During a recent government meeting, city officials approved an institutional development plan for a new building and discussed significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving local safety and traffic flow.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of a special use permit for the construction of a 26,275 square foot building at 3601 East 25th Street. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote, following a review of the staff report and its conditions.

The agenda then shifted to a public hearing regarding the vacation of pedestrian easements in the Westwood Hills Subdivision, requested by the Westwood Homeowners Association. Chris Rice, a project engineer, explained that the easements, originally intended for trails, have not been utilized due to the development of homes and challenging terrain. After confirming no opposition from nearby property owners, the commission voted to vacate the easements, also passing this motion 5-0.

The meeting further delved into the Jayhawk Watershed Middle Reach project, which has been in development for nearly four years. Project manager Nick Hoyt outlined plans for lane reconfiguration on 9th Street, a critical component of the project aimed at addressing flooding issues. The proposed changes include reducing the number of lanes from four to three, which is expected to enhance safety by minimizing aggressive lane changes and improving traffic flow.

Hoyt emphasized the importance of maintaining a right turn lane at 9th and Tennessee and implementing vehicle detection systems to optimize traffic signal timing. The project aims to balance the needs of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, with plans for protected bike lanes and improved safety measures at intersections.

The commission is set to bid the project this fall, with construction anticipated to begin in March 2025. The timeline includes multiple phases, with significant disruptions expected on 9th Street, particularly during the football season. Officials are committed to minimizing impacts on local businesses and ensuring pedestrian access during construction.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city’s proactive approach to urban development and infrastructure improvement, focusing on safety, accessibility, and community needs.