I am blown away by the resistance within our communities to recognize the importance and necessity of zoning to make room for tiny houses.
There are currently at least three television shows devoted to tiny houses and the interest in them is growing! After the decades of expansion of modest homes to McMansions, it makes perfect sense to comprehend why someone would want to go small.
Obviously, affordability is a key component … if the “American Dream” is to own one’s home, why wouldn’t we assist the people who want to own their own space, but have monetary limitations?
If we are concerned about the impact that our current homes have on the environment, why wouldn’t we want to support those that wish to make a difference by consuming less natural resources?
If we are concerned about homelessness, why wouldn’t we help those that might be able to live in a tiny space and offer them the dignity they deserve?
Some tiny homes are incredibly ingenious in the use of every single inch of useable space; some are actually luxurious, inventive, clever, attractive and comfortable. Many are built off-grid, many are built on wheels in order to relocate as employment and family needs change. Why wouldn’t our wonderful communities care about being proactive in figuring out what the challenges and restrictions and roadblocks may be and work diligently to find workable, livable solutions to support this exciting and important movement?
Judith Fine
Northampton