Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission heard arguments for and against constructing new athletic facilities for Lawrence High School before approving a measure to send the construction proposal to the City Commission.

Opponents of the school district plan to build a football stadium, baseball and softball facilities, a soccer field and tennis courts and add 328 additional parking spots at LHS and the Lawrence Virtual School asked the commission to defer the decision until September in order to hold further discussions about the impact of the projects on the Centennial neighborhood.

“At this point, we’re not saying don’t do it. We’re saying, how about an opportunity for the people who are affected most by this activity center to have a say,” said Price Banks, an attorney representing the Centennial Neighborhood Association.

Mary Rodriguez, chief operations officer for the school district, said building the facilities could result in higher graduation rates and increased safety for students participating in sports events.

Rodriguez noted how Lawrence High’s facilities pale in comparison those at Free State High School.

“We know that in our district we need to address the outdoor inequity of the facilities,” she said.

The planning commission voted 7-0, with one abstention, to move the proposal forward.

“Those of us who grew up in Lawrence recognize Lawrence High has some deficiencies,” said planning commissioner Rick Hird. “This opportunity provides something that is unique and goes beyond the school district.”

Proponents of the plan included parents of LHS students, who said students deserve enhanced facilities.

Other opponents questioned whether planning codes were being followed, as well as the environmental impact on the neighborhood, which is subject to flooding after rainfall.