The city of Westwood will move forward with selling its lone park so it can be redeveloped into retail and office buildings, now that a Johnson County judge has ruled that a resident petition aiming to stop the sale is invalid. Judge David Hauber on Friday sided with the city, deciding the residents who submitted the petition failed to meet several legal requirements to place the sale of the park on the ballot. Without being required to hold a public vote, city officials say they will now complete the sale this summer to pave the way for the redevelopment project. The sale of the city’s only park has caused ongoing controversy in Westwood, with several residents concerned about losing the 1-acre Joe D. Dennis Park at Rainbow Boulevard and 50th Street to private development. After months of debate, the Westwood City Council in October voted 5-1 approving plans for a mixed-use development on 8 acres, including the park. In addition to building the office space, Johnson County-based Karbank Real Estate Company and the city have reached an agreement to replace Joe D. Dennis with a new 3.8-acre park. The site also includes the former Westwood View Elementary School, as well as a piece of vacant city property, previously occupied by the Westwood Christian Church.
Source: Joco 913 News
