Housing development needed

This is in response to a letter addressed to residents of Maple Street, Parkview Avenue, Palm Street and Forest Avenue signed by John R. Lair Jr.; the heading on the letter reads: “Save our Neighborhoods! Keep Commerical Development out of our back yards!”

This letter is nothing more than the typical “NIMBY” (not-in-my-back-yard) whining which comes from those who would have us think that change is synonymous with all that is evil. The change which is being fought is the development (an “evil” word!) of apartment units on Parkview Avenue and Palm Street, on a site that now has an abandoned laundry building. Would those who oppose this proposal rather have another laundry or other commercial business take over this site?

The proposal by Mr. J.J. Brooker to build an apartment complex of 11 to 18 units would, in my opinion, be a very acceptable use of this property. Housing in our area (in our state as well) is very much needed. Fewer and fewer people of average income can afford to buy their own home. The people who oppose this project most likely have a good amount of equity in the homes that they own. They should ask themselves if they could afford to buy their present homes if they did not have this equity — could they afford to buy their homes at today’s rates, and would they have enough savings for the downpayment required by the lending institutions? Most would probably have to answer, “No.”

More and more average income persons have no choice but to rent or lease an apartment unit. (Imagine the outcry if the proposed development was designated for low-income people!)

I find no reason why this proposal should not be approved by the city of Bangor. People need housing, and this development would provide housing in a residential setting. The apartment complex planned would be a far better use than another laundry or other commercial facility. Change is often difficult for people to accept, but in this case, the proposed change would have far more benefits than harm. Michael W. Grondin Bangor