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In response to the article titled “What Should Happen on Israel Hill” it’s crucial to address what didn’t happen – the regard for the current residents’ voices and concerns regarding the proposed project. There was a glaring absence of consultation or consideration for those who presently call Israel Hill home. What didn’t happen was the recognition of how the existing residents are already upholding the legacy of Israel Hill through their daily lives.
Our community comprises individuals of diverse backgrounds – black, brown, and white – coexisting not merely in cordiality but in genuine camaraderie. We engage in neighborly acts of kindness, from watching over each other’s properties to exchanging friendly conversations in our yards. Yet, the proposed project failed to acknowledge our presence. We were relegated to mere placeholders on plans, as if our existence didn’t merit acknowledgment. No one pondered how this endeavor might impact our daily routines, our property values, or the potential for future development. In essence, we felt invisible, our concerns brushed aside.
Let’s be clear: We are not indifferent to the issue of homelessness. However, redirecting resources to areas better equipped to serve this population would be more prudent. Where are the employment opportunities essential for their sustainability? Promises of employment at Walmart ring hollow, especially considering recent layoffs. Transportation remains a pressing issue, with no public buses servicing Layne Street. Moreover, essential services are scant in Farmville, making access for those in need even more challenging. The revelation that some residents may be fleeing domestic violence raises legitimate safety concerns. By publicizing this information, we inadvertently endanger vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, the closure of Madeleine’s House due to funding shortages casts doubt on the ability of STEPS to provide adequate support.
Placing individuals in a rural setting may not be conducive to their success or the success of this project. Unlike previous transitional housing situated in urban environments, this would mark the first rural endeavor by VA Supportive Housing. We are unwilling experimental subjects for this undertaking. The repercussions on property values so far are devastating to current homeowners and our property values have plummeted. We purchased our homes with the intention of fostering a tranquil community and safeguarding our investments. Yet, we find ourselves stripped of the right to protect our property and have our voices heard.
Cainan Townsend rightly emphasized the resilience of past Israel Hill property owners. However, the current residents are being denied the opportunity to protect what is rightfully theirs. Our concerns have been dismissed with the assertion that the decision is final. Is this how city leaders honor the legacy of Israel Hill?
Consider the facts: Four out of eighteen homes on Layne Street are currently listed for sale, indicative of declining property values. While helping community members in need is something current members believe in deeply, one cannot ignore the many implications of taking on a concentrated population of individuals who are experiencing a crisis.
The next time city leaders seek to commemorate historical communities, let them also acknowledge and respect the voices of the present. Our community’s narrative deserves to be heard and honored.

Carol Anderson, Sarah Fitzgerald, Jeremy Dukes, Renee Dukes, Leslie Forsythe
We represent the Layne Street Coalition