Evening star., 1963-05-05
Builder Studies
Lower Height
In Chevy Chase
BY CHARLES PIERCE
Star staff Writer

cnancery in Chevy Chase Is
now being explored. it was
learned yesterday.
The question Of whether the
height Of the proposed struc.
ture can be lowered from four
to three floors is now receiv-
ing active consideration.
The District Board Of Zon-
ing Adjustment has wrapped a
tight cloak Of secrecy around
its handling Of the contro-
versial matter.
However. Martin Decker, the
man who wants to build the
embassy-chancer for the So
viets at 6O36 Oregon avenue
NV, said he had been asked
Friday by his attorney If it
would be feasible to lower the
height of the proposed struc-
ture.
Mr.. Decker. of Bala Cynwood,
Pa, said he had received this
call from Bruce G. Sundlun in
Washington.
On that same day, the Board
Of zoning Adjustment met in
Washington IN closed session.
Samuel Scrivener, jr., board
chairman, conceded that the
Soviet chancery case was dis
cussed briefly at this meeting.
Controversy over Height
Mr.. Decker said Mr.. Sundlun
had not indicated that the
question about height was from
the Board Of zoning Adjust
ment.
HE just asked me If it was
feasible from an engineering
point Of view to lower the build
ing from four to three floors"
said Mr.. Decker.
From other sources, Il was
learned that the District Board
. Of Zoning Adjustment, or at
least some Of its members, are
disturbed about the height and
bulk Of the proposed structure.
Furthermore. it was learned
that some members Of the
board have received indica-
tons from representatives Of
the prospective builder that the
height could be lowered.
Mr.. Decker said fatty he
thought it would be possible
from an engineering point Of
view to lower the building by
one floor.
II could look on such a re-
quest favorably If it is formal
ly made" Mr.. Decker said.
but I have not discussed it
yet with the Russian ambassa-
dor. I think I will, though"
Mr.. Decker emphasized that
his interest in building the
new embassy-chancery for the
Russian government is strictly
part Of a business transaction.
New Hearing Is Likely
The discussion about the
height Of the proposed struc-
ture indicates that the Board
Of Zoning Adjustment has not
ruled out the possibility Of
granting a special exception to
permit construction of the
building in the Districts Chevy
Chase residential area.
If 1t is decided to revise the
building plan. informed sources
said the District Board Of Zon-
ing Adjustment would then
have to hold another public
hearing on the new plans.
While the Board OF Zoning
Adjustment Is unquestionably
concerned about the height Of
the building. this is only one
factor in an extremely compli-
Gated case with international
ramifications.
The Zoning Boards final de-
cision could end on any Of sew
eral considerations.
I'VE can't win no matter
which way we decide this"
said one member Of the Board
Of zoning Adjustment. I'VE will
be damned II we grant the ex-
ception and damned II we
don't"
Citizens Still Adamant
Meanwhile. Thomas d. Quinn,
jr.. an officer OF the Chevy
Chase Citizens Association.
said he believes his organiza-
ton would still oppose the
chancery even II it's height Is
lowered one floor.
The application for a special
exception 10 permit construc-
ton Of a new Soviet embassy
chancery was bitterly opposed
at a recent public hearing held
by the Board Of Zoning Adjust
ment.
Meanwhile. the State Depart
ment and the District Commits
sioners have been sharply crit
icized by Senator Morse. DEM
ocrat Of Oregon. for failing TO
solve the controversy over To-
cation OF chanceries in residen-
tial areas.
Hearings have been started
by Senate District Subcom-
mittee Chairman Fulbright.
Democrat Of Arkansas. which
would ban location Of chancer-
ies-busineSs offices for foreign
governments-in areas soned
for single family detached