An ad hoc committee appointed by the mayor of Prairie Village has submitted recommendations meant to diversify the city's housing stock and affordability.
The plan, among other things, would change zoning rules to allow more multi-unit buildings in zones designated for multi-family housing.
Dan Schoepf, a member of Prairie Village United — a group organized in opposition to the recommendations — questioned the city's ability to mandate diversity and rent costs. And he raised concerns about expanding the use of accessory dwelling units.
Supporters of the zoning modifications, like Danny Terreros of Prairie Village for All, said the changes would diversify both the housing stock and the community.
"And I think that is definitely a positive," Terreros said.
Terreros said the proposal is one step towards repairing the damage of past redlining in Prairie Village.
“I think you need to look at it as, there have been historically structures in place systemically that prevent people of color from attaining, we would say, the same dream of the Prairie Village dream," he said.
Prairie Village will be holding multiple public forums after the new year to collect feedback and concerns from residents about the housing plan.
- Ian Graves, councilman, Prairie Village Ward 6
- Dan Schoepf, Prairie Village United
- Danny Terreros, Prairie Village for All
