What does 'waking up' comment mean?

To the Editor:
I'm writing to question Commissioner Matt Osterberg's remark, "People need to know who they're waking up to each day," which he reportedly made during Milford Boro's hearing on allowing multiple dwellings in the Boro.
If Matt's remark is based on race, then it is not only deplorable, but used as an excuse for zoning, actually illegal: housing discrimination based on race is specifically forbidden in the federal code. If it not based on race, then what is he talking about?
On the other hand, maybe we should cut Matt some slack. He is, after all, a graduate of Delaware Valley High School, which no longer teaches "Civics."
Anthony Splendora
Milford