After months of protest, the Overland Park City Council approved an expansion of the city’s arboretum — despite learning the project will cost more than originally planned.
And though the Council voted 11-1 Monday night to advance the plans, neighbors are still trying to block it, this time with emails from the Shawnee tribe and Kansas’ state archaeologist calling for a study to determine if Native American artifacts lie beneath the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
The expansion would add a new visitors center, outdoor amphitheater and other gathering spaces at the attraction, off U.S. 69 and 179th Street. During Monday’s four-hour meeting, City Manger Bill Ebel told council members the project, which has been in the works for years, is now estimated to cost $17 million — higher than the $12.4 million originally budgeted.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)