Apartment plans tabled at developer’s request

The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission on Wednesday deferred hearing a rezoning request for a proposed apartment complex at Sixth Street and Folks Road.

The deferral was made at the request of developers.

An earlier attempt to rezone the land for an apartment complex drew opposition from neighborhood residents, who want it used for single-family homes. Planning staff members had recommended the rezoning request be deferred until the developers present a preliminary development plan for the property.

The rezoning request is now scheduled to be heard at the commission’s Oct. 23 meeting.

VA secretary to speak

Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi will stage a town hall meeting at 3 p.m. today at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park.

Principi will be welcomed during his visit by Republican Adam Taff, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, a Democrat, for the 3rd Congressional District seat, which includes the eastern half of Lawrence.

Principi will be available to discuss issues of concern to military veterans and their families. The meeting will be in the GED Building, room 233.

Congressional candidates announce debate schedule

Four debates in the 3rd Congressional District race between Democratic incumbent Dennis Moore and Republican Adam Taff have been tentatively set.

The debates are slated for 5 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Johnson County Community College in Overland Park; 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Jewish Community Relations Board forum at the Jewish Community Campus in Overland Park; and 7:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at the Overland Park Marriott.

Another debate is scheduled for Oct. 28 before the AARP candidate forum at a time and place to be announced.

Moore’s office said the debates were contingent on his congressional schedule and a final agreement on the ground rules.

SRS hears public comments on Bert Nash license renewal

The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is highly thought of in Douglas County.

That’s what representatives from about 20 local agencies on Wednesday told three officials from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services at Bert Nash.

The public comment session was part of a review this week of Bert Nash operations. A decision will be made today about whether to extend the mental health center’s license to serve the community. The license must be reviewed every two years.

Virtually all the comments SRS heard were positive.