Thanks to Rep. Peggy Rotundo for organizing the Pettingill School meeting recently. We appreciated the opportunity to discuss the future use of the site.

We were pleased when the Lewiston School Committee recommended it be turned into a park. It’s the only such facility in this area and offers recreational opportunities that will disappear if it’s sold.

Unfortunately, city officials attending the meeting see the property as a way to increase revenue. Public Works Director Dave Jones emphasized cutbacks in the budget, and Assistant City Administrator Lincoln Jeffers underscored his goal to increase the tax base.

Selling this property to address a short-term economic downturn is shortsighted. The city may never have another opportunity to preserve green space with playground facilities in this part of Lewiston. It’s important to remember the city already owns the land and the playground equipment currently exists, so we’re already close to making the park option an affordable consideration. What the city should realize is green space increases property values, strengthens neighborhoods and helps attract new business.

A statement raised by one city official particularly concerned us. He suggested the playground might remain even if the property is sold. We question the sincerity of the statement. No property owner is going to make that commitment — the higher insurance costs alone would make it prohibitive.

The meeting made it obvious that neighbors who support any plan besides development have one alternative — fight it at City Hall once the city finds a buyer.

Bill and Judy Cartmel, Lewiston