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)

The city was incorporated in 1907 when the population was little more than 500. Today it approaches 60,000.

Like most of present-day Johnson County, the land once belonged to the Shawnee Indians through an 1825 treaty that exchanged the property for land in Ohio. Gradually, through a 1854 treaty, the U.S. government shrank the area’s size and the American Indians sold off land. The three main trails connecting the East with Santa Fe, Oregon and California wound through the area, splitting off farther west.

Adam Legler built his limestone barn in 1864 close to the Santa Fe Trail, and today it is the Lenexa Historical Society Museum. Legler Barn is home to many artifacts and exhibits.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)