To the editor:

The Economic Development Policy was revised by the Lawrence City Commission and became effective as of Jan. 15. There have been many questions raised about whether some developers have met their reciprocal obligations for receiving incentives and abatements as identified in numerous articles in the Journal-World. Questions have rightfully been raised whether these incentives and abatements have provided a return on investment to the people of Lawrence. On the other hand, it has been suggested by some that the Revised Economic Development Policy may suppress development.

What the new policy does is that it makes the requirements for receiving an incentive for a development in Lawrence much clearer and makes developers much more accountable than previously. That should be a very good improvement for developers as well as the citizens of Lawrence. The City Commission rightfully has acknowledged that the Revised Economic Development Policy needs to be monitored to see how the revision is working out. The truth, however, is that the revision was a very good step for the city, its taxpayers and prospective developers who want to know what the rules are and want to follow them. Kudos to the mayor, city manager and the Lawrence City Commission for their leadership.