Overland Park hosting conversation on ‘small scale’ housing projects aimed at affordability

City leaders took it to heart when Overland Park residents said they wanted a future city with more moderately priced housing options – ones that would be within the budgets of the janitors, fire fighters, restaurant workers and school aids who work in the city.

On Thursday, residents can find out what it means to make that happen, as the non-profit Incremental Development Alliance holds a public discussion of the benefits of “small scale” development. The presentation will be at 6 p.m. at the Matt Ross Community Center Crown Room.

The meeting is an attempt to explain some of the ways the city can change its planning rules to become more inviting to small projects like courtyard cottages, accessory backyard units and apartments attached above stores and offices, said Matthew Petty, senior faculty member for the training and consulting firm. It is an early-stage effort that could eventually result in changes in zoning and planning guidelines so that more such projects can be approved.