Issues of annexation and development regularly come to the table in Lawrence, as they are bound to do in any prosperous community. Developers attempt to gain approval of their ventures from the proper authorities, and many times there are opponents concerned about intrusion, traffic, density and other legitimate matters.

It is understandable why some adopt the “not in my backyard” attitude while those hoping to profit from a given project try to ease such worries. We have seen one turnabout after another in the local effort to get a second Wal-Mart store here. Now nearby residents are protesting annexation for an industrial development northwest of the city.

But there are major success stories in the area of growth and development, and we saw the beginnings of one such gain 25 years go. A 296-acre site for a proposed industrial office and research park was up for approval.

One city commissioner went against the other four and abstained on a vote for annexation, desiring more information and assurance that the area planned for 15th Street and then-Dragstrip Road (now Wakarusa Drive) would be a success rather than a burden on local taxpayers.

One needn’t frequent the area of West 15th (now Bob Billings Parkway) and Wakarusa today to recognize what a door-opener this annexation proved to be. Go to the south, west, east and north and one can find developments that astound former residents who may not have been in Lawrence for a while.

Just consider all the good things that have resulted in the community because of this annexation – with a number of other benefits likely to come. There are countless residences to enhance the locale, along with office and commercial developments.

Nobody can ever fully predict what can happen when foresight and good will lead the way as they did in that 296-acre project in 1983. Think of the tax base and how it has benefited from that decision.

Annexation and development can have drawbacks, but we don’t have to look far for examples that have been a great plus for the community.