Lease to own
I disagree with Dr. Brown [“Residents contend vote on YMCA violates state constitution,” Government News, May 5]. There is no question in my mind that someone structured this as a lease to purposely get around the state law requiring a “super” majority. I think this is a very good law to require an overwhelming majority before public land is given away. Technically, these are leases but in essence and reality the land has been permanently given away. It is possible that a YMCA building could be torn down in 40 years and the land restored to park land but not probable. The land given for the Meadowcreek Parkway (not McIntire Road Extended) will never be able to revert to park land once a state road is put on it. This deception is dishonest and unethical but it will take a judge to tell us if it is illegal. If the judge rules for the City then I will ask my state representatives and the governor to change the law to prevent this type of deception and abuse.
Downing Smith
Charlottesville
Game plan
J. Tobias Beard: You wrote a really high-quality article about the tennis competition [“To serve with love,” May 5]. I enjoyed following Carly Gullickson’s story. I wish I could have read this before the meet—I would have attended some of the matches. I’m looking forward to more articles.
Bruce Saunders
Albemarle