Local leaders are clarifying how they’re trying to solve an affordable housing problem. It’s a nationwide issue that includes the city of Paducah. At the center of the debate right now is the Katterjohn property on Broadway Street. City commissioners desire to see housing there, but they differ on what type of housing.
The U.S. faces a housing shortage, making it difficult to buy or rent right now. McCracken County is short more than 3,800 housing units according to 2024 data from the Kentucky Housing Cooperation. It said McCracken County would need about 2,288 more rental units and 1,517 more for-sale units.
It’s prompted discussions on various options to address the shortage. Some commissioners advocate for mixed-income developments, while others favor low-income housing specifically to support vulnerable populations in the community.
The divide has sparked passionate discussions among residents and stakeholders, with many voicing their opinions during public meetings. As the city grapples with these choices, the outcome has the potential to significantly impact the future of housing in the area and the well-being of its residents.
Mayor George Bray and City Commissioner Raynarldo Henderson spoke Wednesday about how the city can solve the housing shortage.
They want housing there, but, “We’re not targeting that area for lower-income housing. So we, you know, there’s been no discussion about that. We believe that the housing there needs to fit into, you know, the property. Values of Fountain Avenue and those homes right along there,” said Bray.
At the Jan. 28 city commission meeting, there was a little back-and-forth about why there can’t be some lower-income housing in that area.
Bray said the city hasn’t had many developers offering to build lower-income housing. The city used to get more lower-income housing options through the housing authority.
“If there was a developer that came to us, there was a piece of land, it all fit. You know, we would certainly do that. You know, we’re certainly not opposed to it. We’re not fighting low-income housing. But there’s, but it’s a very complex issue,” Bray said.
Credit: Taylor Bryan & A. Stump/WPSD Local6 – Paducah
