To the editor:

“The issue is money. Jane Eldredge, Rubenstein’s Lawrence attorney, said city officials initially offered $15 per square foot for the needed land, for a total of roughly $200,000.

But Assistant City Manager Dave Corliss said no such offer was made. He said the project budget included a “high-end” possibility of paying $15 per square foot, but since the land in question already contains city utility easements, an offer of $4 per square foot was made, for a total in the neighborhood of $52,000 about the price recommended by an appraiser.”

Hmmmmmmmmm?.?.

OK originally we’ll make ’em think we’re gonna give ’em a bunch. Then after they’ve helped us push through the Home Depot/Best Buy deal we’ll offer ’em less. Then when they balk ’cause they’re getting the shortest end of the short stick we’ll not put in the improvements that would help their property. Instead we’ll tell ’em, “If you want that you can either take what we offer or make the improvements yourself.”

Wow! I should be so crafty.

John Hamm,

Lawrence