VISION METCALF: General questions & Answers
This information covers general questions people may have about Vision Metcalf:
- What is the study all about?
- What will be the outcome of this project?
- What neighborhoods are in the study area? In my home or business in the area?
- What is "Visioning?"
- Are you going to tear down my house? Is my business going to be affected?
- Who is on the team?
- Is there going to be street construction?
- Won't this study stifle current and near-term economic initiatives? Is there a moratorium on remodeling or redevelopment?
- How much is the study going to cost?
- How long will the study take?
- Where will meetings take place?
- Is it possible to involved using the Internet?
- How can I get involved?
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The Overland Park City Council and Mayor are convinced that the revitalization and redevelopment of the Metcalf Avenue corridor are crucial to the overall stability and health of the community.
Creating a new vision for Metcalf Avenue allows the city to better define and reinforce a coherent image for the corridor that will differentiate it from other thoroughfares and reinforce its identity as the primary north/south artery through the community.
It is hoped that a corridor visioning process and the resulting public investments will serve as a catalyst for private reinvestment and redevelopment that will multiply throughout the community for years to come.
What will be the outcome of the project?
Specific objectives include:
- Creating an innovative plan for new infill, pedestrians, parking and transportation;
- Developing an implementable vision for distinct areas;
- Creating an equitable plan where every existing property owner, business and resident benefits;
- Creating a development plan that maximizes the public input and minimizes conflict;
- Creating economic development potential, and keep running the economic engine that the Metcalf Avenue corridor has become.
What neighborhoods are in the study area? Is my home or business in the area?
The study area (1MB .pdf file) includes Metcalf Avenue, from Interstate 35 to 123rd Street. Included are several neighborhoods east and west of Metcalf, such as the downtown area, 95th Street and 103rd Street.
What is "Visioning?"Residents will use a proprietary vision planning process that will incorporate reactions to visual ideas about what Metcalf might look like as well as Web and in-person surveys about the demographic, market and policy framework for the corridor. Visual responses are linked by computer ID to the survey results. When complete, the plan will reflect what the residents who participate in the study collectively believe, feel and want for Metcalf.
For more information, visit www.nelessen.org and click on the “Vision Planning” tab.
Are you going to tear down my house? Is my business going to be affected?No. The plan will produce an idea of what the community says it wants for Metcalf. It will be up to the community – through developers, neighborhoods, business groups, City Council action and other usual means – to enact the implementable plans that will be produced by this process.
Who is on the team?Four committees will guide the visioning process:
- Executive Committee – Elected and appointed Overland Park leaders.
- Technical Advisory Committee – City department and local agency heads responsible for infrastructure and services.
- Steering Committee – Civic and business leaders.
- Community Advisory Committee – Up to 150 persons with a passion for Metcalf Avenue.
The committees will be assisted by a distinguished team that includes city officials plus internationally, nationally and locally active professionals, including:
- City of Overland Park
- A. Nelessen Associates - Belle Mead, N.J.
- Bucher Willis & Ratliff Corp. - Kansas City and other locations nationwide
- Economics Research Associates - Washington, D.C. and other locations worldwide
- Corporate Communications Group, Inc. - Overland Park
- Spencer, Fane, Britt & Browne - Kansas City, Overland Park and other locations nationwide
- R.H. Johnson Company - Kansas City and Overland Park
Is there going to be street construction?
Ultimately, there may be, if that is what the community decides it wants to happen along or around Metcalf. But the visioning process itself will not involve specific activity; rather, it will formulate the kinds of development, redevelopment and streetscape improvements the community says it wants, if and when the city, developers, business owners or neighborhoods decide to take specific action.
Won't this study stifle current and near-term economic initiatives? Is there a moratorium on remodeling or redevelopment?No. The study began in January with the first steps of an Existing Conditions Report, a dynamic document that will be used to formulate the visioning study. As developments occur and things change during the study period, such as the widening of Metcalf, from 99th to 103rd streets, from four to six lanes, the Existing Conditions Report will be updated to accommodate inevitable changes during the study period.
When the vision study is complete, the community will have a framework and a guideline by which to prepare future plans. As a result of the study, the city, developers, businesses and neighborhoods who wish to make changes will have a document that will specify the community’s vision for Metcalf. It will allow them to proceed in full confidence that what they may wish to do will be in concert with the desires of the community.
How much is this study going to cost?The City Council approved a contract totaling $1.1 million for this 16-month study. Study recommendations, including a budget for an implementation phase, will be made when the study concludes in the spring of 2008.
How long will the study take?The study is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2008.
Where will meetings take place?
Visioning meetings will take place throughout the community in locations convenient to each neighborhood.
Is it possible to be involved using the Internet?Absolutely. An online survey will be available soon on the Vision Metcalf page. Regular updates on the study, including a project diary, also will be available there.
Project inquiries can be submitted via email at city@opkansas.org.
How can I get involved?- Visit the Vision Metcalf page and sign up to receive updates via email. (If you already receive other Overland Park e-newsletters, you must follow the directions on this page to add Metcalf to your profile).
- Watch for e-mails, mailings, media and other local announcements that invite you to attend a visioning session.