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Planning commission approves Stratford Square rezoning, sends measure to city council after neighbors raise traffic and stormwater concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission approved rezoning for the Stratford Square development (29 units) and will forward the case to city council on July 6, 2026; neighbors expressed concerns about traffic, stormwater, and neighborhood fit while staff said revisions reduced building length and added fencing, landscaping and stormwater easements.
The Overland Park Planning Commission voted 10–0 on June 8 to approve rezoning REZ 2026-4 for the Stratford Square development at the northeast corner of 71st Street and Metcalfe Avenue and will forward the case to the city council on July 6 for final action.
Aaron Gooch, the city planner presenting the item, said the applicant reduced the project from 30 units to 29, added sidewalks and green space, and provided a wood fence that is broken up by landscaping about every 40 feet. Gooch also said the applicant documented a stormwater easement to the east and that on-site detention and other measures would address runoff: "They did get that easement and therefore they can connect to that stormwater easement to the east and they'll help with the runoff in this area." (Aaron Gooch)
Neighbors who testified urged changes or opposed the rezoning. Tim O'Connor, who lives immediately east of the site, asked the commission to require a 5‑foot solid fence rather than a 6‑foot fence to block headlights and reduce visual impact: "We're willing to go with a 5 foot fence." (Tim O'Connor) Michael and Carrie Hambright said the project would add traffic to an already congested intersection and urged acquisition of the site for a neighborhood green space, saying, "An additional 200 cars per day will only make things worse." (Michael Hambright)
Applicant Scott Koenigsdorf confirmed agreement with staff stipulations and said the drainage study and on-site buried detention tanks are intended to prevent increased runoff: "The goal of the stormwater study is to ensure that we're not increasing the runoff on neighbors." (Scott Koenigsdorf)
Commissioners discussed traffic and neighborhood fit before voting. Several commissioners said the project aligns with the city's Framework OP designation and the council's housing goals; Commissioner Reyes moved the rezoning with stipulations A through X. Following the unanimous vote, staff noted the item will appear on the July 6 city council agenda and members of the public who wish to speak should use the council's public comment form.
Next steps: the rezoning record and stipulations will go to the Overland Park City Council on July 6; final addressing and some technical details (including whether unit addresses will be on private drives or public streets) will be set at final development plan review if the rezoning is adopted.
