Commission finds Overland Park Plaza 2 TIF project plan in conformance with city plan

The Overland Park Planning Commission voted 8–0 to find the Overland Park Plaza 2 redevelopment project plan in conformance with the city's comprehensive plan for the specified TIF project area. Assistant City Attorney Trevor Styles told commissioners the review covered project area 1a, a 12.88-acre parcel within an approximately 78.48-acre district bounded by Glenwood Street, 112th Street, Mall Avenue and 115th Street.

Styles said the project plan proposes roughly 298 residential apartments, about 729,000 square feet of office space and 25,000 square feet of retail within project area 1a and that staff recommended the limited conformance finding so that the applicant may proceed under TIF statute requirements. "What we're asking today is for the planning commission to make a finding that the project planned before you is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan," Styles said. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether future project areas would return for separate conformance findings; staff confirmed later phases will be brought forward individually.

The commission took the vote after brief questions about scope and timing. The unanimous decision means the project can move forward in the city's development review path and be forwarded as appropriate to the City Council with staff-recommended conditions. The packet for the item includes the full project plan and district map; the applicant will proceed with subsequent plan-phase submittals if council actions follow the commission's recommendation.