This evening, I had the chance to go and speak at a community meeting to discuss the future of St. Johns Park. This is a highly controversial topic because the park has the unique standing of being both in a high potential area near downtown, and is also currently a homeless camp. Naturally these circumstances are fuel to a fiery debate.

After listening to public comment and following the dialog beforehand, I don’t envy the decision that Green Bay leaders will have to make. They won’t be able to please everyone.

On one hand, you’ve got the local residents and business owners, who have had to deal with the more problematic homeless campers in the park pooping on their property. We also can’t deny that this is also a playing field for a lot of the substance abuse that takes place in the area, and the pushers love to take advantage of those who are struggling and call the park home.

Then, on the other hand, you have the kindness that makes Green Bay so special. There are a lot of angels out there trying to do some good work, and they understand that the real solution is recovery and stable housing, even though it’s so rare given the challenges in the way.

Me? I’m somewhere in between. Because I’ve walked in both worlds.

I have a heavy background in security. I know the villains out there are real and if you don’t fight back, they will take everything you have and destroy whatever is left. And they’ll do it while laughing at you the entire time.

But many of you also know that I’ve struggled with affordable housing. And that if you listen to these angels, they’ll light the way to a brighter and more hopeful life. Their methods work.

I wish I could say that I delivered some inspirational words that drove both sides to come together, and that we all drank cocoa and came up with a pleasing compromise.

Sadly, I went rather academic. Green Bay does not have a formal community venue. I introduced that concept from a QA I had with Parks and Rec earlier this year. It’s expensive and a long shot but its a concept that the department likes and I trust their expertise (I watch them do great work everyday). You could design it with security in mind and check all of the boxes for everyone. It could entertain the community whenever you want it to, and it could help those who need it anytime else.

We’ll see what happens, but when the decision does come down, some will be celebrating and others will be frustrated. Local government OGs know this is how it always works but losing rarely gets easier.