Opposing a Good Thing

By: Mr. Wilson on August 2, 2007
Neighbors of the proposed Alzheimer's care facility west of 27th and Old Cheney Road who oppose the facility are making a mistake. The neighbors fear increased traffic and noise. Fair enough, but I think their fears are mostly unfounded. There is a nursing home smack in the middle of my neighborhood. Traffic seems to be a non-issue. The number of cars entering and exiting the property is roughly similar to the number of cars that would go to and from houses that were there instead. And the traffic isn't notably dangerous; there aren't many teenagers speeding to go see grandma. Noise from emergency vehicles is an issue. Firetrucks and ambulances are loud. I would give the neighbors credit for that argument except for one thing: there is a fire station just two or three blocks away. In other words, the neighbors already have to deal with the noise of emergency vehicles on a regular basis. Very little will change in that regard. Frankly, I think the neighbors should thank their lucky stars that it's an Alzheimer's care facility that wants to move in. That's about the least-intrusive business you could possibly have in your neighborhood. You know the building and grounds will be maintained, the business itself generates almost no noise and no trash, it's not a magnet for crime, and the customers/visitors are unlikely to cause problems. What more could you want?

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

Mrs CU
August 2, 2007 at 12:49PM

Living close to that area I feel it would be great.  If memory serves me correct at one time they wanted to put a gas station there; THAT would create traffic issues.
People need to get over the “not in my backyard (or front yard) mentality.”

foxspit
August 2, 2007 at 1:09PM

I have to agree, this is about as ideal a neighbor as you can ask for. Quiet, nicely landscaped, and good karma.

If I were a concerned neighbor, I would ask questions about the facility and landscaping, mostly because many Agemark facilities are <u>less residential looking.</u>

We have an assisted living/elderly care unit in our neighborhood and they are a great part of the community. In fact, we go there to vote. Our kids are already pretty busy, but I’m tempted to set up some monthly volunteer time there as a family. Our elderly relatives have passed away, so this would be a way to stay connected to that generation.

Dave K
August 2, 2007 at 1:35PM

They should forget the clinic and put up a dragstrip.  That way they won’t have to deal with the emergency vehicles.

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