Comments by happyp / LJWorld.com

happyp

Last login: Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Comment history

Bid for recreation center comes in about $10 million lower than expected; questions grow over other cost estimates

I am just tired of hearing what a great deal this is for KU & Lawrence. KU has enough land west of campus to build a new track. It did not have to be across town. My concern is sharing the parking lots w/KU. Citizens will want to use the rec center for exercise, as they should be able to as our tax money is paying for this, and will not have a place to park. Has anything been written in to state that Fritzel cannot charge us taxpayers to park when he has his 'private functions' or when KU has an event? Parking should be free, period. It is sad to think that Schumm and others believe that Fritzel will be honest about this project, since he hasn't been with so many others connected with the city. A recreation center for the city of Lawrence has turned out to be such a project that I fear the local youth & seniors as well as other citizens will not get the benefit we all had hoped for. I hope the JW will continue to investigate and keep the public informed on this issue. You cannot depend on the city commission to keep us informed.

May 16, 2013 at 6:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

As city prepares to bid recreation center, officials still waiting to receive cost numbers from Fritzel on infrastructure

It is so very disappointing to see Mr. Dever and others continue to defend this process. I find it hard to believe that Mr. Fritzel does not have figures available. It will be easier for him to charge the total $25 million and not have to be accountable, sad thing is, the city will not make him accountable just as in the past. It honestly does make us wonder why the commission continues to let Fritzel run the city. It is frustrating as a taxpayer and citizen of Lawrence to see the commission and city officials feel like they do not have to be accountable to us. Wow! Accountablilty, doesn't seem to exist, especially on any projects Fritzel is involved in. Seems like in only applies to us small fries, shoveling sidewalks, jaywalking, garage sale signs, etc..

May 14, 2013 at 5:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City sets bid date of May 14 for recreation center; project could be completed by spring of 2014

I suppose Fritzel is planning on using the leftover artificial grass from his apartment complex that the city said he couldn't use but let him do it anyway for the indoor field. How many other things will they let him slide by on this 'if he gets the bid'? Oh, I meant when he gets the bid. Very disappointed in the city commission especially Schumm and Dever as they think the public is ignorant enough to believe KU would have move facilities to another county if they don't let Fritzel build this. I am still amazed that the commission believes the taxpayers of Lawrence should continue to pad the Fritzel's pockets while they ignore city building codes and other regulations. Very disappointing.

March 27, 2013 at 5:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lawrence school board to seek $92.5 million bond issue

Spending over $70 million just so some students can still walk to school is crazy. We need to build new larger elementary schools to accommodate the needs of the students in the classroom. Oh yes, and consolidate schools in order to do this. That decision was previously made and this board changed it.

December 18, 2012 at 4:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City stiffens terms but agrees to $50K settlement over Varsity House dispute

It should have been a fine, not a tax deductible donation. Once again, the city has let Mr. Fritzel by with a pre-planned violation.

November 21, 2012 at 5:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Costs, scope of proposed recreation center escalate

It might be a good idea to put this before the voters. It doesn't seem right for a public entity not to go through the bid process and just choose a contactor, especially one who has proven he cannot be trusted. I don't think the city commissioners are thinking about 'the will of the people'.

November 8, 2012 at 5:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Editorial: Varsity loss

Great editorial, just hope city leaders read it and take heed.

October 23, 2012 at 5:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Officials upset over reassembly of Varsity House

Really? Did the commissioners really expect Fritzel to do what he said? Let's think back, gentlemen, the Oread, the apartments with the artificial grass. Why does the city commission continue to allow Fritzel to get by with these things? I assume I will allowed the same privilege when I build an addition to my house. Please think long and hard about the recreation center in Northwest Lawrence. How can he be trusted? Please think about the large fine and some type of punishment for continually ignoring his agreements.

October 23, 2012 at 4:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

School closings to still be addressed

I would remind board members that the job they chose to run for and were elected to do involves difficult decisions at times. They need to remember that these decisions involve the entire community and ALL children in Lawrence, not just a small group of folks who choose to think the only thing that matters is their children's school and whether they can walk to that building or not.

March 6, 2012 at 5:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )