OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — An Overland Park planning commission recommended approving a proposed Islamic center Monday afternoon.
The planning commission held its first public hearing on the project slated for 163rd Street and Roe Avenue. The commission unanimously voted to move the proposal on to the full city council for a final decision.
The religious center would include a worship space, school, gym, daycare and more.
Opponents said the center would create noise and traffic in the area and urged the commission to dismiss the project as a way to preserve wilderness in the southern part of the city.
Both sides will be able to present their arguments to the full city council at a later date.
On another topic, the planning commission approved a slightly modified version of Fiorella’s plans to turn the old Ritz Charles event space near 135th Street and Antioch Road into a banquet hall. The city approved the concept last year, but Fiorella’s had to bring it back before the commission to approve modifications to parking, sidewalks and fencing.
Commissioners also discussed the Brookridge project. Earlier this year, the city approved plans to build a six-story apartment and retail building as the first part of a large redevelopment project near 103rd Street and Antioch Road. Monday, developers presented plans to build a new clubhouse for the nine-hole golf course. The developer told commissioners the clubhouse may change as the project evolves. Commissioners recommended the full city council move forward with the project.
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