Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-09-29
Congress Bloc
TOPush District
Projects Urged
Would Take D. c.
Under Wing in
Legislation

A proposal that Virginia and
Maryland Congressman organize
TO support District projects on
Capitol Hill was raised yesterday
before Washington's regional
planners.
Donald E. Gingery, Mont
|gomery County representative to
the National Capital Regional
Planning Council, suggested the
council invite the State legis-
lators to agree to take the vote
less District under their wing
i'm Congress.
He raised the idea during a
discussion of the problems in
planning the wide develop
ment Of vacant land surround
ing the city. Such studies are
under way as part of the areas
$500, 1000 mass transportation
survey.
Mr.. Gingery argued that the
Districts problems on highways
bridges and water and sewer
projects "all greatly affect
Maryland and Virginia" Since
Washington has no direct voice
of its own in Congress, he said
legislators from the States
Should take a more united in
terest in development of the en-
tire area.
Would Win Public
He also proposed that the
council work for an "all-out
public relations campaign" tt
get public support in each juris.
|diction of the area for elements
OF the new afea-wide plan being
developed.
Harland Bartholomew, repre-.
|senting the District on the coun.
ell, said one problem the studio.
have disclosed is that the ares
lis expanding in a continuou.
spread of development" with
no provision for parks or Other
open spaces"
Mr.. Gingery cited this neec
as one which requires "heavy
grass-root support before DO
litical leaders will be willing tt
spend public funds to acquire
land now for public oper
spaces.
The council, in its annual elec-
ton of officers, named Herbert
w. Wells, of Prince George:
County. chairman.
The Craftsmanship each yeai
alternates among Maryland, Vir-
GINA and the District. This was
Maryland's turn and Mr.. Wells
defeated Mr.. Gingery yesterday
by a vote of 6 to 4.
Other new officers include Mr.
Bartholomew, first vice chair
man. and Ray c. Bragg of Alex
andria, second vice chairman.
Aide Sends Letter
On another matter the coun-
Gil released White House letter
promising support for the orderly
development of new Federal in
stallations in the Washington
area.
Max Wehrly Of Arlington, the
councils outgoing chairman, had
charged in a letter to President
Eisenhower that Federal agencie.
were not complying with law il
failing to work out new building
locations with Federal planninl
groups.
The return letter, signed b.
Wilton B. Persons, deputy assist.
ant to the President, said tn,
President has mo intention
to depart from the objective O
accomplishing an orderly ant
co -ordinated development" 1
also suggested, however, that thu
council and planning commits
sion review procedures for re
lquiring agencies to check will
them.
IF. after this review. it i
necessary to provide all con
Icerned with clarifying instruc
tons. this should be DONE" MI
Persons letter said.
Council officials said such /
review of the laws and policie
are being made. The two plan
ming agencies will decide late
whether to ask the President +,
issue a statement reminding
agencies of the provisions.
Oppose Incorporation