When NIMBYism hits home, and in my mailbox.
I put some mail in my mailbox at home this morning (yes, I still use the USPS), and overnight someone slipped a “Dear Neighbors” letter in the box. It wanted to make us aware of a “massive” new development planned just two blocks from the downtown area of town. And what is the plan? A CCRC, which is something our growing elderly population has been clamoring for for a few decades.
It is sponsored by the local not-for-profit that already has a skilled nursing facility and a small IL community, which is really assisted living “lite.” But there has never been anything like a CCRC, which is what many of the elderly want. Large units, services, restaurants and more. But this is just 70 units. They now travel to other towns but would prefer to stay in our town.
Of course, the NIMBY (not in my back yard) people do not identify themselves other than that “We” are long-time residents and supporters of the current not-for-profit senior care provider. It would be nice to know who they are. Ten years ago, I was on a town commission to figure out the housing and services dilemma for our elderly. After two years we came up with a reasonable solution, or so we thought. Then the NIMBYs took over, even accusing me of being in a financial partnership with a developer so I could profit from it. Really? All I can say is, just wait until you want your own CCRC.
