On the eve of a Pittsburgh Public Schools board vote tonight on the sale of the Lemington Elementary School, the 12th Ward Democratic Committee called yesterday for a delay and alleged "interference" by Councilman Ricky Burgess.

The board is set to vote on a $125,000 sale of the closed school to Destiny International Ministries, run by Pastor Michael H. Smith. He wants to turn the building into a site for a church, day care and family programs.

"We're not against him," said Sadie Robinson, secretary of the 12th Ward Committee. "We just want to know what he's doing."

A community meeting Monday night did not answer all questions, she said, adding that Lemington residents didn't get enough notice.

Jacque Fielder, 12th Ward chairman, said Mr. Burgess has cut her group out of three development efforts with which it was involved. "He met behind our backs with the stakeholders," she said.

Ms. Fielder's daughter, Leah Kirkland, was among the losers to Mr. Burgess in last year's Democratic council primary.

Mr. Burgess could not be reached for comment. Mr. Smith said the councilman was not involved in the school sale.

"To politicize this as a way to come against Burgess, and leaving this building as an eyesore, is reprehensible," he said.