Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Overland Park City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Overland Park residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Housing: Many factors driving Johnson County’s tight and expensive housing market are out of local cities’ control, yet there are some things cities can do to try to address this issue, from incentivizing affordable housing developments to tweaking zoning codes that allow for more diverse types of housing. What policies would you like your city to pursue to make housing in your city potentially more affordable? Is this a priority for you?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 2
Melissa Cheatham (incumbent)
When we settled in Overland Park more than ten years ago, reasonable housing costs gave our family the flexibility to build the life we imagined here—for my husband to start a business while I stayed home with our kids. I worry that opportunity is slipping away for many families today.
While many factors shaping the housing market are beyond a city’s control, there are things we can do locally to expand choices and manage growth responsibly. Overland Park’s comprehensive plan, FrameworkOP, gives us a roadmap for adding the right housing in the right places and expanding both supply and housing types. I support aligning zoning and incentives with that community-driven plan so we can attract well-designed redevelopment that includes attainable options, not just luxury units. I’ve also worked to include attainable housing in public-private partnerships, ensuring that public investments create broader community benefits.
A key priority is filling in the “missing middle”—duplexes, townhomes, small apartments, and accessory dwelling units that fit naturally into neighborhoods and serve people at different stages of life. From starter homes to granny flats, we need a broader range of options that meet the needs of residents of varying ages, means, and preferences. I also support reasonable regulations to keep houses available as homes, not short-term rentals.
Sydney Marsden
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Ward 3
Tom Carignan
Housing and diversification of our housing stock is a very important issue. I believe we need to work across the industry (builders, landowners, City, County, utilities, etc.) to try and find ways to encourage the development of town homes, patio homes, duplex/triplex, cottage-court and other “missing middle” types of housing. I want to be at the table collaborating to leverage local, state and federal cooperation, funds or incentives to try and spur this type of housing development.
Amy Scrivner
Housing is one of my top priorities for the future of our city and our neighbors. I’m encouraged by the new Framework OP plan and its focus on updating zoning codes to make it easier to build a more diverse array of housing choices. An example is the inclusion of Accessory Dwelling Units (or ADUs) – some people call them a “granny cottage” – that can be built on an existing property to support multigenerational living situations. It won’t work for every property and the concerns about short-term rentals will need to be addressed, but the ever growing “silver tsunami” of aging adults demands these types of housing options.
My question is: Where are the local developers willing to build more diverse and affordable options? I do not want to stand in the way of a business making a profit, but when you are in the business of providing a basic human necessity like housing, there is an opportunity and a responsibility to balance earning a profit with meeting critical community needs. The city council can only do so much to meet housing needs if developers are not willing to replace a small percentage of their luxury builds with more budget-friendly options. I am eager to find and work with local developers as well as nonprofit groups who are willing to explore innovative and creative housing options that make it possible for our residents to live in Overland Park at every stage and phase of life.
Ward 4
Amy Antrim
Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing communities nationwide — and Overland Park is no exception. While not every factor is within the city’s control, we can take meaningful steps to promote attainable housing while protecting the character of our neighborhoods.
I support exploring zoning flexibility and responsible developer incentives to expand housing options for families, seniors, and first-time buyers. Thoughtful planning can encourage a variety of home types and price points without compromising existing property values.
Smart development is key. Creating neighborhoods where people can live, work, and play — with walkable and bikeable connections — reduces costs for residents, cuts down on traffic, and strengthens our sense of community.
As a Realtor for more than two decades, I’ve helped countless families find their place here. I know the challenges first-time buyers face because I’ve lived them — when my family moved to Overland Park, we rented while still owning a small home in Emporia that cost a fraction of our first home here.
Homeownership remains at the heart of the American Dream, and I’ll work to ensure more families can plant roots and thrive right here in Overland Park.
Scott Mosher (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Ward 5
Andrew Payne
Housing is a priority for me because having a place to call home is at the heart of what makes Overland Park special. I want our city to remain a place where people can start out, raise a family, and stay connected to friends and neighbors as they get older.
While many of the factors that drive housing costs, like interest rates and construction prices, are outside the city’s control, we can still take steps to make Overland Park a welcoming and livable community for people at every stage of life. That means supporting a healthy mix of housing options that meet the needs of young families, working professionals, and older residents alike.
We also need to be thoughtful about how we grow. Any city support or incentives for new housing should be used carefully and only when they clearly serve the public and strengthen the community for the long term.
If elected, I’ll work to keep Overland Park a place where teachers, first responders, and longtime residents can afford to live, and where new neighbors can put down roots. That’s how we keep our neighborhoods strong and our community connected.
Alexandria Washington
Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing our city! Overland Park has grown quickly, but too much of the new development is luxury apartments that nearly 40% of residents cannot afford. I want to champion policies that encourage “missing middle” housing, like townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes, that are attainable for first-time homebuyers and for seniors looking to downsize while staying in the community they love. I also support zoning updates that allow more diverse housing options and incentivizing projects that include affordable units. Having attainable housing is about protecting the American Dream in Overland Park because everyone should have the chance to call our great city home.
