I recently discovered, to my dismay, that significant changes were made to the sub-zoning for AG (Agricultural) zoned districts in Lenexa without notifying all who are affected in these zones. Education was removed from the permissible activities, and cultural activities, only with special permits, were added. This alteration significantly restricts what we can do with our agricultural property, making it harder to sustain our operations. Furthermore, the city is treating farms as if they were residential properties in a subdivision, a move that severely impedes on our farming business.

This experience highlights a critical issue in how policy and zoning changes are communicated to the residents of Lenexa. Currently, when citizens request zoning changes or variances, they are required to inform local residents via letters, posted signs, and advertisements across various channels such as newspapers, television, and social media, for at least two months. However, the city itself does not adhere to the same standards of communication when it initiates changes that affect us all.

I am urging the City of Lenexa to implement and abide by an equitable notification process. The city should be required to notify citizens of policy changes, proposed zoning changes, sub-zoning changes, and variances just as thoroughly as residents are required to do when proposing such changes. This means sending out letters, posting signs for a minimum of two months, and using advertisements in newspapers, on television, and across social media platforms.

By enforcing this proactive approach to communication, Lenexa can ensure transparency and trust between the city officials and its citizens. It will allow residents like myself to participate in meaningful discussions about changes that affect our property, our livelihood, and ultimately, the community we call home.

I ask for your support in holding our city to account and ensuring that everyone receives fair notice and the opportunity to voice their opinions on matters that impact their lives and businesses. Sign this petition to demand the City of Lenexa adopt a comprehensive notification policy for all policy and zoning changes.