Olathe, Kansas Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
City Council Holds Executive Session for City Manager's Mid-Year Review
The City Council entered into an executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel, specifically the mid-year review of the City Manager. The session was not to exceed 25 minutes. Upon reconvening, Mayor Bacon expressed excitement about City Manager Susan Sherman and happiness to have her on board. The council passed the motion to recess into executive session with a 7-0 vote.
Consent Agenda Approved; Policy on Public Improvement Projects Repealed
The City Council approved the Consent Agenda, including items I, L, and N. Councilmember Vakas requested item I be pulled for discussion. Councilmember Schoonover inquired about items L and N, confirming their association. Item N, a resolution repealing City Council Policy PI regarding public improvement projects, was explained by Assistant City Attorney Bob. He stated the policy updates were being incorporated into ordinance with other procurement policies. The ordinance takes effect July 27th, and the resolution repeals the existing policy on the same day to avoid overlap. The council approved the resolution with a 7-0 vote.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Starfish Location in Residential Area
During the public comment period, David Miller expressed concerns about the proposed Starfish organization's location at the former Aldi properties, citing traffic congestion issues, especially near a nearby school. He noted the entrance has primary one in and out, and the organization plans to serve over 1,000 people daily, contrasting with Aldi's 300 customers. Miller also raised concerns about the proximity to established homes, the public library, and the Inn Creek Trail, as well as potential issues with the homeless population and loitering. He argued the location is inconsistent with goals for safety, mobility, and congestion, and that the property has not attracted tenants for decades. Jenny echoed these concerns, stating that while Starfish does good work, placing a non-residential distribution hub in a single-family residential area like Brier Wood is inconsistent with sound zoning and comprehensive planning, could undermine neighborhood stability, and accelerate property value decline. She urged the council to deny the special use permit for this location and encourage placement in a commercially zoned corridor.
Council Approves $17 Million Dennis Avenue Improvement Project Focused on Safety and Capacity
The City Council authorized a transfer from the Street Excise Tax Fund to the Dennis Avenue, Hedge Lane to Parker Street, Improvements Project (PN 3-C-021-26). This $17 million project aims to improve safety and capacity by widening Dennis Avenue to a three-way roadway, adding turn lanes, and installing medians and roundabouts to control access and reduce conflict points. The project addresses a high crash index on Dennis Avenue, which currently has over 86 vehicles and a 4.3 crash index. Funding includes $6 million in grants. The project also involves adding curbs, sidewalks, and stormwater improvements, and signals at intersections. Concerns were raised about the project's cost during budget tightening, but support was strong due to safety needs and federal grant acquisition. Councilmember Vakas inquired about the project's scope and whether it would address sidewalk deficiencies and parking at Oregon Trail Elementary, and was informed that while parking is not directly part of the scope, discussions with the school district are ongoing. Councilmember Schoonover fully supported the project due to the daily traffic nightmares experienced on the road.
City Authorizes Payment for Santa Fe Improvements Project Eminent Domain Award
The City Council authorized the payment of an eminent domain award and court-appointed appraiser's fees for the Santa Fe, Ridgeview to Mur Len Improvements Project (PN 3-C-025-18), in the matter of City of Olathe, Kansas vs. Olathe Landing, LLC, et al. (JO-2026-CV-000808). This is a proceeding for right-of-way and easements. The council approved Ordinance No. 26-39 with a 7-0 vote.
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