Service plan approved for Miller-Wells Acres

Commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward with the creation of a service plan for the Miller-Wells Acres subdivision that is just north of the city limits.

The service plan could be the first step in annexing the area of about 50 homes and lots near the former Riverside School. City officials said a service plan needed to be developed that would determine how homes in the area could be connected to the city’s sewer system as their septic tanks begin to fail.

City staff members said they now would begin contacting property owners in the area to find out what questions or concerns they have about a possible annexation.

Commissioners seeking business park sites

Lawrence City commissioners directed economic development officials Tuesday night to step up the search for areas that could house future business parks.

Commissioners unanimously agreed that the Lawrence-Douglas County Economic Development Board should begin studying how much new industrial land the community will need between now and 2012. The group also will evaluate potential sites for new industrial and business parks.

Lynn Parman, vice president of economic development for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said the study was needed. She said the community currently had about 250 acres of industrial land that was available for development.

“At some point you reach a point where you don’t have enough inventory on your shelf to have people shop in your store,” Parman said. “We are missing some opportunities now.”

Parman said the group likely would bring back information to the city commission within the next couple of months.