January 5, 2006

Lawrence City Commission

P.O. Box 708

Lawrence, KS  66044

RE:     Setbacks along W. 6th Street

Commissioners:

A subcommittee of the planning commission was formed to review community gateway design standards.  As a matter of urgency, this group was asked to consider the setback requirement on West 6^th Street between County Route 13 and Monterey Way.

After two meetings and input from professional planning staff, it is the committee’s unanimous recommendation that Article 12, Sections 21-1201 through 21-1204 of the Code of the City of Lawrence remain unchanged.  This recommendation is based, in part, on the belief that the gateway corridor should take on the appearance of a well landscaped boulevard.  It is the judgment of the committee that the existing provision for setback will be required to accomplish the desired outcome.

This recommendation impacts the Bauer Farm Preliminary Development Plan that was favorably considered by the planning commission in December.  In order to maintain the 50 foot setback along the southern boundary of the Bauer Farm property, the development plan will require revision.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this matter.

Sincerely,

Terrance J. Riordan, MD

Chair,

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission