Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-12-02
zeckendori Gives
Progress Report
On Southwest Plan


a progress report" today on
his ambitious proposals for
redeveloping a big part of South
west Washington.
The New York head OF the real
estate firm of Webb 81 Knapp
made the trip in response to an
invitation from the planners,
who feel they should be in closer
touch with details of the basic
redevelopment planning.
Webb & Knapp officials have
insisted publicly their plans have
not vet reached definite stages.
They have an agreement with
the District Redevelopment Land
Agency for a joint one-year
study, after which a definite
redevelopment proposal will be
~
made.
Major Road Changes.
Mr., Zeekendorf today out
lined proposals for major high
way changes-a key factor
in his program - and me
prospects for new Federal hlilld
ings he hopes will be constru ctea
In the area. .~
After the planners asked a
month ago. for I'd Conference,
Mr.. Zeckendorf asked Comnais-
sion Chairman Harland Bar
tholomew to appoint a commit
tee to work directly with his
group. Mr.. Bartholomew named
Conrad With. National Park
Service chief: H. J. Spelman.
Bureau of Public Roads district
engineer, and Leon Zach. Army
Engineers representative.
In another key action. today,
the commission heard a con-
sultants' report on future traffic
estimates as they relate to Po-
tonlac River bridge needs. The
report, prepared by the firm OF
Wilbur Smith & Associates OF
New Haven, will be released
either late today or tomorrow.
Smithsonian Plans Told.
After Mr.. Zeckendorf's visit,
the planners heard an explana-
ton of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution's long-range building ex-
pansion program from DR.. Leon
ard Carmichael, Smithsonian
secretary.
He outlined plans for at least
five new museum buildings. All
have been planned for many
years and some have been au-
thorized by Congress, but money
for none of them has been ap-
propriated. e
A major part of the exparl-
sion program is proposed south
of Independence avenue in the
same area included in Mr.. Zeck.
endorf's redeVelopment proposal
DR.. Carmichael noted that some
zsof his plans possibly were mot
I'm exact harmony" with the re-
development ideas.
But he said the Smithsonian
Board of Regents feels Wash.
ington's best interest will bt
served by careful consideration
evaluation and expert synthe'
sis of all plans for the area.
Fairfax Master Plan.
At today's closed session, th'
planners also heard review.
of Fairfax County's proposed
new master development plal
and problems. involved il
the construction of new traffic
lanes paralleling the Lincoln Me
mortal rejecting pool. The plan
ners have approved the roat
project as a part of the schem
of approach roads for Arlington
Memorial Bridge and the neWl
authorized Constitution avenu
bridge.
At an open meeting tomorrow
the commission will:
/. Discuss more fully the Smitl
report on bridge traffic.
2. Hear a discussion of the eco
nomic base survey for Montgorn
cry and Prince Georges Cou1ltie.
prepared by Homer Hoyt an
disclosed by The Star last Weei
3. Hear a report from Directo
John Nolen. jr., on the need fo
such an economic survey tina
would encompass the entire Met
ropolitan Area. including the Dis
trict.