Norman faces housing crisis as apartment plans spark debate

During a recent government meeting, Richard McAllen, chair of the housing subcommittee for the Aim Norman Comprehensive Land Use Plan update, presented concerning statistics about housing development in Norman. He reported a significant decline in single-family home construction, with only 417 homes built in 2022 and a further decrease to 330 in 2023. Projections indicate that this trend will continue, leading to a shortfall in the city's housing goals.

McAllen emphasized the need for the city to accommodate 23,000 housing units over the next 25 years, of which only 10,500 are expected to be single-family homes. This leaves a gap of 12,500 units that must be filled by multifamily housing. He outlined plans to identify suitable locations for approximately 41 new apartment complexes, each with around 300 units, to address this deficit. McAllen highlighted the potential benefits of these developments, particularly in revitalizing struggling retail areas and providing housing options for a diverse population.

However, not all attendees supported the proposed developments. Weston White, a local resident, expressed concerns about the impact of six-story apartment complexes on the character of the west side of Norman. He argued that such large buildings are out of place in the area, citing the lack of similar structures nearby.

The discussions reflect a growing urgency to address housing shortages in Norman while balancing community concerns about development scale and neighborhood aesthetics. The housing subcommittee's upcoming map detailing potential sites for multifamily housing is anticipated to further inform these ongoing discussions.