EDITOR: After reading all the stories on the general negative
response on the Ford dealership, I thought I might be able to shed
some light to my neighbors across the freeway. I live a stone
’s throw from South County Chevy, and like you, I was adamant,
even angry, when the dealership was allowed to build. But, now that
they have been in business awhile, my view on their conduct and
general business practices has changed considerably.
EDITOR:
After reading all the stories on the general negative response on the Ford dealership, I thought I might be able to shed some light to my neighbors across the freeway. I live a stone’s throw from South County Chevy, and like you, I was adamant, even angry, when the dealership was allowed to build. But, now that they have been in business awhile, my view on their conduct and general business practices has changed considerably.
The dealership is very quiet (as compared to Chevron or KFC where most of our noise pollution occurs). In fact, mine and all the neighbor pet dogs are much more noisy and annoying.
The dealership uses soft lighting which is directed downward, they do not have a loud speaker system, their hours are such that they do not interfere in any way with our day to day routines. Our family has never seen a test drive taken anywhere near our home … and it appears more logical to go Dunne/101 to give a vehicle a fair test drive before purchase rather than on Condit.
It is also my belief that our town (of 30,000 plus) can easily support two dealerships. To be honest, and as much as I hate to admit it, South County Chevy has not only been a good neighbor, they have been a great one.
The dealership employs local citizens, supports Morgan Hill children’s sports programs, and brings valuable and very much needed tax dollars to our community.
The Ford dealership will also bring local jobs in many areas, including construction. I was a resident of Morgan Hill when tax dollars were scarce, (living here 20 years, our family was one of the very first houses built on the northwest side of 101 at Dunne) when fire and police were cut to the barest of minimums and our fire insurance premiums even increased because of these reductions.
As far as Hedy Chang’s reaction, I am glad she “stuck up” for what she (and the citizens concerned with the dealership) believe in. Isn’t that one of the reasons why we sent American young men and women to Iraq to fight? To make each person’s opinion count … you know, like a democracy? You have a right to express your opinion in the next city council election. I am more concerned that an elected city official upon learning a vote does not go the way intended, cries, leaves the meeting before it is concluded and takes it personally. This is unprofessional.
This Morgan Hill citizen is more concerned about the new freeway lanes opening and Silicon Valley residents discovering our wonderful, semi-secret, small community and realizing what a great, family oriented, modest but healthy little town we have.
They might bring their dogs.
Anita Woodson, Morgan Hill
