Guest column -- Zoning change at Littleton IBM site will pave way for fair, diverse housing

It’s not just about affordable housing -- but social justice reforms to create housing  available to all people -- regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, and disabilities in Littleton.

It’s about housing for all. Our seniors happen to be one group of citizens looking for affordable housing to buy or rent here in Littleton.

For far too long, we have relied on statements such as the rural countryside and charm of our town,” which has many seeking a life in Littleton.

We often speak of Littleton as a rural community -- farmsteads, and plenty of open space.

But it’s time for the townsfolk to take a strong step forward in truly embracing this initiative, to allow our seniors here that want to downside from their current homes.

In approving Article 11 on the Town Meeting warrant, our zoning bylaw shall be written so that our seniors and all people of this great Commonwealth can find affordable housing here in Littleton.

Today, and at Town Meeting, we are going to hear all kind of reasons to restrict the number of units or building heights for housing.

As officials and citizens come before Town Meeting, it is imperative that Littleton is at the forefront concerning all developments. 

Sometimes, restrictions are required -- the town would not let a developer build a building in height that would require the town to buy a new fire ladder truck to fight, a fire at a building with such great height.

By restricting height on structures on a property, it will allow builders to spread the development throughout the entire site -- instead of allowing reasonable vertical density that is good for the environment, neighborhood, and fire safety service, if ever needed. 

When a bylaw prohibits dense housing in Littleton, we must change by allowing Littleton to change -- and continue to let citizens know that Littleton is a community in society with tolerable townsfolk. 

When you see signs or hear someone say, "Black lives matter," then let me tell you this as a Black -- all lives matter when we are talking about affordable housing.

When we all think of 2020 in hindsight,  today; we can bring many things to our conscious about history. But we must think in terms of now and how we can better perpetuate Littleton ahead for all people through rezoning changes here in Littleton. 

Diversity is a characteristic that has been a part of this nation for more years than we want to remember.

Therefore, Littleton has the opportunity at the Town Meeting, Oct. 25, to promote diversity, dense housing, affordable housing, height on buildings, and making Littleton a town of social justice for all citizens.

Lastly, it is my solemn duty to always keep Littleton in the forefront on what is good for your community and mine, as citizens and taxpayers. 

What we do at Town Meeting, on Oct. 25, will change lives and send a clear message that Littleton is an impartial place to live for all.

George Sanders is a Littleton community volunteer.