Throughout the past few months I have, or at least I hope, tried to remind those interested in this situation to remember what the real problem is here; a very small group of people trying to change the rules in their favor at the expense of everyone else.

I have done whats mentioned above because from the get go I have noticed that a lot of comments come down to the friction point of what I refer to as “the what and the who”. Namely being the potential development of low income housing and the impoverished individuals that would live there. We all heard it in May, we’ve all heard it since. It’s frustrating and disappointing when either side leverages the what and the who in an attempt to make their point. I commend those that are coming at this situation with facts and concerns, instead of the irrational fear of people that aren’t even here.

This situation, in my opinion, truly has nothing to do with the what or the who. No one with a respectful viewpoint is inherently against affordable housing for those in need. Let’s make sure we are shining a light on the actual individuals that are at fault of endangering the welfare of this community; the ones trying to change the rules to fit their agenda. I will continue to encourage those against this project to remind themselves, and others, to not point fingers at the what or the who. Be respectful in your disagreement. Focusing on the unknown aftermath is not addressing the real problem.

Changing the rules and allowing the rezoning necessary for the Reed St project is the real problem, and in my opinion is a direct threat to single family residences in the entirety of Little Falls. The players involved could be trying to rezone the area to build anything, not just low income housing. The result is the same; changing the rules for their benefit at the communities expense.

I’m oversimplifying an example here but zoning ordinances were set in place to prevent any type of building from just popping up in the middle of a neighborhood, this prevention is not just to deter infrastructure problems. Zoning laws are designed to protect home owners from suddenly losing the value, be it monetary or otherwise, of what is likely their largest valued asset; their home. Let’s all be honest, none of us want to wake up living next to a factory or a distribution center. Your mortgage suddenly becoming a prison sentence to a home you cannot financially escape from. This is why these rules exist.

Rezoning this property in Little Falls would not be a decision made in a vacuum. Actions have consequences. Zoning restrictions cannot be an either/or situation, they are the not so complex solution to the very complex issues of what can/cannot be built. Allowing the rezoning of one property will set up legal precedent to allow the rezoning of other properties. A slippery slope. Many terrible decisions have been made under the guise of good intentions.

Whats truly at stake here is not our community being saddled with a group of people that simply need help. Whats at stake are the rules and regulations being changed. The same rules that have allowed Little Falls to remain an affordable, safe, quaint and quiet community, these qualities being the very foundation of living here.

A Concerned Resident.

Bryan Herringshaw
LittleFallsFirst@Protonmail.com