Hi neighbors,

In 1988, Decatur outlawed "Missing Middle Housing (duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes). Since then, only single family homes are allowed to be built. On Jan. 17, the Decatur City Commission will vote on allowing duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes to be built again or for homeowners to renovate their homes to create this type of housing. (see details of ordinance here)

Here in Lenox Place, we are the embodiment of what a cohesive neighborhood looks and feels like. On Drexel Ave, alone we have every type of housing imaginable.. not only the du/tri/quadplexes but also condos and townhomes and apartments nestled in with single family housing. We are vibrant and connected. I know my neighbors not only on my street but several streets over. We rely on each other during crisis. We communicate regularly. We have made purchases together (gravel for the alley or trees to plant in shared spaces, even the infamous planters on Howard were decorated each Christmas by a band of neighbors). We solve problems together, and we celebrate together with block parties, movie night, local bands playing from a porch or Corley Commons, Halloween, Christmas Carols, etc. Because of our wide variety of housing options, we have a diverse neighborhood. People of all ages, incomes, races and ethnicities call Lenox Place home. 

See this featuring Lenox Place Neighborhood's diverse housing.

Missing middle housing has been disappearing throughout Decatur because it's been outlawed for over 30 years. Single Family Homes have gotten bigger, more prevalent and much more expensive. Allowing duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes won't solve the affordable housing crisis we have in our city, but it will be one more tool in our toolkit to invite people to live in our neighborhoods.

There is a very vocal small group of people saying that property prices will plunge if the city allows more missing middle housing to be built. And that they "don't want to live next to housing like this." There are concerns about parking and overcrowding in schools. Those of us who live in our neighborhood know that it's doable, because we live it everyday. And school enrollment has actually declined over the last 3 years. See more responses here.

We are a connected network of neighbors sharing info, supplies and support with one another on the daily. Please sign this petition of support for reinstating the ordinance allowing duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes, so we can demonstrate that we live our values and really believe in a variety of housing options and that it should be an option all over Decatur.

Thanks-

Clare Schexnyder

Lenox Place Neighborhood Resident