KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -
Juniper Gardens is one of the oldest public housing areas in Kansas.
Area leaders broke ground on a major facelift to get the apartments ready for families of the future. The focus is on green technology.
"It's a great day to see progress done," said state State Sen. David Haley, a Democrat from KCK. "Here we have the oldest housing authority having the most progressive and futuristic development of homes for people of average and low income."
Two duplexes will be built at Third Street and Parallel Parkway. The construction will cost about $450,000 and federal housing funds will be used. Each house will have three bedrooms, two baths, a single-car garage and a basement.
Leaders hope the new development will revitalize the area as well as bring in other projects and businesses.
"This is revolutionary," Haley said, adding solar and wind energy efficient technology will be used. "It will make homes for the future beginning here in public housing."
The criteria for determining who will live in the housing hasn't been determined.
But residents are concerned about the present conditions inside the current Juniper Gardens complex.
Mizamilli Wright said there is no security, leading to break-ins, assaults and shootings.
Kyle Emery agreed that better security is needed in both the current housing and the new housing. He said there are too many burglaries.
Some residents want a vigorous process for determining the future residents.
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