[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6426449,"mediaKeyId","5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5","parentId",5897065,"title","Council remands College Boulevard rezoning to planning commission after debate over drive‑thrus and walkability","audioSeconds",2546,"startMs",6199000,"endMs",3653000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5&start=6199&end=3653","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5/thumbnail_6199000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6426449/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Council-remands-College-Boulevard-rezoning-to-planning-commission-after-debate-over-drivethrus-and-walkability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426449-5d144dc04e8b1b62430bfb26837100b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445411&Signature=gPhHq6C~d56LieSj8UhpZ0QtnxmIcikgkxg~i5NGg9TPidecX7c2Iv2SnsC5LlNkosnADnkV0C4UZQckSaIyb0ZiRjSB-jfjCrar~8CFXDBoancHGLPWSdlAEAp~X7Ho4r823Fv~Ue1webmvPjXIVnlScW7Uh~tISjYZAG-BIoVQuJ1VUKtnFPcUc6E818e4SVAA7ME7xM9J-NPGZzyTwXnIOo1G-4TSAEeXvDwmurMCpvYsPG2s-iH0Gf0VojWNT1J4MvTQvVjRWXWAbzeN2O6AS5CH6R0Ls5LOkN2PXNCARJ-DC6kjIQuDGQfpWqW0cSUaHAYXc4sfQjvees0o7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Overland Park","date","2025-10-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Overland Park City Council on Oct. 6 voted unanimously to remand a rezoning application for a 24‑acre portion of Leighton Plaza near College Boulevard and Metcalf to the Planning Commission for further work. The measure follows a multihour public hearing and a divided Planning Commission recommendation to deny the rezoning.

Staff had recommended denial of REZ2025‑00005 because the proposed site plan places drive‑through lanes and other auto‑oriented features along the College Boulevard frontage, which staff said conflicts with the city’s Framework OP designation for the corridor as a Regional Activity District. Framework OP encourages vertically mixed, walkable development in such districts and lists drive‑through establishments among auto‑oriented uses that are “not preferred or supported.” The Planning Commission voted 6–4 to recommend denial, citing the same conformity concerns.

The applicant, Price Brothers (represented by architect Patrick Reuter), proposed a mixed scheme of retail, two drive‑thru‑serving multi‑tenant buildings fronting College, and a four‑story, 160‑unit apartment building to the northwest. The applicant said the plan reuses underutilized surface parking, adds sidewalks and internal pedestrian connections, and would reduce total on‑site parking while adding housing and retail to serve office tenants.

Planning staff and several councilmembers said the plan did not provide evidence of the pedestrian‑oriented public spaces, street‑level housing or vertical mixed‑use buildings that Framework OP contemplates for a Regional Activity District. Councilmembers and staff also discussed the Metcalf/College frequent‑transit planning that could affect future access and asked the applicant to coordinate with that work.

Council members voiced a range of views. Some said they supported redevelopment and infill and urged the applicant to pursue greater housing density and a more pedestrian‑forward plan. Others warned against imposing an unrealistic model on a site that currently functions as a suburban office plaza and said retail and drive‑up uses are necessary to serve nearby office tenants.

After extended discussion, the council voted to remand the rezoning to the Planning Commission with direction that staff work with the applicant to address the auto‑centric elements of the College Boulevard frontage and better demonstrate pedestrian connectivity, transit coordination and appropriate frontage and building form for a Regional Activity District. Staff and the applicant will return to the Planning Commission with revisions for additional review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors sent REZ2025‑00005 back to the Planning Commission with direction to address auto‑centric frontage and pedestrian connectivity after a lengthy public discussion about drive‑throughs, density and how College Boulevard should develop.","taxTitle","Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas","taxId",4679,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6426457,"Overland Park council directs staff to prepare resolution finding 8500 W. 150th Street unsafe",3658,2269000,5927000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5&start=2269&end=5927","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5/thumbnail_2269000.jpg","/articles/6426457/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Overland-Park-council-directs-staff-to-prepare-resolution-finding-8500-W-150th-Street-unsafe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426457-c9a3f452f3b043109b638e9a5b6f0c77/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445411&Signature=Y0mrpTIFfWq3iKmm~rudhvHaEUHFvI15E8~MWYho4HcAfcmmQR3tCXqwtHrZATqslrK4s5-eg2-MBG95gLJ5agKwzJPdTBZYBEpVOEfpjI7PCyBBKoqnX6ztkswHle9r-gAQ4vLo-uL4ApVNdVliEBD96aNOhGLS8KN8SIiTY8n5qMxGI4Ze-WHurFHp6-3r3p9vHEL2OVIbMEhkNQhzLhdmwROTdkc5udiqVexUQ13CMShzC6t7BmLQbmajooIZ4-wjsK~-fzPu0ifGanc0H-U2Pj1HYB9XRVUv2cR3HlIuqLNWlNX68pdQOYbVlbuRivW38ugb3pEmuRpkHZsCxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Overland Park City Council on Oct. 6 directed city staff to prepare a resolution finding the building at 8500 W. 150th Street unsafe or dangerous and ordering that it be repaired or removed and the premises made safe and secure.

The action followed a public hearing during which city staff and residents described repeated code violations, a new structural safety finding and recent steps by the owner to shore the building and submit engineered repair plans. Councilmembers debated whether to give the owner more time to complete repairs or to start the formal resolution process that can lead to demolition if the owner does not comply.

Code official Jim Brown reported that the owner’s contractor has obtained a permit for structural repairs, that an engineered design for the repair is approved, and that temporary shoring has been installed to support the roof trusses. Brown told the council the building “isn’t at immediate risk of collapse at the moment” but said the unsafe-structure finding made at an earlier meeting remains the primary concern. Staff initially recommended continuing the matter to Dec. 1 to allow repairs to proceed, but the council instead directed staff to prepare the unsafe-structure resolution for council consideration at a future meeting.

Charles Craft, the general contractor working on interior tenant finishes, told the council crews have installed temporary shoring and that geotechnical and structural contractors are engaged. Craft said the structural repairs—footings and new steel beams—should be finished “within 60 days for sure,” while exterior finishes could be delayed by weather and permit review; he gave a conservative target of 2026 for full exterior completion.

Sid Balakrishnan, a tenant who operates a gym in one portion of the building, told the council the business has suffered and urged prompt repairs: “This is a win‑win situation… I’m really excited to see all these changes come,” he said, adding recent months have been difficult for his business.

Several residents and neighbors told the council the property has been a long-running nuisance and safety concern. Elizabeth Krueger Lutha, a homeowner who lives adjacent to the site, asked the council to condemn the property “due to the dangerous and unsafe conditions identified by the code official,” citing structural alterations and prior modifications she said make the building hazardous.

Councilmembers and staff clarified the legal options. Staff attorney and officials explained that if the council adopts a resolution later finding the structure unsafe, the owner would be given a reasonable cure period. If the owner fails to remedy the condition, the city can step in to make the property safe or demolish it and place a special assessment on the property to recover costs.

Councilmember Newland moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution finding the structure unsafe or dangerous and ordering repairs or removal; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Councilmembers who spoke said they expected staff to return with a resolution and supporting findings for council action at a subsequent meeting.

The council and code staff noted the difference between long-running exterior property‑maintenance code issues—some of which have been pursued in municipal court—and the more recent dangerous‑structure determination, which stems from unauthorized interior structural modifications. The hearing record shows the city adopted Resolution No. 5053 on July 21, 2025, to set a previous hearing; staff said the owner has since obtained a repair permit and installed temporary shoring, but councilmembers emphasized a need for accountability and a firm timetable for permanent repairs.

The council’s action starts the next formal step in the unsafe‑structure process: staff will prepare a draft resolution with findings and a cure period for council consideration. If adopted and not complied with, the resolution would authorize the city to proceed with abatement and place the cost on the property as a special assessment.","After months of code enforcement and a public hearing, the city council unanimously directed staff to draft a resolution declaring the structure at 8500 W. 150th Street unsafe or dangerous and ordering repair or removal if the owner does not act.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6426440,"Votes at a glance: Overland Park council approves consent items, right‑of‑way vacation and city‑sponsored events",4414,2221000,6635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5&start=2221&end=6635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5/thumbnail_2221000.jpg","/articles/6426440/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Votes-at-a-glance-Overland-Park-council-approves-consent-items-rightofway-vacation-and-citysponsored-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426440-12d3ca0041d1e9c154de4e93c154705d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445411&Signature=Nr0oQfvVoGP4VZAK9xKQeLnbOdwctBakGEOcaLdVmcASdU~vG9tD78Q5NQT7g1oUuOwsRwTTaCMZVgY~SyymSHMvYiY1AhL-GdoLHz59pEsIA2gGja7SxELCpAIkhBYLNeFd71Lavdz5lXPTcJgQHbaeSzYM6v9q8RltFZ9kROY70xO9tFG7txrfJ8N-z5MAGXI1MKER0soyPNMCe5~k-gKz-gSdtEtbJHCM1yBACCgsuZ9jhosPkd-cjVty0IABQ9V3l5nbFNHT4uVO1CevwqYLFqFbQcgH1FgbyYD87A~aWNAd~uxQf0VkzQgISVkZ~ie0CpP2RRHNIxEzD~nLUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Oct. 6 meeting the Overland Park City Council approved a series of routine and narrowly focused items on the consent and regular agendas.

Key council actions:

- Reappointments: The council approved reappointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Legacy of Greenery Committee and the Planning Commission by voice vote as part of the consent agenda.

- Consent agenda: The full consent agenda was approved without individual roll‑call removals.

- City‑sponsored event resolutions: The council adopted three resolutions designating “Operation Rudolph,” “Trunk or Treat” and “Turkey Lurkey” as city‑sponsored events (Res. Nos. 5067–5069). Each resolution passed unanimously.

- Right‑of‑way vacation (VAC2025‑00002): The council held a public hearing on a proposed vacation of roughly 7,300 square feet of city right‑of‑way near the southwest corner of 47th and Concert and approved VAC2025‑00002 with no stipulations; the vacation transfers unused right‑of‑way to the adjacent property owner and preserves a western portion for potential future right‑of‑way.

- Planning Commission consent agenda: The council approved the Planning Commission’s consent agenda.

Votes on these routine and land‑use consent items were taken by roll call or voice vote as required by procedure; the city clerk recorded approvals as unanimous where a roll call followed the motion.

Full actions, resolutions and council directions for each item will be included in the official meeting minutes and the city’s online agenda packet.","The council approved routine reappointments and the consent agenda, adopted three resolutions declaring community events city‑sponsored, and approved a right‑of‑way vacation near I‑635; votes were unanimous unless noted.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6426445,"Overland Park earns LEED Gold for Cities certification; USGBC recognizes citywide sustainability work",213,1704000,1917000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5&start=1704&end=1917","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897065-31bf5bf19f58b36863ea307636bd4ee5/thumbnail_1704000.jpg","/articles/6426445/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Overland-Park-earns-LEED-Gold-for-Cities-certification-USGBC-recognizes-citywide-sustainability-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6426445-8209799dd05575084ed944ce11aef8cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445411&Signature=BvRt32xIh9KppK6C~TsaVsn5DoBVtujgyW-C09jPyHI3hpMQE4CJR54KaoLiiqK5sGylo5Xt5CyBGbVpSDxJE1NKvEVLV1xowL0vPf7~kfukz54uO34D1x1fghoZKvAzM1sYbP-axxsNO~twglDBNCW1-yxeo9zfqZL5HG5SXRR8MvxpLj5YF6BV-kF5ux~tQ33hrb61RJDbjnEjv0ehSQOc2o-y8TtSqOdW1LQC9MnXzqb5rsTEIthkMGFVWC9vC2iTUpWFrS1lNbwQ6aX4VBBMT8myeHhXDvCRlOQAr~469PPjCtgEfjgVODo80Ig~aC9QUl2JaPqCnSa3JIKfZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city of Overland Park announced on Oct. 6 that it has earned LEED Gold certification for Cities from the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing jurisdiction‑scale progress on energy, water, waste, land use and other sustainability indicators.

Laura Ish, Overland Park’s sustainability manager, told council that staff and community partners began the certification process in April 2024 and submitted a large data packet in March 2025. LEED for Cities evaluates municipal and jurisdictional performance across multiple sectors; Gold is the program’s second‑highest designation.

Jennifer Gumby (USGBC national) and Jesse Krepper, chair of USGBC Central Plains, joined the meeting to present a plaque and commend the city’s cross‑department work. Krepper praised Overland Park’s approach to energy and emissions, innovation points earned for local projects such as floating wetlands and neighborhood leadership programs, and regional priorities including Deanna Rose, OPCAT and EV readiness.

City Manager Lori Curtis Luther and councilmembers thanked staff and regional partners including WaterOne, Kansas Gas Service and Evergy for contributing data and participating in the certification process. Staff said the recognition reflects efforts across city facilities, utilities and planning and will be used as a tool to prioritize future sustainability initiatives.

Council invited residents to attend Fire Prevention Week open houses and other public events connected with the city’s safety and sustainability programming that follow the same theme of community outreach and partnership.","The U.S. Green Building Council awarded Overland Park LEED Gold for Cities after a year‑long cross‑department data effort. City staff and USGBC officials highlighted energy, water and innovation achievements and cited partners including Evergy and WaterOne.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council remands College Boulevard rezoning to planning commission after debate over drive‑thrus and walkability

Overland Park council directs staff to prepare resolution finding 8500 W. 150th Street unsafe

Votes at a glance: Overland Park council approves consent items, right‑of‑way vacation and city‑sponsored events

Overland Park earns LEED Gold for Cities certification; USGBC recognizes citywide sustainability work