Councilman Grieg Smith has been neutral on the proposed plan to develop Sepulveda V.A. property for non-veteran purposes, until now.
In a May 1, 2009 letter to New Directions, Councilman Smith reminded the plan’s promoters that he is a veteran himself — and his son is currently on active duty with the United States Navy. As someone who is personally concerned with veteran’s issues, Councilman Smith declared: “Base on the [Zoning Administrator's] opinion released this past Friday, I feel it is incumbent upon me to make my opinion in opposition public.” Read the entire letter in opposition here.
Peggy Burgess responded:
Dear Greig,
Thank you.
I would just remind you though that even if those Leases were re-written and those apartments were for Veterans only, that will not solve the problem. Buildings 4 and 5 need to be refurbished and staffed as medical buildings. As such, they will house 300 to 350 Veterans at any given time, while those apartments will only house 147 permanently.
The Veterans want those Leases and all Enhanced Use Leases rescinded, their hospital rebuilt and Sepulveda VA restored as a full service hospital-medical center, starting with buildings 4 and 5. Just so you know, they are adamant about that as you will hear at their Summit on May 20 if you attend. We all sincerely hope you will do so.
Thank you again.
Peggy Burgess