Meeting started at 7:03pm… 6 residents attending
Ted discusses the article about the BNSF railway evicting homeless people off of their property because the BNSF railroad is moving extremely fast in removing the transients from their property to avoid major risk. The city was not happy with the fast removal of the transients from their own property. BNSF essentially ignored the city’s complaints in purview of their own rights to protect their own property. Previous history of transients getting hit by moving trains was a risk BNSF did not want to take. The article sheds light on this interaction.
Ted is encouraging residents of North Lawrence to reach out to city commissioners via email and phone to vocalize their concerns to local leaders.
Ted addresses the traffic issues with the bridges going from North Lawrence to downtown that have currently been happening with the construction going on near Sixth Street and over near the UP overpass. He mentions the concerns of the first responders being able to serve North Lawrence in a timely manner.
Ted discusses the progress of the Quiet Zone and the overpass of the 4th Street pedestrian crossing for train tracks. Ted discusses the available money for the Quiet Zone and the railroad improvements listed in grants for infrastructure improvements and various transportation improvements.
Douglas County has seen its commissioners re-elected along with increased salary and increased potential severance packages.
In concerns to the solar project, the county commission is currently trying to sneak in the vote in order to pass the solar project before the possible changes in city commission take place. There is currently an injunction being levied from concerned parties among the city that take issue with the expedited vote with no major public notice.
Ted discusses the proposed dining car and railroad restaurant currently being lead by Jon Davis. The new rail car restaurant will be located adjacent to the old Boon’s Produce and will be built in the near future.
Ted discussed the holiday charity currently occurring through the North Lawrence Improvement Association where they are adopting families in need for the holiday season as well as paying all the lunch debt currently experienced by any kids at Woodlawn Elementary.
A resident mentioned that KU is currently looking at trying to ask for city funds to fund the second phase of the new David Booth Memorial Stadium. Along with that there was discussion held about KU poaching the Dillons Grocery Store off of 23rd Street for the KU Crossings built near the KU Innovation Park.
Discussion was had about the posts within the North Lawrence neighborhood Facebook group that had threats and unsavory messages about the Thanksgiving Day 5K that is a great benefit to the North Lawrence community. A post was made from the NLIA in opposition to the various complaints posted on the Thanksgiving holiday.
Ted still has not received a response from Parks and Recreation regarding the enormous bid price listed to get a new shelter house in Lyons Park in over three months.
Ted laments getting more people involved with the North Lawrence community in campaigning for the various initiatives needed for our community.
Ted also discussed the proposed biking and walking trail for on the sides of the bridge and would connect into the Lawrence Loop. There is a current process for widening the pedestrian walkway and connect into the Lawrence Loop. The commissioners are currently in favor of the plan.
A resident mentioned the camping near the UPS property of the transients currently over there and the lack of action from the city. The resident also mentions the storm water plan of the solar project and the collusion with the grazing management plan that has someone consulting of a failed sheep farmer. There are also various issues with the grazing management plan with the solar project and the fictitious nature of it.
Meeting adjourned…8:46pm
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