Shawnee is the latest city in the metro to crack down on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals in response to neighborhood complaints. The Shawnee City Council for months has debated whether to tighten restrictions on short-term rentals — or even outright ban them in residential areas — due to mounting complaints about noise, parking, alcohol and trash at Airbnb and Vrbo locations. And on Monday, the council voted 7-1 to add new regulations, joining a growing number of cities nationwide, and one of the first in Johnson County, to do so. Owners of such rentals have advocated for regulations that allow them to continue operating in Shawnee. But other neighbors have pleaded for a ban in single-family neighborhoods or harsher rules. Owners of short-term rentals must pay a $500 fee to obtain a special short-term rental license, which can be revoked for 24 months if regulations aren’t followed. Violators can also face $500 fines or six months jail time. In addition, the rentals can only house a maximum of two adults per bedroom, plus an additional adult, for a maximum of 10 guests total. The rental home’s agent, or operator, must live within 40 miles of the property. The city ordinance also spells out noise, parking and health regulations. The short-term rentals cannot be used for receptions or parties.
Source: Joco 913 News

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Pickleball was soaring in popularity to become America’s fastest growing sport. Courts started multiplying throughout Kansas City, becoming a staple of parks, community centers and new entertainment complexes. And with high demand, Prairie Village — already needing to resurface its tennis courts at Windsor Park — decided to restripe for pickleball. But nearby neighbors say they can only take so much. Many say the constant “pop, pop, pop” reverberating through their neighborhood has been a headache since the courts were completed last June, at the park near Mission Road and south of 71st Street. While the paddleball-adjacent sport has won the hearts of active residents, it’s also led to noise complaints, neighborhood disputes and even lawsuits, both in Johnson County and across the country. Searching for a solution, the Prairie Village City Council has considered spending money on sound proofing panels to block the noise, or repainting to bring back the quieter game of tennis.
Source: Joco 913 News

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