To the Editor:

As a newcomer to this wonderful community, I have quickly learned that people here are passionate about their causes. After reading a Letter to the Editor in the Tryon Daily Bulletin published March 18, I feel I need to address the business communitys concern about the building St. Lukes Hospital owns in downtown Tryon.

Thanks to the support of this community, our auxiliary outgrew that building after decades of running a successful Thrift Shop in the heart of Tryon. Last month, they moved their operations to 148 N. Trade Street and continue to be a vibrant part of the downtown business community.

The question now is, What is the best use of the property left empty at the corner of Trade and Maple. Many ideas have been considered, but absolutely no decisions have been made at this time.

My purpose in writing this letter is to inform the community that there are no plans to use the building for hospital offices or a doctors office. The buildings current design is not appropriate for office space, and we have no plans to renovate for that purpose.

While no decision has been made, our Board of Trustees is using due diligence to determine appropriate use of the building they own and how it could best benefit St. Lukes Hospital and the community we serve.

When a decision is made, I promise to share the plan and the reasons supporting it. On behalf of the Board and Administration of St. Lukes Hospital, I appreciate this opportunity to express our intention to make the best possible decision to benefit our community and our community hospital.

Ken Shull, St. Lukes

President, CEO