New appointee proposed for planning commission

Myles Schachter, a sculptor, is leaving the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission after one three-year term.

Schachter, along with David Burress, was one of two “smart growth” appointees that helped alter the commission’s political balance starting in 2001.

Mayor Mike Rundle tonight will recommend reappointing Burress, and appointing Sue Erickson in Schachter’s stead.

“I could only twist Myles Schachter’s arm so hard,” Rundle said. “I think he wants his art to take up more of his time.”

Erickson has lived in Lawrence 10 years. A master gardener, she said she had followed planning issues “from a distance.”

The Lawrence City Commission is expected to confirm the appointments during its meeting at 6:35 tonight at City Hall.

Kansas University

Construction projects affect campus roads

Construction at Kansas University will restrict campus traffic this summer.

Four projects began Monday:

• Naismith Drive between 15th Street and Irving Hill Road will be closed to through traffic until June 11. Naismith Drive south of Irving Hill Road to Sunnyside Avenue will be restricted to two lanes. Traffic will be detoured onto Burdick Drive around Green Hall.
• Jayhawk Boulevard from Lilac Lane near Danforth Chapel to 13th Street will be limited to southbound traffic for installation of a new steam tunnel. The addition will close 14th Street between Jayhawk Boulevard and Alumni Place.
• Repairs will limit or periodically close sections of Engel Road between 15th Street and Irving Hill Road near Templin, Lewis and Hashinger residence halls.
• Sunnyside Avenue, near the Dole Human Development Center, and Dole Center Drive, north of Sunnyside Avenue, will be restricted to one lane as conduits are installed under the roadway.

Lawrence

Coalition solicits funds for summertime shelter

Advocates for the homeless are looking for a location where they can revive their summertime day shelter.

Steve Ozark, chairman of the Lawrence Coalition on Homeless Concerns, said a cool place was needed for Lawrence’s homeless during the heat of the day. Several homeless people have died from exposure during recent years.

He said the coalition also needed $4,000 in donations to hire staff.

Donations may be sent to the coalition in care of Ozark, 718 Schwarz Road, Lawrence 66049.