Mrs. VonVillas’s comments at the April 28th Affordable Housing presentation came across as dismissive, implying that residents’ concerns were driven by a possible indifference to others, based on an assumption made that those already living in the Berkeley-Peckham and Oliphant Road neighborhoods must be more fortunate. This approach likely alienated many.
With such enormous demand for affordable housing in Middletown, it’s puzzling that the Town Council agreed to only 10% affordable units at the proposed West Main Road-Town Center development, despite Mrs. VonVillas’s concern for those in need, especially since the Affordable Housing Committee recommended 25%.
The Town Council’s approval of the West Main Road development agreement with units targeting 80% AMI and above, while excluding seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals, appears to directly contradict Mrs. VonVillas’s expressed concern for those in need of affordable housing.
Why scold and shake a finger at residents? Do these decisions made by members of the Town Council serve those who are less fortunate?
Lastly, Pottsy Field, was gifted by the National Parks Service to the residents of Middletown for open space and recreation “in perpetuity” (forever). Mrs. VonVillas states in her recent Letter to the Editor that the “major objections appear to be related to resistance to change”. Mrs. VonVillas is overlooking a fundamental but highly crucial issue: two restricted covenants meant to protect the 3.8-acre West Main Rd property from development exist, and must be addressed according to US Federal Law. The “noise of opposition” Mrs. VonVillas mentions is actually the voices of taxpayers who want decisions that benefit the town and its residents, not developers and their profits.
Thank you,
Karen Biastre, Middletown
Related
Letter to the Editor: Let’s focus on the ‘big picture’
Letter to the Editor: Middletown taxpayers deserve respect, not reprimands
