Letter: Spending it all in Woodbury

Unfortunately, I feel like I spend all my money in Woodbury these days. I think the businesses we allow to come to Cottage Grove show people what we “value.”

Strangers traveling through Cottage Grove would see we “value” pizza, getting our nails done, liquor stores and fast food.

I really began to notice when I joined a gym this past spring. The best deal was Gold’s Gym; they had the lowest cost and had a variety of equipment, a pool, classes and a place for my friends to drop off their kids when we worked out.

We don’t have any places for the whole family to work out and that fits everyone’s needs here in Cottage Grove.

When leaving the gym it’s best to stop by the grocery store since Woodbury’s Rainbow Foods seems to be of much higher quality than ours.

I also stop and get gas because it usually seems to be cheaper and hey, I’m already there right? If I would like to swing by a clothing store like Gap/Old Navy, go to a movie or a bookstore I have to run up to Woodbury as well.

My friends and family and I don’t eat fast food so for us to go to a casual dining restaurant with more healthy options like Panera Bread, Bruegger’s, Noodles and Company or Chipotle we have to go to Woodbury.

Don’t even get me started if we want to go out for a nice dinner to a sit-down restaurant to celebrate a birthday, new job, anniversary, etc.

I understand the City Council had decided to wait for a city plan before allowing Gold’s Gym to come to Cottage Grove, but sometimes things change.

We should adapt to a new plan when an opportunity comes our way to make Cottage Grove a better place. I would sure love to spend more time and money here in Cottage Grove but it is currently not fulfilling the needs of its community.

There are way too many vacant buildings here in Cottage Grove.

Jessica Yannarelly

Cottage Grove

Tags: opinion, woodbury, businesses, superior