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Concerned about loss of downtown

To the editor:
I was recently in North Branch and drove by the proposed site for the new Green Acres nursing home. What a terrible idea.
I am not sure what the local politicians and planners are thinking, but this site is certainly inferior to the present site.
I have numerous friends and relatives that have lived at the present Green Acres and the site is great, lots of trees and quiet.
Already the traffic issues of driving over the freeway bridge are terrible, even with a new bridge, why would we want all the senior citizens of the county driving through the worst traffic area to visit friends and relatives?
I have heard numerous complaints about this new site from local people. Were there any public hearings on this site? Whatís wrong with building near the present facility?
And on another note, why doesnít the city of North Branch do anything for downtown, seems like they canít wait to have everything out over the freeway bridge.
We have a great apartment facility downtown, but before we know it there wonít be any services left downtown for the residents of the apartments to use.
Will the city give incentives to keep a grocery store downtown? Or only to move them out?
Why is the new proposed county building going in an area where you have to drive to? Itís too bad that North Branch canít learn from other citiesí mistakes and site facilities where people can actually walk and have an attractive downtown.
The Hennepin County Courthouse isnít on 35-W, itís in downtown Minneapolis where public facilities belong. We also donít need a new library on the freeway, it belongs downtown.
North Branch has always had a great downtown, but seems like they are trying to kill it off. This can be changed with the proper attention by city hall.
Dean Anderson
North Branch taxpayer

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