Vision Metcalf Update

I did manage to attend the Vision Metcalf open house last Thursday. It gave the public an idea of the concept of "Form Based Code." Form Based Code is a different type of zoning code that rather than looking at the use of a building, evaluates it on its form. It can be a good tool to give greater importance to more pedestrian-friendly rather than encouraging sprawling auto-centric form.

You can see the downtown Overland Park district they propose adapting to Form Based Code. They plan on building a "New Market Street" and a "New Broadmoor Street" with townhouses/row houses lining New Broadmoor.

It was also stressed this would be a very long process taking years, possibly even decades. Still, it was invigorating to see the enthusiasm from the young planners, and it is nice to see a community in the metro at least give some lip service on working towards more walkable communities.

Public hearings should take place this October.

Vision Metcalf - City of Overland Park

Tonight in Johnson County

The JO's Strategic Transit Action Recommended Taskforce meets tonight at 6:30 at the Sylvester Powell Center at Johnson Drive and Lamar in Mission. 

The taskforce is charged with:

• Studying the county’s Transit Strategic Plan
• Evaluating current service options, both within the county and metro links
• Presenting recommendations on future public transportation strategies, including both short-term and long-term financing options for a comprehensive county-wide transit system

Also there will be an open house for the Vision Metcalf project tonight from 4:30 - 6:30 at the Matt Ross Community Center at 81st and Marty, just west of Metcalf, with a presentation at 5:30. 

At the open house members of the public will be able to view the latest concepts related to Vision Metcalf and future downtown development. The presentation will illustrate the latest updates to the downtown form-based code and regulating plan. Recent revisions are based on input from community groups, the form-based code steering committee, the development community, and city staff over the last several months.