To the editor:

To any sports fan, a state-of-the-art competition field in a central location must be an appealing idea. Such a project is being considered by the school district for the areas west of Lawrence High School and south of Greever Terrace, around Centennial School.

Among the less desirable aspects of the project will be increased traffic in an already congested area with all it entails (e.g., parking and safety problems); noise, especially from loudspeakers at undue times; drainage problems in an area notorious for retaining water; bright lights close to homes, etc.

While these problems have been presented, the following have not: the environmental impact which is not less grave since it reduces the quality of life. It will be severest in the areas adjacent to the competition field and across the streets bordering it. A number of these houses have been occupied by the same families since the 1950s – my own family has lived there since 1962 – and Centennial Neighborhood is their home, their habitat.

If the contemplated changes are put into effect at the selected site, their quality of life will suffer. For instance, the views people will see from their homes will no longer be familiar. Instead of Mount Oread, occupants of lot 842 might see the back wall of high bleachers or even a concrete wall!

There ought to be a better solution, a better location. Stick to the slogan on our city’s stationery: “We are committed to providing excellent services that enhance the quality of life for the Lawrence community.”

Helmut E. Huelsbergen,
Lawrence