Administrators and staff members of the Lawrence school district projected the concept and need for a districtwide instructional materials center to the board. Although no location or specific design for a new or remodeled building was recommended, the administration advised financing the project through a capital outlay fund.

Lawrence’s proposed redevelopment project would require $18.1 million in pubic improvements, including $3.2 million paid through higher city taxes and water rates, according to estimates released by the city. The rest would come from taxes on the shopping center itself and the surrounding downtown area, a $2 million contribution by the developer and, accounting for half the total project cost, a $9 million federal grant to be sought by the city.

Area farmers continued to complain that the wet and cold spring weather had caused major work problems. “Things just are not good, even close to good,” said Roger Pine, a major farm operator here.