The Starfish Project Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides free food, clothes, and household necessities to families in need, is facing opposition from neighbors as it seeks to move into a new location in Olathe.

Background

The organization has been forced to relocate twice before, first due to the city’s acquisition of land for the I-35/Santa Fe interchange project, and then due to complaints from neighboring businesses about parking and traffic. The new location, a former quilt shop southwest of 135th Street and Brougham Drive, is close to Briarwood Elementary School.

Residents of the Briarwood subdivision, which borders the proposed location, have expressed concerns about traffic, loitering, litter, and homeless encampments. However, Starfish leaders insist that these fears are based on misconceptions and that the nonprofit is committed to being good neighbors.

Proposed Solution

To address the concerns, Starfish has suggested delaying its opening hours to reduce congestion during school drop-off times. The organization has also promised to maintain a clean property, work with other businesses, and prohibit camping and loitering on the property.

The Olathe Planning Commission will weigh in on the proposal on Monday, and planning staff will recommend approval with stipulations. The permit would initially be valid for two years, and Starfish would be required to add additional landscaping and screening around portions of the property.

Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.