Note: The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns and letters to the Times written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
Would you like to send a letter to the Times? Great! Here’s how to do it.
The proposed 1059 (formerly New Boston Crossing) development is a bad idea. If this project is realized, the environmental damage will be irremediable.
The diverse plant and animal life of the proposed site — a floodplain — directly to the north of the Wakarusa River will be harmed. The flood control and natural water filtration system provided by this land will be damaged. Never mind, this new shopping, entertainment and recreation venue lost the affordable housing component previously ballyhooed by the developer. Why, I wonder?
Pollution of sound, noise, soil, light, air and, as alluded to above, water, will come with this development. Lawrencians, we can do better and deserve better. Let’s create STAR bonds to preserve the ecological character of this area and imagine a place where families can walk, explore, recreate and learn something about the Wakarua River ecosystem, the plant and animal life, and the first Peoples of this land. Imagine a place for starwatching at night, storytelling, music and other cultural activities that all can be done out of doors, and which celebrate and preserve the natural beauty of the Wakarusa River.
Will the preservative and regenerative activities I describe put a lot of money in someone’s pockets? No, probably not, but it will enrich the Lawrence community in ways the 1059 development cannot.
— Dr. Daniel R. Wildcat (he/him), Lawrence
If this local platform matters to you, please help us keep doing this work.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first
More Community Voices:
