Over the decades there have been dozens of plans for revitalizing downtown Oak Harbor, including construction of a hotel, a convention center, a library, a performing arts center, a boardwalk and even a clock tower.

None of these plans ever came to fruition and the area continues to struggle.

But now that an affordable housing development has been proposed that could actually do some good by bringing more people to the area, many in the community are balking at the idea. One might wonder if people would have such strong feelings against it if it were high-end condominiums.

Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson and Oak Harbor Mayor Bob Severns held a meeting this week to educate the community about the proposed project.

People crowded into the event at the senior center, and many voiced such hostility to the project that it brought Johnson to tears.

The city has zoning rules downtown that restrict residential development on the ground floor. The idea is that retail stores, coffee shops and restaurants on the first floor will create a lively, pedestrian-friendly downtown.

It hasn’t completely worked out that way, which may be why city planners are currently looking into possible changes to the rules. Many storefronts are vacant. Lots remain undeveloped. In recent years, the area has drawn other types of businesses, like churches and a daycare. They may bring some people downtown, but only temporarily.

The affordable housing development proposed by a nonprofit group would be built on the west edge of the downtown area. It would house people who work the kinds of jobs that many downtown businesses support, such as retails clerks, dishwashers, waiters and cooks.

Best of all, at least 20 of the 51 units would be earmarked for military veterans.

The Low Income Housing Institute, which is proposing the project, is looking into the possibility of having commercial or retail space as part of the project, but there’s no guarantee the group will be able to find interested businesses.

The group argues that building a residential development would inject money into the area. The group says the residents will be less seasonal than tourists and will be more willing to shop locally, especially if they are saving money on rent.

The lack of affordable housing in Oak Harbor is well known. This project would bring some relief.

Residents should keep their minds open when it comes to this project, which may be a win-win for the community.