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Commission grants 3‑year special permit for UnitedHealth freezer trailer used for gel packs
Summary
Overland Park planners approved a three‑year special use permit for a freezer trailer at UnitedHealth Group's facility on West 115th Street to store gel packs used in refrigerated pharmacy shipments; applicant said a more permanent solution is under study.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a three‑year special use permit allowing UnitedHealth Group to continue using a freezer trailer behind its facility at 6860 West 115th Street.
Staff (Ms. Mohammed) explained the trailer — roughly 48 by 6 feet — supports the pharmacy operation by storing frozen gel packs used to ship refrigerated medications. Staff recommended a three‑year SUP (SUP2026‑1) to give the company and staff time to explore a permanent solution. "Staff found that it would be more useful to the applicant as well as easier on staff if they went ahead and got a 3‑year special use permit and in the interim worked ... to figure out a more long term permanent solution," Ms. Mohammed said.
Gary Oggcewalla, facilities manager for UnitedHealth, told the commission the trailer is essential to safely ship refrigerated prescriptions to patients and that the business has outgrown existing capacity. "The pharmacy provides prescriptions that are shipped out to patients, many of whom are critically ill, and many of which need to be refrigerated," he said.
Commissioners praised the short-term approach. Commissioner Streeter Schafer noted personal appreciation as a medication user and supported a temporary permit while a permanent plan is developed. The motion to approve stipulations A–C for a period of three years passed 8–0. The item will go to City Council on April 6 for final consideration.
What happens next: UnitedHealth and staff will explore facility options for a permanent cold‑storage solution during the three‑year permit period. Any permanent on‑site construction would require separate review.
