.
Alexandria Wants Land.
The City Of Alexandria al
ready has served notice it would
like to acquire the tract, on the
west bank of the Potomac at
Hunting Greek.
1t was reported last night that
Representative Broyhill, Repub-
lican, of Virginia, would ask
each member of the two COM
mittees to express an opinion
that the land should be made
available to Alexandria.
Under normal procedures,
however. GSA spokesmen said
the land would be offered first
to other Federal agencies before
it would be available to nom
Federal municipalities or pri-
vate interests. It is at this stage
that the National Capital Parks
Office may step into the picture.
The Office, it was learned,
already has asked GSA to alert
it when and if the property is
available.
To Protect Bridge Approach.
There are several reasons for
the park officials interest. Fore
most is protection of approaches
for the proposed Jones Point
Bridge, a project in which the
City of Alexandria also is vitally
interested. Park officials also
are interested in g proposed
river-front bypass of Alexandria
for the Mount Vernon Memorial
highway. in preservation of the
Jones Point LighthouSe-historic
spot of an original District of
Columbia boundary marker
and in general development Of
the area for recreation purposes.
Some of these factors, in addi-
ton to the bridge approaches,
also have been cited by Alexan-
dria officials. They have not
specified what exact uses they
have in mind, but City Manager
Ira Willard said the possibilities
include: use as a site for an
armory, partial use by National
Guard units, recreational devel-
opment and as a site for a sew
age disposal plant.
Dual Use Possible.
One source indicated a pro-
posal may be made to cover in
terests of both the park and city
officials.
Under this possibility, the park
Office might ask for the property,
protect the interests it has in the
land and make the remainder
available to Alexandria.
One advantage of this ap-
proach, it was pointed out, would
be that the city could get use of
at least part of the tract without
cost. GSA spokesman said they
assumed Alexandria would have
to acquire the tract in order to
get possession.
Park officials stressed that at
this time no decision has been
reached as to their action, if |
any. Conferences are expected
between the officials, Mr.. Broy-
hill and Alexandria leaders,
however.
The Army's action In declaring
the land excess is only a first
step toward it's disposal. Under
law, the Armed Services Gem
mittees must approve all military
property given up. Spokesman
for both. groups said the Army
request would be circulated to
committee members Immediately.
Thearea, covering SO acres in
all, is known officially as Battery
Cove Military Reservation. Seven
acres are being reserved for the
Navy. with So acres declared
excess.