PLANNING	MEMO
OFFICE

 

TO:    Mike Wildgen, City Manager           

FROM: Planning Staff

DATE: July 14, 2004

SUBJECT: Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element

 

Introduction/Discussion

 

In February 2001 the City of Lawrence received a Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF 20-01-16416-002) to prepare a Historic Preservation Plan for the City of Lawrence and the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.  The goal for the project was to produce a document that could be incorporated into Chapter 11: Historic Resources of Horizon 2020 The Comprehensive Plan for Lawrence and Unincorporated Douglas County.    

 

The process to develop Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element included:

1.      Identification of a consultant to work with the citizens of Lawrence and Douglas County and to draft the document;

2.      Three public participation workshops to identify the overall goals and objectives for a comprehensive historic preservation plan for Lawrence and the unincorporated areas of Douglas County;

3.      Creation of a task force to refine the goals and objectives of the plan and to prioritize and identify implementation strategies; and

4.      Public comment period.  The draft plan was posted on the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office web site and available at the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office.

 

On October 23, 2003 the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) received a presentation on Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element and accepted public comment on the document.  Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element contains two complementary documents.  The Historic Preservation Plan is the larger document, containing detailed information about historic preservation goals and priorities.  The Executive Summary of the Historic Preservation Element is a smaller, less detailed document that will be incorporated into the City’s comprehensive plan, Horizon 2020, if recommended by the Planning Commission and adopted by the City and County Commissions.  The HRC requested a study session, which was held on November 20, 2003.  

 

On May 20, 2004 the Historic Resources Commission held a public hearing for the adoption of Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element.  The HRC voted to accept the document as presented and to forward Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element to the Planning Commission, City Commission and County Commission with a recommendation that it be adopted and incorporated into Horizon 2020.

 

If Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element is adopted, it will be used by property owners, residents, City staff, and review/governing bodies when considering projects that may impact historic resources.

 

Recommendation/Action

 

Planning staff recommends the adoption of Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element.  If appropriate, the City Commission should receive Horizon 2020 Preservation Plan Element and initiate a text amendment to Horizon 2020, The Comprehensive Plan for Lawrence and Unincorporated Douglas County.