OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) — The already booming area of 119th and Renner could start seeing movement as an unnamed developer seeks to use STAR Bonds to bring anything from an amusement park to a multi-sport athletic complex.
On Tuesday, Olathe City Council took its first step in the process of creating a STAR Bond Project District.
They set a public hearing to start the process.
On Thursday, KCTV5 learned the project is by an unnamed developer.
What we know:
According to the City of Olathe, the proposed project is near 119th and Renner.
It would be called the Olathe Gateway STAR Bond Project District.
Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects.
The district would be split into two project areas.
This would be located in an area that’s already seen a lot of development over the years such as Bass Pro Shops, Main Event, restaurants, retail, and warehouses.
Project Area 1:
This is located at the southwest corner of 119th and Renner.
It’s about 63 acres of land.
The developer is looking at adding any of these:
- Multi-sport athletic complex for both professional and youth sports
- Amusement Park
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Multi-family residential facilities
- Accessibility improvements and amenities for disabled visitors
Project Area 2:
This consists of 68 acres.
This area is near the northeast corner of 119th and Renner.
For Project Area 2 they are looking at:
- Entertainment uses
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Commercial development
- Housing
- Hotels
- Accessibility improvements and amenities for disabled visitors
The City of Olathe isn’t sharing much about the project yet, but in a statement it shared with KCTV5 Thursday it said:
“As part of the standard process, Olathe City Council has set a public hearing for Sept. 17. We look forward to learning more regarding the proposed project,”
What people think:
On Thursday, KCTV5 spoke with people who live, work, and visit the area of this proposed project.
“It was a surprise,” said Olathe resident, Carolyn Sturgeon.
A lot of eyebrows were raised when they heard the news.
“I often wondered why something wasn’t already put in there,” said Sturgeon.
She’s lived near 119th and Renner for 14 years.
Sturgeon said she enjoys all the businesses it offers and wonders what this new project could mean if it happens.
“I would be concerned about the traffic and how to get on and off the interstate there and all the other businesses around there and how it would impact everyone,” said Sturgeon. She added, “It sounds to be a promising kind of development but there is a lot to be thought about.”
Clif Proehl drives through each day since he works nearby.
“I don’t know if there is enough space for that,” said Proehl.
He hopes it doesn’t make his commute to work more difficult, but feels it could be a good addition.
“Anytime you can bring people from outside the area, help boost the economy, that is always a positive,” said Proehl.
Many said they are curious to learn more about the plans and see what the impact could be.
Next steps:
The next step is hearing from the public.
The City of Olathe has scheduled a public hearing to consider establishing the district and where you can learn more and ask questions about this proposal.
It’s on September 17 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061.
After the public hearing happens, the council will consider adopting an ordinance to create the STAR Bond Project District then at a later date consider approving the STAR Bond Project Plan and approve a development agreement.
The Kansas Department of Commerce confirmed this project is in the works, but the STAR Bond process takes months so it could be some time before we see any dirt moving.
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