Lawrence city commissioners Tuesday night agreed to create a new cultural district that encompasses downtown Lawrence and a surrounding area.
Now, in coming weeks, it will appoint a task force that will determine what type of initiatives it will undertake.
The district is generally bounded by 15th Street on the south, the Burroughs Creek Trail on the east, the Kansas River on the north and Kentucky Street on the east.
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission recommended creating the district. The Cultural Arts Commission suggested that the task force look at ways to combine private, public and grant funds to support improvements to the district that would improve access and safety, and “maintain the current unique cultural and social-economic mixture” of the area.
Comments
Bob_Loblaw 3 months, 1 week ago
What is a "cultural district" exactly and how is one achieved? More art galleries? fewer bars? or are bars considered cultural bohemian hangouts? And the goal is to "maintain the current unique cultural and social-economic mixture"... so we have some cultural aspects already it seems (not enough or right kind?)..... Seems somebody sold someone(s) a pretty vague idea.....can't wait.
Cant_have_it_both_ways 3 months, 1 week ago
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission recommended creating the district. The Cultural Arts Commission suggested that the task force look at ways to combine private, public and grant funds to support improvements+++++++++++++++
In other words...at the expense of the taxpayer. Folks...there is not any money for what we have now. Current debt should be paid down first then move to a position where the city is playing from in front. Interest in debt is killing the quality of growth. Take a year off from spending and recover while it is much easier.
kansasplains1 3 months, 1 week ago
What is a "culture district" anyway?
Who on the Lawrence Arts Commission has traveled widely - I assume that means in other parts of the world - so that they could truly assist in such an idea? Or is it strictly limited to Kansas, or perhaps Lawrence?
Who are the minorities on the Lawrence Arts Commission, people who have experienced very different kinds of things than white people?
And what about a newspaper that doesn't even support international events?
bangaranggerg 3 months, 1 week ago
So city commissioners want to draw more of an actual physical circle around the only businesses in Lawrence they intend to pay attention to?
deadanimals 3 months, 1 week ago
So...who has the last word? Cultural task force or Historic resources Commission?
oneeye_wilbur 3 months, 1 week ago
The commission is made up of professionals and they need a Task Force?
Weak leadership!
whitecho 3 months, 1 week ago
Chad, I believe u mean Kentucky street to the west. Just noticed that. Also, I suggest a book I'm currently reading be mandatory for all on this task force : Walkable City by Jeff Speck.
cheers, RSmith, WC
bearded_gnome 3 months, 1 week ago
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission recommended creating the district. The Cultural Arts Commission suggested that the task force look at ways to combine private, public and grant funds to support improvements to the district that would improve access and safety, and “maintain the current unique cultural and social-economic mixture” of the area.
---what can this district do, that the city itself cannot?
what costs are there to administer this district and who pays them?
improve access? Chad, is this a reference to ADA standards for access for disabled persons?
"safety?????" between downtown and the author's-named-trail sidewalks are really bad. but I suppose they're not cultural enough to qualify?
patkindle 3 months, 1 week ago
makes you wish the commisioners could meet more often so they could spend more of your money
jhawkinsf 3 months, 1 week ago
A pub crawl has been elevated to the status of a cultural event?
toe 3 months, 1 week ago
Special taxing district to follow.
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