Welcome Navy Homes

Recently I was interviewed by Michael Fairley for an article that appeared in the April 21 issue. Unfortunately, the inference that can be drawn about my attitude toward housing for servicemen and my actions are not clearly stated. My attitude and approach is as follows:

A. As a military man of 35 years, I am well aware of the critical need for “good” housing for military families and support its construction.

B. The housing constructed should be of the best quality that congressional authority and funds can provide.

C. San Diego is critically short of Navy housing.

D. Normally, the housing provided in the past by the Navy has been marginal at best and not compatible with my community of Scripps Ranch.

E. The property in Scripps Ranch was owned by the Navy as the old “firefighters’ school” and demolition of that facility and construction of an attractive development would add to the ambiance of the community.

For many individuals who know me, I habitually take the positive and upbeat approach and rarely attempt to “undermine” any responsible project. On the contrary, my efforts are directed to shaping the project for best results.

In this instance we feel that the Navy has done an admirable job in creating a housing project for Navy families that reflects a new look in housing, that is an asset to my community and a model for further Navy housing.

We organized and held a “Welcome Aboard” for the Navy families when they arrived and continue to extend to them a welcome, and to date they have reciprocated in the true Scripps Ranch spirit.

Thanks for allowing me to clarify these key points.

R.E. DINGEMAN

President, Scripps Ranch Civic Assn.