Branford community has always supported residents in need

I have had the enormous good fortune to live in Branford for over 20 years. When I first came to Branford, I was married and the mother of a then 3-year-old daughter. I was new to a career that notoriously underpays, but one I love nonetheless. Shortly after moving to Branford, my marriage ended and my small salary needed stretching.

When I explained to my then-landlord that, under my new circumstances, I could no longer afford the rent, she made an unsolicited offer to lower the rent so that my daughter and I could stay. She was a total stranger with whom I had only a business relationship, but she behaved as family as she provided some stability at a difficult time in my life. It was an act of kindness that I will never forget, and the first time I learned of the generosity of Branford and its residents.

I have come a long way since the day my former landlord made her charitable offer, and I am fortunate enough now to own a home in town near the Branford River. Throughout my years here, I have witnessed many acts of compassion, including some on a large scale. My neighborhood has seen its share of tragedy, most notably the sad passing of a 10-year-old from drowning in the river last summer. But in the face of tragedy, the Branford community has time and again stepped up to support its residents in their time of need.

Tragedy mobilizes this town to extend a hug and hand to those who have been affected, making the community stronger in the wake of dire circumstances. This is the Branford I know and love. This is the Branford of which I am most proud. From a small act of kindness like offering a rent reduction, to hugging and holding a family through unspeakable loss, the people of Branford consistently lend a hand to those who are struggling.

Lately, there has been a lot of concern and anxiety in my neighborhood about the Parkside Village renovations. Neighbors have expressed worries about increased traffic, property values, and population density due to the potential erection of a larger apartment complex. These concerns may be legitimate. However, some have used derogatory terms to describe potential new residents of Parkside should the project proceed.

The new apartments, if built, will provide additional low-income housing units to the already existing lowincome housing at Parkside. The implication made by some is that people with less income have character flaws and questionable morals that will inevitably lead to unsavory behavior.

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, for example, we divide our neighborhoods and only damage our sense of community. Compassion breeds compassion, intolerance breeds intolerance.

I look to town leadership to set an example by demonstrating respect and tolerance regarding this issue and expecting this in all forums on the topic. I am confident that with this kind of continued leadership, future dialogue on this subject may reflect the reliable kindness that makes our community so beloved.