New school construction

But what is important too is the short- and long-term impact of construction on neighborhoods. The new Borel Middle School gym will tower 24 feet above Shafter Street, ruining the fabulous view from houses there.

I am aware that the district was in a tough spot and was forced to drop an alternative bid for the Borel gym. The alternate bid would have allowed the new gym to be lower and less obtrusive. Unfortunately, time and money wasted on lawsuits and the land-owner-built school proposal as described in the article, doomed another piece of the quality of life in San Mateo.

I am supportive of prevailing wages, one of the issues at the heart of the Foster City school cost dispute. I am also supportive of the district and all the new construction.

But we all need to be aware that some neighbors on Shafter and Edinburgh will forever pay the price, in the form of ruined views, and light and noise pollution. And the very annoying dust and construction impacts, though temporary, could have been avoided.

Every decision has serious consequences.

Robert Whitehair

San Mateo