Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning Department

TO:	David Corliss, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Planning Staff
CC:	Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager
Date:	March 28, 2006
RE:	Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan Rezoning Initiations

Project History 

In October of 2004, Brook Creek, Barker and East Lawrence Neighborhood Associations jointly submitted a letter to the City Commission requesting an area plan be developed for an area approximately 500’ in diameter around the abandoned BNSF railroad right-of-way that extends from E. 11th Street to E. 23rd Street.  Planning staff worked with an appointed committee of representatives over twelve months in the development of the Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan.  Various public meetings were held during the twelve month period to allow for public comment throughout the process.

The City Commission approved the plan at their February 14, 2006 meeting and initiated three of the five recommended first tier rezonings.  The Salvation Army site along Haskell Ave. between Lyon and Homewood Sts. and Independence Inc. at 2001 Haskell Ave. were given additional time to consider the rezoning.

Project Details

Independence Inc. has submitted a letter and is in favor of the proposed rezoning from M-2 District to O-1 District.

The Salvation Army has met with staff and came to an agreement regarding the proposed rezoning.  The current site plan for the Salvation Army is to expire May 25, 2006.  The Salvation Army is planning to resubmit the site plan before the proposed Development Code is proposed effective of July 1, 2006, to gain a new approval.  They expect the facility to be under construction within the year after the new site plan is approved.  This would allow the existing use of a soup kitchen/transient shelter facility to be automatically given a Special Use Permit as stated in the Development Code Section 20-1306(b) since it is an existing use allowed by right at the time the use would be established.  After construction has begun, the Salvation Army is willing to rezone to the RMO District.  The RMO District was determined to be a more appropriate district for the uses based on the purpose of the district described in the Development Code.

Actions Requested

Initiation of the rezoning to O-1 for Independence Inc. as recommended in the plan for public hearings by the Planning Commission in May. 

No action at this time for the Salvation Army site.