After two years of arduous debate, packed with resident protests and political battles, the Prairie Village City Council this week finally amended zoning laws to allow for more housing — but only in commercial areas and with several limits. While the move still drew opposition, the approved changes are significantly scaled back from earlier ideas that sparked heated protests, a court fight and a contentious election. After a few hours of discussion and public comments, the council on Monday voted 12-1 to amend its zoning laws. And some city officials appear ready now to end and move on from the debate, which stemmed from an effort to enable more affordable housing in the city, but morphed into an intense political feud. “The issue is settled now, and the city will focus on other business,” Councilman Ian Graves wrote in a Facebook post. The most notable change the council approved on Monday is the city will now allow residential projects in commercial districts, but only above or behind retail or office space, with several restrictions. Projects would be limited to two stories, such as adding apartments above a one-story commercial space.
Source: Joco 913 News
