Saying artwork will create new interest in its downtown, the Overland Park City Council unanimously voted to allow colorful painted murals on four buildings.
Approval came over the objection of opponents, some of whom took issue with the way the multicultural message of the art was depicted. Others described them as garish, gaudy and more apropos of a run-down urban core than the historic suburban town center of Overland Park. Since the murals are all on private property, the city role was limited to code questions about whether the painted surfaces were appropriate and would stand up to weather. Council members were advised by their legal department not to make the artistic content – a First Amendment issue — part of their decision.
Nevertheless, much of the almost two hours spent on the issue was devoted to hearing objections about the content.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)