Merriam council sets June 16 public hearing for I‑35 redevelopment Project Area O and approves demolition contract for two library buildings

The Merriam City Council on a single evening approved a resolution setting June 16 as the public hearing date for the I‑35 Redevelopment District project plan (Project Area O) and separately authorized demolition of two city-owned buildings to support redevelopment.

Community Development Director Bridal Dyer told the council the project plan area is roughly bounded by 60 Second Terrace on the north, Antioch Road on the east, Shawnee Mission Parkway on the south, and IKEA Way on the west. “What is being asked you this evening is to approve a resolution to establish June, sixteenth of this year as the date for the public hearing on the project plan,” Dyer said. The council approved the resolution 8–0.

Dyer said the council will also consider related items — a redevelopment agreement, rezoning, plat and development plan — on the June 16 agenda to allow concurrent consideration of approvals needed for the area’s redevelopment.

Separately, the council approved a contract with Denton Excavating doing business as Midland Wrecking to demolish two city-owned buildings formerly associated with the library, with a contract amount not to exceed $156,000. Dyer told the council six bids were received and Denton was the low bidder; asbestos abatement work has already been contracted and was expected to start the week of the meeting. City staff told the council they expect demolition work to occur mid to late June and that traffic control and protections will be part of the contractor’s responsibilities.

Action details: The resolution setting the public hearing was moved by Mister Kuzmael and seconded by Mister Merry; the motion passed 8–0. The demolition contract motion was moved by Miss Anson and seconded by Mister Shaddo; the motion passed 8–0.

Why it matters: The two actions advance a multi-step redevelopment effort for a core I‑35 corridor site and remove structures the city acquired to permit redevelopment to proceed. Director Dyer said earlier phases include a district plan and project plans (different levels of specificity), and that the city frequently uses the I‑35 redevelopment district for public–private partnerships.

Ending: With demolition authorized and a public hearing date set, staff said they expect to present a redevelopment agreement, rezoning and development plan for council consideration at or shortly after the June 16 hearing.