‘Tis the season for controversy on Falmouth Street: New parts of Babick display could violate city codes

The new structure on the south side of Babick's yard may violate city codes.

If you were hoping Mike Babick and his Falmouth Street neighbors would be coming together in the spirit of the season and singing carols to one another in the weeks leading up to Christmas, we’ve got some disappointing news.

The city of Prairie Village has received formal complaints from Falmouth Street residents regarding a structure Babick has built to house new elements of his popular Christmas lights and animatronics display. The new structure, on the south side of his property, has several exposed support beams keeping it up – features that may be at the root of the new complaints.

Assistant City Administrator Dennis Enslinger said the city had contacted Babick about potential code violations tied to the new structure, but the city had not determined whether – or what – action it would take on the matter.

“At this time we haven’t determined what specific code violations may be at issue,” Enslinger said.

Anticipating continued controversy over the 45-year-old display this holiday season, the Prairie Village city council in July voted to have two council members, Michael Kelly and Andrew Wang, spearhead an effort to identify potential solutions to the Babick situation – and any other holiday decorations issues that might arise. Kelly and Wang have not presented any public information on the progress of their work.

Babick traditionally opens his display to the public Thanksgiving night.

The parts of the display that were on the south part of Babick's lawn last year are now north of his driveway.