Open letter to: Anderson’s

Is Jason Blanchette turning Anderson’s, Virginia Beach, into the “Top Golf of Pungo”?

Anderson’s,

I was just going to let it go and only post pertinent documents in investigating your property—but your callous attitude on social media has called for more.  Since your intent to do the bare minimum the City requires, in order to pocket the rest at the expense of your neighbors, is not acceptable: 

The City approved the development of your land in order to make a dollar on the backs of common citizens.  It is quite fitting you have the same mentality.  I, personally, am not surprised you lie in bed with the City because I have known your true intentions from the beginning.

I have absolutely nothing against Anderson’s.  I grew up on the Peninsula and my family still lives there.  But unlike your owner, Jason Blanchette, who transplanted here from the Peninsula – I did not do so to turn a dollar and destroy the City around me. 

You, very clearly, have a retention pond on your property that is not authorized.  I have asked you several times to provide me with documentation of why.  But much like your employees, your response is nowhere to be found. 

It may not be a big deal to you, but to put it in the naivest of terms (since you are incapable of answering basic questions):  

You know what flows downstream – and you, Anderson’s, are the source of shit flowing our way.

This would not be a problem if your business was responsible—but the unidentified waste, runoff, and continuing development for other than what is intended destroys everyone’s property.  Mr. Blanchette can sit in his million-dollar home he bought in Sandbridge in 2017, and turn that for a quick buck before the sea-level rises (as he skips away with padded pockets).  But the rest of us, who planned to pass our property down for generations, are going to be under the shit-water you leave in your wake.

Your owner, Jason Blanchette, left comments in our local paper stating, “Who doesn’t want a mini-golf course?”  We don’t.  People who have lived here for decades, and plan on staying, don’t want whatever irresponsible outlandish business you dream up to over-develop your land next.  Maybe you and your staff should spend more time educating yourself on the neighbors you claim to serve, instead of being yet another business intent on cashing in on ‘open space.’

In that same article your owner revealed his plans to expand the mini-golf further into easement and agricultural property.  While many were enraged at these irresponsible comments – it only solidified what I have always known.

Jason Blanchette has never intended on maintaining the environmental integrity of the property.  He falsely acquired it under the guise of a ‘garden center and greenhouse,’ but always intended to over-develop it into his own playground. 

I have never had a single employee at your Virginia Beach store knowledgeable in actual gardening/plant-related questions, much less how your products best serve the concerns of this area. Even the rudeness and unattainability of your employees would be okay if they were knowledgeable—but it is obvious they were never hired to serve that purpose.  Not even once, over the hundreds of times I have been there, have I experienced this in Newport News.  Only adding to Mr. Blanchette’s scheme of garden center . . . morphing into showcase . . . and expanding into a retail, restaurant, bar, and gaming establishment. The size of the parking lot should have clued-in City Council from the beginning—but I have yet to investigate how many dirty hands were in that pot.

Since you are incapable of answering basic questions about what chemicals you use or where your water goes — I will not induce a headache here.  Yet, I have no intention of closing my file due to Mr. Blanchette’s deliberate and intentional irresponsibility.  I would suggest he go back to Newport News, but he would not have the knowledge, qualifications, or experience to work in their garden center. 

If you would like to discuss repositioning your retention pond so it is not only in compliance, but actually benefits the local ecosystem and improves the quality of life and land around you—you have my attention.  If you want to talk about developing and renovations in order to become the Top Golf of Pungo: I am going to be sitting in the corner, either texting someone or caressing another employee, while pretending I don’t see you.  Much like your employees, amiright?

Blocked from Anderson’s Facebook page for asking questions. Never received a response.

Additional request made to Anderson’s on social media with no response.