Over the past year, I’ve seen a rise in misinformation on Truro’s Facebook community pages, especially regarding affordable housing at the Walsh property. Some of it comes from the TruroNews.org newsletter, which is posted to those social media pages monthly.
All the opinions I’ve seen expressed in the TruroNews.org newsletter support the same point of view, focused on increasing distrust in town government and stalling progress on affordable housing.
For example, John A. Slope’s letter to the editor in the most recent issue of the newsletter, titled “Proposed Expansion in Truro Raises Concerns,” claims that a warrant article at our upcoming town meeting proposes “to build two hundred fifty (250) units on the property recently purchased from the Walsh family.” That is incorrect. Article 5, according to the town website, asks for endorsement of the recommendations of the Walsh Property Community Planning Committee. It states that no more than 160 units would be built at the Walsh property, starting with a first phase of 50 to 80 units.
When I pointed out this inaccuracy in the comments, an unnamed person from TruroNews.org replied through Facebook, shirking responsibility because Slope’s letter is an “opinion” piece and claiming that it was not technically possible to fix the error. I don’t know who is behind this publication, and I find that troubling, too.
Slope himself also replied to my comment, making derogatory statements about those who would qualify for affordable housing.
I grew up in Truro, and I’m lucky to have been able to move back. But so many people — those I grew up with, employees at my favorite farm stands, restaurants, and markets — have been forced out. The development of affordable housing that respects our water resources and our town’s rural character, as the Walsh Committee’s guidelines outline, gives me hope that our year-round community will survive.
But I’m worried that the people spreading misinformation could fool voters ahead of our vital vote on May 4. I encourage Truro residents to prepare for our town meeting that day by reading unbiased information sourced directly from the town warrant so we can make the best decision for our community.
Isadora Dunne Medley is a writer, creative director, and member of the Truro Bike & Walkways Committee. She lives in North Truro and loves a good dance party.
