Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will consider approving a final plan for the Fall Creek Villas, a 14-lot residential project planned near Kasold and Tomahawk drives.
The proposal returns more than a year after the commission advanced the preliminary development amid concerns about stormwater impacts and neighborhood opposition.
Fall Creek Villas, a 14-duplex development with a private drive, would bring 28 new housing units to Lawrence. The project was previously denied by commissioners in April 2023 but later given approval on the condition the applicant would bring back a final development plan for the commission to review.
Neighbors at the time raised alarms over potential flooding, erosion and density issues tied to the project’s proximity to Deerfield Creek. When giving initial approval, commissioners emphasized the city’s need for more housing.
The proposed site for the Fall Creek Villas borders an open channel stream, which prompted additional stormwater design requirements. According to the meeting agenda, developers worked with city engineers to revise the drainage plan, which now includes a custom drainage system and a retaining wall. The project also requires a recorded stormwater management operations agreement with Douglas County before moving forward.
City commissioners will also hold a public hearing and consider awarding about $750,000 in property tax breaks for a new development providing affordable housing for seniors. Read more about that in this article.
Commissioners on Tuesday will also review an annual financial report and audit on the city’s finances.
The report from Kansas City-based accounting firm RSM US LLP includes the city’s financial statements and activities for 2024. According to the meeting agenda, auditors found the city fairly presents its financial position in accordance with accounting standards.
The Lawrence City Commission meeting will likely start a bit later than the usual 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. The commission has three executive sessions scheduled that will likely push the start time to around 5:55 p.m. Commissioners meet at City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.
The commission accepts written public comment emailed to ccagendas@lawrenceks.org until noon the day of meetings. The commission also hears live public comment during meetings, both in person and virtually.
City commission meetings are no longer livestreamed on YouTube. In order to watch the meeting online remotely, attendees must join via Zoom at this link, which also allows participants to provide public comment. Meeting recordings are uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel the next day.
See the commission’s complete meeting agenda at this link.
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Cuyler Dunn (he/him), a contributor to The Lawrence Times since April 2022, is a student at the University of Kansas School of Journalism. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School where he was the editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper, The Budget, and was named the 2022 Kansas High School Journalist of the Year. Read his complete bio here. Read more of his work for the Times here.
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