It looks like something is going to finally be done about that terrible, unsafe, stretch of road. Midland Drive, west of I-435 to where it turns and meets Shawnee Mission Parkway.
Let's back up a little. I'm going to simplify this.The city council was presented with a variety of plans. The one that staff was recommending would have cost the city $6.5 million in addition to federal funds ($4 million) and JoCo CARS funding. That plan would also have had serious encroachment into homeowner's property.
The council was looking at a reduced concept, that would not cost the city $6.5 million and that would not have had as much encroachment into homeowner's properties. City staff had advised the council that if they reduced the plans the city would probably lose the fed's $4 million. In the old days, the previous councils would have just rubber stamped the recommendation as presented. This council said no. They wanted it reworked. Now, this is where some malcontents would shout that the council was being disrespectful of the staff's work and knowledge. Not so. The council has respect for staff, and they also have an obligation to the citizens of Shawnee to act in their best interests.
So what happened. We know that Councilmember Jacklynn Walters (Ward IV) did a whole bunch of leg work on this project to get it going down a better path (no pun intended). And, she was supported by Council President Eric Jenkins of Ward II.
So, what is the result? It appears that the project is going to go forward. It appears that the cost to Shawnee has dropped to $2.5 million, and, it looks like the $4 million in fed money will still be there, along with the JoCo CARS funding.
What are the basics of the improvement? First of all the roadway itself will be redone and made to be a safer stretch of roadway. Two dedicated bicycle lanes will be added. A sidewalk will be added on the north side (no more walking in mud, dirt etc). Curbs and gutters will be added, and the ditches will be replaced with a stormwater/sewer system. And last but not least, the encroachment into homeowner's property will be substantially reduced.
Kudos to Councilpersons Walters and Jenkins and the rest of the council that pushed for the plan as finalized. This was a true win-win for all concerned.
