League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County

P.O. Box 1072, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

December 11, 2005

Dr. Terry Riordan, Chairman

Members

Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission

City Hall

Lawrence, Kansas 66044

RE: ITEM NO. 2: FINAL PLAT FOR DOOLITTLE SUBDIVISION

Dear Chairman Riordan and Planning Commissioners:

Although the Final Plat for the Doolittle Subdivision is the subject of this letter, we would like to address this subdivision as an example of three general problems in Lawrence that we believe need correction.  At issue is stormwater management on individual lots.  There should be provision in every plat for grading on each lot or siting of foundations that allows stormwater runoff to drain away from foundations and into swales or into drainageways that connect to the general storm drainage system of each subdivision.  This is necessary to prevent property owners from shunting drainage problems onto their neighbors.

Where provision for stormwater runoff does not extend to individual lots, as is the case in Lawrence, flat land, regardless of its location, can pose drainage problems if proper accommodation for stormwater has not been made prior to building.  The Doolittle Subdivision is on very flat terrain and appears to drain in two directions from the highest point.  Without some provision for grading on each lot, we are concerned that stormwater runoff will pose problems.  The streets also must have curbs and gutters, designed as a part of the stormwater system.

A second problem is the responsibility for proper maintenance of open drainageways and detention storage areas.  In the case of the Doolittle Subdivision, both the storm drainage way and detention areas are the responsibility of a home owners’ association.  We suggest that provision for this should be assured on the Final Plat by a covenant referenced on the plat. 

Our final suggestion is that there should be a general regulation in the zoning code and subdivision regulations that allows the City to maintain such areas and charge the owners’ association when this private responsibility is not fulfilled adequately. 

Thank you for your consideration of these issues.

Sincerely yours,

Carrie Lindsey                                                              Caleb Morse

President                                                                      Land Use Committee