To the editor:

Downtown Lawrence is in crisis. It’s possible that a significant number of restaurants with drinking establishment licenses will become bars like the Paradise did.

A 1994 ordinance was intended to stop new bars and require future drinking establishments downtown to derive 55 percent of income from food sales (Zoning 20-1453).

This ordinance didn’t say existing businesses were exempt, but that interpretation has been used — even for restaurants that conformed with the ordinance. Minutes reflect that only existing bars and taverns were to be protected, or given legal nonconforming use status (grandfathered). There are restrictions on expansion, etc. (Zoning, Article 13).

If closed for six months, this status is lost. If their license lapses, they would not be lawful and should lose this status. (20-1453 (b) A lawful nonconforming use of a building, structure, or land that has been voluntarily discontinued for a period of six calendar months shall not thereafter be resumed.)

There are also more than 14 new businesses serving food and alcohol.

I’ve tried to trace the businesses at “grandfathered” locations for 10 years, but have found no systematic tracking or record keeping at City Hall. It’s a shamble. Staff sometimes appear to give incomplete or incorrect information to commissioners when licenses are up for renewal regarding history, code and options available.

Wednesday, the City Commission has a study session on this subject. This is an opportunity for residents to share their concerns about the state of affairs and wishes for the future of downtown.

Patricia Sinclair,

Lawrence