Long Branch has heart ‘two sizes too small’

This letter is about a little girl who bears the name Joy and the spirit of the holiday season. Whether it has a happy ending or not remains to be seen. Although Joy lives in Long Branch, she has not received the wish for “happy holidays” the mayor and council extended to other residents on the sign in West End Park. Instead, she received what amounts to an eviction notice. She and her family will be forcibly removed from their happy home and replaced by Hovnanian. Like the grinch who stole Christmas, it would appear those responsible have hearts “two sizes too small.” But there is hope yet for Joy.

The grinch story and numerous other holiday stories, both real and imagined, that so inspire us, show us there can be happy endings. The spirit of the season has been known to move even the most hardened of men to act with unparalleled generosity. Hope remains therefore, that those responsible for Joy’s plight will be moved to do the same. This is a plea to them, a plea to, among others, the people of Hovnanian. You spend millions in advertising to associate good feelings with the name Hovnanian, but the image of a little girl named Joy being ripped out of her home negates it all. It doesn’t have to happen. It may seem you will lose money if you let her stay, but consider that the goodwill created in the minds of the public by doing so will be priceless.

You will be hailed as the homebuilders with heart. More importantly, you will have done the right thing at this time of year when higher powers remind us of our obligation to do so. Good people of Hovnanian — leaders in Long Branch — when you are in your church, synagogue, or other place of worship — or just in your home this holiday season — think of the pain this young child and others have been caused to bear. Realize you can stop it.

Very few people are given this opportunity, but just like in the movies, you can be the one to make a little girl’s holiday wish for a miracle come true. And in doing so, you will have added to the precious hope shared by all mankind during the holiday season. You are being called upon to do the right thing. Please don’t let Joy, or yourself, down.

Barbara Gonos

West Long Branch