Not all Laurelhurst residents oppose Seattle Children’s
The Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC), through its president, Jeannie Hale, continues to voice criticism of the proposed expansion plan by Seattle Children’s Hospital [“Not that they’re self-absorbed or anything,” Ron Judd column, Nov. 22].
As a resident of Laurelhurst, I have become increasingly concerned that Hale is perceived as a representative of the entire Laurelhurst neighborhood.
This is far from the truth.
After a review of the expansion plan by all neighboring communities and many revisions by Children’s, a recommendation for approval was submitted to the Seattle City Council and a response is expected in 2010. Yet Hale continues her criticism, requesting contributions from Laurelhurst residents to cover LCC’s legal fees.
While Children’s has agreed to millions of dollars in enhancements to mitigate impacts on Laurelhurst, Hale persists in her opposition.
As a longtime supporter of Children’s, I’d recommend to Hale and her fellow naysayers: Let the hospital do its job in creating a future where no child is turned away for lack of room. Consider the voices of people like me who live in Laurelhurst and thank our lucky stars for this remarkable pediatric facility.
My family has been blessed more than once by care received at Children’s. No emergency helicopter noise or traffic congestion on Sand Point Way has ever led me to bemoan the hospital’s presence in my neighborhood.
Those sights and sounds are manna from heaven — just ask any family whose child has been treated there.
— Linda Wold, Seattle