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| Updated: 2/27/2012 10:16 am |
Published: 2/26/2012 5:50 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Using blue tape, the word "RAVE" is posted on the window of the former Jeep Cook Building.
It stands for respect all veterans equally and is also the name of a small group supporting a proposed veterans center on Main Street.
Opponents say the clinic would present a health hazard. But RAVE members disagree.
"We thought some people were disrespecting our veterans saying they were going to reduce property values and mess up their neighborhoods. They won't. They will improve their neighborhoods," said Ted Newman, veteran and RAVE member.
Right now the clinic is located on Second Street. But it has outgrown it's space.
Therefore, the Veterans Affairs department wants to move the center to the empty building on Main Street.
Thursday, Congressman Tim Griffin gave his thoughts.
"This is not my decision where this goes. But I am the federal representative for a lot of constituents who have asked me to take a look at it and do what I can to make sure procedures were followed," said Griffin.
The VA has committed to being more transparent with its intentions on using the building.
"So going forth, we are going to work on that communication process, we will be discussing a lot of issues with stakeholders," Mike Wynn, medical director of Central AR Veterans Healthcare System.
Exactly what will happen with the building and when is still not clear right now.
