April 12, 2005
City Commission
City Hall
6 East 6th
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Dear Commissioners:
In accordance with City Code Section 5-705, Part (G), "Signs of community interest which are approved by the City Commission."
This letter is a request for approval to temporally erect directional and notification signs along 23rd street in the area of the Douglas County Fairgrounds. These signs are in connection with "The Lawrence Swap Meet" May 7 & 8, 2005. Pursuant to this same code, we ask for exemption from any permit or fees.
The Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club of America is one of 400 regional clubs worldwide of the Antique Automobile Club of America. AACA was founded in1935 and is the largest antique automobile club in the world with over 60,000 members.
2005 will mark the 42nd year that the LRAACA has conducted its annual swap meet in Lawrence. This swap meet is the largest in Kansas and attracts an average of 600 vendors from many areas of our nation. Attendance for the three days surrounding the swap meet, which is open to the public and free of charge, is an estimated 35,000 patrons (fig. 1), (fig. 2).
"The AACA is dedicated to perpetuating the memories of the early automobiles by encouraging their history, collection and use." According to Article 1, Section 2 of the LRAACA by-laws, "The purpose of this region shall be to supplement the activities of the Antique Automobile Club of America and to provide mutual enjoyment to its members."
Ways the LRAACA supplements the activities of the AACA are through community service. Over the past 42 years LRAACA has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to local charities and health organizations, such as United Way of Douglas County, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, Douglas County Visiting Nurses, Heart of America Hospice, Parkinson Foundation, and American Heart Association. In addition LRAACA has furthered the education of Lawrence youth by sponsoring the Lawrence High School Auto Club and providing yearly scholarships to students at Lawrence High School, Free State High School, and contributing to McPherson College.
Elsewhere in the community, the Douglas County 4-H Club, Troop 247 of the Boy Scouts of America, other community and regional car clubs, as well as city and county businesses, benefit from working with the LRAACA and providing support during the swap meet. Also LRAACA has provided funding for considerable to improvements to the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
Directional signs:
The directional signs requested are constructed of heavy gauge aluminum and measure 24 X 48 inches. All signs have red lettering on a yellow background of reflective "Scotchlight" material. They are supported by 2 X 4 posts, 5 feet tall, and anchored with large tent stakes and chains.
Four (4) of these signs read: VENDOR ENTRANCE
AHEAD
A fifth two-sided sign reads: VENDORS
(directional arrow to left one side, right other side)
(Fig.3)
These signs are to be placed along the south side of 23rd Street and or median at the locations indicated on map (fig.4).
The purpose of these signs is to direct swap meet vendors to the proper entrance onto the fairgrounds. The directional signs are needed for a 24 hour period from 12:00 Noon, Friday, May 6, 2005 to12:00 Noon Saturday, May 7, 2005.
Notification Signs:
The notification signs requested are constructed of heavy gauge aluminum and measure 48 X 48 inches. All signs have red lettering on a yellow background of reflective "Scotchlight" material. They are supported by 2 X 4 posts, 5 feet tall, and anchored with large tent stakes and chains.
These two (2) signs read: SWAP
MEET
(directional arrow to left or right)
(fig.5)
One sign would be located about 100 feet to the west of the intersection of 23rd Street and Harper Street south of 23rd Street. The other sign located north of 23rd Street about100 feet to the east of the east entrance of the fairgrounds (fig.6).
These notification signs are needed for a period from 6:00am, Saturday, May 7, 2005, to12:00 Noon, Sunday, May 8, 2005. The purpose of these signs is to direct the public to the proper entrances onto the fairgrounds.
The Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club of America appreciates your help as we continue to serve Lawrence and the region.
Sincerely,
Roger C. Bain
LRAACA Vice President 2005
Swap Meet Committee 2005
LRAACA President 2003
LRAACA Vice President 2002
LRAACA Treasurer 2000
Approximate Locations of Signs (fig.4)
#1 - 1541 East 23rd Street
#2 - 1919 East 23rd Street
#3 - 2176 East 23rd Street
#4 - 1600 Road
#5 - Entrance to Farmland