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.
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It’s that time of the year when University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University students are returning to Lawrence. They seem to arrive in waves.
The first wave took place last week in July during the rental transition. The next series of waves continues to build, with the apex being just before Aug. 26, when classes start at both universities.
Welcome to Lawrence. We are grateful you have chosen KU, Haskell and this town.
There are several things over the years I have noticed during this window of time. Our chill summer downtown becomes a bustling area with teams of people making almost everyone grateful.
Students create a refreshing energy while contributing to the local economy. Lines in restaurants become longer and the attribute of patience coupled with gratitude is called for.
Another thing that is noticeable is how traffic increases. It takes a bit longer to get places. Timing your departure often enters into the equation.
Finally, information and a warning that turns this reflectional welcome post into a public service announcement:
New arrivals: Kentucky and Tennessee from Sixth to 19th are one-way streets.
On Kentucky Street, you are supposed to travel north. On Tennessee Street, you are supposed to travel south. Cross street numbers get larger as you’re heading south and smaller as you’re heading north.
Also, another main street in town is worth mentioning: From Sixth to Seventh on Vermont Street, the direction of travel is south.
And closer to KU’s campus, between 11th and 14th streets, Louisiana Street is northbound only and Ohio Street is southbound only.
It is a very unsettling experience for both drivers to witness a car driving toward you on a one-way street.
Townies: Do not assume the new arrivals notice directional signs or read this post. Look both ways before pulling out on these roads. Make no assumptions.
May the 2024-25 school year start in the most splendid and safe fashion.
Here’s a quick map to help:
About the writer
Tom Harper is a Realtor at Stephens Real Estate helping people in Lawrence and Douglas County buy and sell real estate. He is the founder of Lawrence Modern, a group whose mission is to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture. You will find him posting frequently on Instagram under @lawrencemodern, sharing his daily observations of his favorite place on earth: Lawrence, Kansas. Read more of Tom’s writing for The Lawrence Times here.
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