A bow of gratitude for Prof. Aaron Kitch’s recent column (“Maine Voices: Redevelopment of Bowdoin athletic fields a cause for concern,” Nov. 26).

I live one short block from the fields in question and I frequently enjoy walking in the woods that Bowdoin College proposes to destroy. A good portion of the walking paths there go right past Mare Brook, which will likely be further contaminated by forever chemicals if Bowdoin College replaces existing fields with artificial turf. But even people who do not live in the immediate neighborhood should be concerned; the water from Mare Brook ultimately finds its way to the Atlantic Ocean, a source of income for many Mainers.

In addition to Prof. Kitch’s concerns about forever chemicals and wildlife habitat destruction, I would like to underscore my concern about increased light and noise pollution from the proposed redevelopment project. Our neighborhood already suffers from an excess of artificial light – itself a health concern as a contributing factor to cancer and heart disease. Increased noise, especially from nighttime practices and games, would also detrimentally affect Bowdoin’s neighbors.

To avoid hypocrisy, Bowdoin College should reconsider its proposed project in light of the college’s stated core values. In addition, to be a responsible community member, Bowdoin College should factor into its planning the deeply held concerns of Bowdoin College neighbors.

Sylvia Stocker
Brunswick

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