Mission officials have sent the revised Foxridge Apartments development back to the city’s planning commission for further review. The proposal, which now seeks to add hundreds of new units and a 10‑story office tower, was originally approved in 2023 but was expanded by developer Block Real Estate Services to make the project financially viable for lenders.
Project details and expansion
The site at 5665 Foxridge Drive currently hosts a four‑story, 307‑unit apartment building approved in 2023. Block Real Estate Services now wants to increase the total to roughly 650 units, including a retrofitted 10‑story office tower at 5700 Broadmoor and a new seven‑story apartment building to replace the tower’s parking structure. The developer says the larger density is needed to qualify for up to $14.8 million in tax increment financing and to secure lender approval.
Council and commission response
Mission City Council unanimously voted to remand the plan to the planning commission on September 16, citing “substantial new traffic safety information” and a need for greater alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan. The council’s decision follows a letter from the Kansas Department of Transportation stating that the developer no longer requires an access permit for improvements at the 56th Street, Foxridge Drive and Metcalf Avenue intersection.
The planning commission had previously recommended denial, arguing that the original proposal failed to address traffic safety on the busy Metcalf corridor and did not comply with several elements of the comprehensive plan, including mixed‑use requirements.
Resident concerns
Local residents have voiced strong opposition to the expanded project. Long‑time Mission resident Vanessa Ruperto warned that “more than doubling the project is extremely concerning for safety reasons, especially where it’s located.” Dylon Sease echoed those worries, noting the projected influx of 800 to 1,000 new residents and the removal of previously proposed Metcalf Avenue traffic improvements.
Other community members, such as Kristina Hiner and Cathy Hare, expressed frustration that the development deviates from the city’s comprehensive plan and adds pressure to an already busy corridor. Business owner Kevin Moxley called the proposed towers “monstrosities” and urged the city to consider a different vision for the west side of Mission.
Mayor and council perspectives
Mayor Sollie Flora acknowledged the density concerns but highlighted potential benefits, including a broader tax base and increased patronage for local businesses. She also stressed the importance of respectful dialogue, stating, “I don’t think where you live in our community says anything about your worth as an individual, or what you may contribute to this community.” Councilmembers Debbie Kring and Cheryl Carpenter‑Davis voiced skepticism, with Kring saying the project “is not for me” and Carpenter‑Davis questioning whether the development fits the community’s character.
Next steps
The planning commission will review the updated traffic impact study, which removes the previously proposed Metcalf Avenue improvements, and will consider the developer’s commitment to comply with fire‑marshal codes for the office tower. The commission’s findings will determine whether the expanded Foxridge Apartments plan can move forward or if further modifications are required to meet the city’s comprehensive plan and address resident safety concerns.
Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the upcoming commission meeting, where the revised proposal and traffic data will be discussed in detail.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
