Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Westwood City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 7 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a four-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Westwood residents.
Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. (Note: All seats on the Westwood City Council are at-large. The top two vote-getters in this race will be seated.)
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Housing affordability remains a hot topic among readers. Many older residents on fixed incomes feel like they can’t sell their homes and afford to stay in Johnson County, while many young, first-time home buyers can’t compete in this market with such tight, expensive inventory. Some of our readers say they want to see more affordable options come on the market, including so-called “missing middle” housing, like duplexes, townhomes and small starter homes. What, if anything, can the city of Westwood do to encourage these types of “missing middle” housing? Are there other ways for the city to address housing affordability?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Holly Wimer (incumbent)
I sure do wish there was an easy answer to affordable housing. This is a metrowide and very complex issue, and it is challenging to see change when the housing market is like it is and cost of materials is so high.
Westwood is small and in our small footprint we have such limited options with land. This puts us in such a unique spot in terms of addressing the issue of affordable housing. I do think the conversation of “missing middle” housing is one that we need to have amongst city leaders and residents. Before moving forward with any plan, we need to see what residents and leaders are interested in seeing in our community.
There are only a couple of places where I could see duplexes or townhomes fitting well within our city footprint, but exploring options there could be a possibility. I personally would love to see a preservation of our current starter home housing stock retained and maintained over the years as well. I know I have heard from many residents that they hope to see options in the future of places they might be able to live within our city as they age out of their current homes. I would love to see us explore possibilities in the near years to come to see if there might be a fit of an option like this for Westwood.
Melinda Garcia
The city of Westwood can take several steps to encourage the development of the “missing middle” housing market.
Community engagement: Involve the community in the planning and decision-making process to address concerns and ensure the options align with residents’ needs and preferences.
Preservation of Existing Homes: Encourage buyers and existing owners to preserve and renovate the existing housing that falls within the “missing middle” category, this can be more cost effective than new construction.
Collaborate: Partner with developers and non-profit organizations with experience in this area to gain perspective and ideas that fit the needs and desires of the Westwood residents.
It would require a multi-faceted approach that considers the unique characteristics and needs of Westwood.
Laura Steele (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Tomorrow, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the next question:
A developer recently proposed a multi-building office project on the site of Joe D. Dennis Park on Rainbow Boulevard, as well as a neighboring green space where Westwood Christian Church used to stand. In turn, the site of the original Westwood View Elementary nearby would be converted into a public park as part of the proposal. (The city council has since approved the project). Do you support this project and think it fits into Westwood’s long-term plan? Why or why not?
