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Longtime resident urges preservation, drainage fixes during AdventHealth hearing
Summary
Tom Kearney, who has lived near the site for decades, told commissioners the property was once part of the Speer farm and urged the developer to clear a clogged detention pond, maintain berms and minimize lighting and ambulance impacts; he asked for written assurances.
Tom Kearney, a neighbor who said he has lived on South Greenwood Street in Olathe for nearly 73 years, urged the Planning Commission on Sept. 22 to hold the developer to neighborhood assurances and to investigate the site's historic ties.
"If you look at 29 acres... that was part of the Spear Farm," Kearney said, linking the on‑site dwelling to local history and asking staff to consider preservation research. He also told the commission he was "not necessarily opposed to the rezoning" but requested the developer "pledge to clear out this detention pond, return it to its function," and to ensure berms and low‑glare lighting to limit impacts on adjacent homes.
Staff and commissioners acknowledged those concerns. Planner Andrew Morgan said the applicant's stormwater report proposes improvements and that the project will increase impervious surface by about 13 percent but includes measures to address existing drainage issues; Emily Carrillo, the historic preservation liaison, said staff can research deeds and run historic verification concurrently and can archive features if demolition is anticipated.
Kearney also asked what would happen to an existing nearby AdventHealth facility if the new project opens; commissioners and staff said zoning, if approved, would remain with the land and that future changes would require separate review. The commission’s recommendation in favor of the rezoning moves the matter to City Council on Oct. 21.
