Fact Check: Neighborhood Push Back Against Developers Is Kansas City Tradition

Patrick Tuohey is usually right about most municipal issues . . . On the topic of neighborhood push back he's completely misguided. 

The main mistake . . .

He's confusing NEIGHBORHOOD FRUSTRATION WITH DEVELOPERS with more serious obstacles to housing. 

On the Westside he's taking the side of some washed up soccer dude wanting to speculate luxury real estate. In Parkville, he's arguing against neighbors who want a say in the future of their neighborhood. 

We'll always side with Mr. Tuohey and conservatives when they push back against silly municipal rules that thwart housing.

However . . .  

Home owners hassling developers is a cowtown tradition and part of local democracy, not really an impediment to builders who can follow housing regs.

In fairness, here's a quote and a link to an easily jump-able paywall'd report . . .   

"In the West Side neighborhood, two residents filed a lawsuit to block a modest six-unit housing project. They claim the city erred in approving variances that allowed the project to move forward. Despite its small scale, the project has sparked an outsize reaction, with opponents asserting their concerns are about legality and community respect.

"Though the two examples differ in location and scale, they share a common theme: property owners asserting that their enjoyment of the status quo outweighs the rights of others to build. This entitlement — often protected and even encouraged by city policies — has become another major impediment to new home construction across the country."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

When 'not in my backyard' slows housing development | Opinion

Housing efforts in Kansas City's West Side and Parkville face challenges, showcasing how homeowner vetoes slow progress on much-needed residential developments.