LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Let Crestview keep small town feel

Dear editor,

I applaud the Letter to the Editor titled "Chronic complainers should consider Crestview’s strengths” (News Bulletin, June 5.) Why is there continued cry for more restaurants and stores in Crestview? Jobs may come with it, but so do more traffic, crowds and statistically more crime as a direct result.

Is there such a need to shop for clothes or attend popular chain restaurants that a jaunt down Highway 85 or I-10 West is so devastating? Or is this a sad commentary on our world, so dependent on convenience?

I welcome new businesses, but not for additional crime, traffic and taxes to support traffic control, policing and overall infrastructure; decreasing property values; and local businesses losing because they can't compete.

My wife and I love this area because the amenities we enjoy are all within reasonable driving distances. If we want Japanese Hibachi, we drive to Okinawa in Fort Walton Beach. Steak or seafood? The bypass to Destin will be open soon to quicken the drive. Malls? Pensacola has three and Fort Walton Beach has one.

Let them keep the traffic, crowds and crime.

I would rather drive the short distance to enjoy the chains if it means keeping Crestview’s small, personal and hometown feel.

By SHAWN MCCARTHY / Crestview

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Let Crestview keep small town feel