Kanye West’s plan to solve the affordable housing problem has hit a roadblock.
Kanye may be forced to tear down his dome-like concept homes on land he owns in Calabasas due to permit issues. According to TMZ, Kanye was hoping to build a “futuristic, egalitarian community that bridges low, middle, and high-income housing.”
Beginning in July, several neighbors have complained to the L.A. County Department of Public Works about the construction. When an inspector first came out and spoke with the site manager, he was reportedly told the domes were part of “production” and were temporary structures. However, a week after, the inspector came out again after another complaint and saw the domes were sitting on top of a concrete foundation, which suggested the structures were not temporary. Therefore, the Department of Public Works has demanded that Kanye get a building permit by September 15th, or else the structures must be torn down.
Photos: TMZ
According to a source close to Kanye, the structures are still intended to be temporary because they are prototypes, and that the concrete base was necessary to secure the structure for safety reasons. Until then however, the source says they are in touch with the County and will comply with the requirements.
Given that these dome-like structures are simply prototypes, it will be interesting to see if and how they dismantle the class system within the housing market. Regardless, it is great to see Kanye making a positive impact within his community and beyond.
Do you think Kanye’s housing concept could actually work? Let us know your thoughts and stay tuned as this story develops . . .