Some laughed. Some scoffed. Others cried foul. Names called. NIMBY. Tree huggers. Homeless haters.  Flooding is a joke. Hate spewed on all sides of the aisles. Derision. Sarcasm. Eyes rolling. You either love it or hate it. No reasoning. No in-between. No discussion. Minds made up. “We need housing and we need it now.”

The chant heard round the nation. Repeatedly knee jerk reactions to a real crisis. Seeking immediate relief. Myopic at best as long-term consequences are ignored. Not helpful. A tour of the homes in the Lindsey Brook area immediately reveals flooding and erosion. Homeowners have spent thousands of dollars to preserve their homes as each time heavy rain falls their basements and yards become swimming pools. 

I ask the question again that I asked at City Council: aren't these neighbors entitled to protect their affordable housing?

There was only one “no” vote for the Habitat for Humanity project.

The local press never bothered to report as to why the vote was not unanimous. Perhaps bias rears its head?

I could have voted “yes” and been part of a feel-good story. But my investigation into the realities of the neighbors' complaints and concerns could not and should not have been dismissed.

Their concerns have merit. Are there NIMBYS? Of course.

Are there those that oppose any change? Yes.

That said, I have met with many of the 30-plus property owners. They are earnest in their desire to be environmentally conscious. They support Habitat for Humanity but just not on this parcel.

Shame on the people that laughed at Save Firefly Field members. On another day, in another place, these same individuals that laughed would be supporting a similar initiative. Wetland and vernal pools are our responsibility to protect and preserve. Nothing funny about it. 

So, what happened? How were the realities of flooding ignored? Did the desire to create housing supplant logic? Was it to be politically progressive?

No doubt, we are in an era of insular cliques. Most people are unable to hear any opinion unless it agrees with theirs. 

Today this project cannot move forward. Why? Because a wastewater sewer permit was denied.

Why? Because now it is known that there will be flooding to the homes below if an extensive wastewater separation is not completed. 

No matter how thin the pancake there are still two sides.

People can be so busy being right and righteous that they fail to get things right. Habitat for Humanity is a worthwhile organization. Everyone I have spoken to supports their mission.

The Firefly Field environmentalists deserve the same level of support and respect.

The 30-plus homeowners on Lindsey Brook are acknowledged as valued members of our community.

How about for the next few months we listen before we speak?

Let's hear the whole story, read all the chapters, before we decide what the ending should be. Remember, contempt prior to investigation is rarely successful. 

Louise D. MacLellan-Ruf lives in Rockland and sits on the Rockland City Council