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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Independence Plaza, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood currently contains 89 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 84 designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of approximately 1,254 units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises about 7.1% of the neighborhood's housing stock.
The LIHTC program has contributed to affordable housing in Independence Plaza since 1987, with the completion of the Dorson Apts project. The most recent project on record, Heritage Hills West, was completed in 1993, indicating at least six years of active affordable housing development in the neighborhood.
The 1980s and early 1990s were particularly active for LIHTC developments in Independence Plaza. Notable projects include 701 Brooklyn Ave (1988), 2501-05 East 12Th (1989), and 651 Brooklyn Ave (1991). This period established a significant portion of the neighborhood's current affordable housing stock.
The LIHTC-funded housing in Independence Plaza offers a diverse range of unit types. The inventory includes 13 efficiencies, 33 one-bedroom units, 30 two-bedroom units, and 1 three-bedroom unit. This distribution suggests a focus on accommodating smaller households and individuals.
Over the past decade, Independence Plaza has experienced demographic shifts. The population has fluctuated, decreasing from 4,197 in 2019 to 3,274 in 2022. Concurrently, the median income has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $24,134 in 2019 to $30,416 in 2022, with a peak of $40,462 in 2021.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable, with the Black population consistently representing the majority at approximately 60-63% of residents. The Hispanic population has increased from 13% in 2019 to 20% in 2022, while the White population has marginally decreased from 17% to 15% during the same period.
No new LIHTC projects have been recorded in the neighborhood since 1993. This could be due to various factors, including changes in funding priorities, zoning regulations, or the perceived need for affordable housing in the area.
Independence Plaza's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, established primarily in the late 1980s and early 1990s, continues to play a role in the neighborhood's housing landscape. The 89 total units (84 low-income) represent a modest portion of the estimated housing stock and provide diverse housing options for smaller households. The neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts in recent years, including population fluctuations and a general increase in median income. Despite these changes, the existing LIHTC inventory remains a significant component of Independence Plaza's affordable housing resources.