Shawnee’s Planning Commission and City Council have moved forward with the Overlook at Midland development, a 168‑unit apartment community slated for the city’s west side. The project will provide 88 one‑bedroom, 16 two‑bedroom and 64 three‑bedroom apartments, along with a leasing office, fitness center, co‑working space, two playgrounds, a community garden, a dog park and walking‑trail connections.
Resident Concerns Over Midland Drive
During the Planning Commission meeting on August 17, residents voiced worries about the narrow Midland Drive that will serve the new complex. Steve Hensley, representing Trinity Lutheran Church, warned that the road could become a “raceway” and be unsafe, especially at night and in winter. Pastor Kevin Metsinger of Shawnee Mission Baptist Temple echoed the concern but expressed support for the project, noting that more residents could benefit the church and the broader community if the road improvements are handled wisely.
City Response and Road Improvements
Shawnee Public Works Director Kevin Manning assured the council that the city plans to widen and improve Midland Drive. “While city staff is not concerned about the traffic, we do recognize the need to improve this roadway, and there are plans to do that in the near future,” he said.
Commissioner David Aber, reflecting the commission’s overall stance, called the development a “pretty good project and good use of the land.” He urged the council to prioritize the road‑improvement plan in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) so that it can be addressed before the apartments are completed.
Council Decision
Shawnee City Council members, after hearing both the developers and the community’s input, voted to support the Overlook at Midland project in August. Council members noted that the development would add needed housing options and amenities to the west side, while also emphasizing the importance of addressing the roadway issue promptly.
The site lies within the Hickok‑Zarah Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, though the developer has not yet applied for TIF funding.
Context of Recent Development Activity
Overlook at Midland follows other recent Shawnee projects. Earlier this year, the City Council approved rezoning for Rec‑Centric, a 277‑unit high‑rise near I‑435 and Renner Road. Last year, Material Capital Partners broke ground on Harmony at Clear Creek, a build‑to‑rent community along Silverheel Street near K‑7.
These developments reflect Shawnee’s ongoing growth strategy, aiming to increase housing options while balancing infrastructure needs. City officials continue to work with developers and residents to ensure that new projects enhance the quality of life for families and uphold the community’s values.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
