News 12 at 6 o'clock, May 3, 2010

AUGUSTA---They took on a multi-million dollar project and won. Augusta's Hope House is waving the white flag.

A local Augusta community protested using Maryland Avenue as a side entrance for homeless veterans.

The Highland Park community came to the Augusta commission with a petition signed by more than 100 people.

"It has been a war," said Catherine Winbush who is president of the Highland Park neighborhood association. "It really has been."

The neighboring VA hospital wants to use the stretch as a side entrance for a new homeless veterans complex.

"We've had to come out fighting," said Catherine.

The community went before the Augusta commission.

"Have you seen Maryland Avenue," cried Sammy Sias who is president of the Richmond County Neighborhood Alliance. "If you put two cars side by side a bicycle won't go in between them."

The community also had other concerns.

"You know," said Susan Chick. "That's not who you want living in your front yard."

It is a $10 million project that would be similar to the Highland Avenue Hope House. Despite a 5 page petition in favor of the Maryland Avenue entrance it looks as if the community wins.

"To move forward and really press on the Maryland Avenue entrance, which is the best entrance for these guys," said Karen Saltzman who is director of the Hope House. "I'm afraid that we'll lose the project."

It is a big about-face.

"To come from that gate at the front all the way to our resident is one mile," noted a local veteran at the last commission meeting.

"You go through like you're going through the bowels of the VA hospital to get this building," said the project developer. "This is not a first class route."

"I feel like sometimes you have to have a change in your game plan," said Saltzman.

"Thank you," said Sias. "Hallelujah."

The community says the veterans now get a front gate entrance.

"The veterans benefit and the residents benefit. I'm happy," said Catherine with a smile. "I may even take a vacation behind all of this."

The Augusta commission will tackle the issue Tuesday.