County OKs commercial part of Horizon 2020

The Douglas County Commission on Monday gave approval to the plan that will guide commercial development in the community.

The commercial chapter of Horizon 2020, the city-county comprehensive plan, designates two areas as the next locations for major shopping centers — Sixth Street and the South Lawrence Trafficway to the west; Kansas Highway 10 and East 1750 Road to the east.

Approval followed months of negotiations and haggling among the city, county and planning commissions.

“I think we can debate it for 40 days and 40 nights, and I don’t think we’re going to get much better off,” Commissioner Bob Johnson said.

The Lawrence City Commission is expected to approve the plan tonight.

Commission will return to Monday mornings

After a month’s experiment with Monday afternoon meetings, the Douglas County Commission will return to Monday mornings next week.

Commissioners attempted meeting at 3 p.m. Mondays during February in deference to Commissioner Jere McElhaney’s schedule. Commissioners Bob Johnson and Charles Jones said Monday the morning meetings better fit their schedules.

Monday’s meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Douglas County Courthouse, 11th and Massachusetts streets. The commission also meets at 6:35 p.m. Wednesdays.

Karaoke night, auction benefit Pelathe center

A karaoke night and silent auction to raise funds for Pelathe Community Resource Center are planned from 9 p.m. to midnight March 8 at Old Chicago, 2329 Iowa.

Soundwaves Karaoke will provide the music, and artwork and jewelry from the Pelathe gift shop will be auctioned. All proceeds will help pay for the center’s programs to help individuals and families.

For more information, call Caroline Hicks at 841-7202 or Tina Hernandez at 383-6040.