To the editor:

In a recent panel debate of Democratic candidates for the Alexandria City Council, incumbent Canek Aguirre said he was in favor of co-location of affordable housing with Alexandria public schools. He noted that several schools already are adjacent to public or affordable housing, suggesting that units could be built on undeveloped property adjacent to existing schools.

What he failed to say is that most if not all of that property already is being used for school playgrounds and playing fields.

Even now the much-used field next to Minnie Howard School is slated for destruction because of the new design for the school. For years that field has had vigorous use during school hours for outdoor activity and at other times for community use for organized sports. Losing that venue is sad, indeed.

Now comes Aguirre with an idea that seemingly would eliminate other school play space. As every parent and teacher knows, youngsters require those amenities for their physical, social and intellectual wellbeing. Alexandria is not benefited by Aguirre’s co-location ideas nor perhaps for having their advocate on City Council.

-Jack Sullivan, Alexandria