Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Improvement District Cid topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves Community Improvement District for Q39 restaurant, resident questions tax incentive policy
Summary
The commission adopted Ordinance No. 10137 to establish an RKM KU Community Improvement District for a Q39 barbecue restaurant at 639 New Hampshire, drawing public comment about whether restaurant projects should receive tax-incentive treatment.
The Lawrence City Commission on May 13, 2025, adopted Ordinance No. 10137 on second and final reading to establish the RKM KU Community Improvement District for a Q39 barbecue restaurant project at 639 New Hampshire. The motion passed 4-1; Commissioner Larson opposed.
Marcy Francisco, who spoke during public comment, said she believes “it makes the most sense to give tax incentives to businesses that are providing . . . employment that’s bringing dollars to the community without necessarily competing with other institutions,” and suggested historically the city limited incentives to manufacturing and non-retail uses. Her comments asked the commission to consider whether restaurants should be eligible for such tax incentives.
Commissioners moved and seconded the approval during the consent agenda. The ordinance authorizes the district’s formation and the related incentive structure as presented to the commission. The vote record shows a 4-1 adoption with Larson recorded as opposed.
The vote clears the way for the district to be formed and for the next steps in implementing the CID-specific tax and financing arrangements. The commission did not amend the ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting; further specifics about the CID’s tax mechanics and any developer agreements will be handled in subsequent administrative steps.
