Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Olathe Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted on a rezoning and preliminary site development plan for the Residences at Heritage Park, a 476-unit apartment complex at the northwest corner of 159th and Flum Road. After hearing extensive public testimony and deliberating, the commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval to the City Council, reversing an initial failed motion to deny.
Over a dozen residents spoke, primarily in opposition. Key speaker positions included:
Like to call tonight's meeting to order. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I Pledge Pledge of Allegiance. Under Individual Justice. Well, as we begin our meeting tonight, I'll take a moment to acknowledge that we have a quorum of planning commissioners present with six out of nine. Commissioner Breen and Corkran are not able to be here tonight. I fully expect Commissioner Bergida to become, he has traffic problems sometimes on the way here. So either way, we're good. We have a quorum and we'll move forward. I want to thank everyone in the chamber for attending tonight and those that are watching online. Planning commission meetings are an important part of the process for interpreting and applying the city's comprehensive plan and the unified development ordinance. It's important that our meetings are conducted with dignity and respect. That applies to every person in attendance. We strive to produce an atmosphere where the ideas and opinions of all participants are held in the highest regard. Finally, it's important to know that the actions and the issues that we discuss are ultimately under the responsibility of the city council. As a planning commission, we're here to help the council as our elected representatives to be fully informed to make the best choices for our city. By statute, planning commission strives not to engage with any party on the issues on the agenda prior to this meeting this evening. Should that interaction take place as a result of a business relationship or other interaction, which we refer to as ex parte communication, commissioners will report that interaction when we reach that item in the agenda. We'll now move on to the consent agenda. And this evening we have three items on our consent agenda. So the consent agenda items are listed as and are considered routine by the planning commission and may be improved or approved in one motion. There's no public hearing held for the items on the consent agenda, and there will be no discussion unless a commissioner would like to have an item removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. Saying that, Commissioners, do you plan to pull any items for additional information from staff? Welcome, Commissioner Brigitte. Um, uh may I have a motion on the consent agenda. So move to Chairman. Thank you, Commissioner Tronis. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Commissioner Brown. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. That motion passes seven to zero. So we'll now move on to our regular agenda and our public hearing. And this evening we have one scheduled public hearing, which I assume is why most of you came here this evening. Welcome. Public hearing this evening is a request for the approval of a rezoning and preliminary site development for residents at Heritage Park, which is located northwest of 159th and Flum. Ms. Schuler is here tonight to present the case. Good evening, Commissioners. Jessica Schuler, senior planner.