Featured comments from our discussion at facebook.com/crestview.bulletin
TOP COMMENT
Small town or big city?
Crestview was a small, southern town where everyone knew everyone and our crime rate was almost nonexistent.
We didn't lock doors, went to work and left our windows opened to air out our homes, and left car windows down … without a second thought of being robbed.
It was like this until literally 15 to 20 years ago. That's when we were "discovered" by people moving into the Destin area who wanted affordable living and housing.
It's still cheaper to buy or build a home here than south or west. The infrastructure of roads is bad because that huge growth was overnight and, in the past few years, the military brought in yet another huge population!
I don't think the city council is to blame here. The property here has belonged to old families for a hundred years who do not want to sale it to have more roads or big business come in. It's their prerogative to do so.
Can't build if the land isn't available!
The people who have lived here their whole lives own small businesses that depend on local money to support their families. Big stores would literally shut down these small businesses.
They built this town. Their roots run very, very deep here.
It's a very nice place to grow a family, worship and make lifelong neighbors, go through the same schools as your parents did and where you can depend on the entire town to help you when you are in great need.
If you wanted to live where the lights are bright and the city never sleeps, then this probably wasn't the place to settle into.
If the small-town atmosphere and low cost of living is what drew you here, big businesses and more populations will drive you to find another sleepy town where your children are safe and living is easy … but there is no Target!
(You) have to choose priorities.
Diana B. Hill
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Facebook fans replied in droves to Janice Lynn Crose's column on whether Crestview should have more shopping options.
Here's what they said:
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I can guarantee you that population isn't the issue (for Target not locating here), seeing as how Crestview is the most populated city in the county.
Chris King
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Shopping in Crestview would be great; not having to drive 25 miles south or 50 miles west. With revenue generated locally, it would benefit everyone.
Allie Lyman-Fries
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If we're dreaming big, an IKEA would be amazing in Crestview. It'd bring business from everywhere within six hours, guaranteed!
That, and if we had a Costco here, I wouldn't be able to rip up my Sam's Club card fast enough.
Rika Glick
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We moved to Crestview to get away from bigger cities. I would hate to see the "small town" feel ruined.
Kayla Peters
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I think new shopping opportunities are nice; however, we need to be more aware of local businesses that keep money in Crestview. Just spending 10 percent of your money on local businesses improves the local economy greatly, as well as the infrastructure.
Anna Marie May
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Fine dining restaurants that serve spirits would be wonderful. It would be nice to have a short commute to a really nice restaurant where you could have a glass of wine, martini or craft beer and listen to some jazz.
Sherri Williams
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Waste Pro provides Crestview residences' trash pickup, whereas Waste Management serves areas outside city limits.
But the general Crestview area includes unincorporated and incorporated properties that enhance — or detract from — residents' quality of life, depending on your view.
Here's how Facebook fans replied to a letter to the editor addressing waste removal.
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No developing country…
Crestview is far from looking like a third-world country (and no, I have never been to one).
Communication between the customers and the garbage companies needs to be better. Call your garbage companies to find out if, and when, unusual items (beds, TVs, old furniture, etc.) are picked up before putting the items (to) the curb.
Melissa Sparks
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…But homeowners, take care
What I notice more is homeowners' yards turning into trash and dump grounds.
Silvia Clem Womack
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Don't talk smack
I'm so sick and tired of people talking (smack) about Crestview! You don't like it? Do something about it or move.
Honestly, I miss the Crestview from 20 to 25 years ago, when it was half the size it is now.
Karen Brown
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Should a homeless shelter be located near Twin Hills Park? Some Crestview City Council members say no, but agree a local facility is necessary.
Readers add their feeback:
Evaluate each case
Just opening a facility where the "homeless" can come and go may not be the answer. Every situation needs to be evaluated for what it is, with social and psychological counseling made available.
The health department may not have the personnel or the capability to perform these services.
No doubt, some (who are homeless) are destitute, and have no funds, no family to lean on, and no place to go. These people certainly deserve some special consideration; however, there are some who prefer to live this way, and don't want the responsibility of a job and making a positive contribution to society.
Just to sit and discuss the location of a facility is a pretty elemental approach to a much more complicated problem.
Chris Faircloth
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Homeless camp out already
News flash: there are already homeless people camping in the woods right by the park. Putting a shelter there would be nothing new.
Kimberly Moreno
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'Homeless' doesn't mean thief
Just because a person is homeless doesn't make them pedophiles, thieves, drug addicts, etc. Most, if not all, are veterans; those who have lost a job and home; and some homeless have kids.
This is something that can happen to anyone. Being beside the health department will allow them to receive the care they need.
Debra Posey-Collinsworth
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Homeless need safe shelter
Yes … we know the type of people who use these shelters. Some of them are called homeless veterans who fought for your freedom.
We need a safe place for homeless individuals and families. You know what else we need? Jobs!
Lisa Vargo
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Don't panic
It will be fine there — no need for panic.
Silvia Clem Womack
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A step in the right direction
The fact that we're getting a homeless shelter is a great step in the right direction. The homeless need assistance, and our city is woefully unprepared to do so.
I have known a lot of homeless people who have camped out in the woods right next to Twin Hills Park — even closer than the proposed area in the article.
If this facility isn't built, the homeless will still be rightthere from the park. The biggest difference is — and this is a big one — they won't be receiving any of the assistance that they need.
Ashley Adams
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In other comments…
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Give us a break
Once again, Crestview has no idea on how to improve on true needs of the community. Another gas station — and directly across the street from another.
This really makes a lot of sense. Give us a break!
Gisela Harper
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Less, not no government
I like Helt's way of thinking. Yes, we want less government, but that does not mean no government. First and foremost, we must have good government.
Bill Skinner Garrett
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: No developing country, evaluate each case