Dear Neighbors,
I’m writing this with a heavy heart, full of worry about the future of our little slice of rural living right here in the center of Lexington, Kentucky. For years, we’ve enjoyed a special kind of freedom—one that comes from being surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility that our neighborhood offers. It’s a place where the hustle and bustle of city life feels a world away, even though we’re so close to it.
But now, I fear that this precious haven is at risk. There’s talk of changes—changes that might make our neighborhood look like all the other cookie-cutter developments that seem to be popping up everywhere. The thought of it breaks my heart.
Our yard, which has been a source of pride and recognition for its wild, untamed beauty, could be paved over to make way for a sidewalk. A sidewalk! The very idea of it feels like an intrusion into the freedom we’ve cherished for so long. We’ve nurtured a garden of wildlife, a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, and all manner of creatures that call this place home. The thought of losing that, of seeing it replaced by concrete and uniformity, is almost unbearable.
I worry that the freedom and liberty we’ve enjoyed—the ability to live in harmony with nature, to make our own choices about how our land should look and feel—will be stomped down. The unique character of our homes, the quirks and individual touches that make our neighborhood special, could be wiped away in the name of progress or conformity.
I know that change is inevitable, and I understand that some might see these developments as improvements. But for me, and I hope for many of you, what we have here is already perfect. It’s not just about resisting change for the sake of it; it’s about preserving something rare and beautiful, something that’s becoming increasingly hard to find.
Let’s not lose what makes our neighborhood special. Let’s stand together to protect our rural oasis, to ensure that the things we love—the things that have made this place our home—are not lost to a vision of sameness that doesn’t belong here.
Share this post if you agree!!!
With heartfelt concern,
Mark R. Steinpreis