KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
—We’ve been following a story about Lenexa residents raising concerns about a proposal to build 50 affordable homes on land they have long used as park space. They say they support affordable housing but not at the cost of green space they believed was protected.
Lenexa residents oppose housing plan on land used as a park
The proposed development by Habitat KC would be built on land off 83rd and Clare Road that neighbors currently use for walking, fishing and enjoying nature. Residents say they were drawn to the area because the land was presented as a park and wetlands.
While residents acknowledge the need for affordable housing, they argue it was never clear this site was meant for development. The city argues that public input has been part of the process and that the project fits within broader city planning, with much of the land remaining as park space.
That argument isn’t enough for some residents like Jeff Cheek, who can see the park’s use from his backyard…