Letter: Northern Nevada pushing plan for Boulder City veterans home

A preset agenda seemed to drive the meeting. One is a desire on the part of Northern Nevada to build a home as soon as possible anywhere in Southern Nevada. This will open up the North as priority one for future construction. This was epitomized by the chairman, a Northern Nevada senator.

There was a comment from the state VFW commander who had asked that his name be added to the speakers list after it had been read. The VFW commander, who is from Reno, stated that only he represented Nevada veterans. He followed the CONVO spokesman, who is from Southern Nevada and who represents many Southern Nevada veterans organizations. He had voiced the concern that the Boulder City site, being pushed by state employees, was too remote. Bus service in that area ends at 7 p.m.

The second agenda was Boulder City. It seems the folks there have an industrial area they need to fill. They claimed that the state would save money on water, electricity, sewer hookups, etc. This would keep the cost of operation down.

When asked about the higher cost of labor due to employee commuting, they stated that employees might be found in Boulder City. However, they also stated that only 120 homes per year are allowed to be built in the city. Also, fewer than 600 vacant lots are in private hands.

The idea that individuals who can afford to own a home in Boulder City will clean floors, carry out garbage or empty bedpans is ludicrous. The only employees of a skilled nursing facility who would live in Boulder City are doctors.

Building a "veterans home" in the "Beverly Hills" of Southern Nevada is building a veterans warehouse.

Kevin J. Doyle

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