The lead in our story Tuesday about developments being approved in the city of Oxford said it all: “What a difference two months and open communication can make.”

Residents were adamantly opposed to the Avery Park residential development because they believed it could endanger lives. The placement of sewer lines was of concern to neighbors near the proposed 30-acre development off of Highways 30 and 7. Another concern was the placement of storm water runoff into retention ponds and dams. There were fears if a certain dam broke that it would wipe out homes.

Another concern that popped up at a Monday meeting was that the retention ponds were large enough that they needed to have water circulate or mosquitoes would become a problem.

Residents, the developer and the city all worked together to create compromises that everyone could live with and officials gave a final OK.

This is an example of if you have a concern, bring it up to officials. Rally with your neighbors and get a support system. Good things can happen for those who speak up for themselves, their neighborhoods and their city.