The developer, American First Real Estate Group from Omaha NE, has 50% of their portfolio in Section 8 and HUD projects. Though they claim the new "Vantage of Shawnee" complex will rent at a "market rate," both the developers and the City of Shawnee offer no guarantee that it will not become subsidized housing in the future. The proposed rent is only slightly higher than current rates for Shawnee subsidized housing.  And there are currently a total of 1,231 apartment units in a three mile radius of this proposed.

Density (occupancy per acre) exceeds Shawnee guidelines. The proposed apartments have small square footage with low rent. While the developers describe it as "Class A Luxury" housing, none of the 14 three-story buildings have elevators. Interior finishes will be basic, builder-grade materials. At the Planning Commission meeting the developer stated the proposed apartments have smaller square footage with lower rent.

Traffic on Pflumm Road will significantly increase. The Vantage proposal shows 624 parking spaces. If each driver made just one trip, that would mean an additional 2,000+ vehicles would travel on Pflumm every day. The city has stated no plans to improve roads or traffic signals based on current studies. Additionally, the developer is not being asked pay to improve the south side of 62nd street -- this will be the burden of taxpayer.

The proposed development will decrease property values.  Dense apartment complexes are known to bring increased rates of crime making surrounding single family homes less desirable. Crime and traffic affects every resident in Shawnee. 

Schools suffer as numbers of transient apartment dwellers rise. Since the completion of similar housing projects in our community, the local Broken Arrow Elementary -- once nationally honored as a "Blue Ribbon School" -- is now designated "Title 1," meaning that a high percentage of students are at the poverty level or qualify for a free or subsidized lunch program. This places a hardship on the school and the community. High-quality schools are a key decision for potential home buyers, and directly impacts property values.

The financial costs to the taxpayers will outweigh the benefits of revenue collected.  An apartment complex would come at a significant financial cost to the community: more traffic, road and infrastructure improvements at a cost to the taxpayer, potential for more crime necessitating increased police presence, falling property values generating less tax base, and possible continued decline to our public schools.  Almost any other type of development on this property would generate comparable revenues and tax benefits without detriment to the community.

 Therefore,  we ask our Mayor and City Council Members to vote NO on this and any other similar use of this property.  Instead, we ask that they use vision and leadership to develop this property so it will positively benefit the community.  Possible developments could include maintenance free villas for citizens 55 & older or single family dwellings.

Shawnee, KS Residents ONLY: Please sign the following petition and plan to attend the Shawnee City Council meeting on December 14th at 7:30 pm, at the Justice Center, 5520 Renner Road.