Cedar Creek Parkway extension to improve safety, enhance quality of life

A four-lane, tree-lined boulevard will pave the way for long-awaited shopping amenities, improved connectivity, and safer neighborhoods in Olathe’s prestigious Cedar Creek community.

Cedar Creek Development Company is seeking city approval of a benefit district to extend Cedar Creek Parkway .86 miles south from its current end-point near Cedar Niles Boulevard to College Boulevard. Cedar Creek Parkway south of College Boulevard has already been approved by the city of Olathe and construction should commence in 2018.

Cedar Creek Parkway is the major “spine” of Cedar Creek and will funnel traffic throughout the whole neighborhood. The new parkway design will be consistent with the existing section including trees, plantings and signage.

“We are pleased to be bringing the original vision of Cedar Creek to life through this project,” said Len Boxler, Development Director, Cedar Creek Development Co. “Cedar Creek Parkway will now be the beautiful and vital north-south connector that was envisioned when Cedar Creek was first designed in 1985. It is critical to making Cedar Creek the premier, executive community we want for all our current and future residents.”

Ken Rosberg, President and Managing Broker of Cedar Creek Realty, said several factors converged to make this the right time to undertake the project:

Grocery and shopping: Balls Food Stores has committed to building a Hen House grocery store near Cedar Creek Parkway and K-10 if the road is extended. The parkway improvements will also encourage other retailers to open stores and restaurants in the area. “The success of the Balls Company depends upon satisfying the needs of our teammates, customers and the communities of which we are a part,” said David Ball, President and CEO. “We are excited to bring a high-quality Hen House store to Cedar Creek and becoming part of this great community.”

Safety: The City of Olathe supports the parkway’s extension as it will greatly improve police and fire access throughout Cedar Creek and adjoining communities.

Neighborhood quality of life: Commuter traffic, which now disrupts residential streets, will utilize the parkway, thus improving safety and quality of life for community residents.

Connectivity: Cedar Creek Parkway was, and still is, viewed as the critical transportation route for the community. The parkway will greatly improve accessibility to central Olathe, College Boulevard, K-10, and metro Kansas City and Lawrence.

The Cedar Creek Parkway project is divided into two benefit districts, with a total estimated cost of about $24 million. The cost breakdown is as follows:

South of College Boulevard, $6.4 million, 100% paid by the development company. Already approved by the City of Olathe. Construction begins in 2018.

North of College Boulevard, $17.5 million, 62% paid by the development company. The average annual homeowner’s assessment is estimated to be $1,900 for 10 years based on a $1.14 per square foot valuation.

“Assessments are never popular, but we hope that by having the development company paying the significant majority of the cost, we are easing the burden on our other valued benefit district partners,” Rosberg said. “In the end, we are confident that the improvement of Cedar Creek Parkway will enhance the lives and property values of all our residents for many years to come.”

Homeowners who have already participated in a previous benefit district such as Cedar Creek Parkway phase 1, Valley Parkway phase 1 or 2, Clare Road or College Boulevard will not be assessed a second time. Assessments are based on a geographical map devised by previous Cedar Creek owners and the City of Olathe so that no landowner is in two districts. Those who have not been assessed will be part of some future benefit district road project.

Construction is expected to commence in 2018 with completion expected in late 2019 or early 2020. Benefit district assessments will be included in affected property owners’ tax bills beginning 2021.

For more information, contact Cedar Creek Development Company, 25775 W. 103rd Street, Olathe, Kan., 66061, by phone at 913-829-6500 or by email at info@cedarcreek-kc.com.

This story was originally published May 7, 2017 at 12:05 AM with the headline "Cedar Creek Parkway extension to improve safety, enhance quality of life."