The City of Merriam is moving forward with its downtown master plan, offering three distinct visions for the area surrounding Turkey Creek. All three concepts, prepared by Overland Park‑based Shockey Consulting, address flood‑plain mitigation while varying the level of change to existing businesses and streetscapes.
Three visions, three levels of change
Vision A proposes the least disruption, keeping most downtown structures in place and focusing primarily on flood‑control measures. Vision B, aligned with the “Grow” plan from engineering firm HNTB, calls for the removal of every business between the Merriam Drive and Johnson Drive bridges to create a new, flood‑free corridor. Vision C, titled “Transform,” follows a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study that recommends levees and floodwalls while preserving the bulk of downtown’s commercial fabric.
All three options share core elements such as preserving the Turkey Creek natural corridor, maintaining pedestrian pathways, and improving storm‑water infrastructure. The city’s planning documents note that any major redevelopment would follow completion of flood‑control work, a timeline projected at eight to ten years or more.
Cost estimates and funding questions
Shockey Consulting disclosed that the cost figures presented are limited to flood‑control expenses. The Corps’ estimate for Vision C rose from $110 million to $247 million, a level that no longer meets the benefit‑cost ratio and would likely require congressional appropriations. HNTB’s estimate for Vision B stands at $147 million, though it does not include utility relocation costs. Vision A carries no dollar figure because it relies on existing infrastructure.
In addition to flood‑control costs, the city is exploring a quarter‑cent sales tax dedicated to downtown upgrades. According to the survey, 81 % of respondents support this modest tax increase.
Public sentiment is split
Community reaction reflects a clear divide. Long‑time resident Jane Blackerby, who has lived in Merriam for nearly three decades, voiced strong opposition to large‑scale development, fearing loss of the area’s small‑town feel, wildlife along Turkey Creek, and the quiet of her back porch. “I’m afraid if there’s a lot of things going on, it’s gonna be very disturbing for us in the evening,” she said.
Conversely, newer resident Cory Lundgren, who returned to Merriam about a year ago, argues that redevelopment is essential to make the downtown more inviting and comparable to nearby Mission or Shawnee. He favors Vision C, seeing flood‑control investment as a prudent step to prevent future damage.
Overall, a recent city‑wide survey of 471 participants showed that nearly 80 % support “a different direction for downtown,” indicating broad appetite for change, even if opinions differ on the scale.
How to weigh in
Residents, business owners, and downtown users have until Oct. 4 to review the three visions online and submit feedback through the city’s survey portal. The compiled results will be incorporated into a final draft that the council will receive on Nov. 23. That meeting will determine which vision moves forward and set the stage for a possible amendment to Merriam’s comprehensive plan in 2027.
The master‑plan process underscores Merriam’s commitment to balancing flood‑plain safety, economic vitality, and the community’s desire to preserve the character that makes the downtown area unique.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
