On Wednesday, January 22 a press release was issued by the Bungalow Neighborhood Association announcing their decision to withdraw the nomination of the district to the National Register of Historic Places. This had been preceeded on January 20 by letter from Dee Duncan, which was left at homes throughout the neighborhood. The story was also picked up by Noozhawk.
Editorial Comment:
While I continue to disagree with the claims that a listing on the National Register would have no material impact on the neighborhood, and am rather insulted by the implication that I am a hostile, uncivil, uninformed newcomer bent on spreading misinformation, I have come to realize that this outcome should not be unexpected. Allow me to explain.
A couple of times now, I have been in a position to observe circumstances where a person acting with the best intentions has destroyed a relationship by ignoring the other party’s wishes.
As an example, let’s say person “A” has a mutually respectful friendship with person “B”. “A” would like to give “B” a gift, is certain that it will make “B” happy, and announces the intention to deliver the gift. “B” replies that no gift is wanted, is not in a position to accept it, and asks “A” not to deliver it. “A” is convinced that the generosity and expression of friendship embodied in the gift transcends any protest, and delivers it anyway. “B” is furious that someone claiming to be a friend would ignore clearly expressed instructions, and finds no alternative but to end the relationship.
Mutual friend “C” attempts to mend the relationship, but finds that “A” and “B” each describe the sequence of events so differently that they cannot be reconciled.
I have witnessed this scenario first-hand twice, with people I admire, respect, and consider to be reasonable. “A” comes away hurt and puzzled. “B” comes away offended, angry, and determined to never have anything to do with “A”. Having played the role of both “A” and “C”, I can confirm that the whole experience is quite upsetting.
The situation in the Bungalow District fits the model well, albeit complicated by the involvement of lots of people. A small group of well-intentioned people set out to do something they believed would be welcomed by everyone else. Unfortunately, their faith in the virtue of their efforts caused them to turn a deaf ear to the objections of those who disagreed. When the matter came to a nexus, voices had to be raised simply in order to be heard. Hard feelings resulted.
I wish I could say I knew of a way to heal this, but I don’t. It’s too bad it worked out this way.
Randy Wright