Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Services Department

TO:	David Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Toni Ramirez Wheeler, Director of Legal Services
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director of Planning and Development Services
Date:	September 15, 2009
RE:	Request to Initiate Special Use Permit and Rezoning Actions for the Lawrence Community Shelter Proposed Facility on East 23^rd Street

The Lawrence Community Shelter is requesting that the City Commission initiate the special use permit and rezoning applications necessary for the proposed Community Shelter facility on East 23^rd at the former site of Don’s Steak House.  See attached letter from Price Banks.   

Staff believes that it is permissible for the City to initiate the special use permit and rezoning applications in this instance based on the circumstances described in Mr. Banks’ letter.  The City’s initiation of the applications does not constitute prejudgment of the merits of the applications.  The applications will be subject to the notice, hearing and decision making criteria required by the Development Code.  The City Commission will have an opportunity to consider the special use permit and rezoning applications, as well as all information provided in support and in opposition to the applications at a future City Commission meeting. 

Action Requested: Staff requests the City Commission to initiate the special use permit and rezoning applications as requested by the Lawrence Community Shelter and authorize the Director of Planning and Development Services to determine the appropriate zoning district for the rezoning application, if appropriate.