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At the Expense of Dignity

I have had the tremendously good fortune to have lived in Branford for more than 20 years. Throughout my years here, I have witnessed many acts of compassion, including some on a large scale. From small acts of kindness like offering food to its hungry residents to hugging and holding a family through unspeakable loss, the people of Branford consistently lend a hand to those who are struggling, and reliably do so without judgment or harsh words. This is the Branford I know and love and of which I am so proud.

Lately, there has been a lot of concern in my neighborhood about the Parkside Village renovations. Neighbors have expressed perhaps legitimate worries about increased traffic and population density should the project proceed. However, some have used derogatory terms to describe potential new residents of Parkside. This appears to be based on prejudice due to the “low income” designation of the apartments.

I do not take issue with people expressing their concerns about the Parkside renovations, but I do take issue with people expressing their views at the expense of the dignity of others. When we characterize an entire group of people as deficient due to an attribute of that group—skin color, sex, religion, or income—we divide our neighborhoods and only damage our sense of community. Discussions marked with respect and concern for all involved are certainly more representative of the Branford that we all know and love. I hope on this we can all agree.

Christine Simpson

Branford