Neighbors urge council to reject Stratford Square townhome plan at 71st and Metcalf

Scores of neighbors who live near the intersection of Metcalf Avenue and 71st Street pressed the Overland Park City Council during the open public comment period to oppose a proposed 29‑unit townhome development known as Stratford Square.

"The Stratford Square development has no business being in and among a residential neighborhood adjacent to a church and school at a very busy ... intersection," said Michael Hambright, a longtime neighbor, criticizing the plan's density and traffic projections. Multiple speakers echoed concerns about privacy, construction impacts and pedestrian safety, and several said the developer had not met with nearby residents.

Catherine Markovich, who live three doors from the proposed development and organized a protest petition, told the council: "The 2 acre plot of land cannot comfortably support 29 dwelling units and still blend into the long standing character of the neighborhood." She also flagged staff findings that the proposed Metcalf access would be 270 feet from an existing point, short of the city's 400‑foot spacing standard.

Residents raised design specifics including a proposed 20‑foot setback from Metcalf (versus roughly 60–70 feet on adjoining properties), the absence of privacy fencing at the property's rear, and projected construction durations. Several asked the council to consider alternatives such as lower‑density designs or acquisition of the site as neighborhood green space.

The residents' remarks preceded a later agenda item where the council formally considered the rezoning request and related staff recommendations.