WILDWOOD, Mo. – Diane Leavell moved to Wildwood for peace, quiet and a view of the woods.
“We have our secluded, quaint little farm here,” said Leavell, who keeps horses, chickens and dogs on her property.
Recently, the view has changed. A new home is going in next door less than 200 feet from Leavell’s. All of the home in her area are required to sit on at least three acres, so Leavell does not understand why this one had to go so close to the property line.
“They're not grasping the culture out here and they're invading our privacy and our lives,” Leavell said.
The new home happens to be for Army Sgt. Legrand Strickland, who was injured while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. An explosive hit Strickland’s vehicle, and he lost both of his legs and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The Gary Sinise Foundation is building the home for Strickland, who chose to live in Wildwood.
A representative from the Gary Sinise Foundation, sent 5 On Your Side the following statement: "Legrand is a double amputee that requires his home to be on level ground, which limited where on the property the home could be built. The Gary Sinise Foundation proceeded with the building of the home after working with the City of Wildwood and receiving their approval of the placement and construction of the home."
Leavell said she welcomes Sgt. Strickland.
“I think this is a wonderful thing that they've done for him and his family and I'm proud to have them as my neighbors. I truly am,” Leavell said.
But, Leavell said she never wanted any neighbor so close, and she may have to move from a home she once loved.
“I don't care how beautiful the house is going to be,” Leavell said. “It's still going to be the only thing we see.”
The City of Wildwood confirmed the home plan meet city ordinances.
