Johnson County Commissioners voted today to continue the final vote on the Blue Valley Plaza proposal for two weeks, until October 31.

Commissioner Wood had asked for a month-long continuance. Commissioner Surbaugh indicated that a one-week continuance had been indicated to all parties involved and a month long delay would drag this out while accomplishing very little. A discussion followed in which Charles Benjamin, lawyer for neighborhoods in the area, and Jack Epps, lawyer for developers, discussed this issue with the commissioners.

Commissioner Wood indicated that during the continuance period he envisioned a mediation process where both sides, neighborhoods and developers, might find room for a compromise. He indicated that both sides needed to look at the issues again.

Commissioner Surbaugh indicated that she had examined this project in great detail. She said that the project had gone through the process twice. Said Surbaugh: The planning department said "no"--twice; the Oxford Township Zoning Board said "no"--twice; Overland Park said "no"--twice. "I'm ready to vote," said Surbaugh.

The hearing on this proposal is now scheduled for

October 31, 2002, Thursday, 9:30 A.M.
Johnson County Administration Building
Third Floor BOCC Hearing Room
Olathe, KS

--Reporting for NeighborhoodNet Shirley Phillips, October 17, 2002