NeighborhoodNet has received a copy of a letter (see full text below) written by Tim McKee, Executive Vice-President for Economic Development, Olathe Chamber of Commerce. The letter discusses the positive characteristics of a site at 159th near Interstate 35 Highway. This site was considered for the proposed soccer fields/arena/commercial center. The facts about the site as described in this letter bring into question why Johnson County Parks and Recreation chose the Overland Park site over the Olathe site.

Based on this letter and other government provided information, the following comparison can be made between the two sites:

Characteristic	Olathe	Overland Park
Highway Interchange Already Built?	Yes	No
Zoned Commercial Already?	Yes	No
Enough Acreage for Arena and Soccer Fields?	Yes	Yes
Mall Already Constructed?	Yes	No
Near Geographic Center of Johnson County?	Yes	No
Hilly or Flat Terrain?	Flat	Hilly
Includes Stream?	No	Yes
Site Currently Planned For Residential?	No	Yes
# Built, Single Family Homes Within 1,000 ft?	3	80
# Residential Lots, All Types Within 1,000 ft [Single/Multi family; Built/Unbuilt]?	8	400+

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