Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Scott McCullough, Director, Planning and Development Services
CC:	Margene K. Swarts, Assistant Director, Development Services
Date:	March 25, 2009
RE:	City Intervention in Neighborhood Association Boundaries

Planning and Development Services staff have spoken at length with Mr. Steven Watts regarding neighborhood association boundary issues, most specifically, those of the Oread Neighborhood Association (ONA).  Mr. Watts approached staff regarding this issue because he is dissatisfied with the fact that the ONA removed his property in or about 2005 from the neighborhood.  He believes the city should provide oversight of how associations operate and conduct meetings, including how boundaries are determined.

Mr. Watts approached City staff at that time requesting that the City reverse the neighborhood’s decision and reinstate his property within the neighborhood boundaries.  After review of the situation, staff declined to intervene, determining that directing a neighborhood association regarding their boundaries was beyond the purview of City staff.  In the past, City staff have provided technical assistance to neighborhoods to determine needs and goals and to help them establish neighborhood boundaries; however, it has never been a practice or policy of any City department or division to dictate such boundaries to a neighborhood.   

Most recently, in the wake of the Oread Neighborhood Plan review and update, Mr. Watts has again requested that the City intervene in this matter of the ONA boundaries.  City staff has again reviewed the situation and continues to believe that the City does not have authority to dictate boundary decisions to a neighborhood association and there is no compelling reason at this time to intervene in such boundary disputes.

Mr. Watts has argued that neighborhood associations tend to have stronger lobbying ability than individuals, which is why he sought to be included in the ONA.  It is important to note that the Development Code provides notice and appeal rights to both individuals and neighborhood associations.

If you have further questions, please let me know.