Evening Star Newspaper, April 5, 1930, Page 17

REAL ESTATE NEW STREET PLAN TO END INEQUITABLE ASSESSMENTS Definite Limitation to Be Placed on Paving Costs to Abutting Property Owners—Hope for Early Action. BY DON S. WARREN. ‘Washington’s remarkable growth in the past two decades brought & revolutionary change in traffic conditions that forced adoption of new types of street paving which, in turn, upset the old system of assessing the costs of laying new streets and caused an inadequate distribution of the burden on property owners. To remedy this situation and to revamp the street assessment system to meet radically changed conditions the District Government this week asked Congress to enact a new law covering paving assess- menltst which would be a substitute for the old Borland law, now obsolete. Hope for early action on the bill is held out since it provides a reapportionment of the costs of new paving projects as between individual property owners and the general users of the highways and does not affect the fiscal relations between the District and Federal Governments. Fostered by Taliaferro. The new measure was drafted after ® two-year study of the matter. It was fostered by Commissioner Taliaferro are levied against abutting property owners. Under the proposed new law the District would consider that the buyers or builders of these homes already have once paid for the paving of the street, believing that the builder WASHINGTON, D. C, and was approved this week as one of the last major actions of the outgoing Board of Commissioners. The bill is based primarily on studies made by Capt H. C. Whitehurst, co-ordinator and chief engineer of the District, who served with Corporation Counsel Wil- Ham W. Bride and Tax Assessor Wil- liam P. Richards as a special committee named by the city heads. Briefly stated, the new law would take into consideration the difference between major traffic thoroughfares and residential streets and difference in the depth and shape of lots, each property owner to be assessed in pro- portion to what is computed to be his personal benefit and no more, the re- mainder of the cost to be paid by the users of the streets through their gas- oline tax payments. Capt. Whitehurst said today that he believed enactment of the measure would be a long step ahead, equalizing | disproportionate levies against property owners made now in conformity with the existing but out-of-date Borland law, and providing that those who use the highways assume ‘a more equitable share of their cost. The Borland law yas enacted in 1914, At that time all streets were of one type of construction. The increase in traffic, however, since has led to the adoption of a heavier and more costly type of construction for major traffic arteries. The question arose: Why should owners of property abutting these streets have to pay the greater assess- ment than those who had property along streets that did not happen to be traffic arteries? Triangle Owners Relieved. ‘The principle in the new bill is that | property owners be assessed for their “local” benefit, but not for the general public benefit resulting from the paving of a through traffic artery. Kelief also would be granted to owners of tri- angular lots and “through” lots, or those that jhave frontages on two par- allel streets. Some of the major principles of the Borland law, however, would be con- For instance, the cost of new led half and half between the individual property owner and the Government (through the gas- oline tax found) up to the point where the local benefit to the property owner ends. The cost of paving intersections would remain with the Government. ‘Where streets are more than 40 feet wide the gas tax fund would provide for the extra cost, as at present, the 40-foot width cost being divided on the 50-50 basis. within the restriction of the local benefit clause. In arriving at the “local” benefit to Property owners the District would levy one-half the cost of new roadways against property owners, but in no case would the amount of the assessment work out to be more than $3.50 per front foot of the property assessed, or to more than three and a half cents per square foot, or to more than 20 per cent of the assessment on the land for general tax purposes. A new principle would be enunciated in regard to streets laid under permit by | residential subdividers who pay cost. Under this home builders desiring early paving streets which the District could not pave.in its general program possible | for a number of years pay the cost of such new streets.” From 50,000 to 75.- 000 square yards of street paving is done by this plan each year. Under the present law when these Sbreets are repaved benefit assessments of the subdivision or the individual builder had written the street paving cost into the price of the property to the buyer. Thus, there would be no second assessment when the street was repaved, provided that the street was paved originally under permit of the District under District supervision and certification Assessments against unsubdivided land would be made only for a depth of 100 feet from the road paved. Where the land is of irregular shape the assessment would be computed on the average depth not to exceed 100 feet. The new rule would be laid down that where lots of irregular shape have frontages on two streets the assessment would be only for the first street paved, except where the average depth of the lot along the second street be more than 100 feet. In such cases when the second street is paved the owner would be assessed only for the additional area which had not been subject to the first assessment. Adjoining Owners Considered. No assessment would be levied against the adjoining property owner for re- surfacing by the “heater” method, for stripping the surface from a rigid-type base and replaceing the surface or ma adam pavement with bituminous ma- terial. In other words, this would be regarded as a major repair job rather than a paving project. Undoubtedly, Capt. Whitehurst points out, property owners enjoy a benefit | from the paving of streets abutting their property. But in this traveling age, he contends, the general user of the street enjoys the benefit. too. This is the reason for setting a limit on the assessment against the individual prop- erty owner so as to equalize the burden, and to leave the general public. through the gasoline tax fund. to provide for the remainder of the cost. ‘The Borland law, due to changed conditions, has caused literally hun- dreds of protests to the District over assessments, many of which have been taken to court, and in numerous cases the courts haze held that assessments be refunded on the principle that the street project did mot produce benefits to the individual owner commensurate with the 1910 37th Street §8,750—1¥ BURLEITH, y a convenient and attractive section of English cottage-type homes, near West- ern_High School, graded and junior high schools, bus and car lines. Also close to new Georgetown Medical and Den- tal School. A charming 6-room and bath, modern home in first- class condition. Flowers and shrubbery in front and rear yards. Paved street and alley. Very reasonable terms. Drive out Que St. to Wisconsin Ave., north one block to Reservoir Road, west to 37th St. and right to property. Open All Day Sunday BO2XEGELPS 1417 K St. National 9300 Many Visitors Have Admired “The Way te Beautiful Homes” This Beautiful Residence at 1368 Iris St. N.W. Completely Furnished Furnishings by—D. S. Pool Draperies by—Amos McDevitt ALL-BRICK, English-type, center-hall resi- dence. Situated on a wide, deep corner lot. Commands a most unusual view across Rock Creek Park Valley. colored tile baths (shower). design in imported wall papers. color creations in paints and Kitchen, with breakfast alcove adjoining, the Contains 6 large, bright rooms (wall space for furniture ar- rangement was planned in advance), Each room is cross-ventilated and decorated with the latest H Directions Drive out 16th St. to Alaska Ave. to 14th St., turn left to 14th and Iris Sts. Beautiful draperies. most practical and_beautiful we have ever created. See the Old English Den in the basement with its Old World Charm and At- ‘mosphere. Built of Standard Breuninger Con- struction, employ- ing such methods as furred walls with insulation (dead air space) and in- sulated attic, etc, ' ac has been fea- tured for years by Washington’s Old- est and Fstablished Builder$. 211 Investment Bldg. National 2040 Builders—Realtors STAR MODEL HOME SERIES PREPARED Demonstrations to Run Five Months, Showing Five Houses. - The Star model homes demonstration this week will run for a period of at least five months, during which all inter- ested in modern house construction, decoration and equipment will be in- vited to inspect the five demonstration houses now being developed. The program is to be started May 4, when the first of the series sponsored by The Star in co-operation with the Operative Builders' Association 15 thrown open. The opening of this house, rapidly nearing completion, has been delayed to May 4 to assure a continuous pro- gram for the exhibition of the series of dwellings. The first house, built by Shannon & Luchs, Inc., at 6502 Maple avenue,«in the forest section of Chevy Chase, now is virtually completed structurally. ‘Workmen now are engaged in extensive landscaping of the site, sodding lawns and dressing up the banks of a tiny natural stream which cuts across the wooded area to the rear of the prop- erty. This house is to be furnished for demonstration by the Woodward & Lothrop department store. The second of the series, an English group house being erected at 1509 For- ty-fourth street in Foxall by Waverly Taylor, Inc., now is in an advanced stage. ‘The walls of this three-story dwelling have been plastered and now the builders are engaged in placing the interfor trim, building the finished stairs. Cement walks and other outside cement work have been completed dur- ing the past week and soon attention will be given the grading and sodding of the lawns. The third model home, one of a group of five English-type row houses of in- expensive character, being erected by Baer & Scholz at 2004 M street north- east, in the Shelbourne section, also is keeping ahead of schedule. The brown coating has been placed on the walls and work will be started today on the white coat. When this’is finished the trim will be added, and the grading of the lawns is started. The flooring of the house will about complete the con- struction, Steady progress also is being made in the construction of the English countryside type of dwelling being erected by the North Washington Realty Co. on the triangular site at the cor; MME. he: Foening Star, LESSINOFF ACQUIRES FINE BELMONT ROAD HOME 2N Residence at 2438 Belmont road, purchased by Mme. Paul Lessinoff. Mme. Paul Lessinoff, wife of the for- mer secretary of the Bulgarian lega- tion here, has purchased the large stone residence of farm-house style recently completed at 2438 Belmont road, near Rock Creek Park. ‘The house, one of commodious pro- portions, is unusual in its exterior treat- ment. A distinctive note is achieved in the stone facades, which have been painted a cream color. Contrast is pro- vided in the blinds on the windows, which are brown to harmonize with the color of the tile roofing, which was treated to present the appearance of weathered shingles as found in France. | Large oak trees, which in leaf will form a green frame for the house, are located about the building. The entrance hall has a brown and white marble floor. A true circular stairway with an ornamental iron rail- ner of Fernway and Locust roads, in Northgate, north of Kalmia's road and east of Sixteenth street. The walls of this house now are rising, revealing its unusual plan, the house having some- thing of the shape of a “Y,” which will give three exposures to most of the| being developed by W. C. and A. N. Miller on a large site on the southwest corner of Gar- field and Forty-fourth streets, in Wesley Heights, also is showing real progress. The stone walls of what will be a sturdy stone and half timber house now are up to the first story window sill leve ‘This will be the largest and most costly type of the serie: etached Home— (st a Row House Price) 0. 7707 12th St. N.W. Shepherd Park Drive out 16th St. to Alaska Ave. to_12th St turn left to this home. This House Must Be Sold! The home is owned by the original purchaser, who due to ill health has been forced to transfer his residence to another climate, necessitating the disposal of this beautiful home at a figure lower than you can imagine. ¥ Beautiful, well designed, ideally arranged 6-room /| and bath detached brick residence with slate roof. ] Built by the Breuninger standard of construction, on a large lot with shrubbery and garage, in an entirely detached home community. Open and_Lighted Sunday 10 AM. to 6 P.M. v LG PBreuningers Sons 211 Investment Bldg. ican Georgian style. al 20 s—Realt ing made especially for the owner leads to the upper floors. Crystal chandeliers and wall sconces of antique Style are used throughout the house. In the living room, 20 by 37 feet, is a carved marble mantel brought from abroad for the owner. The dining room, 17 by 27 feet, has an open fireplace. The library has paneled walls. From the first floor there is access to the large open flagstone terrace to the rear of the house. On the second floor are three large bedrooms, each with bath and sitting room. There are two guest chambers and bath on the third floor. In the basement are two butler's rooms and bath, laundry, trunk and storage rooms and a garage for four automobiles. The property was developed under the direction of Bishop P. Hill of the ‘William A. Hill Co., builders, and was purchased through the real estate office of Moore & Hill, Inc. Flowers have been associated with weddings for thousands of years. Orange blossom has always been the most-used wedding flower and is sup- " SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1930. ] §a24.400 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED Operations Costing Under $100,000 Longer, With 48 Dwellings on List. Expenditure of $524,400 for private building operations in the District, ex- clusive of Federal projects, is provided in plans approved during the past week by the building inspector, Col, John W. Oehmann. While projects of great size were lacking, the number of operations costing under $100,000 was considerably longer. Plans were approved for the construc- tion of 48 private dwellings. Among permits issued were the following: Armour & Co., owners and builde: R. C. Clark, designer; to erect one story brick sale and packing house building, 501 Twelfth street southwest (lot 800, square 300), to cost $85,000. D. J. Dunigan, Inc., owners, design- ers and builders; to erect 12 2-story | brick dwellings, 410 to 432 Longfellow | street (lots 10 to 21, square 3260), to | ccst $72,000. Waple & James, owners and builders; George T. Santmyers, architect; to erect 11 2-story brick dwellings, 236 to 256 Madison street (lots 20 to 30, square 3334), to cost $65,000. Prank Murphy, owner; J. W. ney, architect; Randolph Jennin builder; to erect one 2-story stone dwelling, 1734 Poplar lane square 2748), to cost $24,500. Wenger Bros., owners and builder: George T. Santmyers, architect; to erect two 2-story brick and frame dwellings, 3841 and 3845 Cathedral avenue (lots | 79 and 80, square 1815), to cost $24,000. | Hechinger Co., owners and builder: | L. T. Rouleau, architect; to erect one | 2-story stone and brick gost office and | store, 5921 and 5925 Georgia avenue (ots 9 to 14, square 2986), to cost | $20,000. A. T. Newbold, owner and builder; C. N. Norton, architect; to erect two | 215-story stone and stucco dwellings, | 3931 and 3933 Legation street (lots 11 d 13, square 1749); to cost $: (ot 12, | HOME & GARDEN B—-1 NEW BODY TO ACT FOR ALL OF U. S. BUILDING GROUPS Committee Representing All Interests in Construce tion Work to Act on Matters Presented Survey Conference. The establishment of the first committee ever to represent and act for all groups included in the Nation’s building industries will be an important result of the recent Chicago meeting of the National Building Survey Conference. A resolution passed at the conference authorized the appoint- ment of a small committee of key men in the building industries who will take under consideration the naming of a larger committee, representative of all interests which go to make up the building in- dustry. This committee will have the power to act on the various matters brought before the National Building Survey Conference. Backs Prudent New Building. The conference went on record as backing prudent new building and moderizing and as encouraging the release of money for mort- gage investments. The four points essential to the)building and allied interests in this widening of home ownership, as|country today: (1) Taxation: (2) the brought before the meeting by the | economic use of land: (3) financing National Assoctation of Real Estate|costs for homes, and (4) some method Boards, were cited again by Julius|of eccnomic standardization of build- Barnes, chairman of the United States |ing processes, so that homes for people Chamber of Commerce and of the |of average means can be constructed at National Business Survey Conference, | costs substantially lower than are at as eminently practical suggestions to- | present possible and, at the same time, ward the successful progress of the |offer increased convenience and be des Natlon-wide movement to promote con- veloped without monotony of design. struction, now being advocated by, President Hoover. | These suggestions made by Leonard | P. Reaume, Detroit, president of the National Association of Real Estate Boards, constituted a plea that the country’s leaders in the construction and building industries should approach in a laboratory and research spirit the | following four problems which _face | The automobile age has brought about a_condition_requiring fewer and wider streets, Mr. Reaume told the con- ference delegates, in his assertion that the costs of home ownership could be still further reducer by better economy in the use of land. “We could close half of the cross streets in most of our_cities in_residential areas without (Continued on Second Page.) posed to portend luck and happiness. (Continued on Second Page.) 3401 Macomb St. The Finest Homes in Cleveland Park to Be Obtained at the Price BEAUTIFUL CORNER HOME, detached—fine landscaping. First floor—very large reception hall, huge living room with fire place, large bright dining room, pantry and model kitchen. ELECTRIC REFRIGERA- TION, rear stairway. 2nd floor—four master bed rooms, twoe complete tiled baths and sleeping porch. Large closets. Maid's room and complete bath. Large covered porches front and rear. OIL BURNING hot-water heating _system with 1,000-gallon tank. Complete screens, weather stripping, copper guttering, cornice and downspouting, slate f. THRE! AR BUILT-IN GARAGE. Drive out Conn. Ave. to Macomb street and west to property, BOREELPS National 9300 Open Saturday Afternoon and All Day Sunday 1417 K St. Why Wait Longer? Two weeks ago we opened for inspection in our Sedgwick Street Building in Tilden Gardens a six-room apartment decorated and furnished in the Early Amer- Naturally we are pleased with the public interest shown, as evidenced by the response to our invitation to come and inspect it. We do feel, however, that there are several thousands who should come that have not gotten around to it as yet, or have simply put off making the slight eff ort necessary to drive out and see how an apartment may still be an apartment and yet be a real home in every sense of the word. When we consider the fact that there are more than forty thousand families living in rented apartments in Washington, each paying for the one they occupy and yet only buying it for someone else, it does seem that the few apartments we have yet available here should almost be sold overnight. , While we fre unable to take care of the forty thousand, we can offer to a few families the opportunity to come to Tilden Gardens and buy an apartment home for themselves on monthly payments that are less than comparable rentals, and en- joy living among home owners who are already buying their apartments for them- selves instead of for a landlord. The Exhibit Apartment Home at Tilden cut Ave. and Sedgwick Street, n every day until Cleveland 6084. will be o 9 p.m. Phone Connecti- of M. and R. B. Warren B2 550 Lo B/2, S00— y o) DIRECTIONS . . . Drive out Sirteenth Street to Alaska_Avenue and District Line; watch for large Sligo Park Hills sign, turn right at this point . . . following arrows. Sales Office, 7900 Georgia Avenue. Shepherd 2400. A Guarantee of Real Value “Warren-Built” 214 Raymond Street, Chevy Chase FTER all, there is no substitute for qual- ity. -In buying your home (as sound, substantial people mevitably do), even though you are not an expert on build- ing materials, methods and work- manship, you have one unfailing guide by which you may judge qual- ity and value—the integrity, experi- ence and skill of the builder. Six Spacious Rooms Fully Tiled Bath Covered Side Porch Garage to Match $13,500 Convenient Terms P A a2 d - This beautiful home, ideal in location and surroundings, will charm you with its beautifully designed exterior and the lovely landscaped grounds. You'll be delighted with the spacious rooms, so cleverly arranged for convenient, comfortable living. And finally, you have the supreme satisfaction of assurance in quality and value in the knowledge that your home is “Warren-built.” By all means see this property today. Drive out Connecticut Avenue to Raymond Street, one block north of Bradley Lane, turn east (right) one block to property. For week-day inspection, phome Mr. Touart at Wisconsin 2489, between 6 and 9 p.m. M. & R. B. WARREN