WRITER: Rochelle Valverde

Lawrence City Commission supports extending downtown program that allows expanded outdoor dining, sales

City leaders expressed strong support Tuesday for extending a program that has allowed downtown businesses to repurpose sidewalks and parking near their storefronts for outdoor dining and other uses. As part of its regular meeting, the Lawrence City Commission directed city staff to draft changes to city code that would extend the temporary downtown right-of-way program well beyond its original expiration ...

Lawrence City Commission votes to prohibit certain Airbnbs and other short-term rentals

City leaders voted Tuesday to prohibit most Airbnbs and other short-term rentals where the property owner lives elsewhere. As part of its regular meeting, the Lawrence City Commission voted 3-1, with Mayor Jennifer Ananda absent and Vice Mayor Brad Finkeldei opposing, to prohibit non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in neighborhoods that are zoned for single-family homes, allowing them only in residential ...

Lawrence City Commission to consider extending downtown program allowing expanded outdoor dining, sales

City leaders will soon consider whether to extend a program that has allowed downtown businesses to repurpose sidewalks and parking near their storefronts for outdoor dining and other uses. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive requests to extend the temporary downtown right-of-way program beyond the current expiration date of Oct. 31 and direct city staff as appropriate, ...

Lawrence City Commission to consider prohibiting certain Airbnbs and other short-term rentals

City leaders will soon continue their long-running discussion about whether to allow Airbnbs and other short-term rentals where the property owner lives elsewhere. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider whether to prohibit non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in some or all residential areas. The city already allows short-term rentals where the homeowner rents a room or ...

After yearslong effort, East Ninth Street public art project to hold scattered, outdoor party to celebrate its completion

A public art project that once divided neighbors is now hoping that the culmination of the long-running effort can bring the whole community together for an outdoor event of art, live music and free food. The completion of the East Ninth Street art project — which includes the work of 18 artists — comes after a yearslong saga that included disagreement, rejection and ultimately reinvention of the ...

Lawrence City Commission to consider permit for campsite for homeless people in northern Lawrence

City leaders will soon decide whether to approve a permit that would allow a temporary campsite for homeless people to locate in a park in northern Lawrence. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider a special event permit for a temporary sanctioned campground at Woody Park, 201 Maine Street. The campsite will provide access to toilets, showers, laundry facilities and social ...