Paul Patterson

City of Lawrence, KS

Planning Department

3 June 2005

Dear Mr. Patterson,

We own and reside at 617 Chouteau Ct.  We are concerned about the proposed construction N W of us at 4101 W. Sixth St.  We are especially concerned about drainage.

In the mid 199ffs, when we moved here, our basement flooded during two separate years. The holding pond excavated west of us has greatly improved the situation. Even so, the gradient on the west side of Chouteau is so slight, and the soil is so quickly saturated that during the heavy rams of 2004, the basements of two of our neighbors flooded. Even a small worsening of the drainage could have large effects on our basement. An additional 3,000 sq. ft. building with a parking lot at 4101 W. Sixth St. will increase the speed and volume of the run-off from that lot, and substantially raise the risk of flooding in our basement.

We want the city to make sure that none of the water from the new parking lot drains east. Even if it drains south, we are concerned because of the size and condition of the existing holding pond. Certainly, rain will flow off of asphalt and concrete more rapidly than off grass. Will the holding pond, which is gradually filling with silt and losing capacity, be able to contain all of the water during and after several sudden heavy rains like those of 2004?

Sincerely,

William and Judy Fleissner

841-7678