Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works

 

CC:

Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Jonathan Douglass, David Cronin, Toni R. Wheeler

 

DATE:

March 18, 2013

 

RE:

Wesleyan Church Request for Benefit District

City Commission Agenda Item March 26, 2013

 

 

Project Background:  In 2009 the Wesleyan Church acquired an approximately 33 acre tract of property located in the SE quarter of the Kasold Drive and 31st Street curve area (see attached map).  The property was annexed into the City and zoned.  As discussed in correspondence from Patrick Perry, the church desires to construct a new facility and would like to sell a portion of the property for residential development.  The proposed development has a condition on zoning that the residential density does not exceed six dwelling units per acre. 

 

The Developer, Grand LCC, and the Church would like the City Commission to consider the development of a Benefit District for the streets and water mains (see attached letter).  The improvements are estimated at $689,200 including engineering costs.  City policy would require that the Benefit District participate, up front, in the cost of the improvements up to 25%.  The Church and Developer have requested that this requirement be waived however are willing to pay for the engineering cost (approximately 9%).  The Developer is also paying for any sanitary sewer distribution system required.

 

While there is a policy for participation of 25% of the cost of improvements for Benefit Districts, the City has been fortunate that the delinquency rate for unpaid specials is very low (less than 0.5%), and in the past, the City has not required this financial contribution.  This area is undeveloped and could be considered an infill project.  Before costs are incurred for platting and public improvement plan development, the Church and Developer are requesting an indication from the City Commission as to whether or not the City would approve a Benefit District for the improvements and waive the 25% participation requirement.

 

Action Request:  Approve the development of a Benefit District for improvements to streets and water mains, including Atchison St., 32nd St., 31st St. modifications, and E. 1200 Road and Kasold Drive extended. 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works