News Summary
Hickok Homes’ proposal for a new 73-unit apartment building in Kansas City is meeting significant opposition from local residents and neighborhood associations. The four-story structure at 39th Street and Roanoke Road has raised concerns over height, density, and potential impacts on traffic and parking. Despite some support for the development, many residents express worries about how it will affect their neighborhood’s character. With a City Plan Commission review scheduled, the future of the project hangs in the balance as community voices clash over housing needs.
Kansas City Proposed Apartment Development Faces Community Pushback
A new 73-unit apartment building proposed by Hickok Homes in Kansas City is drawing significant opposition from local residents and neighborhood associations. The developer has submitted plans for a four-story structure at the intersection of 39th Street and Roanoke Road, directly across from The Loretto. The proposed apartments are heavily focused on studio and one-bedroom layouts, along with a small number of two-bedroom units.
The development plan includes a commercial space on the ground floor and garage parking for 73 vehicles. This project marks a revision from the original concept that featured a taller five-story building with over 90 units, a change made in response to community concerns.
Despite Hickok Homes striving to accommodate community feedback by removing balconies that would have overlooked nearby residential properties, dozens of local residents have voiced their disapproval of the project. This concern primarily comes from those whose homes directly face the proposed building site.
Community Concerns
Residents have expressed a variety of concerns regarding the new apartment development. Issues raised include the height and density of the building, potential increases in traffic and safety risks, and limitations on street parking which could result from the housing addition. Additionally, worries about potential shadows cast by the building on nearby homes and the overall impact on local infrastructure have also been highlighted.
Both the Roanoke and Volker neighborhood associations have taken formal stances against the development, stating that the proposal does not align with the character of the existing area. A recent community meeting provided a platform for residents to express their discontent, with numerous attendees urging for alternative developments that maintain the neighborhood’s scale.
Support for Development
Amid the opposition, there is also a faction of residents supporting the new apartments, believing they will positively enhance the community. Proponents argue that the development addresses the growing need for housing in Kansas City and could provide various economic benefits to the local area. A letter of support that circulated among residents emphasized the urgency for new housing options in the community.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
The City Plan Commission is scheduled to review the apartment proposal on June 4. City staff have indicated a recommendation for approval, but final decision-making will rest with the City Council following this review. Additionally, a real estate attorney has mentioned that the developers may seek financial incentives should the proposal be approved.
This development follows another apartment project called The Citizen, located off Stateline Road, representing broader trends in housing development within the region. However, many residents remain wary about the potential for similar projects in the future, emphasizing a desire to preserve the unique character of their neighborhoods.
As discussions around this proposal continue, it remains to be seen how the City government will balance the differing views of community members and the ongoing housing demands in Kansas City.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Eight units damaged in late-night fire at Kansas City apartment complex
- KMBC: Vacant apartment fire investigation
- Fox4KC: Man and woman found dead after reported shooting
- KCTV5: KCPD investigating apartment fire where building has been vacant for 2 years
- KSHB: Man and woman found dead in Midtown Kansas City apartment
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City apartment development
- Google Scholar: Kansas City housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City real estate
- Google News: Kansas City housing development
