January 18, 2016
1948
To the Editor:
RE: "Residents object to proposed development at entrance to Willow West subdivision"
It’s easy for me to comment, writing, as I do, from a city to the east.
These sorts of situations always make me uneasy. I am empathetic to the current residents of the Willow West subdivision. Their concerns are well-placed and they are entitled to their reactions, many of which are valid.
On the flip side, I feel empathy toward citizens of Kincardine who are unable to afford detached homes, or even semi-detached. There is a segment of the population who support their families through employment at jobs other than the high-paying ones offered at Bruce Power. For many, renting is their only option. It doesn’t make them undesirable neighbours, or less-deserving of a decent home in which to live.
I fully understand the concerns over traffic congestion at the entrance to the subdivision. That is a legitimate worry ... a tangible “real world” issue.
Where I get uneasy is the complaints by current Willow West home owners about property values. Preserving your home’s value may – or may not – come at the expense of a family finding a nice home to rent. Or the chance to buy an affordable semi-detached home. That makes me very uncomfortable.
I understand that we like to hang on to what we have, and we are, by nature, suspicious of change, especially if we deem it to be detrimental to our well-being. Some of the stated worries are based on the infamous NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) response, which is often premised on “what ifs”.
But what if this proposed development brings to Willow West terrific neighbours who will watch out for your safety? Who will volunteer at your children’s’ schools? Who will help raise money for school programs? Who will walk their dogs and help keep an eye on your property? What if these people take care of their property, and plant flowers, and what if the development actually adds to the attractiveness of your subdivision?
I repeat – it’s easy for me to say these things, as I am totally unaffected by the situation. I understand that. I just wish we would want for others what we enjoy and desire to keep for ourselves. If that comes in a package less attractive or ideal than we would choose, that’s the price of living in a society where what’s good for the goose should also be good for the gander.
Jennifer Allen
Port Hope
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