Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-01-25
Talks Slated
with Families
Facing Eviction

Agency has promised to complete
individual conferences within the
next several days with each Of
the 223 families whose homes
will be taken for new Federal
office building sites in Southwest
Washington.
In addition. a public meeting
to answer questions about the
property condemnation has been
scheduled for 8 pm. February 4
at the Jefferson Junior High
School.
These assurances were given
by RIA officials at an initial
public meeting at the school
yesterday. attended by about 100
residents and property owners
who learned suddenly this month
that their properties would be
taken.
Involved are five blocks Just
south Of independence avenue
between Sixth and Ninth streets
lS.W.. to which the RIA acquired
title January II in Federal con.
domination proceedings. After
present residents and businesses
are moved to new locations, RIA
will clear the blocks and sell
them to General Services Admin
listration for proposed once
buildings.
Surprise Protested
A number of residents Of the
area phoned and wired Wash.
ington newspapers yesterday to
protest the "suddenness" Of yes
Iterday's explanation meeting.
Residents said they only were
advised Of the meeting Wednes-
day. in notices dropped at their
front doors. In addition, they
protested the $3.50 pm. meeting
time.
After an explanation of the
situation by RIA officials at yes
terday's meeting, however, no
protests Of the procedures were
voiced. and only half a dozen
questions were asked.
Malcolm A. Burrows, RIA
deputy director, conceded there
was a surprise element" in the
five-block land condemnation
January II, but said his agency
only was acting on behalf Of
IGSA.
He explained that the Federal
action gave RIA immediate title
to all the properties involved,
and that the agency posted with
Ia Federal Court funds to pay for
their purchase. based on fair
value" appraisals. He empha-
sized, however, that the prices
property owners receive win be
set either by negotiation agree
able to both parties" or by a
condemnation court Jury, II the
owners prefer that method. In
the past, he said, RIA has been
able to negotiate agreeable"
prices in 30 per cent of the cases.
Titles Acquired
AS Of January IL, however.
Mr.. Burrows said, RIA officially
became the title-holder Of the
properties, and will collect rents
from that date.
In answer to a question, he
said, the agency never has
raised the rent Of any property
We have taken"
James @. Banks, RIA reloca-
ton chief, said the law requires
the agency to offer decent, safe
and sanitary" new homes to resi-
dents before any can be moved
RIA hopes to have the families
and businesses moved by April
IL, he said. In the event suit
able new homes are not found
however, he said. "we1l wait
until satisfactory arrangements
are worked out"
mo one need fear that they
will be evjcted or pushed about"
he declared.
House-tO-H House
Mr.. Banks said members Of
his staff began house -house
interviews with each family in
the five-block area. He said he
hoped each property will be
covered by the end Of next
week.
These conferences. he said,
will give each family detailed
information about their rights
and status. A major aim. he
said, is to determine their hous-
ing needs and help them ind
nsw homes in locations and
types Of their choice.
Under the new Federal hous-
ing act. the ofiicial said his
agency also can reimburse indi-
vidual families UP to 500 for
moving expenses. and up IN
$4,000 10 help businesses Offset
certain losses resulting from the
move.
In addition to the 223 fami-
lies. the five blocks involved con-
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