Family & Home

Veteran transitional home on south side approved by council

Published

5 years ago

January 10, 2019

Plans for a transitional home for veterans in La Crosse are moving ahead, after months of study and vocal objections from people who live near the proposed site.

The vote by the city council Thursday was 11-2, to grant a conditional use permit for the home. Also approved were a $42 million expansion plan for the La Crosse Center and charging for parking on the streets near UW-L / WTC (story here).

Leading up to Thursday night’s vote on the veterans home, some council members criticized the harsh tone, especially on social media, taken by people who don’t want a group home in their Farnam Street neighborhood.

Residents there have complained about putting a group home in a residential area. They also worried about crime, a shortage in parking and a possible drop in property value.

Tomah VA director Victoria Brahm said it may take about three months before vets begin to live in the seven-bedroom home, which is being donated by Dave and Barb Erickson.

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.