Efforts to influence university planning could spoil the fine relationship Lawrence has established with Kansas University.

Over the years, Lawrence and Kansas University have enjoyed one of the nation’s finest “town-gown” relationships.

This special environment is envied by other universities and university communities. Children of the late KU chancellors Deane Malott, Franklin Murphy and Clarke Wescoe all have said their parents told them their happiest years with the fondest memories were those spent in Lawrence and at KU.

This situation doesn’t occur by accident, and it cannot be taken for granted.

Unfortunately, current Lawrence city commissioners seem intent on trying to inject themselves into the planning and design of the university campus and, in so doing, initiate a process that could have a chilling effect on what has been a wonderful relationship between the city and KU.

Apparently, some current city commissioners want to flex their muscles and show their supporters they do not intend to be pushovers for the university. University officials were careless in their initial planning for construction of new scholarship halls in the 1300 block of Ohio Street and have not been responsive to complaints from neighbors bordering certain areas of the campus.

Years ago, there was justified concern and anger by homeowners living on the west side of West Campus Road when several multistory residence halls were built along the east side of the street thereby ruining the beautiful eastern views across the campus that property owners had enjoyed for years.

Another time, there was concern by some residents about where university buses were to gather or be parked. The ugly sheds along West 15th Street, north of the Lied Center are another area that deserves more attention by KU officials.

Aside from these relatively isolated situations, however, the relationship between the university and its neighbors, as well as the relationship between officials in Strong Hall and City Hall, has been good.

Lawrence city officials have no business trying to tell KU and Kansas Board of Regents officials what they can or cannot build on the campus or trying to dictate the style and design of the buildings. City officials should have sufficient confidence in KU administrators, faculty and the regents to make sure their buildings will complement the already-beautiful campus. Numerous national publications have cited the Mount Oread campus as one of the nation’s most attractive.

At the same time, university officials should take care to consider the concerns of people whose property borders the campus. Fortunately, through the fiscal generosity of alumni and friends and the wise use of private funds by the KU Endowment Association, KU enjoys the very rare luxury of having ample space for future expansions. KU officials do not have the challenge of trying to fit buildings into an ultratight location.

It is hoped city officials won’t try to force their way into the planning of future development on the KU campus. Certainly, situations such as runoff of surface water, the location of sewer lines to accommodate future growth and other infrastructure matters should be worked out between the city and university officials, but any idea of the city trying to impose zoning or require building permits or architectural review should be put to rest.

Likewise, KU officials should be as open as possible with neighbors and city officials if and when building plans could have a questionable impact.

There are many areas where there has been excellent cooperation and openness between the university and the city, and much of this has been due to the dedicated work of people such as former vice chancellor Keith Lawton, former housing director Joe Wilson and past chancellors. It is imperative this relationship continues. Some city commissioners might like to inject themselves into internal KU activities and design the future of campus growth, but that is not their role.

The Lawrence-KU town-gown relationship has been a model for other cities and universities, and this coveted role must be maintained. City officials should back off from any dreams and wishes of pushing themselves into the planning and design of the campus, and KU officials need to be sensitive to property values and the ambiance of surrounding neighborhoods.

It’s a two-way street.