I write this letter to clarify a possible misperception created by your front page article on the Lake Street School (Nov. 4).

My property, which was featured in a front-page photo in the newspaper and also pictured with several previous articles, is not the reason the Lake Street School site is being abandoned.

I signed an option agreement with the School Department six weeks ago when I was told the city needed my property to save the Lake Street School project.

I continue to question why the School Department is investing so much energy, time and money in this neighborhood. With the first rejection, why isn’t the School Department proceeding with developing the Washburn and East Auburn sites for K-6 per the alternate plan clearly defined in our 1998 North Side Facilities Report to the Auburn School Committee where no land acquisition is required. The recent work at these two sites was designed to accommodate further expansion at minimum expense.

When will the School Department start considering cost – both construction cost and operating cost as an important perimeter in any proposal offered to the community?

It has been my impression that the 500-student, K-6 Sherwood Heights and Fairview Schools have served the students well and are respected in the community. Why not continue this proven solution on the North Side?

Robert Thorpe, Auburn

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