OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A plan for new development in south Overland Park is causing concern after a religious group is looking to expand on property that has sat vacant for years.
For years, a private project has been in the works for the nearly 17-acres of empty land near 163rd Street and Roe Avenue.
John Peterson represents the Islamic Center of Kansas, the organization that currently owns the land that backs up to Blue Valley Middle School and nearby neighborhoods.
“We help people navigate the requirements a particular jurisdiction has and what a particular piece of ground can be used for," John Petersen, an attorney and shareholder at Polsinelli, said.
The Islamic Center wants to build a campus that would house a mosque, community center, school and daycare.
“The master plan of the city, which is sort of the structure within which we do the work of development, has anticipated this type of use at this site for over a decade," Petersen said.
In 2007, a plan was approved for Cambridge Church to expand on the property. The church was unable to raise the funds to begin construction. The Islamic Center of Kansas became the new owners of the land and are seeking approval for a similar plan.
“The use is almost identical," said Peterson. "The intent of the use in terms of square footage of buildings, number of buildings, is very close."
Petersen said the Islamic Center has met twice with neighbors to answer questions and address concerns.
According to a flyer, neighbors feel the project would increase traffic, the risk of accidents and create parking and noise issues.
“For the most part, where parking lots are and where buildings are and how traffic will all interact with the current public street system, it's very very similar," Peterson said.
The Overland Park Planning Commission will hear from both sides at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 11, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Petersen is confident the plan will move forward.
“I’m optimistic that the planning commission will find this an appropriate use for the site," Petersen said.
If the plan is approved Monday, Petersen said it will take months to begin the multi-year project.
