City likes sports plan

Source of funding for complex key concern of commissioners

A new state-of-the art sports and recreation complex sounds like a good idea, but so do a lot of other large proposed projects, several city commissioners said Tuesday night.

Commissioners did not rule out becoming a partner in a project to build a new complex that could house soccer, football, baseball and softball fields, in addition to a new indoor recreation center. But commissioners stopped short of committing any money for the project, and several suggested that the Lawrence school district might be in a better position to lead the charge on the complex, which could be similar to the new Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.

“There are a tremendous number of competing projects on the horizon,” said City Commissioner David Schauner, listing a new library, funding for open space and industrial property and efforts to revitalize the former Farmland Industries plant. “I personally see the school district being a major funder in this one.”

City Commissioner Mike Amyx also listed likely expenses to improve the city’s sewer system and increasing costs to maintain the city’s streets.

“Our plate is getting pretty full, and I’m concerned about us going from a plate to a platter,” Amyx said.

But commissioners also said they didn’t want to rule out investing in the project in some form. City Commissioner Sue Hack said the project – which is being touted by a new citizens group called Partners for Lawrence Athletics and Youth – is a unique opportunity.

“This is an opportunity to think big and to be visionary,” Hack said. “I know we don’t have all the details yet, but I think we would be making a huge mistake if we don’t proceed with this.”

Bonnie Lowe, a leader of the citizens group, also urged commissioners to look at the broader benefits of a recreation complex. She said the complex would provide a major new venue to host competitive tournaments and events that could bring significant tourism dollars to the city. Plus, Lowe said recreation opportunities are an important part of a healthy community.

“We need to be very careful not to lose sight of the youth,” said Lowe, who is a former Lawrence mayor. “When I think of creating a community vision, I think of leaving something for them. Having a sports complex is something you really need to think about when building a livable community.”

Lowe estimated that a feasibility study could be conducted for no more than $55,000. She proposed that the city and school district each pay 40 percent of the costs, with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the Douglas County Commission paying the remaining 20 percent. She also said she would approach Kansas University and Haskell Indian Nations University about participating.

She also said that the private sector could become involved by creating an endowment fund that would help with maintenance costs of the facility.

Lowe plans to present the group’s plans to the school board on Jan. 9. School Board Member Leonard Ortiz was at Tuesday’s meeting and said he was excited to see how to make the project work.

Mayor Boog Highberger said he would like to have the idea discussed at the next joint city, county, school board meeting in February.

Leaders want input on 19th, Louisiana plan

Commissioners on Tuesday night said they want to hear from neighbors before endorsing any ideas to improve the intersection at 19th and Louisiana streets.

Commissioners were told that plans for a roundabout or for major widening and turn-lane improvements would cost between $2 million and $3 million. City officials had tentatively budgeted about $550,000 for the project. Because of cost issues and other concerns, Chuck Soules, director of public works, recommended that commissioners not proceed on either of the projects. Instead he said several smaller improvements could be done to keep the project on budget.

Commissioners said that they also had concerns about the costs and the amount of right-of-way that would need to be taken for both projects. But commissioners said they wanted the options presented to school district officials and the neighbors before deciding what to do next.

Homeowner given time to clean up property

Owners of the property at 429 Indiana St. were given additional time to either clean up the dilapidated house or tear it down before the city issues an order for the vacant home to be demolished.

Commissioners were told that William Mumford is trying to get a clear title to the property, which was last owned by his parents, Roland and Madeline Mumford, who are deceased. An attorney for William Mumford said he was close to securing a clear title through court proceedings. Commissioners gave Mumford 10 days after the court rules to apply for the necessary building permits to either remodel the house or tear it down. They gave Mumford 90 days to finish the remodeling or the demolition or else they will restart the process to raze the house.

Tavern must build fence along with new patio

The Crosstown Tavern at 19th Street and Haskell Avenue will be allowed to add a rear patio to accommodate smokers and other customers, but commissioners want to make sure that the addition doesn’t impact neighbors.

On a 4-1 vote, commissioners agreed to require the bar to add an approximately 400-foot wooden fence behind the shopping center where the bar is located. Dennis and Judy Dailey, who live just east of the bar in a home that is on the National Register of Historic Places, asked the commission to consider adding conditions to protect their property from bar patrons who may wander onto their property.

Commissioner Sue Hack voted against the proposal. She said the requirement to add the fence was an undue burden on the business because it would cost several thousand dollars to install.Representatives of the business also had asked that they not be required to install the fence. They said the patio would include a fence around it that should be adequate.