The following letter by Lee Duboc was published in the Almanac's April 11 print edition:

Editor:

At this time, I don't know how the Encinal school field situation will turn out, but I can look on this issue with some amount of sadness and deja vu.

There are certain things that never seem to change in our city and community. One of those things is an ever-increasing need for more quality playing fields, and another is the fact that no one wants these fields in his or her backyard.

I truly hope that some day these two certainties can finally be accommodated. In a time of increasing childhood and adult obesity, it is a shame that residents of all ages have limited recreational opportunities in this affluent community. It is a shame that in this community of compassionate and educated residents that we cannot find the tolerance to allow a bit of incremental noise and hassle and allow sufficient fields to be built or expanded.

Lee Duboc

Former mayor and longtime parks and recreation commissioner