WRITER: Sylas May

STAR Bond project is proposing $1.3B of development in Lawrence, including an arena geared toward 'international cycling competitions'

With his STAR Bond project proposed for Lawrence’s southern and western edges, developer Phil Bundy thinks he’s found something that could be “a win all around.” It’s a win for the city, the Wichita businessman said, because it would get new attractions, like an arena with a velodrome that could host major cycling races; new homes; and new property tax revenue. It’s a win for his group because it ...

City leaders approve incentive for 131-unit housing development near Wakarusa and Queens

Lawrence city leaders have approved an incentive for a development of more than 100 units of housing on the city’s west side, although that housing won’t qualify as affordable. The City Commission voted 3-1 on Tuesday to approve a request from Nebraska developer Metonic for $35.3 million of Industrial Revenue Bonds for a sales tax exemption on construction materials. Vice Mayor Mike Courtney was the lone ...

Anonymous donation lets Lawrence Community Shelter order 50 new Step Up beds; leader says it's 'just the start'

When James Chiselom heard the news that an anonymous donor wanted to provide $100,000 for new Step Up beds at the Lawrence Community Shelter, he couldn’t help getting emotional. “That $100,000, it is so phenomenal,” Chiselom, the shelter’s executive director, told the Journal-World on Monday. “I was moved to tears, because this community is validating the hard work my staff are putting into the ...

City to keep Community Building open through end of 2026; leaders want more data before deciding on 2027

The Community Building in downtown Lawrence will stay open for free use through the end of 2026, but city leaders say they need more data before they make decisions about 2027. On Tuesday, the City Commission voted 3-1, with Commissioner Mike Dever opposed and Commissioner Kristine Polian absent, to keep the downtown rec facility open through the end of the year using fund balance. It will cost $39,000 to pay ...

Developer seeks incentive from City of Lawrence to build 131 units of housing near Wakarusa and Queens

A developer is asking the city of Lawrence for an incentive to build more than 100 units of housing in northwest Lawrence, and city leaders will consider it next week. At its meeting on Tuesday, the City Commission will consider the request from Nebraska company MRES Lusso Holdings LLC for $35.3 million of Industrial Revenue Bonds for a sales tax exemption on construction materials. City staff did not provide ...

A STAR Bond application raises questions for city leaders about Costco and housing west of the SLT

From his experience working in sales, Vice Mayor Mike Courtney knows there are no sure things. And that gave him pause this past week as he looked at an economic development application – one he worried could turn long-awaited projects in west Lawrence into less-sure things. “I remember earlier in my career, I worked on a couple ones where somebody said, ‘Hey, this thing’s in the bag, we’ve 100% got ...