Proposed annexation

As a resident of Stilwell, I read with interest the article on the proposed annexation by Overland Park (7/13, Local, "Overland Park looks south for expansion"). City Manager John Nachbar says the annexation needs to be done because "the city wants to control the growth in the area."

I've seen how it has "controlled" the growth in Overland Park. Twenty-seven banks on seven miles on 135th Street (6/30, MoneyWise). Huge apartment complexes and houses, one right on top of another. Ripping out acres of mature trees and planting a few token seedlings in their place.

Mr. Nachbar also states, "We listen to everyone, and we want to be sensitive to residents' concerns." Well, Mr. Nachbar, I am a resident, and if I wanted to live in Overland Park, I never would have moved out of it.

Erika Hile
Stilwell

Comments

[Stifled Freedom]

This is just about government getting more money and control. They will build out to get more tax revenue and add a few more bureacrats to the system.

OP can expand and put up some stop lights and cameras and start collecting more fines for traffic violations.

And a bigger city can justify a few more federal pork barrel handouts. Maybe they can do what Independence did and get a $900,000 federal injection to fight "slavery". Then hire three officers and buy a car with it. For $900K, they could buy a Rolls Royce police car and still have $500,000 in salary to slit up amongst three officers. I need a job there. Those prostitutes and Johns feel in style going to jail in Rolls Royce.

[duge]

Overland Park needs to annex in order to control growth in the area? You've got to be kidding. Overland Park is THE poster child for sprawl, poor land use and bad urban planning. The only "control" in question is who will get taxing rights for the area to be annexed. And you can bet OP will be approving more big-box land waste and boring homogenous McMansions before the ink on the annexation is dry.