The need for more affordable housing offset concerns over the lack of parking when the Overland Park Planning Commission decided this week to move ahead with housing reallocation Cloverleaf Suites Extended stay hotel so developers can convert it into a complex of studio and one bedroom apartments.
The hotel is at 6300 W. 110th Street, near Interstate 435 and the Overland Park Convention CenterThere will be a shortage of 30 parking spaces that meet the requirements of the city, but the commissioners voted 7-3 in favor of the reallocation because they meet the need for affordable housing and could see no other solution.
PEG companiesThe Provo, Utah-based company has converted first-generation extended-stay hotels into small apartments in other parts of the city. Overland Park recently approved another such project at the Hawthorn Suites on College Boulevard.
The developer plans to mainly do interior fittings to transform the suites, originally built in 1984, into 84 studio and 28 one-bedroom units and to rename the Aria Apartments on 110th.
A compromise when it comes to parking
A lack of parking space was the biggest obstacle to the project.
Overland Park requires 1.33 spaces for studio units and 1.5 spaces for a bedroom. By that standard, Aria’s developers would need a minimum of 153 parking spaces, but the plans presented to the commission on Monday had a maximum of 124.
Urban planners were concerned that the lack of space could lead residents to park along neighboring streets or on other nearby lots.
PEG said it was considering several options, including a land-sharing agreement with neighboring owners, but could not find an alternative that would provide 30 more spaces, according to Ben Davis and Alex Murphy of PEG Companies.
Demolishing part of the building space is also problematic as it affects the financial feasibility of the development. As a solution, future residents are asked to pay extra for parking instead of including parking in the lease.
The need for “accessible” living space wins
Planners decided not to postpone the request for another month as the staff suggested, as the developer said it was unlikely that a new alternative would emerge.
“I don’t know there is an answer to this square hole problem,” said Commissioner Michael Flanagan, who voted against the measure. “I think we are calling for a parking war, a parking nightmare out there, and it’s not a good thing for the City of Overland Park.”
However, some other commissioners noted that the apartments could help fill one Demand for “housing for workers” this is in short supply at Overland Park.
Monthly rents for Aria range from $ 775 for a studio to $ 1,000 for a bedroom. Those rents could be more achievable for middle-income earners like teachers and police officers who earn $ 31,000 to $ 40,000 a year, according to the developer’s presentation.
“The redevelopment of the property is a good move when it comes to housing labor for all the right reasons,” said Commissioner Steve Troester.
