Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning Department

 

TO:	Mike Wildgen, City Manager
FROM:	Planning Staff
CC:
Date:	May 4, 2005
RE:	HOP District Plan

 

 

The HOP District Plan was requested for the following reasons:  a proposed multiple-family development within the area was not included in a neighborhood association, a need for updated zoning, and to protect and enhance the area.

 

Project History. 

HOP District Plan Timeline

·         June 20, 2004

The plan was requested by letter to the City Commission from the Hillcrest, Old West Lawrence and Pinckney Neighborhood Associations. 

·         July 25, 2004

A temporary building moratorium was approved by the City Commission for the area bounded by W. 5^th Street to the north, W. 7^th Street to the south, California Street to the west, Alabama Street to the east and including contiguous properties within 100’ of such boundaries.  [Ordnance No. 7803]

·         Summer 2004

After the approval of the building moratorium, City interns assisted Planning staff in conducting a visual land use survey of the buildings in the study area.

·         June 2004 - March 2005

Ten meetings and/or work sessions were held by the neighborhoods and/or Planning staff regarding the plan details and plan drafts.

·         January 25, 2005

The building moratorium was extended to April 25, 2005 to allow for the completion of the plan.  [Ordnance No. 7853]

·         Late March 2005

A draft of the plan was completed and staff received comments from various property owners.

·         April 25, 2005

The building moratorium extension was allowed to expire.

 

Project Details. 

 

This district is in transition.  The HOP District Plan sets the framework regarding:

·        Land uses and zonings,

·        Protection and enhancement of single-family residential uses and zonings,

·        Revitalization of commercial uses,

·        Encouragement of mixed-use development,

·        Improvement of the district as a gateway to downtown

·        Emphasizing the district as an entryway for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. 

The plan’s goals, plan of action, and timeline will enable the neighborhoods to move forward and make improvements.

 

Action Request. 

Approval of the plan and direct staff to provide guidance to the neighborhoods in implementation of the plan.