The Maplewood Heights homeowners association, whose lawns prominently display signs reading All Are Welcome, voted unanimously Tuesday to block a proposed apartment building that would have let additional people live in the neighborhood.
Residents cited concerns about character, parking, traffic, density, shadows, and the general principle that welcome is a value best expressed on a sign rather than in housing policy. The vote was 9 to 0, with one abstention from a member who was updating his sign.
Association president Sterling Hargrove IV said the neighborhood remained deeply committed to inclusion, openness, and keeping things exactly as they are. He then adjourned the meeting to repaint the sign.