Editorial: What would Linxweiler want?

Anyone paying attention to the last couple months of debate over the Linxweiler Post Road property was probably surprised to see Homes with Hope withdraw its application to add 12 units of supportive housing to its 1.3-acre site. The project likely caught the town's eye because the project would bring the town closer to a four-year moratorium on the state's mandatory 8-30g (10 percent affordable housing) compliance.

When Homes with Hope first proposed the idea back in January, neighbors of the property came out in full force to oppose a plan that would provide housing for members of the community who need a little help getting a fresh start. This could include people who had substance abuse problems or those who are struggling to put a roof over their family's head, for whatever reason (see Homes with Hope op-ed on this page).

Fairfield County residents are notorious for what some call NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard) and what others call fierce protection of their property values.

Was this the case here? Part of it probably was. Things like increased sewage, traffic and flooding seemed to be excuses presented more for effect than anything else. These issues surely would have been addressed by the town's Planning and Zoning Commission long before allowing anyone to just plop down a development anywhere in town.

That being said, however, some who opposed the proposal were correct in pointing out that the amendment would have pertained to other neighborhoods in town -- a factor that definitely warrants a closer look before making any rash decisions.

Homes with Hope's decision to withdraw the proposal was met with a strange reaction. Instead of sated, people seem to be using it to fuel the fire. Predictions about Homes with Hope's future plans for the site are so rife with fear-mongering, they rival the trailers for horror films.

Homes with Hope has the lease on that property until 2019, and in that time, the group could decide to submit another proposal, yes.

We understand the important role Homes with Hope plays in this town, and we support its desire to be able to reach out to more people. Determining whether this is the right plan for the land at 655 Post Road E. should be guided by one factor: Joanna Linxweiler.

We hope any future development of the site will take into account Linxweiler's true wishes when she first willed the property to the town in 1981. At the time of Linxweiler's death, Homes with Hope (then Interfaith Housing Association of Westport) had not yet been created (it began in 1984), so it's difficult to know how Linxweiler would have felt about this situation, and she wasn't specific enough in her will for us to know exactly what she had in mind for the property. However, her surviving relatives have been watching the situation closely. It seems they are accessible and willing share their thoughts on what they think Linxweiler would have wanted.

One clear directive from Linxweiler is that the site be maintained as green space. We hope that this mandate be taken into account first and foremost when considering future development of the property.

Linxweiler was generous enough to donate this valuable parcel to Westport, and the town owes it to her to abide by her wishes.