Adam Voiland '01

ACADEMY MODIFIES PLANS;
NEIGHBORS STILL DISSATISFIED

Debate continues over the possibility of a tennis court complex on the Lower Level. Academy planners have responded to the complaints of David Keith, a neighbor who opposes any sort of construction near his house, by agreeing to move the proposed foundation and courts 180 feet to the north, and by swinging the proposed parking lot northwest, away from Mr. Keith's home. Physical Plant Supervisor Chuck Williams said of the new plan, "[The new plan] significantly changes the sight line from the [Keith's] home, and by doing that, we've sacrificed an entire soccer field to a smaller playing field."

The number of proposed courts has been reduced from 24 to 18, and the 6 courts to the north are the only courts that will potentially have a structure built over them. Headmaster Eric Widmer stressed the point that "the idea of the structure is simply a proposal; there is no reality to it yet. It's just prompted the whole question that if there is a structure, clearly we have to provide the accommodation for it now rather than dig everything up and do it later." Putting in a foundation, according to Business manager Michael Sheridan, gives the school options for the future. "Honestly, I have no idea whether a building will be there in five years or not,"said Mr. Sheridan.

Neither Mr. Keith nor his neighbor, Joanna Creelman, believe that answer. "Putting in a foundation is like putting in a building," Mrs. Creelman said. Mr. Keith worries that "once a foundation is in, it will be very difficult for the town planning board to stop the school from building."

Although Mr. Keith finds the new plan preferable to the first, which had put the parking lot right outside his window, he isn't satisfied.

"I'm in the middle of writing another letter to the trustees. All this could and should have been avoided by better communication. Had we been brought into the process earlier, it would not have been necessary to immediately draw in a lawyer," said Mr. Keith. The Creelmans, like the Keiths, worry another structure in Old Deerfield will threaten the integrity of the open space in this historic village. "We're not out to make enemies," Mrs. Creelman said. "We love Deerfield. Our children have gone there. We've even rented out part of our house to the school in the past, but we disagree with the school on this particular issue. It's difficult to understand why the school would want to build something as large as that for so few students."

Legally, the Deerfield Conservation Committee must approve the plan before any construction can begin. Their report is due back in late April.

Meanwhile UMass soil scientist Scott Jackson is analyzing soil located on the proposed site to determine whether it is hydric or not. If it is hydric, and it supports certain plant species, claims Mr. Keith, laws restricting development on wetlands might prohibit the academy from building.

"He can appeal and slow things down, but I don't think he can stop anything," said Mr. Widmer. "It's our property and we're following all the rules. Nothing we are doing is illegal," said Mr. Sheridan.

In the meantime Mr. Keith hopes to present his case to the Board of Trustees. "I have faith in the trustees," said Mr. Keith. "I will accept the trustees' decision after pleading my case, as long as the courts remain to the north. I think at some point the best you can do is say what you feel and see where it leads."

A further wrinkle with the potential to complicate matters even further is the appearance of the Boston Globe. Tipped off by a member of the community, that paper has expressed interest in the story. A reporter for the Globe spent three hours with Mr. Keith, although it is unclear whether the paper will actually run a story. "I'm afraid I might be hurting my case by talking to the Globe," Mr. Keith said. "I'm sure the trustees will be upset if this hurts the image of the school, but the truth of the matter is the school does have image problems," he continued.

Mr. Sheridan was unaware of the Globe's interest but said, "We don't do things in spite of or because of publicity."

KEITH DISCUSSES ISSUES WITH DEAG

The air crackled with tension as David Keith, Physical Plant Manager Chuck Williams, and Athletic Director Kathy Robertson sat down with members of the Deerfield Environmental Action Group (DEAG) to discuss the proposed tennis courts.

"I've been accused of 'whipping things up' and of 'distortion.' If I am distorting things, then by all means, correct me!" Mr. Keith begged at one point.

Mr. Williams reacted strongly as Mr. Keith called the area in question "wetland" saying, "David, It's not wetland, it's flood plain!" Mr. Keith responded by saying he's hired a soil scientist who disagrees.

"For all I know," Mr. Keith said later, "we'll end up with a monstrosity the size of a hockey rink down there. I just don't know what they're going to build," he said, referring to the administration's claim that they haven't decided on an actual building design, only a foundation. "That's impossible," said Mr. Williams citing a building code that bars such a rigid structure in a flood plain. Anything built must have removable walls he said. "They did it at NMH," Mr. Keith fired back.

Mr. Keith directly criticized the school for what he considers strong-arm tactics on local issues. "People feel extremely restrained about speaking out. If you go against the Academy, they'll try to buy your house. I've heard stories of people who disagree with the Academy and their kids don't get in, while those who go along with things are accepted."

Ms. Robertson defended the Academy: "I know personally how many times we've helped the local community. There isn't always bitterness." She went on citing the Academy's role in maintaining public school athletic fields, the donation of a fire truck to a local fire department, and donations to land preservation organizations.

Alex Platt '02 wondered whether the school will ever be satisfied; whether the building projects will ever cease. Emily Douglass '02 wanted to know whether the administration had any respect for the concept of open space.

"We do," Mrs. Robertson emphasized. "The school loves open space, but there are other things to consider. The school needs parking spaces; we need usable tennis courts. Deerfield wants to be exquisite; we want the best teachers; the best environment; the best playing facilities."