Bus advertising takes back seat

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Lawrence buses will remain advertising-free.

The city commission on Tuesday accepted the Public Transit Advisory Committee’s recommendation not to allow advertisements on city buses.

PTAC members said the profits would be minuscule and unjustifiable compared to administration and potential legal costs.

Commissioners proclaim citywide ‘Pride Week’

Mayor Sue Hack on Tuesday proclaimed April 8 to 13 “Lawrence Pride Week” in connection with Lawrence’s 32nd annual “Pride Week” and the Big 12 Gay Conference at Kansas University.

The proclamation was not on the city commission agenda but was “walked on” as a late addition to city business.

It paid tribute to Queers and Allies, formerly known as LesBiGayTrans Services (a group that has run Pride Week for 18 years) and referred to the city ordinance that has prohibited housing discrimination based on sexual orientation since the mid-1990s.

Sixth to be widened

City commissioners approved an agreement with the state to expand Sixth Street between Wakarusa Drive and Kansas Highway 10.

They did so despite the concerns of businesses on the southeast corner of Sixth and Wakarusa, who will probably lose some Sixth Street access under the Kansas Department of Transportation design.

Commissioner Marty Kennedy opposed the agreement as a result.

Plans call for KDOT taking bids on the project in 2004 and the work being completed by 2006. The project is expected to cost about $17 million, of which the city of Lawrence will put up $5 million. The rest  $12 million  will come from state funds.

The street will be expanded to four lanes  it’s two lanes now  and a median will be installed between Wakarusa Drive and Kansas Highway 10.