To the editor:

I read with interest your article concerning my donation to the city of Bainbridge Island of my families beloved Christmas tree farm.

We donated this property in good faith. It was understood that the property would be maintained in a park-like manner for the benefit of all members of our community.

We also understood that no structures would be built and no commercial activity of any kind would take place. I was very disappointed to learn from FOF (Friends of the Farm) that they would be leasing out our donation for a project that was not in tune with our original intent.

My brother, Craig McMullen, was told by the executive director of FOF that it did not matter whether we approved of the project or not as they had a lease and they could do whatever they wanted.

How can the city change the donor intent and why? Upon my brother’s inquiry to the city, he was told that it didn’t make sense for M&E to be part of the FOF as it was not really a farm and should be put in parks and recreation. We are in favor of transferring our donated land, subject to a no land swap clause, and expressed our wishes to the city.

These covert actions on part of the city and FOF should serve as a warning to all potential donors. In trying to do a good deed for the benefit of all Islanders, we have been dealt a bad hand that we will not forget.

ELIZABETH RICE GROSSMAN

Thousand Oaks, California