Horizon 2020 action delayed

City commissioners delayed action for two weeks on proposed changes to the industrial and employment-related land use chapter for Horizon 2020, which is the city and county’s long-range plan.

Commissioners asked staff members to draft new language that makes it clear the city and county will be free to consider proposals for industrial developments at sites not specifically listed in the proposed chapter.

The new Horizon 2020 chapter includes a map outlining general areas for future industrial parks. Among the sites shown are areas near the Lawrence Municipal Airport, the former Farmland Industries plant, property near the intersection of Sixth Street and the South Lawrence Trafficway, two areas east of Eudora and two areas west of Baldwin City.

Commissioners agreed to delay approving the plan after receiving a letter from development attorney Jane Eldredge, who said she was concerned the new chapter did not seem to mention the possibility of the area near I-70 and the South Lawrence Trafficway becoming a future industrial park.

That area northwest of Lawrence previously has been proposed by developers as a light industrial area. Eldredge said the area’s “outstanding access to the transportation network” make it an “ideal” site for certain industrial uses.

Turns lanes approved at O’Connell Road

By early next year, it may be easier for motorists to make turns at the intersection of 23rd Street and O’Connell Road.

City commissioners at their Tuesday evening meeting unanimously agreed to move ahead on constructing a left-turn lane on 23rd Street for westbound traffic, and a right-turn lane on 23rd Street for eastbound traffic.

City engineers estimated work could begin in September, and likely would take four to five months to complete.

The entire $795,000 project will be paid for by landowners at the intersection, who are wishing to develop their property.

Increased fines OK’d for Municipal Court

Commissioners unanimously agreed to increase several court fees at Municipal Court.

As part of their consent agenda and without comment, commissioners approved changes that will allow the city to start charging a $150 fee for people who are on probation, a $10 fee for people who need to be fingerprinted at the court, a $100 increase in the amount people must pay to have their charges diverted, and a policy that allows the city to pass along the fees its pays to the county to house inmates in the Douglas County Jail. That fee is about $50 per day.

Meeting centers on bar regulations

Bar owners and city staff members will discuss ideas on how to properly regulate bars and nightclubs in the city at a 4 p.m. meeting today at City Hall.

City commissioners have considered a variety of new methods to regulate bars and nightclubs in an effort to cut down on concerns about nighttime violence. A new licensing system and changes in the city’s zoning code have been discussed. Commissioners, however, have not been able to settle on an approach.

The meeting is open to the public.