Commission rejects $46,000 affordable housing clawback for 9 Del Lofts II

City defers action on $558,000 Bert Nash affordable housing grant

City to review Historic Resources Commission rules and requirements

Commission calls for public forum on Land Development Code

Commission rejects $46,000 affordable housing clawback for 9 Del Lofts II

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The city commission voted 3-2 to amend an Affordable Housing Trust Fund agreement for the 9 Del Lofts II project, allowing developer Tony Krsnich to reduce the number of affordable units from 29 to 26 while retaining approximately $46,000 in city funds previously awarded. The Affordable Housing Advisory Board had recommended recouping the money due to the reduced scope of the project, but the commission majority — Mayor Brad Finkeldei, Mike Dever, and Mike Courtney — argued the funds were critical to keeping the housing development viable amid market volatility. Commissioners Amber Sellers and Kristine Polian cast the dissenting votes, citing the need to uphold procedural integrity and protect taxpayer dollars.

City defers action on $558,000 Bert Nash affordable housing grant

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Action on a potential $558,000 clawback of affordable housing funds from Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center was deferred for six months following a unanimous 4-0 vote. The Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommended recovering the funds after the planned 22- to 24-unit Rockledge supportive housing project stalled amid financing issues and leadership transitions at the agency, according to public testimony. Bert Nash representatives requested grace to work with the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority on a land transfer to salvage a scaled-down, 10-unit version of the project utilizing state grant money. Mayor Brad Finkeldei recused himself from the discussion and vote because his wife is employed by Bert Nash.

City to review Historic Resources Commission rules and requirements

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Following concerns about development friction and board vacancies, the city commission unanimously directed staff to review the operational guidelines of the Historic Resources Commission (HRC). Staff will analyze the historical "context area" review rules, evaluate the financial impact of the city's Certified Local Government status and explore easing the strict professional requirements currently preventing residents from filling HRC board vacancies. The vote followed a lengthy discussion about balancing the preservation of historic neighborhoods with the community's need for affordable infill housing and streamlined development codes.

Commission calls for public forum on Land Development Code

LAWRENCE, Kan. - In an effort to gauge community response to the city's new Land Development Code, the city commission agreed to host a public forum during an upcoming May meeting (date to be determined). The open session will allow residents and developers to share feedback on how the updated zoning and development regulations have functioned during their first year of implementation. Mayor Brad Finkeldei said the informal listening session will help guide cleanup amendments currently being prepared by city planning staff.

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