By Ray Mickey Santa Monica
I have been interested in your articles on housing for homeless veterans at Brentwood VA, which I think is a good idea. The idea of commercial development of part of the grounds is a poor idea. Such use for non-veterans is not a new idea. My recollection is that about 35 years ago, President Nixon wanted to do the same. He hadn’t counted on legal difficulties. At a Memorial Day service in Woodlawn Cemetery several years ago, Mr. Sid Reyes explained that his family had donated the land with the restriction that it be used for veterans. I think they brought a suit with the result that the property remained for the benefit of veterans. Perhaps the city attorneys could check on this and remove an impediment to moving forward.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 11, 2005. Read the original PDF.