Desperation moves

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful. But it's been nigh impossible to explain that to the Sunrise Coalition, an organization in opposition to what would be the largest affordable housing development in Chapel Hill history.

The 50-home scheme in question is slated to be built by Habitat for Humanity just off of Sunrise Road. At first glance, the project seems to be an inoffensive and extremely beneficial endeavor. One of Chapel Hill's major goals has been to increase the amount of affordable housing in the vicinity.

Now, 50 potential homes are waiting at the town's doorstep. That number is well below the limit of 68 homes that zoning laws permit for the 17-acre tract owned by the local Habitat chapter.

Even at second and third glance, it is almost impossible to find fault in Habitat's execution and its final proposed product, which would include 14 single-family homes, 12 duplex units and 24 triplex units.

Yet the Sunrise Coalition, with the help of attorney Mike Brough, is trying to halt the 50-home plan from being implemented. Brough told The (Raleigh) News & Observer that by starting with 50 homes and finishing with 50 homes, Habitat hasn't allowed for any "give and take."

On the contrary: Habitat should be admired for doing precisely what it set out to do.

But no weight should be lent to opponents' primary claim - that Habitat is trying to build too many houses on too little land.

These opponents would do well to take note of other Habitat housing projects, which are both economical and tasteful. Habitat is not being selfish in its insistence on building 50 homes - that is the number of houses it must build just to break even.

Chapel Hill and Habitat have not always had strong communication, but Habitat has stayed consistent in its proposal and has worked within zoning guidelines.

John Tyrrell, president of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, told The (Durham) Herald-Sun that his group "dropped the ball" by not talking with area residents two years ago, but he said the organization since has held many meetings with the neighbors.

That is still not enough to satisfy the stubborn coalition, as it is now proposing some form of mediation between the Chapel Hill Town Council and Habitat.

Thankfully, the council showed the good sense to reject this idea - only one council member, Ed Harrison, showed any support for the suggestion, the N&O reported.

Mediation is unnecessary, considering that Habitat has played by the rules and has gone so far as to appease other interests by seeking to build fewer homes than zoning laws permit.

Opponents are contending that the 50 homes should not be allowed on a parcel of land that includes 6 acres of conservation areas and wetlands that cannot be developed, the N&O reported.

But council members said they are confident that Habitat will address questions about environmental preservation. Historically, the group's practices haven't suggested otherwise.

The coalition is simply running out of excuses.

Truth be told, the coalition has identified one clear inconsistency in terms of aesthetics: The houses will not blend in with the neighborhood's semi-rural character.

Too bad.

It's a real shame that such a worthy endeavor is being snagged by a petty question of exterior design.

The coalition would do well to suck it up and show some humanity.