Archive for Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Plan costs

August 4, 2009


To the editor:

There are a lot of things to talk about in Lawrence. The most recent item that is sure to stir the pot is an idea brought to the City Commission to spend $300,000 on a design for a new rec center in northwest Lawrence recently discussed in the Journal-World and at City Hall.

Whatever your thoughts on rec centers, this does seem a bit over the top just now. With all the shortfalls in city finances which result in a charge for using the kiddie pool in South Park, $300,000 for a set of plans?

Here is one solution. Maybe you can suggest others and send them to the City Commission.

Our suggestions if you have to build a rec center:

1. Go to city file room.

2. Dig out architectural plans for the East Lawrence rec center.

3. Give them to a reputable contractor.

4. Say “Build one of these over in northwest Lawrence.”

We the people can still attempt to influence local government. We still have that right and now might be a good time to use it. Tell the city commissioners you think $300,000 for a set of plans isn’t right. Tell them maybe it is time to rethink and slow down creating a new rec center in west Lawrence no matter how much pressure comes from a lobby group or civic organization.

McCrary is from Lawrence


honestone 4 years, 4 months ago

Building a rec center in NW lawrence is a GREAT long as you site the wet shelter right-next-door


gl0ck0wn3r 4 years, 4 months ago

Richard Heckler cut and paste in 3... 2... 1...


Richard Heckler 4 years, 4 months ago

Citizen taxpayers did not want to spend money on a PLAY project so it went through the back door of USD 497.

The west side pushed for PLAY and they got it. How did they get it? New USD 497 sports facilities... USD 497 admitted to that. Now Free State has upgraded facilities why not put those to use?

LHS has upgraded facilities why not put those to use?

On the west side of town Clinton Lake Regional Park has new facilities sitting on over 1,500 acres at a cost of who knows how many millions as the project seems to be ongoing.

Between USD 497 and Clinton Lake Regional Park the west side has plenty of opportunities. Why is the West side not making use of the new expensive facilities?

Why is Lawrence economic growth lagging?

Local voters need the power to vote on new projects that which impact our tax bills and our cost of living which is most every agenda item with the city commission. Our governing body,the city and planning commissions, are loaded with conflicts of interest.

I say voting taxpayers can make the most fiscal responsible decisions. Certainly cannot be anymore irresponsible.

Give taxpayers power over their tax dollars and the ability to create economic growth NOT economic displacement.

A vote such as this vote can take place annually in April.


altarego 4 years, 4 months ago

When I drive into the west side of Lawrence at sunset, I am stunned by the beauty of the residential area perfectly and harmoniously blended with the natural hillscapes. I am moved to tears knowing all the lives that have been blessed living in this quiet solicitude. A rec center will be an excellent compliment to the lifestyle out here, keeping the riff raff from being offended by my presence. I love you Lawrence.

Thank you all.


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