George,

Dick Howard's analysis of the constitutional issues related to disposing of a portion of McIntire Park via an easement to VDOT is a compelling rejection of this course. For our community to move forward, we must continue the process of meeting the conditions imposed by City Council in Mayor Caravati's letter to VDOT of December 11, 2000.

As was the intent of the City Council in that hard won compromise, the transfer of this portion of city parkland should take place only when the Council is persuaded that these conditions have been met. Any other course will never have the support of this community and will act to further divide us.

Cheers,

Rus Perry (electronic mail, December 13, 2003)