I live in the historic Grovemont neighborhood in Swannanoa. It is a very quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. There is a vibrant community of people out and about at all hours of the day. Our streets are full of kids, playing and riding their bikes, walking to and from the park — as well as people out getting some exercise and walking their dogs, pushing strollers, often with children in tow behind them riding their bikes and scooters.
Our roads are very narrow, and we have no sidewalks. Our neighborhood just cannot handle the extra traffic [that will result from] putting the entrance to the VA Nursing Facility on Woodland Drive … Most of the neighborhood was not notified about this [proposed] entrance. I feel that I was disrespected and that something was trying to get done behind my back.
We want the veterans! Every single person I've talked to wants and respects and honors our veterans. My father is a veteran, as are many other people in my family's history. We want the facility and the jobs! We just want the entrance to be moved to Lake Eden Drive, an extremely viable option that would not put any children in danger. I am sure the veterans themselves would agree to having it there. They would never, ever want to change the beautiful, friendly neighborhood they are moving into through no fault of their own.
It is so very simple: Change the entrance, and everyone is happy!
— Felicia Buske
Swannanoa
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