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Thursday, September 26, 2002
Dear Trustees [of Middlesex School]:
We are writing today to reiterate our point of view regarding the potential
Estabrook Woods development. We feel that a letter is an appropriate means to
communicate our opinion regarding this issue, having scheduled neither a protest
nor a student-led presentation.
We maintain that the proposal is ill-conceived. We believe that alternative
building plans have been both poorly researched and prematurely rejected. The
Estabrook Woods are too valuable a resource to dispense with so quickly and
thoughtlessly. For one, they are of great historical significance, both within
Concord and in the context of our country. Secondly, many Concord residents, as
well as most Middlesex students, frequent the Woods in pursuit of serenity,
inspiration, or simply the beautiful and well-kept trails. There is great irony
in the fact that Phillips Exeter Academy finds itself constructing its own
artificial wetlands in order to better serve its students, while Middlesex seems
so willing to part with one of its most precious endowments. As forest acreage
in the world decreases rapidly, the question of whether or not to develop our
own tract of woodlands becomes more and more momentous. The project's proponents
claim that a bridge into the Woods would ensure that Middlesex "keeps its
options open". In fact, the only way we can ensure that no course of action
remains closed to us is to consider carefully what is at stake, and act
accordingly. Carving up the precious unspoiled natural land that we have seems a
more rash and senseless alternative than preserving the Woods, and thereby
serving as an example to the community and indeed society at large.
A school ultimately exists for its students. The opinion represented in this
letter is still in accordance with the greater portion of our student body.
Since we cannot be present during the trustees' deliberations, please remember
us and take our message to heart. Also, don't hesitate to contact either of us
if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[R.B. and M. M., Co-Chairs, Class of 2003, Common Sense at Middlesex School]