HE’S TRYING
Someone trying their best to take care of themselves should be allowed by law (“Man fights city hall,” June 25). He owns the lot and obviously knows what he’s doing. If this isn’t OK with zoning, we need to change the zoning laws. The numbers of unhoused people continue to increase, and we need to understand the challenges folks go through. This guy is persevering despite the odds against him.
Carey Smith
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
IT’S COMPLICATED
Very interesting and balanced article. If it’s his land, it seems like it should be able to build this and keep it. However, zoning laws are planned to protect property values. I admire his ingenuity, but I’m not sure exactly where I stand on this issue. It’s rather complex.
Dianne Hiteman Kinzer
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
IT’S ADMIRABLE
This is what pulling yourself up looks like. It’s hard not to admire his efforts, even if they are non-conforming with locally adopted codes and ordinances.
Chris Richmond
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
NEED OPTIONS
This should be something the city of Springfield should be working to amend. Not to specifically allow this individual to have a tiny home, but to make it so tiny homes have a place in Springfield. Our homeless population is increasing every year, and we need options.
Jace T. King
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
BIGGER PROBLEMS
I drive by this place a lot on the way to work, and honestly, it is in better condition than the houses around it. I say let the guy try this experiment and maybe it would be a good option for the homeless. As long as it is not dangerous for him and too unsightly for the neighborhood, doesn’t the city have some abandoned buildings to deal with first?
Tammy Pritchett
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
KEEP IT UP
My great-grandparents started with a one-room home and a shed outside for an outhouse. My great-grandfather built their home into a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home. And he did it by himself using wood from burnt-down homes. Keep pushing forward.
Tom Marsh
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
MOVE TO THE COUNTRY
Cities have set building codes and zoning laws. Those are for everyone; you can’t just pick and choose. If he wants to live in that tiny house and be off the grid, he should find a piece of land in the country.
Jay Bruns
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
PROBLEM SOLVER
It sounds like he’s been through a lot and has made some mistakes, but clearly he’s trying to do something good here. Why try to beat down a person who is not bothering anyone, wants to help others who are unhoused be safe in a self-sustainable shelter, and is mindful of living simply to be a good steward of the earth? He’s experimenting with newer ideas working towards solving real problems that real people face.
Julie Tull
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
BETTER THAN MOST
I admire him. It looks better than 50% of the houses in that area. The lot is clean and taken care of. I noticed he even has solar power. The city needs to worry about the boarded up and blighted properties with squatters burning them down every other week instead of bothering somebody that’s just trying to live.
John Sarich
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
MAKE IT LEGAL
Tiny homes should be allowed. There needs to be a standard for them, but empty lots are helping no one. Either plant food and fruit trees, or let tiny homes exist. The city could establish an area designated for tiny homes.
Michelle Sgro
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
This article appears in July 16-22, 2026.
