The Olathe City Council meeting on June 17, 2025, spotlighted the pressing need for a new parking garage downtown, a project that has sparked significant discussion among council members. As the city prepares for the relocation of the courthouse, officials emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate parking to support future development in the area.

Council members discussed the estimated cost of constructing the garage, which is projected to be between $45,000 and $49,000 per parking space. This figure includes expenses for security, technology, and aesthetics. The council is optimistic that this investment will meet the city's needs for the next decade, despite concerns about the project's timeline, which is expected to take 14 to 18 months.

A key point of contention arose regarding the garage's footprint, which some council members believe encroaches too closely on neighboring historic homes. Councilmember Felter expressed a desire for the city to consider purchasing these homes to enhance the project and maintain good neighborly relations. He also urged for a more aesthetically pleasing design, comparing it to a recently constructed garage in Kansas City that boasts innovative features.

The council acknowledged the challenges that construction will pose for parking availability in the short term, with some members humorously noting that residents may need to "get their steps in" while navigating the downtown area during the build. However, they reassured the public that efforts would be made to maintain accessibility, particularly for those with disabilities.

As the council moves forward with the design and planning phases, the emphasis remains on balancing the need for more parking with the desire for a visually appealing structure that complements the downtown landscape. The collaboration with the county on this project was also highlighted as a positive step towards addressing the community's parking needs.