Overland Park Annexation is moving in on Stilwell.

Overland Park had its public hearing on Oct 30, 2007 for the annexation of the 15 square miles of the Stilwell area. Approximately 300 residents had come to the meeting. AnnaBeth Surbaugh had opened the meeting, and gave Overland Park Mayor – Carl Gerlach the opportunity to present their reasons for the annexation. He had gone into that the natural growth pattern is taking place. That by 2020, Aubry Township will grow by 376%. Currently  there are about 5000 residents and by 2030 it would grow to 38,000. He stated that Blue Valley Schools has already taken the steps to secure land for its latest high school of Blue Valley Southwest located at 175 & Quivera. Plus Mayor Gerlach had stated that the 199 St corridor is ripe for commercial development. Also he had added, that the 71 acres between US 69 Hwy and Antioch is scooped out for a new 460,000 sq’ shopping area.   Then the residents & public were given the chance to state their positions.   Here is the synopsis of many:

• ·        There was/is is no benefit to the residents. Currently they are receiving excellent services from the county. Such as fire department, snow plowing, sheriff, etc. 
• ·        County has a better vision of the area than the city. The county requires large acreage. Where the city of Overland Park requires 3-4 houses per acre.
• ·        Overland Park has no large animal control. Only basically dog & cat control. Since most of the area is mainly agricultural. So if cattle, horses would get out and they do, city has no procedures for such aid
• ·        City of Overland Park has no large estate/plans available for homes on low density plans of over 1+ acre or more. 
• ·        City of Overland Park is worried about future development & residents. Not the current ones.
• ·        City of Overland Park claims that the taxes would be lowered for the annexed area. That isn’t really the situation. Because there will be a city tax, franchise tax, excise tax, sales tax. Not only mill levy. SO it would increase taxes for the residents.
• ·        The county is open to development. We have seen many new subdivisions pop up. City also encourages growth but more high density growth, for maximum tax dollars. The city requires the excise tax so the development has to be high density to cover the expense. That is one reason why you don’t see more affordable housing being built.
• ·        70% of the proposed area is agricultural. 83% is unplatted. Only 561 homes are in proposed area.
• ·        If there was so much pressure for commercial development on the area, why are there only 2 large businesses already in Stilwell? They are a Tractor Supply and Landscaping/Nursery – Garden center. Which those business are used to help the local needs of the area.
• ·        Why is it that only 6 county commissioners to vote on the annexation? Why do the residents only get to vote on 2 of those commissioners? Where is the representation for these citizens?  Why can’t the citizen vote for this?

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