The Key School officials sent an open letter to Annapolis Roads residents on Friday, saying their plans for the Annapolis Golf Club abide by the community's covenants.

The letter, signed by Key Board President Wes Jones, included another document outlining the status of the purchase and reaffirming the school's desire to work with the community.

In the letter he said when a definite plan is in place, such as the "location of recreational facilities, accessory structures, parking, etc.," that school officials would like to present their intentions to the entire community.

"We are grateful for the support we have received from many residents of Annapolis Roads," Jones said in the letter. "And, we look forward to being faithful stewards and good neighbors in our use of the Property."

Several Annapolis Roads residents, representing a community group—Preserve Annapolis Roads—that was formed shortly after news of the purchase, have filed a lawsuit in county circuit court.

The purpose of the lawsuit is to have the court determine exactly what uses would be permissible on the 70-plus acres now occupied by the golf course.

Also, in the past several weeks, signs showing support of the community group and in protest of the purchase have popped up throughout Annapolis Roads.

Jones said some misleading information has been circulating over the past several weeks and that school officials want open communication and to address concerns as they arise.

"The most important 'fact' is that Key will abide by the covenants in the June 3, 1987 Declaration," he said in the letter referring to the community covenants. "Those covenants, which include recreational, horticultural and conservation activities and associated structures, are consistent with our intentions."

Some of the points Key officials included with the letter include:

• The purchase of the property is an arrangement between The Key School and the seller. No other parties are involved. There is no “developer” or plan beyond the scope of the applicable covenants.
• The June 3, 1987 declaration restricts use of the property to recreational, horticultural and conservation uses together with accessory uses, including parking and primary and accessory structures for those uses. Key does not intend to pursue any uses inconsistent with those set forth in the declaration.
• Key has no interest in building a second campus in Annapolis Roads.
• We will conduct reforestation and other conservation projects. We are consulting with land use advisers to assure that all designs are in compliance with the declarations. We are committed to stewardship.

See the attached PDF of the letter and the accompanying information sheet.