Rather than signaling uncontrolled growth, thoughtful annexations actually give the city more control over how it grows.
Some Lawrence residents may have been taken aback by news that 844 acres of land had been annexed into the city in 2001, but the annexation total doesn't necessarily mean the city's growth is out of control.
In fact, annexation can give the city important leverage to control and guide Lawrence's growth in coming years.
The 844 acres annexed in 2001 is a significant increase from the 298 acres brought into the city in 2000. The major difference was a single annexation of almost 700 acres involving more than 30 tracts on either side of U.S. Highway 40 west of Wakarusa Drive. The city was required to annex the land to obtain financing for its share of a $17 million widening project on U.S. 40 (Sixth Street) between Wakarusa Drive and the South Lawrence Trafficway.
But annexing that land also will allow the city to exert control over how that corridor develops. There already is substantial retail development at the corner of Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive and approval has been given for another project on the northwest corner of the intersection. Development has begun to stretch westward on the south side of Sixth Street. Too much retail development along U.S. 40 will create traffic and drainage problems.
Bringing that stretch of land into the city gives planners an opportunity to take a broader look at an area that is destined for more development. It gives Lawrence residents and city officials a chance to look ahead at how they want that area to look in 10 or 20 years.
We don't want it to look like 23rd Street and probably not like South Iowa Street, but what uses would it be best suited for? Should land be set aside for residential uses and how will those homes be buffered from commercial operations? Are there good places for offices in the area and how can sufficient access to those locations be provided? How about green space or open space that would make this active entry into our community more attractive?
If Lawrence is to continue to grow, as all factors seem to indicate, the worst thing the city can do is to simply sit back and watch. Annexations allow the city and its residents to take an active role in shaping that growth and guiding the development that takes place.
The 844 acres annexed in 2001 is a lot of land; several other sizable annexations may be considered in the near future. The city shouldn't engage in a land grab to extend its boundaries, but annexations aimed at allowing the city to more thoughtfully plan its growth will benefit all of Lawrence in the years ahead.
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