[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6612073,"mediaKeyId","2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639","parentId",2892522,"title","Council grants variance to allow partially visible rooftop HVAC at Overland Station after debate; 10–1 vote","audioSeconds",2525,"startMs",2444000,"endMs",4969000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639&start=2444&end=4969","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639/thumbnail_2444000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6612073/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Council-grants-variance-to-allow-partially-visible-rooftop-HVAC-at-Overland-Station-after-debate-101-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612073-583c170f167d4446553af2cdfd2a4db9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440502&Signature=luLiT-nca-FCfEYuSObSxL~hpZttIakSIxxkPl2FBijmfA2ZQgnn-pZiQMNfbHu5M8F9~IIl6aPWfrTEZyZBIKLnp-y4eLni1j4Lco6y1t0dAH15Fx8a9WhghXf~85OL8rTk2y5bi2V65XDNYKh3kHJaEt5Z2JWyUFh1NcC9AalTb1shZXLO~O0W2zsMDu8hrjafDjpVjLUlmHI25eao~FzFlO6bHBinJ95F0Rf9cTC5Etm0QxjBqZCn~ct~KrgWYR8fcthZBASOnUdlu~VozQrj0-H-ol8u92SvUQYMo-T0tquoPX9TPk2yD7VRed0U5df6LqBOFMegLJ~QQEcPag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Overland Park","date","2025-04-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Overland Park City Council on April 7 granted a deviation to allow rooftop HVAC units installed at Overland Station to remain partially visible from public view, overriding a planning commission denial. The motion to grant the variance passed 10–1.

Planning staff had presented DEV2024-00122 and noted the Unified Development Ordinance requires rooftop equipment to be fully screened with an architectural treatment. Staff recommended denial, and the planning commission denied the deviation. Staff and commission members raised concerns that allowing an exception could weaken the screening standard. Planning staff also proposed that council consider UDO changes to address the increasing frequency of larger replacement rooftop units.

Kimbal Hales of Finkle Williams Architecture, the applicant's representative, told council that industry trends and newer energy codes have produced larger replacement units that sometimes extend above older parapets. Hales said retrofitting full, structural screening is expensive; he cited bids received to add structural screens for the seven units in this case with a low bid around $106,000.

Councilmembers debated competing priorities: enforcing aesthetic standards and the UDO versus discouraging routine maintenance and upgrades to more efficient HVAC systems for existing commercial buildings. Several members said they want to protect the screening standard for new construction while treating older buildings differently. Councilmember Newland moved to grant the deviation (including staff stipulation A) and the motion carried 10–1.

Councilmembers also asked staff to develop guidance for the UDO update to address how to treat rooftop equipment on existing buildings, including possible alternatives such as architectural solutions, painting, or other mitigation measures. Staff said it would bring recommendations during the UDO process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Overland Park - City Council - Apr 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extended discussion about aesthetics, code consistency and retrofit costs, Overland Park council granted a deviation April 7 to allow rooftop HVAC units at Overland Station to remain partially visible, with the council voting 10–1 to approve the variance and directing staff to consider code guidance for future cases.","taxTitle","Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas","taxId",4679,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612078,"Council approves right-of-way vacation at 8600 Grant with easements retained",694,1708000,2402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639&start=1708&end=2402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639/thumbnail_1708000.jpg","/articles/6612078/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Council-approves-right-of-way-vacation-at-8600-Grant-with-easements-retained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612078-47f7b1064424729d8e607597df880006/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440502&Signature=TzCKn1r9QSTJMt8h0xFX8b~Y50aXR1eZKVF6jYr2mKcoC08oIe7EEoWbnnljuxu48YfhrI2yYadMchPU9RMBgJrFC--wQ-2jeHtV4cgILAg2MGN8rvzbhlPxoXkoW9-znY8Zv07ptH8UVoKxERz4jK2CEGLtuyGAxMzQ0dwqipVDneYbtJUH4eoQ-r~aildcwIMjWtNG0wvIOI-zesQKVCKiRyZNuyRIGU2bXYY9BuUDLd~cuN5CKq2uCh-dPaECV2fivDDlSGzP45BAJGig0Mf2woPFQg-3vMgBnTBZwFYlLdtDvV9hMbUymcPs9jBJ0xxdtVAxUpuCWspaRxEz9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Overland Park City Council approved ordinance VAC 34-78 (VAC 2025-1) on April 7 to vacate a parcel of public right-of-way at 8600 Grant Street, subject to stipulations retaining a western 25-foot utility easement and a northern 10-foot access easement.

Planning staff presented the request as a public hearing item and explained the property was included in right-of-way dedicated as part of a rezoning in the 1970s; the home remained in the dedicated area when the larger duplex plan never proceeded. Staff said the current homeowner wants to remove their house and driveway from public right-of-way and the applicant is a relatively recent purchaser.

Staff recommended approval with stipulations to retain the 25-foot utility easement and, after additional review with public works, to retain a northern 10-foot access easement so future pedestrian connections would not be precluded. Councilmember Holly Grummer moved to approve the ordinance and the motion was seconded; councilmembers agreed to include both stipulations and the ordinance passed by roll call.

Councilmembers who spoke during the item thanked staff for retaining pedestrian access and suggested staff explore building pedestrian connections where feasible. No members opposed the measure.","Overland Park council approved ordinance VAC 34-78 on April 7 to vacate a portion of public right-of-way at 8600 Grant Street, returning the land to the homeowner while retaining utility and access easements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612083,"Overland Park council approves $500,000 purchase of property for Switzer Road improvements",338,1282000,1620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639&start=1282&end=1620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639/thumbnail_1282000.jpg","/articles/6612083/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Overland-Park-council-approves-500000-purchase-of-property-for-Switzer-Road-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612083-b2ea16ea75f289e41c7f021e455bbd62/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440502&Signature=QjV3UHRDIvxk-XyNxYZPz67YwVE0ZLOpfH0JJqqnplyMvLEniZyQkvPgqE~Hx7t8WmSu0YOSWiRZahLoioJR-8rzmIWl12BLnvd9G5y4-eKlSRiiswuLFUusY73LvYV294Yck1GXT40A47ETcc-Lu0sqNObhKtr8OhKzRlPFiynD-1OL6OKvUDt2BGgEVIXGMOwilnVwKqWg76~Zea1sC1HmgBjyAH55s-BFiOMMMbLaRGh7LlOGNmFFulpeT9Jil3zq-tIiz0Zo5KeHs6S0MNQUdkopoA0trLheO6lLv64iVREgZZYifayd6~VantbC0rhVgYjVCL1SZYk6W2jfDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Overland Park City Council voted unanimously April 7 to approve the purchase of 10310 West 170th Terrace for $500,000 to support Switzer Road improvements between 167th and 170th Street.

Lorraine Bassalo, public works director, told the council the purchase is necessary because proposed roadway improvements are too close to the existing residential structure to be handled through easement acquisition alone. \"Purchasing the entire property does require council approval,\" Bassalo said, adding that an agreement had been reached at the property's appraised value.

Bassalo said the timing was brought to council because the property owners intend to close on another property before April 23, 2025. \"Bringing this agreement directly to council allows us to finalize this agreement promptly and allow them to facilitate their relocation,\" she said. Once acquired, the city will demolish the residential structure and proceed with water and gas utility relocations to support construction in 2026.

Council discussion noted the broader capital-improvement context: a councilmember observed that thoroughfare spending in the 2026–2030 CIP increased from an earlier estimate and that the city will spend significant funds on thoroughfares while also continuing neighborhood street reconstruction programs. That member said the project was appropriate but urged future CIP balance between thoroughfares and neighborhood streets.

Councilmember Kite moved approval of the purchase agreement with Thomas H. and Crystal E. Ensley for $500,000; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. No amendments were requested.","Council approved acquiring 10310 West 170th Terrace for $500,000 to make way for Switzer Road improvements, allowing utility relocations and demolition ahead of construction planned for 2026.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612088,"Conservation group, resident urge stronger floodplain protections for proposed 170th–Metcalf development in Overland Park",258,92000,350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639&start=92&end=350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892522-cc52e5d6f4058b2b50d50c8736eb5639/thumbnail_92000.jpg","/articles/6612088/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Conservation-group-resident-urge-stronger-floodplain-protections-for-proposed-170thMetcalf-development-in-Overland-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612088-6bd6bedf5654744c3aed199b3df39e95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440502&Signature=VdSJVek4YjK9VQgMQu~6Ct90wVL2BPXqs32uGRZUmtZhrxOFMegEAwfAjMvuGzdTPqlgWdbeyHJ851GX0lNhAwRRFIpERDAWL3M5FywQ4ATqyYawp6WgpwAJtKPFPwetOIwttDut~fsuZYnMm-J1JXaamOwBWN0A9eogb0Tw8cCfIwHVZHNit3ekn94-nwCIhtdxk6bCuyX2vR17sjJrFqoPeI0z28iKAjIISHKYHomSzcxogg3SdW1bXVFMsgVEPpgv~d8lMbe2dmoef~n7xNhCxJgg6k6Vdt2B4asHXlBe24Azj7pjlIrDQ9Tq0a4kJEBJmdp~SF9oS14G6HAGHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott Scholte, a member of the Heartland Conservation Alliance board of directors, and resident Marlene Carter told the Overland Park City Council on April 7 they want stricter protections tied to a proposed development and rezoning near 170th Street and Metcalf Avenue.

Scholte said the alliance, which he described as a coalition of regional organizations and community members, has focused its review on the Blue River watershed and had provided written comments to the planning commission in December 2024. \"We feel the proposed plan actually does accomplish the objectives that we recommended for that project,\" Scholte said, noting the plan leaves the majority of the flood plain as open space and commits to restoring and protecting more than 40 acres of floodplain vegetation along the Blue River.

The Heartland Conservation Alliance testimony emphasized floodplain vegetation as a key factor in reducing downstream flooding, protecting stream banks, preserving water quality and maintaining habitat connectivity. Scholte said the alliance commends the parties involved for optimizing open-space and trail connections but asked the council to ensure permanent protections for all riparian segments and tributary vegetation.

During the same public-comment period, Marlene Carter said she is concerned the planned Blackhawk Trail neighborhood — which she described as approximately 150 single-family homes and duplexes — would sit in a flood plain and rely on a single access point to Metcalf Avenue. \"This is over three times the recommended 50 units per access point with duplexes and single-family homes outlined in the Overland Park design standards,\" Carter said, adding that the depth and length of a cul-de-sac on the plan would conflict with city codes and create safety and sight-distance problems.

Carter also raised concerns about residents who may not be able to afford flood insurance and said some portions of the developer's proposed open space preservation did not include permanent restoration commitments for the northern bank of the Blue River.

The speakers did not request a specific council vote during the meeting. Council members did not take formal action on the development during the April 7 meeting; the comments were entered as part of the public record for the planning process.

The Heartland Conservation Alliance offered to continue working with city staff and developers as the project moves through the development process; Scholte said the alliance's members are available as technical resources.","At the April 7 Overland Park City Council meeting, a Heartland Conservation Alliance board member and a resident urged stronger safeguards for a proposed development at 170th Street and Metcalf Avenue, citing floodplain restoration, habitat connectivity and public-safety concerns over access.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council grants variance to allow partially visible rooftop HVAC at Overland Station after debate; 10–1 vote

Council approves right-of-way vacation at 8600 Grant with easements retained

Overland Park council approves $500,000 purchase of property for Switzer Road improvements

Conservation group, resident urge stronger floodplain protections for proposed 170th–Metcalf development in Overland Park