"Think Big" Public Workshop Results

The residents of Olathe were invited to join a public workshop on May 20th & 21st, 2009. The focus of the workshop was for the residents to review and comment on some “Think Big” scenarios for the future of Olathe.

The four “Think Big” scenarios were presented at the beginning of the workshop, followed by small group exercises in which residents were able to judge and comment on the ideas.

The four scenarios and Big Ideas for each are as follows:

Open Space and Greenways

Big Ideas

• Focus on Conserving Valued Open Lands
• Extensive Trail Network
• Small-scale, Neighborhood-oriented Retail
• Cluster Development to Preserve Open Land
• Moderate Density Housing within Newly Developing and Redeveloping Areas

Complete and Connected Communities

Big Ideas

• Focus on Downtown
• Mixed-Use (New & Redevelopment)
• Transit-Oriented
• Complete Neighborhoods
• Higher Density Housing Downtown, near High Activity Areas, and along Transit Stops and Corridors

Target Serviceable Areas

Big Ideas

• Utility Phasing
• Focus on Redevelopment-“Recycle, Reuse, Reinvest”
• Phased-in Transit
• Higher Density Housing Downtown, near Existing Commercial Areas, and along Transit Stops and Corridors

Key Districts

Big Ideas

• Focus on New and Revitalized Retail Centers
• Continued Investment in Street Infrastructure to Reduce Traffic Congestion
• Consolidated Employment Centers
• Favorable Jobs/Housing Balance
• Lower Density Detached Housing and Moderate Density Attached Housing