Residents near a future Dillons in west Olathe said they were excited when they learned the grocery store was coming. They’re less enthusiastic about the hundreds of apartments and townhomes proposed next door.
City staff and developers gave a first look at what could occupy the approximately 30 vacant acres to the west of the future store near College and Sunnybrook boulevards on Monday.
The Olathe Planning Commission recommended approving two separate rezoning requests for the 31-acre site southwest of College Boulevard and Lone Elm Road, clearing the way for four single-story commercial buildings and a 333-unit residential complex with nine apartment buildings and six townhomes.
The proposed development would be built alongside the Dillons store, which is tentatively expected to open in November 2027.
Developers don’t know which businesses will occupy the spaces yet, but according to planning documents, they are anticipating a restaurant, bank and/or medical and dental services.
No one at the meeting spoke in opposition to the commercial development during the public hearing, and the planning commission approved the rezoning 7-0.
Hundreds of new neighbors
The residential part of the proposal proved to be more controversial.
Directly south of the commercial development, Platform Ventures Multifamily wants to build 333 residential units on approximately 20 acres.
The conceptual plan includes nine apartment buildings, six townhome buildings, a clubhouse, dog park and other outdoor amenities. These buildings could be up to three stories or 40 feet tall.
The development would connect to the Meadow Lane Trail to the west of the property.
Representatives for the developer called the proposal a “significant downzoning” from the property’s current Business Park designation, which allows for office, warehousing, light manufacturing and buildings as tall as 12 stories.
Kurt Peterson, an attorney representing the residential developer, said the apartments and townhomes would provide a good transition between the commercial areas and existing neighborhoods to the south and west.
City staff recommended approval, saying the project aligns with Olathe’s newly adopted comprehensive plan, Elevate Olathe.
Nearby residents, however, disagreed with the development’s compatibility with the existing neighborhood.
Thirty-seven people signed a petition and four spoke at the meeting in opposition to the residential part of the project.
David Connor, who lives west of the property in the Gatewood neighborhood, said he and his neighbors understood the vacant land would eventually be developed but hadn’t expected apartments.
“We are not prepared for apartments and duplexes that are multi-stories that will be looking into our backyards, where our grandchildren can currently play,” Connor said.
The proposed apartment buildings would be about 147 to 190 feet from the neighbors’ property lines, according to city documents. Staff said existing trees, a stream corridor and the Meadow Lane Trail would add separation between the development and the neighborhood.
Traffic was also a concern voiced by residents.
Another nearby resident, Forrest Miles, said there’s already a lot of traffic in that area.
“These facilities create a dangerous situation for driving, for cycling, for walking and especially for kids,” he said.
City engineering staff said College Boulevard currently carries only a third of the traffic it’s capable of accommodating, so additional development shouldn’t put the street over capacity.
Sunnybrook Boulevard will be extended north from 113th Street to College Boulevard as part of the project. Plans also include a center turn lane and additional turn lanes into the commercial and residential properties.
Commissioner Tony Bergida cast the sole vote against the residential rezoning.
Planning Commission Chair Wayne Janner emphasized that rezoning was only the first step and that commissioners will still need to approve a full site plan.
The Olathe City Council will vote on both rezonings at its September 15 meeting.
Developers are estimating a November 2027 opening for the Dillons and anticipate that the commercial buildings will also be constructed and leased by that time, if ultimately approved.
