To the editor:

Boog Highberger’s letter to the editor (May 27) raises important questions about the Bauer Farms development and Lawrence’s commitment to Horizon 2020. I would be interested to learn more about the history of the Horizon 2020 plan in relation to the development of the area around Sixth and Wakarusa. I urge the Journal-World to report the historical background to this development since it provides a valuable case study of the way commercial interests destroy the environment.

While it may now be too late to limit commercial development in this area, it is still possible to preserve some pedestrian-friendly features. The city planning board should insure that any development in the space south of Free State High School includes a way for foot and bicycle traffic to move safely between Sixth and Wakarusa on one end and Trail Road on the other. A pedestrian/bicycle connector path through this area would make it possible for families throughout Lawrence to walk or bike to the high school and nearby recreational facilities without dodging six lanes of traffic.