The irony is that most folks who will sign the petition have no clue who will actually be eligible to live in the units - many who sign would probably qualify. I don't know if the plan is to build family units or elderly/handicapped - the article isn't specific. But the folks who would be most likely to live there are almost certainly local - the single mother trying to make a home for her child, or the elderly parents that can't really manage the family home any more.

Most of the time it's possible to establish preferences for this type of development, so they could give preference to local residents or to working families. And it's always possible for the management/owner to screen applicants for suitability (no drug or criminal background, pays the rent on time, etc.). With good management, this type of development can be a huge asset to the community. Not to mention that it's apparently going to redevelop & reuse an existing building.

This knee-jerk reaction against a project that could really help a local community makes me tired.

Mary